How do I get out of my song writing rut and compose something new and fresh for a change?

Question

I have been writing melodies for my original lyrics since 2008 and have written quite a few songs in that time. But the more songs I write, the more difficult it becomes to write melodies that don't sound like one of my other songs. Sometimes I don't even realize I copied my own melody until a friend says - "I like the lyrics but the melody sounds a lot like your song .....". Then I go back and listen to the older song and I see that they were correct. My issue is that I write on guitar and seem to be stuck with the tired old - tried and true, popular chord progressions (ie. I, V, IV - or some variation) **and the melodies seem to manifest withing predictable parameters within those "standard" progressions**. I have thought about trying to **write in alternate tunings** on guitar or **writing on piano instead of guitar.** **What are some effective devices I might use to get myself to "think outside the box" so to speak and become more diverse with my compositions?** I could conceivably use several at once so any and all ideas are welcome. I am sure many songwriters and composers might appreciate some ideas about how to approach their composing from a different angle that might inspire some unique new music.

Answer 1

Hi There,

This is a great question and something that I also struggle with. I have found one extremely effective way of combatting this, and that involves breaking down sections and throwing numbers at it.

1) Start by isolating a section you want to work on (its fine if this naturally expands in the second step but it's often easier to focus small at first). This is usually as small as a single melodic line from a verse and not the entire verse section. It's helpful if the section is cohesive enough to be its own phrase. Choose something you can already tell is not as original or creative as you'd like it to be.

2) Take your section and rewrite it (while keeping the original and every new version) at least 20 times (the more the better!). Play around with embellishments, change the direction of the melodic flow, see if you can mirror any lyrics. Try and make each version different. The important thing here is to not censor yourself if you don't love it. Just record it and keep going. I can't emphasize this enough - even if you find one you like better than the original, keep going. This is partially an exercise to push you creatively, but also to reset your "programming".

3) Repeat this process for every section of your song that you are not completely in love with. It can almost always be improved by this process.

I hope this helps you, as it's really helped me. I do want to point out that the process can often be a little uncomfortable and challenging, as if you feel "programmed", then that is what is coming the most naturally and easily. This will be outside of that area for you, but your songwriting will greatly improve!

Answer 2

I think a lot of creative people get stuck in their own patterns & habits of working, it's definitely natural. Sometimes I've found that I need to create structures/rules for myself to purposely break out of my regular way of creating. For example, here are some techniques I've tried:

1. Try writing on a different instrument than usual (you have the right idea by considering the piano)
2. Try starting in a different place - if you usually do chords & then the melody, try writing a bass line first, then fill in the melody and chords on top of it
3. Dissect some of your favorite melodies/songs and recreate them. Then choose select parts to vary and change up so you make it your own
4. Try finding a loop in a genre outside of your comfort zone and singing over it. Neo-soul, jazz and funk might have some unconventional chords and harmonies that could lead you to different melodies, which you can use as the foundation for a new song.
5. Mix and match ideas from different songs - maybe the bridge melody of one song works well over the chorus chords of another song, and this might produce happy accidents

I hope you find some of these useful!