Guide · Songwriting

The songwriting process

There is no single songwriting process, but most songs go through the same stages: catch the idea, develop it, draft the whole song, record a demo, revise, and call it finished. You can move between them. What matters is that you carry a song through to the end.

Updated 20 Oct 2026

1. Catch the idea

Record it right away, as a voice memo, a note or a line. See where to keep song ideas.

2. Develop it

Find the hook and title, choose a structure and a chord loop. See what a hook is and song structure.

3. Draft the whole song

Write every section, even badly. A complete rough draft shows what is missing. See how to write lyrics.

4. Record a demo

Play it back and listen as a stranger. See what a song demo is.

5. Revise

Cut what does not earn its place, fix lines that trip you, and ask for notes. See how to get feedback.

6. Finish

Decide it is done. See the Finished Demo Checklist.

Common questions

What are the stages of songwriting?

Idea, development, a full draft, a demo, revision and finishing. Many writers loop between them.

Do I write lyrics or music first?

Either. Start with whichever turns up first.

How long should each stage take?

There is no rule. Ideas can be minutes; revision can be weeks.

How do I stop abandoning songs?

Finish rough drafts before polishing, and keep a clear list of what is close to done.

When is a song finished?

When you decide it is. A checklist can help.