Making melodies/rhythm for a song

Often times, lyrics write their own melody. Just say the lyrics out loud. There will typically be some sort of rhythm or cadence that they seem to naturally fall into. This can be solidified into an actual melody. If not, it's all about the state of mind. It really helps if you play guitar of piano, even if you're just playing chords. Just think on the lyrics. What do they make you "feel". Then, relax and just play whatever comes to mind. Just let the music come to you.What comes out will be a true expression of what you want to convey. Forcing it will just result in something that's contrived.

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Well, those two particular instruments don't exactly lend themselves to the spotlight, generally speaking.

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I am well aware. I've been asked to do a little bit of songwriting when I can, and I can play chords on a guitar in a serviceable manner (piano, too, but I don't have one at the moment)....but my voice is so terrible that I can't even find a major chord on the guitar that suits what I've written. I guess I'll pawn it off on my friends.

Usually,when an idea comes to me,I already have the tune in my head,and am writing as I sing it out loud. I try to do a simple recording of at least that as soon as possible,before I forget.At that point,I am just throwing some words and lines out there,that are kind of related to my hook,haven't written anything down yet.I also try to come up with a good bridge that works,early on
Once I have done that,I will work on the song a little bit,if it starts coming together easily,I know I probably have a good song.If it doesn't,it will probably get shelved.Might try again later with it,might not.Might borrow some of the lines,or bridge for another song.At this point,I have hundreds of unfinished songs,so it's like having my own song junkyard.

Another thing I do sometimes,if I have 2 songs that are done,but just don't seem to be working,I will swap lyrics and tunes.It just takes some adjusting.

When I first started writing songs,I would write some words first,and then try to put that to music.That never worked very well for me.

I really hope you get lots of replies to this,because I would like to find out more about the techniques that others use.

I usually start with the guitar or piano. Then I come up with a corresponding vocal melody that is basically lyric-less. At that point, you can use the melody to develop the lyrics.

If you are starting with lyrics, it's a little trickier. You need to use the lyrics to develop a vocal melody. Find the key of that melody and then start playing around in the key and time of the vocal melody. Start with a really simple 3 or 4 not melody. Don't worry about chords. Just find the melody with notes. Once you have the melody, you can start embellishing it with chords and strumming.

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Often times, lyrics write their own melody. Just say the lyrics out loud. There will typically be some sort of rhythm or cadence that they seem to naturally fall into. This can be solidified into an actual melody. If not, it's all about the state of mind. It really helps if you play guitar of piano, even if you're just playing chords. Just think on the lyrics. What do they make you "feel". Then, relax and just play whatever comes to mind. Just let the music come to you.What comes out will be a true expression of what you want to convey. Forcing it will just result in something that's contrived.

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See, I'm the opposite. I have to have a melody first and then the atmosphere of those notes, I let them lead my lyrics

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I am well aware. I've been asked to do a little bit of songwriting when I can, and I can play chords on a guitar in a serviceable manner (piano, too, but I don't have one at the moment)....but my voice is so terrible that I can't even find a major chord on the guitar that suits what I've written. I guess I'll pawn it off on my friends.

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If you're comfortable on the bass then I would use it. If you come up with a cool riff/melody line on the bass, then ask yourself"would this make a nice hook or chorus" after that build around those strong melodies

It differs for me. Sometimes I write the lyrics before I have the chords or melody and sometimes I find lyrics based off of the chord progressions I have. I have found, through being in songwriters groups, that it helps to have a set lyric or phrase or even idea to work around.

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BigOrangeBri

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4th and 19th..
hey man,did you ever hang out over at Bobby's Idle Hours?
I use to like to drop in there sometimes,but I haven't been there in years. Kind of a dive place,but there use to be some really good writers in there sometimes,trading songs back and forth.
I know it's still open,and I have been meaning to go by and check it out soon.

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4th and 19th..
hey man,did you ever hang out over at Bobby's Idle Hours?
I use to like to drop in there sometimes,but I haven't been there in years. Kind of a dive place,but there use to be some really good writers in there sometimes,trading songs back and forth.
I know it's still open,and I have been meaning to go by and check it out soon.

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I stopped in a couple times years ago when I was in school just right up the road. I haven't been since they relocated though

I'm not sure when you were there, but in 2004 they were gonna have to shut down but moved to a new building down the street.

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Ten years or so ago, this bar was chased down the avenue – from 1010 to 1028 – when Music Row’s politically correct facelift was in its infancy. “We didn’t know what we were gonna do when they told us to move,” Lizard adds. “We being the Idle Hour family. They gave us 30 days notice to get out of the old bar. “There’s a three-story high-rise there now. We all stood there and watched as they tore the old bar down. Sad day.”

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Article the quote was taken from

Article from 2004 about the impending shutdown