When building or buying a computer, choose one with a 3. 0 dual core processor (or better), at least 8 GB of RAM, and no less than 500 GB of hard drive space. [1] X Research source Popular DAWs, which are excellent tools for home or independent production, include Ableton Live, Fruity Loops (FL) Studio, Steinberg Cubase Pro, and Apple Logic Pro. [2] X Research source Feel free to use whatever writing utensil you desire for physical production. However, as the song develops, you’ll likely have to make adjustments or changes, so pencil is recommended.
The theme of your song will guide you in the production of its lyrics and sound. These should align with the feelings and use words associated with your theme.
If your lyrics aren’t catchy, you’ll never be recognized as a hit songwriter. Look for lyrical inspiration in poetry, art (like exhibits at museums), and the natural world. [4] X Research source Some example of timeless hits from the 60s through the 70s include “Paint it Black” by The Rolling Stones, “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison, “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac. Timeless hits from the 80s through the 2000s include “Don’t Stop me Now” by Queen, “Don’t Stop Believin’ " by Journey, “Billy Jean” by Michael Jackson, “Smells like Teen Spirit,” by Nirvana, and “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers. [5] X Research source
Generally, each syllable of the lyrics will be assigned a tone (also called a “note”). In some situations, a single tone may be sustained for a few syllables or split into a run of tones, like sixteenth notes, for a single syllable. Even when you plan on sustaining a single tone for many syllables or beats, breaking up the lyrics into syllables will help you keep track of the rhythm of the song.
Although a hit can be nearly any tempo, most use one that is between 117 and 122 BPM. You may want to use this trend in to your advantage when writing your hit song. Do some research on the genre or kind of music you want to produce. Some kinds of songs have specific speed requirements, like the usual 90 BPM of ballads. [7] X Research source
Although percussion instruments tend to dominate the bassline, low-tone single notes, chords, and runs of notes can be added in with other instruments. Try doing this with a piano, guitar, or baritone. The bassline of your song should loop so that it plays through most of your song. This pattern may be adjusted at transitions, like where the verse switches to the chorus, solos, or at a musical bridge towards the end of the song.
The melody of your song should complement and synchronize with the beat of the metronome and the bassline. Instruments frequently used for the melody include the piano, guitar, brass (like the trumpet or trombone), organs, synth tones, and more. Design your melody so it has contour. The natural rise and fall of tone throughout the melody, along with dynamic (volume) changes will make your melody more interesting to listeners. [10] X Research source
If you’re a novice songwriter, you may want to keep the number of accompanying music instruments (including voices) added at this point to two or three to prevent oversaturation and muddiness. Harmonize the accompanying instruments in chords. Use pleasing sounding arrangements of single-tone notes or runs of notes in the accompaniment. [12] X Research source
One common chord progression in hit songs is I – V – VIm – IV, as in: C – G – Am – F ; D – A – Bm – G ; A – E – F#m – D ; G – D – Em – C ; and E – B – C#m – A. There are many different chords to choose from and unique ways of putting chords together. Experiment with these to find what works best with your song.
Unusual sounds or samples can create an enjoyable surprise in your song. DJ Premier did this artfully by bringing out the drumline with a sample of birds chirping. [16] X Research source
Save drafts before making changes to your song. Some additions can make a song worse, in which case you might want to roll back the song to a previous version.
Avoid copying a song note for note, word for word, or even too closely. Doing so could be interpreted as plagiarism and could result in legal trouble. [19] X Research source Explore different avenues of inspiration. You may find that collaborating with another artist pushes you to make your best work.
Because music can be fickle, you might want to keep a physical notebook for ideas or take musical memos on your phone for ideas that pop into your head.
