How To Write a Song In Under 5 Minutes

The art of songwriting can take decades (if not a lifetime) but that doesn’t mean you can’t hammer out a quick one here and there. I went from being unable to write a song for almost a decade to regularly helping clients, students, and myself create numerous compositions. It just took some of the techniques I teach in this video to set my creativity free. Check out all my videos at: www.the-art-of-...
Patreon.com: / theartofguitar

[@MarcoBMark-rt6ke]

**proceeds to create fucking masterpiece unintentionally**

[@adaptercrash]

As a joke, at least one in this formula

[@Christian-rq5qq]

Today I came up with such a cool chord progression but the more I played it, the more it sounded familiar until I realised I just accidentally taught myself riot van by arctic monkeys purely from subconscious memory when I couldn’t teach myself it by ear

[@vgmilo]

Using the exact chords as another song really isnt a big deal as long as the melody is different enough

[@petrifiedpk672]

Is this an example of perfect pitch?

[@basketkase404]

that takes skill man good job

[@chrisl3193]

I do that all the goddamn time lmao I'm like, okay I'd listen to this hell yeah!! Then 2 days later I listen to the song I stole it from in my playlists

[@madladtad6579]

Same when i wrote my first riff i was so excited but the next day ive realised its pretty much just hurt by nineinchnails

[@megalomania29]

I have the most amazing chorus in my head now. The song would be called "Purple Summer." Thanks for this video, it's super helpful and encouraging actually.

[@thesunisbright5515]

Did you ever finish that song that sounds so cool

[@gelloyangsteryang6481]

showwww

[@BlakeSpohn]

hows it going

[@archmadao]

did you ever make that a song?

[@DiegoRamirez-sl4sh]

Doctor: You only have 25 minutes to live Me:

[@f1rebreather123]

Sadly he never finished his song, his song was only about 2 seconds from being finished.

[@anitanaseer1007]

@@f1rebreather123 or maybe the song only took 4 minutes 58 seconds

[@tylergrey7744]

Haha

[@connordrysdale5333]

@Cartman Brah this video is 20 minutes, the video is called make a song in 5 minutes hence the 25 minutes

[@QuikdethDeviantart]

As tired as the “scrambled eggs” story is, it should be mentioned in any beginner songwriting vid, and you kept it concise, as it should be. Kudos!

[@sanssin344]

can you do a video about actually recording the song too, maybe some pro tool tips, good programs for beginners and how to set everything up

[@samlee2562]

there's so many things that go into production a good way to learn is by just making songs, anything you get caught up on just google or read the manual (the manual for Logic reads like an in depth sound engineering course) apart from all the effects and things that can be done with samples, loops and MIDI (all of which is optional) the two main plugins that give you a professional outcome are EQ and compression (plus maybe reverb) - learn about EQ and compression and your mixes will be instantly improved ;o)

[@marshallemmet1366]

My method to writing music: Choose a key, count 1-4-5, pick a strumming pattern, sing one of my of unfinished lyrics I wrote for music.

[@coniac4141]

Title: How to write a song in 5 minutes Video: **20 minutes long**

[@omegathot5676]

literally what i was about to say

[@shecklesmack9563]

So you expect him to use the entire five minutes to also include his explanation of the method?

[@xandeath75]

@@shecklesmack9563 It's a joke, chill.

[@fatyarahmatova2907]

he didnt say he was gonna explain and make a song in 5 mins, yall are dramatic af, if u dont wanna watch it just dont

[@houstonharwood7197]

The fact people can’t appreciate that teaching you to write a song in under 5 minutes is different than you actually writing the song I’m 5 minutes is kind of... to be expected on KZbin I guess.

[@fancycuber3154]

“Scrambled Eggs” by the Beatles Scrambled eggs My appetite seemed so far away But now it looks as though it’s here to stay Oh I want to eat Scrambled eggs

[@liliabi3136]

No it is ‘oh baby how I love your legs, not as much as I love scrambled eggs

[@jennifermount4428]

Lilia Porter 😂😂

[@Jaguar-bw1dd]

This is pure art

[@aldrinaline6066]

macca's dream

[@medlawar8645]

This was pauls first lyrics for yesterday he called it scrambled egg song

[@johnnyrandom100]

hey Mike, I remember writing a little song I wrote quite a few years back, I read a friends poetry and got inspired. Three chords with a F in the chorus. that song about remembering the past and old friends and what we did. that was a five minute composition I was quite proud. last week I put another verse at the end. it only took 29 years to finish.

[@mikehakobyan4957]

you just wrote a green day song

[@kleenklyine]

That was really good, thank you. I really did imagine someone singing and somehow I just felt a song that I really love even though it doesn't exist.

[@Stephenguitar93]

Make it exist, my dude :)

[@mr.cheese6189]

Thanks Keanu.

[@wongalahara8196]

Woah

[@funguy29]

Nice tutorial. One thing to add is maybe not commit to a strum rhythm too early but rather just Strum once per bar and allowing the melody to dictate the strong rhythm instead of the other way around. This allows for more flexibility.

[@alexgerasimidis5620]

damn this is actually really good advice. I found this video helpful except when he said to think of lyrics or hum to the song I just found myself humming the rhythm of each strum which isn't really how it should be.

[@felixputz5190]

how do i achieve this when having the lyrics on hand first? nay tip?

[@boosterbeats3650]

This guy is literally the best teacher ever

[@isaachinksman8130]

Your the best! Always making the most sense!

[@chaisemoody8256]

I’m four minutes into this video and already feel inspired. I’m tremendously lyrically inclined. My problem is the beats! Thank you so much

[@saywhat9158]

...or you could do it like most pop music today even quicker by creating Chorus and repeat 5 times. It tends to appeal to the masses with a low attention span.

[@blveberriez9190]

SayWhat? ok boomer

[@blokkipoika98]

@@blveberriez9190 he ain't wrong tho

[@Vexmus_]

Lehwronggeneration vibes

[@Leviathan_de_su]

i automatically thought repeat stuff by bo burnham when i saw this comment

[@chrisl3193]

That's very true lmao

[@skylarwasson4617]

I just kept hearing the melody for "Save Tonight" while you were playing and couldn't ever think of my own. Guess I'm not a songwriter lmao

[@CharlieRootsMusic]

Me too

[@pmacca01]

Same. Exactly what I heard.

[@everychannel1025]

That song is basically Am F C G so its pretty close

[@jamesdelaney5922]

Same here ,now we can play eagle eye cherry 👍🏼

[@DUHRIZEO]

Some real straight to the point teaching. Thanks a ton for actually being helpful. I really enjoyed the point about transitioning, not going from the same note to the same note, but instead ending on another to really give a payoff when moving into the chorus.

[@jakereed2452]

This is gonna help me and my band so much. We've been struggling to write music for so long now. Thank you in advance!

[@joe.k2982]

Black Sabbaths Paranoid was written in 5 minutes or should I say improvised in 5 minutes

[@phrygiandominant6989]

Great music education. This is a common formula for many of the world's greatest songs. However, if you listen to the likes Frank Zappa, then no specific song writing formula will apply. Anyhow, much gratitude for the vid.

[@leif1075]

What's different about Frank Zappa?

[@johnb893]

@@aquatichighs So was Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys...

[@ineedstuff8286]

@@leif1075 listen to him and you will find out.

[@vinisilva_guitar]

Maybe there's no formula, but there's definitely some structure behind it, even if Zappa wrote it without thinking about it.

[@BrettBolzenthal]

It's 2024 and I just now stumble across still arguably one of the best tutorials of all time and this guy is still rocking it! Now question I have for you is what if you are a lead singer and you have these lyrics and melodies in your head. In reverse order how do you go about getting them to fit the chords or rather find the best guitar chords for the pre-written lyrics and melody? That's my dilemma I was a singer first now try to do both.

[@jdaniels8669]

Solid video! Very helpful. My problem is that I listen to a lot of prog and tech death. It tries to come out in my playing and writing, but I lack the knowledge and skill to make it work. Also lack the dedication to practice enough to gitgud. This video is reminding me to start simple first; then zazz it up later.

[@omairsh8]

Yeah King Crimson and Leprous aren't the easiest bands to replicate your songwriting on eh 😂

[@Waldoz53]

one of my fav bands is the Melvins and while playing around with a drop A tuning and trying to make equally beefy riffs I started off with such a cool riff...and then i realized it was just Boris, by the Melvins

[@teleacousticplayer9386]

Great tutorial!!!. I am not sure if anyone already mentioned this, but trying different rhythms can almost give you a feel for the type of song you want to sing. So if your stuck on something that you sort of already have some words for, try different rhythms. Or if you can't come up with words, try different rhythms anyway, you would be surprised at how you start to hear a song and what should be said just by playing different rhythms and chords of course.....I was told once to relate minor chords to almost like a crying chord and major are more happy or aggressive.

[@nathantorres7187]

Thank U Man, that timing. I was literally having trouble with this a couple mins ago. Also Should def consider doing habits of Johnny Marr.

[@papasquat.]

Title: how to write a song in 5 minutes The time Duration: 20 minutes

[@LPSAANDLPSLVids]

Lmao

[@izzyiz6024]

Writing a song and teaching to write a song are two different things sadly. Otherwise this comment would make sense and be pretty humorous.

[@오메가-l5r]

he could have done that in less than five minutes if he don't have to explain you dumbasses

[@ChillVibesWM]

u need another 20 hours to realize that this is teaching video and not the composing video

[@Jodesy11]

knew this would be the top comment

[@philanderson1200]

Sound like save the night by eagle eye cherry 🤗

[@jamievlogs7103]

Having the voice of the favorite singer in your head while you write is genius!

[@imthe__realdeal127]

Great video as always buddy

[@emerblob5275]

I thought of a good song so I searched it up just to see if it wasnt done already and ELVIS PRESLEY HAD TO DO IT

[@TheRockylane33]

I wanted to tell you that this video, out of all your work i have watched so far, this one sold me on your paid courses. Looking forward to learning more with you.

[@nirajranjanrout7068]

This is the first thing anyone needs to watch after they have learnt to play four chords on any instrument.

[@skater_scott]

"The crowd's going to want that next chord but you're not going to give it to them" LOL! That's so awesome. This is a very helpful video! Thank you!

[@BriddahOnFire]

This is pretty much the exact structure how I wrote a looot of my songs ^^ It just works well most of the time

[@Burl_Hurlbutt]

I've spent the last two weeks trying to write just a chorus to finish a song. This video came just at the right time.

[@josemusiquero]

I write songs. Some of them have taken me months, years, weeks, days, and others just a few minutes. It all depends on how inspired you are at the moment and how happy you are with the result to decide if it's already done or if you need to work on it a little bit more. If you have some time you're welcome to hear my songs in my channel! Cheers from Argentina!

[@tigersports8988]

Thank you so much, I just wrote a song in 30 mins, including the chords and everything

[@skyrasmus4760]

Watching you transition so easily from F to C is graceful. That's been my biggest hurdle is having smooth transitions to and from F.

[@CharlieRootsMusic]

I was thinking the same thing , its graceful as hell!

[@felixputz5190]

since your comment is 3 years old, i guess thats not an issue anymore. But if it is, try the Fmaj7 chord

[@keenanfernandes1627]

Rly inspiring Keep it up man👍👍

[@johnnytusk4547]

Can you do a habits of Robby Krieger video

[@jaygroomes1357]

The first noise that cane out of the guitar immediately made me think of a Brand New (the name of the band is brand new) song called Same Logic Teeth

[@endlessnameless3996]

I'm hearing Save Tonight and Patience.

[@m0nkstringz]

thank you!!! having a hard time to make my first song over here.. i’m so frustrated

[@thediamonddog95]

This 20 minutes video is about writing a song on guitar in 5 minutes. I watched in 2x speed, now i learned to write a song on guitar in 5 minutes in 10 minutes.

[@Quan-jy8ue]

I really enjoyed the effort you put into this video. It inspired me to come up with my own song. No lyrics yet. But I'm getting there

[@goldy8d584]

Thx for this video, I have been wanting to make my own song, I did once before but I didng have music, but now I'm going to attend a new one thx hope everyone's day is well🌺🐺

[@StevenDiLeo]

Great video! I've been wanting to dig more into more song structure, and your videos are always awesome. You have a positive personality. Also digging the heart in the back! ♥️😊

[@justintorgerson9816]

Hey man... that was great!!! I've always been a pretty decent guitar player that just wants to shred solos!! But recently I've been more interested in telling my own story vocally. Turns out that shits hard!!!! So I literally Googled "how to compose a song"... and wound up watching your video. Very very helpful and motivating. Just wanted to say thank you!!!!

[@tammieschiller397]

This is exactly what i was looking for!! THANKYOU

[@didgeridoo3]

Nice, sensical, good connection. Thanks.

[@cubernikhil914]

Thank you so much! Was searching for these kind of videos since I started playing guitar

[@gabeabraham9285]

Every time I try I end up with an already written song.

[@spongebob-kc6yo]

That happens to me a lot

[@dmra1929]

Everything has been said and done before. Try and put your own into it, of course, but don't be discouraged when you end up with something that sounds like someone elses style. In todays modern times, anyone and everyone can be heard and put themselves out there. It's a wide sea of music and talent, carve your path man.

[@tristanseme407]

Fun fact "All of me" Cheap thrills" and "Airplanes" use basicly the same chords in a Em C G progresion and they are pritty difrent

[@psyche234]

@@dmra1929 I’ve heard that in especially rock music, everything great is borrowed.

[@trusarmor4957]

this was really helpful. i get the concept of knocking out the skeletal framework of a song in five minutes

[@carltonkidd2686]

Finally! A KZbin guitar teacher who doesn't start every video by proving they can play a guitar! Seriously it's actually annoying at this point. Great video! Very helpful! I would like a tip on how to start writing....I mean is it best to write a progression or lyrics first? Should I start with lyrics then chord progressions to fit? Or opposite? Shit like that.

[@monikorasort]

I took the advice of just playing around and I actually whipped up some really nice sounds in garage band. 10/10

[@angelicajanesapld62]

I am a composer too but i’m struggling how to make a melody and to find a chords that’s suit to the song i want to make but i see this video and I watch it. Now it’s gives me a idea how to find a melody and chords.. Thanks a lot 🤗💕

[@Dylanisfun]

Haha what a coincidence. The song I started writing is Am F C G. I’m just kind of tired as heck from the day so I’m seeing what I can learn from people with more experience than myself on KZbin. All you KZbinr guitarists are legends to many no doubt!

[@deubiar]

l love your create buddy thanks for idea

[@PreludeMusicSchool]

This is a great video, thanks for making the process so clear.

[@J-MeEvansMusic]

Funny that you mention the gibberish, random word thing. The first song I ever wrote I used "twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are, up above the world so high. Like a diamond in the sky" cause it fit perfectly into the verse phrasing, and then manipulated it little by little til I had my vocal melody for the song. This is a great technique.

[@joannedward3523]

The awesome moment sir, I understood it now. Truly made sense. Thank you for the video.

[@chilejunior9231]

I love ur explaining bro!!!

[@southsideronnie]

Good advice!!

[@jonyost5540]

Nicely done. Thanks for taking the time to make songwriting accessible.

[@xtitaniumtv]

This is a really f*cking good video! You've gained a new subscriber. Unfortunately I tend to struggle with just getting songs finished, I find I get half way through the process and give up because it sounds shit. I think that you're right and I just need to get the bad songs out of me so I can get to the good stuff. This video has remotivated me, thank you.

[@just-iceforall]

Bro same I have like 15 half finished ones and it sucks

[@PS2Damon]

my problem is i can write a bunch of random riffs but I can never patch them all together

[@noahtomzz7480]

Thos are the chords from the song "stay with me", by Sam Smith

[@battlecreekknives]

Sam Smith's songs are all chords of songs way before him, all music blends

[@prometheustv6558]

Tons of songs use those chords.

[@sumanarb3121]

This is the first ever song-writing video I am watching. And he explained it all so well! Hope to make to good songs in the future!

[@havenneak8846]

I always say that paw, you are a great advice about how to become a song writer. I am happy for that. God blessed you and your family.

[@hanieghanbari5049]

This video helped me soooo much you can't even imagine! Being able to write songs has been my dream for the past year and I took notes from everything you said. Thank you so much!

[@isaiahstorm4502]

this helps so much thank you

[@laviniafortu4363]

This is literally the best tutorial for writing songs ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jakepersay6001]

you re so amazing man.we all thank you for you re beautiful work

[@optimumpride9576]

This helped me a lot. Thanks Mike!

[@hughodonnell8839]

Cool beans thank you, good add vice

[@Yipper64]

finally. Thisis the video I needed. Im going to try to do this tomorrow.

[@tristanseme407]

For everyone who says the arent original cuz they cant make original chords, this is Am F C wich is the chord progression for happier and u wouldnt know so

[@michaelstivers4504]

THANK YOU BROTHA! I NEEDED THAT VIDEO

[@Melentir1009]

Very inspiring and helpful video! I’m a total newbie so this is a big help! Thank you very much.

[@jack6995]

I going to use this very helpful thanks..🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@neeravrohilla9253]

So amazing. Way of writing lyrics

[@sthembisogumbi2286]

This is beautiful Man thank you.

[@juredernovsek5618]

thank you Sir. What a great tutorial!

[@Bigfoot414]

Sounds a bit like Kings of Leon - Use Somebody

[@nikkieb8908]

Extremely useful for me, thanks a lot for this.

[@wwart-music3058]

I like your process...

[@catrin1991]

Thank youu

[@joelmenezes1797]

I tried this many times but i always get stuck after the intro or verse because I can't think of a melody.. 😅 I NEED A VOCALIST TO SING TO CONTINUE WRITING THE SONG!! 😂😂

[@majindragon7023]

That’s a pretty catchy song😭

[@zachlewis9751]

“Gotta get through the foam to get to the good stuff” Going back to the Beatles that is entirely their discography. Put together their music is just decent, but pull out the good stuff and it’s some of the best songs ever written.

[@terrigrimmett9156]

Very helpful. Thank you. I've got poems happening ... but would like to write songs ..

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

Great video... very useful stuff. I had a song writing teacher some years ago that taught me the same stuff (plus more... You should keep going as a series). Talking gibberish is called free association ( as is clearing your mind and writting for 5 minutes). I found a lot of the stuff I sang actually made sense.... keep up the awsome content.... cheers.

[@Emily-jt4lw]

This was super helpful. Thank you

[@coralinestwin]

him: think of any word me: cheesecake and chicken

[@jackquentin1950]

I'm distracted by how beautiful that guitar is.

[@Flaco-ip7cl]

Thanks, bro You are the best Long live your channel and Metallica

[@roflmows]

i'm gonna write a song using these chords called "Ode to Mike"

[@brettneuberger6466]

Great lesson. Very helpful!