Guide · Songwriting

Songwriting exercises

Songwriting exercises are short, low-pressure tasks that train one skill at a time: detail, melody, rhythm of words, structure. Pick one, give it ten or fifteen minutes, and do not worry about making a song.

Updated 20 Oct 2026

Lyrics

1. Object writing. Pick an object and write what you can see, hear and feel about it for ten minutes.
2. Ten titles. Write ten possible titles for a song you have not written.
3. Rewrite a line. Take a line you wrote and say it five different ways.
4. Flip the point of view. Rewrite a verse from the other person's side.

Melody and chords

1. Melody only. Hum a melody over a chord loop with no words, and record it.
2. One-chord song. Write a melody over a single chord and see how far it goes.
3. Change one chord. Take a progression you know and swap one chord. See common chord progressions.
4. Rhythm of the words. Speak a lyric and tap its rhythm, then set it to notes.

Structure

1. Map a song you love. Write out its sections and bar counts. See song structure.
2. Shorten a song. Cut yours by a quarter and see what you do not miss.
3. Write a bridge. Add one to a song that has none. See how to write a bridge.
4. Write the chorus first. Then work out the verses.

How to practise

Do one exercise a day for a week. Keep what you write, because some lines will turn into songs.

Common questions

How often should I do songwriting exercises?

Short, regular sessions help.

Do exercises have to become songs?

No. Most will not. The practice is the point.

What is the best exercise for lyrics?

Object writing is a popular starting point for building detail.

Can exercises help melody?

Yes. Writing melodies over a loop with no words trains your ear.

Where can I find more prompts?

See the songwriting prompts guide.