Guide · Co-writing

How to co-write a song

Agree how you will work before you start, bring ideas rather than finished songs, keep one shared demo, and write the split down on the day. Be kind about ideas, be specific about changes, and keep every version in one place.

Updated 20 Oct 2026

1. Agree how you will work

Who brings the idea, who writes lyrics, who plays chords? You do not need fixed roles, but a loose plan avoids stalling. Decide the splits early, or agree to decide them on the day.

2. Bring ideas, not finished songs

A half-formed chorus or a progression gives your co-writer room. A finished song leaves nothing to do.

3. Record as you go

Record the session on a phone so no one has to remember what was played. Keep one shared demo as the current version.

4. Be specific and kind

Say what you like before you suggest a change. "The second line drags" helps more than "I do not like it".

5. Write the split down

Do it the same day, while you remember who did what. See what a split sheet is and the free split sheet template.

Common questions

How do co-writers split a song?

However they agree, as long as the shares add up to 100 percent. Many split equally.

How do I find a co-writer?

Through writing groups, local open mics, music communities and people whose songs you like.

Do we need a contract?

A signed split sheet is a common minimum. For anything with real money involved, ask a music lawyer.

What if we disagree about a lyric?

Try both and record them. Hearing it usually settles it.

Who owns a co-written song?

Usually the writers, in the shares they agree. Rules differ by country, so write it down and ask a music lawyer if money is involved.