5 Mistakes Beginner Songwriters Should Avoid

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00:00 Introduction
01:21 Mistake #1 - Pronouns
06:02 Mistake #2 - Chords
11:16 Mistake #3 - Melody
14:35 Mistake #4 - Output
17:03 Mistake #5 - Titles

[@officialWWM]

I’m not sure who first said it but I’ve never forgotten this. “Great songs aren’t written, they are re written”. This has helped me so much.

[@pierre-claudemeriot6562]

There's a podcast called Songwriter Theory and the guy says : writing is editing. Same kinda thing

[@mikeroberts9199]

Original: "Great books aren't written, they're re-written," commonly attributed to Michael Crichton.

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Do you interpret this as rewriting your own song or reference songs?

[@pierre-claudemeriot6562]

I think they mean to rewrite your own song. Fine tuning it, looking for better verbs and words etc... ​@@jeffrey.a.hanson

[@LG-Musique]

Thank you! I’m writing a song right now and just realised I use “you” for two different people in the verse and chorus 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@MrPotatoMind]

Songwriting tip: channel your subconscious, there are no rules. Technique and meaning are overrated. Make pretty sounds with syllables instead of trying to "say" something.

[@mia-ji8mh]

i feel this with arctic monkey songs.. listen to any song off humbug and it sounds beautiful but once you go to read the lyrics you're sitting there like... wtf??? but it sounds amazing!

[@pallasathena1555]

Something I’ve come to realise is that I can reuse my old ideas in new songs, it doesn’t have to be 100% original every time. I mean fleetwood Mac reused the baseline in the chain, and it makes that song what it is.

[@kensnzbr4137]

Great video! I just wanted to make a comment on point number 2. You called it a mistake to start your sections on the same chord. I wouldn't call it a mistake cause it's a matter of taste and what you might feel that the song needs. There are great songs that use the same chord progression throughout the whole song and there's a clear distinction between sections because good songs and good arrangements don't only rely on chord progressions to create a journey.

[@PeterSykesMusic]

Also more first lines from Ed “when I was six years old I broke my leg”, “I took an arrow to the heart”, “it hit like a train”. Great stuff Keppie.

[@mathtrixmusiclix4248]

I would add that if you’re starting the song on the relative minor, it is a useful technique to employ a pre-chorus which provides a greater “lift” to the tonic major chord.

[@matthewsommerville88]

I’ve been writing for 20 years, just decided I was going to when I was around 14. I’ve never thought to be analytical about how the process works. This was interesting, and thankfully the only rule I STILL break is the lyrical one. After my years of doing it I’ve realized one simple thing: EVERY MOMENT OF THE SONG HAS TO BE INTERESTING TO YOU AND THE AUDIENCE…IT NEEDS TO CONSTANTLY BE POPPING AND MOVING. Music is MOVEMENT 😊

[@jeremiahalexander5513]

I loved this. It helped me a lot. I often hit the wall with a song idea because I go from the beginning. I find that if I start with a cool idea and write it as a bridge, whether melodically or lyrically, I can build out from it. It’s just a recent thing that I’ve done, but it works great!

[@suefauziyah]

Helpful tips. #4 and 5 spoke to me the most. Both are tips I’ve heard before, especially on this channel, but always helpful to be reminded again… and again. Thank you!

[@angerock49]

Thank you for the tips specifically the one about landing always on the beat, hadn't thought of that!

[@DaveDickens]

Wonderful tips, beautifully presented and demonstrated, thank you. Cheers Dave

[@edwinbrown9951]

Thank you Keppie! Great stuff as usual.

[@gerrithdutoit835]

Again an amazing tutorial! I take notes and transfer it to a worksheet that remains by my side when I get stuck. Thank you so much for this channel.

[@misberave]

Once again Soo good! Discovered your videos a week ago and it boosted my knowledge to a level i wanted it to be since like 2 years and never could archieve it. Im finally at a point where i can actually say i write songs and not just mess around with random chords in a Key and now i know how to built and release tention

[@drummermomcjs]

Once again great information and encouragement. I have fallen into some of these avoidables, particularly overusing the tonic in my songs and starting verse and chorus on the same chord.

[@nedim_guitar]

Switching to "you" from "he/she" could work, if the song changes more dramatically for that part (say, a rock song that goes pretty quiet) and then moves back to "he/she". It COULD work even in the example, though it's not optimal. The tonic chord and the same chord starting every section sounds very dull. Good thing I'm not using it. Anyway, very helpful video!

[@tammieschiller397]

Love this! Needed it

[@yellowcake238andstrawberri3]

I appreciate these songwriting nuggets. I especially like how you focus and reference what the listener needs and wants. Kudos

[@rsmallfield]

Thanks so much! That was so helpful.

[@Ruby_Holden_Music]

Very well said THANK YOU!

[@MxtrZ]

#5 really got me. Thanks so much!

[@JusticeConstantine]

Great tips Keppie on improving songwriting. I am so thankful for your channel. All through college and my graduate studies songwriting has been looked down upon by my professors, but more and moe, I am realizing how difficult songwriting is versus writing an Avante-Garde 12 tone composition.

[@aprildawnmusic_]

Very very helpful thank you!

[@DustyD-vv8xb]

This channel is setting my writing free, been writing years, but this has channel has been a massive help!

[@SongwriterPorshia]

Great tips 😊💕

[@theuniversalconnection3510]

You’re awesome. Great video. As an aspiring songwriter, I would love to thank you so much for sharing this with us ❤️❤️. Keep up the great work. Blessings.

[@keithmoreau710]

beautiful chords!

[@user-ne8kh4yq4g]

Good stuff! I'm getting songwriting lessons from my hubby and your video confirms everything he's been teaching so far. Thank you!

[@JustinPiercee]

Really helpful Thankyou

[@jaygillotti610]

All good suggestions. I would add song form. I think it is really important for beginners to be well grounded in song form and then experiment. Most pop is Verse-Chorus-Bridge, maybe with a pre-chorus. However, it's great to try writing an AABA, or even 12-bar blues. Or, try different variations on the V-C-B (does your song really need a bridge?). Also great to be able to hear all your favorite songs and understand what form is being used.

[@robertfoster1339]

Thanks for the video.. really great food for thought.. I write from the title often but I learned some great ideas from the earlier part of the video.. Good stuff

[@BobSperber]

Amen, sister!

[@wakinginfinity]

Good stuff! ❤

[@PhumlaniNxala]

You are the best teacher, ❤❤❤❤

[@freemansmith1]

A really sensational video. It is packed with so many valuable insights that can really help in improving my songwriting quality. Wow, I am ashamed to say how long I have harbored a lot of these habits.Thanks so much, Marty

[@WWS322]

Ray Davies is my favorite song writer. He said he teaches songwriting. But it may only be in England. He should have a KZbin channel, I bet it'd be popular. He is very prolific. I just got a book of Irish folk songs and it looks pretty easy for me and it is about my bedtime and I'll obsess over it all night.

[@scobrado]

Mistake #4 is golden. Good one. Mistake #2 can be not just black and white. Start in third person then rope in the listener with second person. Best to do once in one direction to shift the perspective. 19:00 sums up the heart and soul of refrain-based writing. Good info.

[@hegemonycricket2182]

Naming something gives it power.

[@MrSupersidewinder]

Thank you❤🎉

[@lukecarey613]

Inspirational ❤

[@domenicosorrentino1972]

Mistake #3, nice advice...it sounds more soulful

[@jack3361]

Thank you.

[@everydaymesopotamian9816]

Damn! I learned a LOT from this. I think I’ll watch it again. Thank you.

[@danwahl5477]

tip #4 is definitely the most important

[@dnisbet71]

Very much agreed, i think they say this in another vid as well, much more expanded, with quotes from many great writers. I thought just today, exactly like a tennis vid from My Tennis Hq - dont put everything into feeling good when you play, or you will only play brilliantly once in a while, and lose otherwise. In sport its called “winning ugly” - we need to look for inspiration, but we also need to “write ugly.”

[@majorfeelgoodrecords2740]

You are a amazing human 🎼🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@JoshFryer]

Loved the perfectionist quote in the video. It really put my songwriting journey into perspective. (Hundreds of half-songs on the hard drive for over a decade and only a few see the light of day.) Also, you could absolutely KILL a Fiona Apple song any day of the week. 10/10 thank you again for another great vid! TY

[@jakemarlow8998]

Here are some more: 1) Although you might be a beginner songwriter, you shouldn't be a beginner at your instrument. 2) Avoid trite chord patterns (e.g. I-IV-V, I-VI-IV-V and 2-chord songs). Although many greats have gotten away with it, you can't because these types of patterns are boring and predictable. 3) Include a bridge, as it makes your song more interesting. 4) Expand your chord knowledge. For each common guitar root chord, you should know the major, minor, seventh, major seventh, minor seventh, diminished and augmented for each. Learning basic jazz and bossa nova chords will make your music more interesting. 5) Have someone who knows grammar check your song for mistakes. 6) Don't force a rhyme because your story will become stupid. 7) Most important - interesting music is more important than interesting lyrics. We're no longer in the 1960s/70s. Most people don't pay attention to lyrics. Listen to virtually any David Bowie song and there's no way to know what the heck he was talking about. You're not going to hook anyone with your lyrics but you will with an interesting chord progression, tempo and beat.

[@paytonpetkus8524]

I don’t find this advice to be that good. A lot of these should only be given on a case-by-case basis and aren’t good to just say flatly because they don’t apply to everyone. #7 is just bad advice. Play to your strengths and do what you love doing.

[@stthbldt3594]

I started this rolling my eyes w an attitude..but by mistake #4 I'm am 😢.. Thank you for this video

[@user-zi3vr2yc2i]

What’s the video you’re recommending at the end of the video? Great tips!

[@spooky1304]

Brian Wilson and Phil Spector were perfectionists :)

[@officialWWM]

Both were arguably a little cray cray too 😂

[@spooky1304]

@@officialWWM Indeed - but then what really great artist isn't..?

[@officialWWM]

@@spooky1304 correct. Most great artists walk that fine line between brilliance and insanity 😂

[@thedriversmusic]

I wrote this song, called Memories a couple months ago (sorry it’s very long): Everything that happens And everything I do No matter the deed or action Leads me back to you The way you walk and talk and smile And the way you wear your hair That look in your eyes tells me for sure That you’re beyond compare And our memories will stay with me Till the day I pass away I’m hoping you will know I love you Send some loving my way Place your hands in mine How can I ignore you When you look so fine? I wish I met you sooner You make everything so clear You give my life direction So stay with me my dear But do you really love me? We’ll find out as time flies by But just for now words will have to do So say that you’ll never say goodbye And our memories will stay with me Till the day I pass away I’m hoping you will know I love you Send some loving my way Place your hands in mine How can I ignore you When you look so fine? I wish I met you sooner You make everything so clear You give my life direction So stay with me my dear Everything that happens And everything I do No matter the deed or action Leads me back to you

[@yt_blank_hank.]

*alright time to start over and over again*

[@redheadspunk]

Can you make a video elaborating more on #3?

[@OrionG]

The funny thing is, I learned a lot of these things naturally as i practiced songwriting. But it was after i had written most of my debut album, and I released it even with these little tendencies only because im so excited for my listeners to watch as my writing develops as i release more and more music 😭

[@NotBenCoultry]

I really need to mind number 4 in terms of composition. Keep threatening to start giving myself a one-hour time limit from improv to full track and spend a couple weeks with that just to tune myself. I know I can do it, but I have to unlearn discernment with my inspiration - couple years ago I forced myself to stem the tide bc I have *so many unfinished pieces.

[@nedim_guitar]

By the way, you have a very nice singing voice! Reminds me a little bit of Fiona Apple, just the sound of it when you both sing in that range.

[@WestCoastProf]

Guilty of #2 . When fixing the problem, I find it easier to change the chord that starts the verse.

[@worldofstrings]

Some things that we tend to take for granted in writing songs, are musical or lyrical arrangements and compositions. But that would be for more advanced teachings and learners. Can you teach that?

[@richardlenz2655]

I am not a songwriter but play guitar since many years. Lately I wanted to play a love song for a girl friend. My first approach was to understand her musical character. 1. I know she does not like this „boomer bends“. 2. I know, she does not really understand music theory, so switching between unfitting cords would not be an issue 3. It should not be too complex or too long, but maybe a little bit flamenco like and surprising. I started the song by stealing some parts from other songs and then made only the links in between. As a result, this was more fun for me then for her, playing her character without words 🤭😋🤫💜.

[@mystico21p]

Isn't it good to use more weak chords (ii, iii, vi, vii*) in the verse and more dominant chords (I, IV, V) in the chorus?

[@kerrydowning5374]

Thank you for the tips. I really enjoy your content. It has helped me a lot.

[@apfivethreeoh7820]

John Lennon kinda got away with #1 in Nowhere Man but he said it like "Isnt He a bit like you and me"

[@kcarter352]

How might purchase your music,Keppie?

[@FractalKrystian]

"Never learn from anybody how to write music." - Said Bjork to Tricky. Genuine advices always welcome.

[@morganahoff2242]

Great video, I like it a lot but I disagree with 18:28 -- the part that comes around again and again is not the most important part. I've come to think of songwriting like this: CHORUS: the part that comes around again and again, is recognizable, enjoyable. The 'hook' that makes the song memorable. VERSE: the story, telling the tale, the part that draws you in, gets you thinking about ways you relate to what you're hearing. BRIDGE: the part that comes around only once. "Hey, now that I've got your attention, here's what I really want to tell you..." The real message of the song. The most important part. Try listening to songs you admire, and see how many of them follow this format.

[@joshuaaubreyjackson7199]

Lots of great tips here, especially the “start with a target in mind” bit. I’ll have to try that out! I think there are always exceptions to the rule, though. The mixing pronouns one especially. Radiohead’s song “Creep” does that. It starts, “When you were here before, I couldn’t look you in the eye” etc… and later in the song he sings, “She’s running out the door.” I think Thom Yorke gets away with it because it’s such a well composed song.

[@darcymiller4819]

Thanks for the tip on starting/not starting each section on the same chords!!!

[@tommydaniels502]

This is QUALITY

[@donald-parker]

I hate songs that are completely predictable after you hear the first verse and chorus. I like something that surprises me.

[@1flat1sharp47]

There's a Stevie Wonder vibe on "happy again" chords/melody. I can't think of which song, but my ear can detect it.

[@user-gf3fg5go1s]

Resolving on the Major instead of minor (again). He does that a Lot.

[@1flat1sharp47]

@@user-gf3fg5go1s I think it may be more specific than that.

[@aligrundy812]

On the subject of output, should I scrap a song half way through writing it if I can tell it’s bad? Or should I continue and finish it for the sake of practicing finishing writing a whole song?

[@merkleymerkley8652]

Finish it. Many times you’ll find the gold right at the end. Then you can go back and adjust the things that got you there. Quitting also reinforces the bad tendency to doubt yourself. Try to see every line as a challenge to make the rest of the lines better. Be your own best listener. If you don’t like a line, try giving it context with the next line. It’s a great formula for surprise.

[@johnupdate]

I like, how your little demo song switches to major at „happy again“ but then falls back to minor😢

[@tombowers8079]

I’d love to connect with other songwriters. Any online adult groups around? I do not promote or currently post any music. Not looking for fame or wealth. Just great musical experiences with fellow music lovers. I play guitar, uke, and write/sing

[@htws]

Check out our Songwriting Groups here: howtowritesongs.org/songwriting-group-info-and-registration/

[@Reneromero08]

There are no mistakes when it comes to art, just honest expression.

[@benpowell5348]

weirdly enough, with that specific example about switching pronouns, given the first line i already as a listener assumed the speaker is an observer of both the he and she and the description is all internal monologue, so the "will you ever be happy again" was automatically interpreted like if you in your internal monologue imagine a conversation with someone you were observing in a different way previously. But using you throughout definitely does shift to a different feel that's really useful and i definitely feel like it's good advice

[@ThommieGeize]

Wow

[@pgnandt]

#1 Yes. Don't be selfish. Sing about others. Not yourself. (Theoretically but not a 'rule').

[@pgnandt]

My opinion on #1. As a guy I don't want to listen to another guy singing about his man feelings. I want to hear him sing about MINE.😁 If a female wants to sing about herself and how she's crying about needing a man I'm totally cool with it.

[@michaelsoto4933]

Any advice for someone who’s just a singer that writes lyrics? That’s my hang up, I’m writing, and it is getting better, but my God, do I feel like I’m flying absolutely blind, and difficult given I can’t play any instrument. Just a voice, and a pen. lol.

[@summerwoodsmusic]

When I first started writing lyrics, I used melodies from instrumental video game songs and wrote what I thought would sound nice if someone were to sing the same melody. Maybe you could try practicing with any instrumental tune, like a film score or something that has a distinct melody, and write stuff that “sings well” using the same melody. Any free DAW like GarageBand or Audacity has tools you can use to make your own instrumental music, even if you don’t know the theory behind it, and maybe you could try that too!

[@GabrielleBuko]

There are lots of music producers on KZbin who I'm guessing would be happy to help, some even do it for free!

[@Oleg_K.]

This is incredibly important for you to hear. You can learn an instrument. You should learn an instrument. The best way to help yourself write is to learn an instrument. It is easier than you think. What you need to be able to do what you want is far more simple than you think. Just the basics of guitar (only 8 open chord shapes, 4 barre chord shapes and about 4 right hand guitar rhythms) is the absolutely only thing you need to know how to do on the instrument. This can be learned easily over the course of one summer. And then you have it for the rest of your life. Borrow a guitar. Get on KZbin. Learn songs you like to sing. Play them slow at first, give yourself time to change chords. You'll get there before you know it.

[@summerwoodsmusic]

@@Oleg_K. Seconded!

[@pgnandt]

You can still learn about tone and cadence without having to lean to play an instrument. Get a cheap keyboard and find your vocal range on it. You can find melody then add lyrics or start with lyrics and then add melody. Do both because dynamics.

[@middledog466]

that first tip is one i notice all the time and it confuses me as to the message

[@user-mu4jk5jw7l]

If there is no imagine there is no artists

[@IshmeYungA]

💯🔥💯🔥

[@abellopez.]

My attention span must be like a 5 yr old. All I hear is: Fine place for a day full of breakdowns. Takes more than a meltdown to show us how. Throw a tack on the road stop the meatplow. Got a bullet but it ain't mine. Meatplow-The Purple Album-STP One of my faves. 😂

[@mrfomiatti5515]

🐨

[@adamproctor483]

These are, indeed, cringy aspects of nearly every local songwriter (outside of Nashville, maybe). Bless your attempting to stamp them out

[@DoctorPlanBe]

the pronoun thing is a fair but subjective crit. However employing the third person S on whisper(s) does not relate that verb to the first person subject and would confuse even more than the injudicial shifting of pronouns.

[@marktristanviguri7308]

Sorry, like going from She/He to You. Boo on the Grammar Police. It's not confusing and singing You and then You again is redundant. Rules are meant to be broken. Who wants to sound like everyone else? The idea is to create/project your own style and unique sound, thx.

[@SwappingIsSaving]

Sting seems to have made mistake #1 when he wrote the bed's too big withoit you. Er

[@March1966]

I don’t know what you’re talking about with mistake #4. Every song I write is a great song………….😅 Ok, I’ll admit it, more like 💩

[@jesij_3070]

Hey I've written. A song that it starts with I in every line of the verses is this a good idea or not.

[@ComplexConfiguration]

The pronouns thing I dont find that important or jarring. The example was fine. Sure, is she asking him? Is she asking herself? or are she asking the reader? I think no matter what, you can misunderstand the direction. The way the context is going, I would guess the question could be something that "she" is thinking to herself, and I would decide to read it as such, but also there's an element of asking the question to the reader, there is a sense of breaking the 4th wall, that people will connect to, almost as if the lyric is asking them? So I don't agree on the whole sentiment. Sure you could call it confusing. You could also call it multidimensional. You could also interpret the question as something the writer is asking themselves.. Prose/lyrics is not really all about being clear and logical and direct.

[@MrDogonjon]

Rule # 1 for songwriting... Forget everything take the first thing you play first words in your mind... there is your song. Don't work it out take is as it comes if it sucks go through with it get that out of your system... write another song... after 100's of songs you will have ONE GOOD SONG>

[@merkleymerkley8652]

I agree with most of this, but not the thing about writing the title first. To me, that is the formula for predictability. Like talking to someone who isn’t really listening, but rather, just waiting for their turn to talk. It’s the same problem with improv, if players go in knowing where they are going, it destroys the journey and becomes predictable. Life is linear. Express yourself in that manner, then, if needs be, go back and adjust. Obviously, there are a million ways to make art, but the main thing to avoid in life, is becoming predictable and not in the moment. My 2 cents. I write a few songs a day, btw, so, I totally agree that persistent & consistent doing is the most important aspect in achieving quality.

[@WhiteNacho]

Song writers are not pros.

[@WhiteNacho]

@@gabself Don't think so much.

[@sireugene4508]

in the KFC

[@davidcox8838]

How many million sellers have you written?

[@pgnandt]

Why would that matter?

[@maxhammer4067]

Have you ever wrote a hit

[@billy2896]

LMAO

[@maxhammer4067]

@@billy2896 It's a genuine question, I can't seem to find any of her hits

[@officialWWM]

Are we even allowed to use pronouns anymore? 😂😂

[@Faithful_Watchman]

What happens if she/he identifies as you? That's what you get with woke madness...confusion.