· Tutorials · 3 min read
How to Compose a Song Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to compose a song from scratch using chord progressions, scales, melodies, and proven songwriting structures. Includes practical tables and musical examples.
How to Compose a Song: Step-by-Step Guide for Guitarists
Composing a song is not about waiting for inspiration to magically appear. It is a structured creative process where ideas, harmony, melody, and rhythm work together. This guide breaks songwriting into clear, practical steps you can actually apply on your instrument.
1. Find Your Musical Starting Point
Every song begins with one core idea. It can be harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, or lyrical.
Common starting points
- A chord progression
- A riff or motif
- A melody
- A rhythmic groove
- A lyrical concept or emotion
Tip: do not try to start with everything at once. Pick one element and let the rest grow around it.
Tool: Circle of Fifths
The Circle of Fifths helps you:
- Choose compatible chords
- Modulate between keys
- Understand major and relative minor relationships
Example:
- C major → relative minor is A minor
- Chords around C: F, G, Am, Dm
2. Choose a Key and Scale
Your key defines the harmonic and melodic boundaries of the song.
Common keys for guitar
- E minor / G major
- A minor / C major
- D minor / F major
Common scales used in songwriting
| Scale | Mood | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Bright, happy | Pop, rock, folk |
| Natural Minor | Sad, dark | Rock, ballads |
| Minor Pentatonic | Raw, emotional | Rock, blues |
| Major Pentatonic | Clean, uplifting | Pop, country |
| Dorian | Melancholic but hopeful | Funk, rock |
| Harmonic Minor | Exotic, tense | Metal, dramatic music |
Tool: Scale Generator
Use the Scale Generator to visualize scales across the fretboard and avoid playing random notes outside your key.
3. Build a Chord Progression
Chord progressions define the emotional foundation of the song.
Diatonic chords in a major key
| Degree | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | Major |
| ii | Minor |
| iii | Minor |
| IV | Major |
| V | Major |
| vi | Minor |
| vii° | Diminished |
Example in C major: C – Dm – Em – F – G – Am – B°
Common chord progressions
Very common progressions
| Roman Numerals | Example (C Major) | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| I – V – vi – IV | C – G – Am – F | Pop, emotional |
| vi – IV – I – V | Am – F – C – G | Melancholic |
| I – IV – V | C – F – G | Classic rock |
| ii – V – I | Dm – G – C | Jazz, resolution |
Minor key progressions
| Roman Numerals | Example (A Minor) |
|---|---|
| i – VI – III – VII | Am – F – C – G |
| i – iv – v | Am – Dm – Em |
| i – VII – VI – VII | Am – G – F – G |
4. Write a Melody That Fits the Harmony
A melody works best when it:
- Uses notes from the scale
- Emphasizes chord tones
- Creates tension and resolution
Chord tones vs passing tones
| Chord | Strong Notes |
|---|---|
| Am | A – C – E |
| F | F – A – C |
| C | C – E – G |
| G | G – B – D |
Use chord tones on strong beats and passing tones between them.
Simple melodic example
Progression: Am – F – C – G
- Start melody on A (tonic)
- Move to C over Am
- Target A or C over F
- Resolve to G or B on the G chord
5. Develop Rhythm and Groove
Rhythm is often more important than harmony.
Tips
- Repeat rhythmic motifs
- Use rests intentionally
- Change rhythm between sections (verse vs chorus)
Example:
- Verse: sparse rhythm, space between notes
- Chorus: denser rhythm, stronger accents
6. Write Lyrics That Support the Music
Lyrics should follow the natural rhythm of the melody.
Practical lyric structure
| Section | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Verse | Tell the story |
| Chorus | Main idea / emotion |
| Bridge | Contrast or perspective |
Writing tips
- Use simple language
- Focus on imagery
- Avoid over-explaining emotions
Example chorus:
Every step I take feels lighter now
I left the shadows where they belong
7. Choose a Song Structure
Structure keeps listeners engaged.
Common structures
| Structure | Style |
|---|---|
| Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus | Pop, rock |
| Intro – Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus | Modern pop |
| Riff – Verse – Chorus | Rock, metal |
| A – A – B – A | Folk, acoustic |
8. Refine, Simplify, and Arrange
At this stage:
- Remove unnecessary parts
- Adjust dynamics
- Add or remove layers
Less is usually more.
Tool: Metronome
Use the Interactive Metronome to lock timing and test grooves at different tempos.
Final Advice
Good songs are rarely born perfect. They are shaped through:
- Iteration
- Listening
- Simplification
Finish songs, even if they are imperfect. Every completed song makes the next one better.
Related tools
- 🎸 Circle of Fifths
- 🎼 Scale Generator
- ⏱️ Metronome
Use them consistently and songwriting becomes a skill, not a mystery.
