How to Start Writing Songs on the Guitar

So you're itching to write your own songs on the guitar, eh? Whether you're dreaming of crafting the next thrash anthem or a progressive masterpiece, putting pen to paper—or fingers to frets—can feel like a big step. But don't sweat it. We're going to break things down, explore some techniques, and by the end, you'll have the tools to start writing your own killer tracks.

Finding Your Unique Sound

Before you even pick up the guitar, you need to think about what kind of music you want to create. Are you leaning towards the gritty, fast-paced riffs of thrash metal, or the heavy, low-tuned chugs of djent? Understanding your influences and the kind of sound you’re aiming for will guide your writing process.

Here’s a simple exercise: make a playlist of your favorite songs, especially those that inspire you to play. Listen to them actively—what do you love about those riffs? Is it the rhythm, the melody, or the sheer power of the sound? Take notes on what appeals to you, and start sketching out the kind of songs you want to create.

• Listen to a variety of subgenres for inspiration.
• Identify elements you love—could be a certain guitar tone or a specific technique.
• Think about how you can incorporate those elements into your own style.

While it's helpful to have influences, it's equally important to develop your own voice. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. Every riff you write, even if it doesn’t make the final cut, is a step toward finding your unique sound.

Building Blocks: Chords and Progressions

Chords are the backbone of most songs. They give structure and harmony, and understanding them is crucial for any songwriter. If you’re just starting out, focus on mastering power chords. They’re versatile, easy to play, and a staple in metal music.

Once you’re comfortable with power chords, move on to more complex chord shapes. Try mixing major and minor chords, and experiment with different chord progressions. Here are a few tips to help you along:

• Start simple: Use two or three chords to create a progression. Listen to how they interact and build tension.
• Experiment with timing: Play around with rhythm and timing to give your progression a unique feel. Try syncopation or shifting accents.
• Incorporate open strings: Especially in metal, using open strings can add a fuller sound to your chords.

As you develop your chord progressions, remember that they don’t have to be complex to be effective. Even a simple progression can become the foundation for a memorable song.

Crafting Riffs That Stick

Riffs are the heart and soul of metal music. A great riff can define a song, making it instantly recognizable. But how do you write riffs that stick? It starts with understanding rhythm and melody.

First, get comfortable with your guitar’s range. Explore the fretboard and experiment with different positions to see where your ideas fit best. You’ll also need to consider the role of rhythm. Metal music often uses fast, intricate rhythms, so practice your timing and precision.

Here are some tips for writing killer riffs:

• Use repetition: Great riffs often have repeating motifs. Find a pattern that works and build on it.
• Vary the dynamics: Introduce variations in volume and intensity to keep things interesting.
• Play with tempo: Speeding up or slowing down can drastically change the feel of a riff.

Remember, the best way to improve is through practice. Spend time every day working on your riffs, and don’t be afraid to borrow ideas from your favorite artists. Over time, you’ll develop a style that’s all your own.

Incorporating Techniques: From Palm Muting to Sweep Picking

Techniques are the spice that can elevate your songs from good to great. Whether it’s the aggressive chug of palm muting or the fluidity of sweep picking, these techniques add texture and complexity to your music.

Palm Muting: This technique is essential for creating tight, percussive riffs. It’s all about lightly resting your palm on the strings near the bridge while playing, giving you that iconic “chugging” sound. It’s especially useful in subgenres like thrash and metalcore.

Sweep Picking: If you’re looking to add some flair to your solos, sweep picking is a technique worth mastering. It involves a smooth, sweeping motion across the strings, allowing you to play arpeggios quickly and cleanly. While challenging, it’s a great way to add complexity to your lead parts.

Riffhard offers lessons from top metal guitarists, providing insights into mastering these techniques. With our lessons, you can learn directly from the pros how to incorporate these techniques into your songwriting.

Structuring Your Song

Once you have a few riffs and a chord progression, it’s time to think about song structure. Traditional song structures like verse-chorus-verse are common, but metal often throws convention out the window. Feel free to experiment with different structures to see what works for your song.

Here’s a basic structure to get you started:

• Intro: Set the tone with a memorable riff or chord progression.
• Verse: Build tension with a contrasting section, using different dynamics or rhythms.
• Chorus: Bring it all together with a powerful, catchy section.
• Bridge: Add variety with a new riff or progression, leading back into the chorus.
• Outro: End on a high note, revisiting the intro or chorus for a satisfying conclusion.

Remember, this is just a starting point. Feel free to rearrange, add, or remove sections as you see fit. The goal is to create a structure that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.

Adding Lyrics and Vocals

Lyrics can bring another dimension to your music, adding depth and emotion. If you’re planning to include vocals, it’s important to consider how they’ll fit with your guitar parts. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Write with intention: Think about what message or story you want to convey through your lyrics.
• Match the mood: Your lyrics should complement the tone and feel of your music. Dark, aggressive riffs may call for equally intense lyrics.
• Experiment with delivery: Metal vocals can range from clean singing to harsh growls. Try different styles to see what fits your song best.

Writing lyrics can be challenging, but it’s also a chance to express yourself and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Don’t be afraid to write from personal experience or explore themes that resonate with you.

Recording Your Ideas

Once you have a song structure and some lyrics, it’s time to start recording your ideas. This doesn’t have to be a professional production—just a simple demo to capture your ideas and see how they sound.

Here are some tips for recording at home:

• Use a DAW: Digital Audio Workstations like GarageBand or Reaper are user-friendly and perfect for beginners.
• Invest in basic equipment: A decent audio interface and microphone can make a big difference in recording quality.
• Layer your tracks: Record multiple guitar parts to add depth and texture to your sound.

Recording your music is a great way to hear what works and what doesn’t. It’s also a valuable tool for sharing your ideas with other musicians if you’re collaborating on a project.

Collaborating with Other Musicians

Collaboration can be a powerful tool for songwriting. Working with other musicians can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to your music, helping you grow as an artist.

Here are some ways to collaborate effectively:

• Share your ideas: Don’t be afraid to share rough drafts or unfinished ideas with your collaborators. Sometimes, a fresh set of ears can help you see things from a new angle.
• Communicate clearly: Be open about your vision for the song and listen to feedback from others.
• Be flexible: Collaboration often involves compromise. Be open to changing your ideas if it benefits the song as a whole.

By working with other musicians, you can create music that’s richer and more dynamic than what you could achieve alone. It’s also a chance to learn from others and expand your skill set.

Overcoming Writer's Block

Even the best songwriters hit a creative wall from time to time. Writer’s block can be frustrating, but it’s a normal part of the songwriting process. Here are some strategies to help you push through:

• Take a break: Sometimes stepping away from your guitar for a while can help clear your mind.
• Change your environment: Try playing in a different room or even outside to spark new ideas.
• Experiment with new techniques: Learning a new technique, like alternate picking or tapping, can inspire fresh ideas.
• Check out Riffhard: Our lessons cover a wide range of techniques and styles, offering new perspectives that can help break through creative blocks.

Remember, creativity isn’t a finite resource. With patience and persistence, you’ll find your way through writer’s block and back to writing music you love.

Final Thoughts

Writing songs on the guitar can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a musician. It takes practice, patience, and a willingness to experiment, but the end result is worth every ounce of effort. At Riffhard, we’re here to support your journey with lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists. Dive into our resources, and start crafting your own musical masterpieces today.