Most songwriter work intuitively
so they can't explain it to you...
At EpicSongWriting,
I teach intentional strategies
taking the random out of songwriting
so you can write the songs you want to write!
What do you need to learn?
100+ articles are organized by category
Some articles are in multiple categories
Each category has multiple pages...
Table of Contents
Featured Content
Parts of a Popular Song
Learn how to write lyrics and music for a chorus, verse, pre-chorus and bridge, and how each part of a song fits together to create a popular song structure!
Daily Songwriting
Write songs consistently… no more “I don’t have time” excuses! Know what you’ll write about before you sit down, drop into the writing flow instantly and find the joy in songwriting again!
Songwriting Reference Tracks
Learning and improving your songwriting by studying the songs you love by using reference tracks… don’t ask the internet, figure out your own answers!
Songwriting Foundations
Reasons Why You Want to Quit Songwriting… and How to Solve Them
Songwriting seems like it should be easy… so, many people try to figure out songwriting on their own, leading to a struggle, either you figure out songwriting or you quit.
3 Chord Progression Songwriting Games: Writing Chord Progressions Using Only 3 Chords
Songwriters, let’s play a songwriting game! Here are 3 quick games to help you explore and write chord progressions, even if you only know how to play 3 chords!
Write the Songs You Want to Write
Are you writing the songs you want to write? When your musical intuition fails your song fails… unless you know how to craft the song you want to write…
Recent Articles
5 Songwriting Excuses that Destroy Your Songwriting
Songwriting excuses let you avoid solving your songwriting problems. If your songwriting results aren’t meeting your expectations you need to read this…
Songwriting Games
Songwriting games… a better way to find the fun and beat songwriter’s block. Don’t smash your guitar or beat your head against your keyboard… play a game!
Truth About Songwriting Inspiration
Songwriting inspiration isn’t what you really need. It’s not a magical cure or secret solution to songwriting problems… here’s the songwriting truth you need to hear!
Lyric Writing
Cooking a Better Song
Songwriting is cooking with sound… 14 songwriting tips… learn to taste, test and write better songs in a 5 minute read
Lyrics: Sensation Imagery
Make your lyrics more interesting with vivid sensation imagery… people understand the world through their senses, use this truth to write stronger lyrics!
How to Write a Pre-Chorus
Learn how to write a pre-chorus so you build a bigger chorus they will sing along with you, and spin a story that keeps them listening right to the end…
Songwriting Psychology
Solving Songwriter Envy
Turning negative emotions , like envy and jealousy into positive action, writing better songs and living a happier life!
7 Alternate Ways to Write Songs
7 different ways to explore songwriting ideas, because songwriting tips aren’t enough… sometimes you’re stuck, not your song!
Create Your Songwriting Practice Routine
How to practice songwriting, learn to create your own customized songwriting practice routine to focus your efforts and maximize your songwriting results!
Songwriting Productivity
Manage Self-Doubt to Write Better Songs
Actions steps to manage your songwriting self-doubt and prevent you from sabotaging yourself and your songwriting!
The Instant Song Myth
The Instant Song Myth is a dangerous lie… learn the truth about songwriting so you learn to finish your songs instead of throwing them out.
Daily Songwriting
Write songs consistently… no more “I don’t have time” excuses! Know what you’ll write about before you sit down, drop into the writing flow instantly and find the joy in songwriting again!
Video Lessons
The Fastest Way to Memorize Songs
The Fastest Way to Learn Songs… how to learn and memorize songs so you can perform them or transcribe and analyze songs. I explain the entire process and then transcribe “Dig That Hole” by Ian Sherwood live on video
Factory Fresh
My song Factory Fresh, with complete lyrics and an analysis to help you write better songs… Factory Fresh is a social commentary song about our relationship with food.
Releasing Tense Guitar Arms
Stop hurting yourself playing your guitar. Play faster and easier by releasing tension in your freeing arm and avoid future injuries.
Songwriter Interviews
Songwriter Interview with Ian Sherwood
Ian Sherwood talks about his ideal songwriting process, how to write better songs and his best advice for new songwriters…
Songwriter Interview with Chris Kirby
Chris Kirby, songwriter interview: on co-writing, songwriting outside your comfort zone and building a solid songwriting reputation…
Songwriter Interview with Shirley Jackson
Songwriter Interview with Shirley Jackson, including: songwriting as cooperation, being open to inspiration and songwriting as transformation and therapy.