By Shawn Beaulieu

Intro : This is just a guide line to writing music that is universal. You can write your song anyway you want, but all songs have simple formula's that you should be aware of. These tips will help you become better.

What is the formula ?
Formulas vary. Here are some that never fail.
1. INTRO-Verse-prechorus-Verse2-prechorus-Chorus-Bridge-solo-Chorus-chorus-chorus
2. Intro - Verse1 - Chorus - Verse 2 - chorus - Bridge - Verse3 - chorus - breakdown chorus - chorus - Outro
What is most important in a song ?
You can answer this by thinking of your favourite songs. The most popular answer is the lyrics. I disagree because I never really listen to the words.
The chorus is the most important part. If the chorus is not catchy and easy for the listener to remember, chances are they will not want to play the song again. You may have a cool riff for a song but don't have a real chorus yet. Don't waste that great riff by slopping it together with a half ass chorus. WORK ON THE CHORUS !

Basic Rules :
Verse 1 : Vocals ( are the main focus)
Guitars ( Don't full strum, try to quiet your playing so you don't take away from the vocals.
Usually guitar is minimal, some damping, picking without notes ringing out.

Pre Chorus - Vocals - usually a really catchy melody
Guitars - guitars start to open up, usually introduce a new guitar melody line.
Note : the PC is a build up for the chorus.
Chorus - Vocals - very important. Try to keep words minimal but give it all the emotion you can.
Vocal harmonies are great for choruses (from punk to M.Jackson, we all use them)
Guitars - Full out strum. Keep chords minimal, usually only need 3 chords because the vocals are what the listener is focussing on.
Others - Percussion is used to fatten up. Tambourines & shakers are always great.. Drums usually play a tight solid beat here.

Verse 2 - Vocals - same as first but you should start to change it up a bit by adding more lines.
A good trick is to harmonize certain words in the line, but not too much.
Guitars - same as first. If you have 2 guitars, most people introduce a guitar line or melody here.
This new guitart melody fills the back space.(The line is usually simple, think of the intro guitar line to 'smashin pumpkins' song "Today".
End choruses - Since there are several choruses in a song , we like to change them slightly.
Vocals - Call & response, or Oh Baby's & Yahhs! here & there (You get the Idea). Focus in on 1 important word from the chorus & repeat it often. More yelling & higher harmonies.
Guitars - You can completely drop out for just vocal & drums (very common) or
- hold a note & wale on it through a chorus. or
- a famous trick is to move the chorus 2 frets up to change the key of it, then switch back to the normal key. or
- The drums & Guitars usually focus in on more accents in the music.
- Use anything you can think of to make it sound big.Drummers usually play the last few choruses hitting their crash cymbol instead of the ride cymbol. This gives more impact.

How do I start ? 1. pick up a guitar ,start strumming & start spilling out a vocal melody. don't worry if what you are saying does not make sense. the point is to get an idea. If you have a way to record this, do so.
2. I use a program called fruity loops that is basically a drum machine. make a beat that you like & start playing to it. The beat of a song is very important. If your lucky to jam with your drummer allot, all the better.
3. Learning to play cover songs is the most important way to learn how to write songs. Try to learn your favourite songs. Write the song structure down on paper (E.G. verse-chorus0vers etc..) Be aware of how each chord connects to the next. This info is invaluable.
4. If you are by yourself - record yourself playing a guitar melody (example : S.Pumkins intro for the song "Today) Play that melody back & play chords to it. Try as many different chord progressions as you can think of. having a melody to work with saves allot of time. If nothing comes of it just record another melody. All the songs I write are made this way.

Other Tips : 1. Try different ways of guitar picking to see what works best for that riff.
2 Never hold back because you think what your doing is too simple. To write a good song, you have to put away your ego. It is not about how fast you can play or how many fills you can do. No one cares except for your girlfriend, & I don't think she really does.
3. Any good song should be able to be played with just an acoustic guitar & vocal. If it sounds good with just that, than chances are it has the qualities of a good song.

Thats it for now. I hope this helped you if you are just starting out.