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How to Make Songs on an Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic guitar, along with piano, is one of the most commonly used instruments for composition. Because it is so easy to carry around, the acoustic guitar is ideal for capturing songs on the spur of the moment. You don't need to be a skilled guitarist to compose songs on an acoustic guitar. Many composers who don't consider themselves guitar players learn to play well enough for the purpose of composing music with an acoustic. If you're a songwriter who likes to work when the inspiration strikes, learning to play acoustic well enough to strum a song can help ensure you're ready to write when the moment comes.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper
  • Pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Write lyrics and chords together when possible. Not all songwriters work the same way, and inspiration doesn't always cooperate. Sometimes, you'll get an idea for words without any kind of music. Sometimes, a chord progression will inspire you to start singing. If this happens, go with the flow and write. Still, one of the best ways to begin writing on an acoustic guitar is to pick it up and strum a few chords in whatever key you prefer. Keep pencil and paper nearby, and try singing a few lyrical ideas with the chords.

    • 2

      Write lyrics down as they come to you. Use a pencil so you can erase when you need to make changes. Songwriting is a process. You will likely change words and move chords around as you write your verses.

    • 3

      Place chord names above the lyrics. Regular notebook paper works well for this phase of the writing. You can write chord changes on one line and lyrics beneath the chords. When you place the chords above the lyrics, try placing them as close to where they belong as possible. Hyphenate your lyrics to help distinguish the syllable upon which a chord changes.

    • 4

      Add detailed notes in the margins of this beginning song draft. Unless the song is meant to be strictly acoustic, you will write other song parts later, maybe on another instrument or by allowing band members to compose their parts. Adding notes to your acoustic draft, such as the way you want the drum to sound, whether you want a piano solo or whether the chords are played by an electric guitar will help when you later refine your song.

Songs & Lyrics

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