Hey there experienced songwriters (if there are any). I have a question for you. I know songwriting isn't a set process, but can anyone offer advice? Let's say that I'm good at writing lyrics, but little else. How do you create a melody for the words, and chords to fit around them? Any help would be appreciated.
For me there was never any set process. Sometimes I would be writing and I'd have a melody in my head, but usually not. Most often I would have many different chord progressions and sets of lyrics and then just try to match them up and change some stuff around. Or write lyrics to suit a chord progression or vice versa. It just depends on your style; I don't think there's a right or wrong way to go about it just keep writing.
for me it's a hell of a lot easier to write lyrics to music, but unfortunately i am better at writing lyrics so it doesn't always work out that way - other than that trial and error - i'd also suggest writing every little scrap down - i've forgotten more good stuff than i've remembered
no set process at all. sometimes the lyrics come first, other times i have a riff in mind and just start coming up with words to it...
Is there any sort of theory basis to fitting chords to a vocal melody? That's something I've been struggling with lately, as some of my housemates and I try to write a pop-punk style song (provisionally entitled 'Fat Loser'), to which we have lyrics and I have come up with a tune for. Or should I just go with what sounds best?
Lots of times I've had tunes in my head and was trying to come up with lyrics for them. The reverse situation didn't come up nearly as often. I think it depends on whether you're primarily a musician or a singer/lyricist. Jam a lot, record everything you do, and listen to tape if you think you hear something you like- as often as not, it's a riff that can be transposed to fit another song, if nothing else. Another thing I'd mention is that the songs I've heard beginning bands play almost always go thru a maturing process themselves. Don't be afraid to change a song's structure, chord progression, tempo, whatever- even if you've played it live several times. If your band's lineup changes, chances are the song will change a bit as well. Until you can pay guys well enough to play exactly what they're told, they'll add their own ideas to the songs, even if you're the writer. In that sense, you'll have half the job done for you simply by playing, because sometimes, ideas will jump out at you.