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How can I be sure I'm writing my song in a good vocal range?

Amy Chapman, MA
Voice & Speech Coach
Amy Chapman MA, CCC-SLP is a Vocal Therapist and Singing Voice Specialist. Amy is a licensed and board-certified speech & language pathologist who has dedicated her career to helping professionals improve and optimize their voice. Amy has lectured on voice optimization, speech, vocal health, and voice rehabilitation at universities across California, including UCLA, USC, Chapman University, Cal Poly Pomona, CSUF, CSULA. Amy is trained in Lee Silverman Voice Therapy, Estill, LMRVT, and is a part of the American Speech and Hearing Association.

Amy Chapman, MA

Voice & Speech Coach

Expert Answer

Try to keep it within 2 octaves. If you're trying to find your own vocal range, hum down to the lowest note you can hold clearly. Then, hum up to find the highest note you can hold for at least 3 seconds. This will be your range.

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Question

Is it necessary to have a verse and then a chorus in order in a song?

Community Answer

It doesn't matter what order you put them in, as long as the song makes sense and flows well.

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Question

How can I get some proper ideas for the lyrics?

Community Answer

Think about your day, your emotions, the conversations you heard etc. Use them and you'll find yourself with an amazing song! If you cannot think of one, then think about your dreams, ambitions, inspirations, aspirations, etc. especially the ones that first convinced you to write song lyrics.

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Question

At which point in the song do I need to put in a space for the singer to breathe?

Community Answer

Whenever you need to figure that out, try singing it to yourself a bit. As you do so, note the points where you strain to hold the notes, and that will give you the hint as to where to place spaces.

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Question

Would it be helpful to add adjectives?

Community Answer

Yes. Adjectives in your song may improve the lyrics.

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Question

How do I compose a song without it being about love?

Community Answer

You can write about everything in life; people around you, experiences, stray observations.

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Question

Where in the song do I need to put space for the singer to breathe?

Community Answer

Normally the singer would breathe wherever there is a natural pause between lyrics. Try speaking your lyrics out loud to see where the natural breaks are.

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Question

How do I use complex words in a love song?

Community Answer

Check words in the thesaurus which would help you to put in the right word.

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Question

Should I write my own lyrics if I'm a singer?

Community Answer

You'd have more of a connection with the song and be able to sing it better, but you don't have to write your own lyrics.

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Question

Can I use some of the words from step 3 in my song?

Community Answer

You may incorporate a line or two, but your lyrics should primarily be your original creation, not direct copies.

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Question

When writing song lyrics, can I use or draw inspiration from an existing song?

Community Answer

Directly copying an existing song's lyrics and claiming them as your own is illegal and constitutes copyright infringement. However, you can certainly draw inspiration from other songs. If you incorporate elements like a line or phrase, ensure you significantly alter it to avoid plagiarism and create original content.

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Question

Do I need to be naturally talented, or can I learn to become a good songwriter?

Community Answer

You do not need to be innately musically talented to become a good songwriter. While natural talent can be an advantage, understanding musical theory and learning an instrument like guitar or piano can certainly help. Ultimately, success comes from your willingness to invest time and effort into honing your craft.

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Question

Should I upload my songs to YouTube?

Community Answer

Uploading your songs to YouTube is a good idea, though not strictly required. It enables others to hear your music, provides feedback on its reception, and can generate new ideas for songwriting. Furthermore, it offers an opportunity to critically assess your own performance, both vocally and lyrically.

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Question

How can I write a love song?

Community Answer

Imagine you are your favorite artist writing the perfect love song for the perfect person, or you can use a real life experience to help the words flow. Remember that every word doesn't have to rhyme.

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Question

I have a major case of writer's block. What should I do?

Community Answer

Look for inspiration by reading famous poems, listening to your favorite songs, spending time in nature or reflecting on your life, friends and family. Then, just start writing. Don't think about it too much; just let the words flow.

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Question

How do I write a song about someone I love without being too sappy?

Community Answer

Avoid using too many cliches and gushing about a singular topic for too long.

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Question

What is the best range for number of words in a song?

Community Answer

Most songs have two or three verses (16 bars each), with the chorus (eight bars) playing one or two times. There isn't really a "best" range. It just depends on how well it flows without getting repetitive.

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Question

Would singing lessons help me write better song lyrics?

Community Answer

Probably not, but it couldn't hurt.

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Question

Is it okay to generate a song?

Mohamed Gaye

Community Answer

Yes, but then it wouldn't be your song if you are referring to an online lyrics generator.

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Question

What are the most crowd-pleasing song topics to write about?

Community Answer

Whatever you're passionate about. If you show your passion in the song, the crowd will feel it and better relate.

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Question

Is it necessary to follow the AABA structure for your song to be good?

Community Answer

No, there are plenty of song structures. Use whatever structure fits the song best. Repetition makes the listener remember the lines more, so if you want to get a point across, you probably want a chorus. If you are writing a more flowing, contemplative song, you may not want a chorus. Try doing a little research on song structures for some inspiration.

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Question

Can I use any type of emotions to write music?

전섴민

Community Answer

Absolutely, yes. The best songs are the ones with emotion; it doesn't matter what emotion it is, as long as it's there.

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Question

Should you start with the lyrics or tune first?

Community Answer

It is better to start with the tune, but it's not a rule. If you want to start with lyrics, try to come up with a tune while writing them, or make a tune in your head after writing them.

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Question

Can I just write a poem and edit it to sound like a song?

Community Answer

Yes, of course! This is actually how many songs are written.

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Question

I have lyrics and a melody ready, but I can't get the lyrics to align with my song. What should I do?

Cowboy 4 Jesus

Community Answer

You will likely need to revise your lyrics. Try writing or adjusting them while actively playing the melody.

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Question

I want my music to be very similar to Nirvana's style. What are good sources of inspiration besides listening to their music?

Community Answer

I would try to find out who some of Kurt Cobain’s musical influences were and focus on listening to them. Information about his favorite albums and artists is widely available.

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Question

Must I be a naturally gifted singer, or can I develop my vocal skills over time?

CharlesBSings

Community Answer

While some individuals possess natural vocal talent, you can significantly improve your singing abilities through dedicated practice and effort.

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Question

Can I write songs if I don't know a lot about making music?

Community Answer

Yes, of course you can. Start by writing about topics that are important to you or that you know a lot about.

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Question

How can I write song lyrics without instrumental music?

Cowboy 4 Jesus

Community Answer

Writing lyrics without instrumental accompaniment can be advantageous, as you aren't restricted by an existing melody. Focus on your theme, message, or story first, then consider poetic devices like rhythm and rhyme to give your words structure and flow.

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Question

Can I write a story as a song?

Community Answer

Yes, you can absolutely write a story as a song. Many popular songs and entire concept albums, such as *The Wall* and *Good Kid, M.A.A.D City*, effectively use this structure to narrate their stories.

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