Help with writing songs.

[rsx101]

I have been playing guitar for 2 years and have been learning on my own. I know many scales and many chords. I want to know how to write my own songs. I want to know If I can combine any chords together. How do guitarists in bands write there songs? Im sure they know what there doing. Do I just go with what sounds good or is there and order that I have to follow? please help.

[U_Got_Nufan]

if you know your theory then make up a chord progression that is not commonly use, then make a lead over it. That is how I start then I just kinda go from there.

[enjoimx]

just sit down and jam away. it takes time. especially if youre just starting, think about it it takes pros like 1 or 2 years most of the time to release an album and thats with input from fellow bandmates. just stay patient and dont forget to record your ideas.

[PoWaToM]

If you find something you like, record it. I have crap recorded all over the place which I'll be putting to good use when I get a band going. Don't try too hard to do something. I find my best progressions / chords come when I'm just chilling out with my guitar. Don't set out to say 'I am going to write a metal riff'.

[enjoimx]

yup that too

[Brewer14]

Record every riff you think is catchy and sounds good. I haven't been playing for a year and I have, probably, almost 40 riffs saved on my computer, so if I ever write lyrics, I won't have to worry about thinking up a riff to go along with them.

[that one guitar guy]

ya man just put together catchy riffs, or do what most punk bands do and play the same 4 chords over and over (i dont suggest that one) get a computer program like powertab and just mess around... see what you can come up with

[hades2]

Always remember that music comes from the heart, not the head. Allow your guitar to sing for you, if its not already providing a basis for a song. Don't write a chord progression because other people will like it and its something that a lot of other people and other bands are doing at the moment. Write what comes out of you, if its polka its polka, if it's death-funk, its death-funk.

[EdwardTheGreat]

When you first start, start simple. Dont do complex until you can. Also if you havent got recording stuff use Powertab. Its not great, but it will do, and helps you learn to read sheet music. But remember to stay simple. Use simple progressions at first, and stay in A minor or C Major until you get the hang of it a bit more. Also if you only partially complete something make sure you save it. Dont chuck it away thinking that its rubbish, and you cant be bothered with it, save everything.

[enjoimx]

thats definetly good advice, people try to play like their favorite artists, but you wont be able to sit down and throw down some slash solo or whatever.

[evan_rockz]

I have been playing the same amount of time as you, I probably aint nearly as good as you. But I'd say just play around with a chord progression even if it is really basic and then use a scale that fits with the key or whatever and make a lead.

Its quite easy!!!!!!!