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Hello and welcome to episode 11 of the songranting podcast where I answer songwriting based questions taken from social media, my mailing list as well as my private coaching clients and students.

Today’s episode is taken from a private coaching call with a young client of mine where I was asked about my own personal process when it comes to writing songs and specifically, what I typically start with in the process.

Simply put, the question was “When you’re writing songs, do you start with a melody? Or a chord progression?” It’s an awesome question and we dig into it in depth in this conversation but to sum it up I’ll say… “It depends.” This can vary greatly for me personally depending on the genre I’m writing in but the conversation brought up some tasty nuggets of info that I think will be helpful to you wether if you’re just starting out or if you’re a seasoned pro but you need some perspective.

Here’s what to expect in today’s episode

1. Using a melody first approach when writing pop songs plus my observations on how to write a catchy vocal melody

2. Writing songs from lyrics

3. My approach for writing for guitar based genres.

Thanks for listening. I love getting questions like this and would love to continue the conversation so I just want to know what do you typically start with? Do you like a nice sounding chord progression to start with? Or are you focused on finding a melody that you like? Or are you neither and approach things lyrics first?

Hit me up on the socials and let me know!

Thanks again!

-Aaron-

Time stamps

2:09 - Chords first? Or melody first?

5:48 - Thoughts on writing catchy melodies.

8:43 - Writing for guitar based genres.

10:27 - Writing songs from lyrics.