Sometimes you feel uninspired; other times you know what you\u2019d like to say but may not be able to find the right words. Then, of course, there\u2019s the pressure of writing a song<\/a> that people will actually listen to and like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is, there are countless resources out there that can help you improve your songwriting. Whether you\u2019re just getting started or you\u2019re a seasoned songwriter looking to streamline your process and write better songs, there are techniques you can learn and tools you can use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we\u2019ll share 10 apps and 10 books about the art of songwriting that will make your creative process more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without further ado, let\u2019s take a look at the songwriting apps and books that will help you take your craft to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These songwriting apps will allow you to move beyond pen and paper and write your songs in a way that\u2019s more efficient and productive. They provide words, rhymes, chords, and other suggestions to help you bring your ideas to life without getting stuck or interrupting your creative flow. Many are free to use or cost just a few dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Word Palette is the perfect app for getting over writer\u2019s block. It lets you switch between a regular keyboard and a collection of scrambled text, from which you can borrow words and generate new ideas. You can use the app\u2019s built-in collections or create your own by importing your favorite articles, poems, quotes, and other song lyrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simple Songwriter is a handy tool if you don\u2019t play an instrument or don\u2019t have one on hand. You can browse a selection of chords, try them out, and record a simple progression. You can also record your singing at the same time. After you\u2019ve recorded the chord progression, you can change the key, swap out any of the chords, and fix the timing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BandLab is a mobile DAW you can use to make music anywhere. It\u2019s a great tool for songwriters because you can use it to record your ideas on the go, be it melodies, harmonies, basslines, or any other instrumental parts. It features a looping station you can use to generate new ideas and a notepad for writing down lyrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rhymer\u2019s Block can streamline your lyric writing process by suggesting rhymes as you type. It\u2019s perfect for finding the perfect rhyme or getting over writer\u2019s block and coming up with new ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RhymeZone is another great tool for finding rhymes and inspiration. Simply input a word and browse a list of its perfect rhymes, near rhymes, synonyms, descriptive words, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggester helps you choose chords that work well together. You can try out different chords to see how they sound and build progressions that give your song the exact mood and emotion you want to create. It\u2019s perfect for songwriters who aren\u2019t well versed in music theory,<\/a> but want to be able to experiment with a wide range of possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you currently use a note app to write down lyrics and a separate voice recorder to capture melodies, you\u2019ll love Hum. It combines these two features into one app, so you can store all your ideas in one place. You can also organize your songs by key, tuning, use of capo, and even mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lyric Notepad is an all-in-one tool for songwriters. It lets you record yourself singing and attach the recording to any part of the lyrics, find rhymes, count syllables, take notes, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Autochords provides chord progressions so you can focus on writing lyrics and melodies. You can select progressions in a variety of styles and moods, as well as change the tempo and key of your song. The app also displays chord diagrams for piano, guitar, and ukulele, so you can learn to play an instrument at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Songwriter’s Pad is another all-in-one solution. It can help you find rhymes, note down chords, and capture recordings. It\u2019s also a handy tool for overcoming writer\u2019s block\u2014it has a built-in idea generator that will provide you with words and phrases based on a selected emotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One bonus entry to conclude this songwriting apps section is Splice’s very own mobile app. The app allows you to easily create unique ‘Stacks’ that can serve as great instrumental beds for writing toplines and developing lyrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Voice to verse\u2014anywhere. With the addition of Splice Mic, you can instantly test and record ideas, explore genres, and unlock new creative possibilities, all from <\/strong>the Splice mobile app.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n These books will provide you with exercises, writing prompts, examples, and practical advice on how to write great lyrics,<\/a> melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. They\u2019re written by award-winning songwriters and many are used as textbooks at the Berklee College of Music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This book has been a must-have in the songwriter\u2019s toolkit since it was first published in 1995. The new 2010 edition will take you through over 20 hit songs and examine what makes them great, so you can apply the learnings to your own lyrics. You\u2019ll also complete 50 exercises that will teach you how to turn your ideas into powerful, compelling songs. Get ready to practice songwriting every day, put in the work, and watch your songs come to life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for even more lyric writing exercises? Pat Pattison has got you covered with another songwriting book, complete with over 150 prompts you can use to practice your craft. It features four 14-day challenges to help you commit to a routine and make songwriting a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Published in 1985, this book has stood the test of time and helped countless songwriters develop their lyric writing skills. It covers song forms,<\/a> tools and techniques for writing better lyrics, putting them to music, common songwriting mistakes, and much more. Each lesson is illustrated with examples of real songs, so you can see the techniques in action. And don\u2019t be deterred by the fact that these examples are a few decades old\u2014everything you\u2019ll learn is still very much relevant and applicable to modern music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This book offers a glimpse into the life and creative process of award-winning songwriter Jimmy Webb. Part autobiographical and part instructional, it shines a light on every aspect of songwriting, from crafting to selling your songs. Expect to encounter a bit of history, personal anecdotes, songwriting techniques, music theory, industry advice, and everything in between. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get your hands on the revised and expanded edition of this book to read 62 interviews with some of the greatest songwriters of our time. Get up close and personal with musicians like Bob Dylan, Alanis Morissette, Madonna, and Leonard Cohen and hear directly from the source about their inspiration, creative process, and musings on the art of songwriting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This book will teach you how to write interesting and memorable melodies, and use harmony to take these melodies to the next level. It also breaks down hit songs to examine exactly what makes them special, so you can use the same techniques in your own songwriting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This book uses a hands-on approach to teach you how to write melodies and make use of rhythm and structure. It even comes with access to recordings, so you can practice your newly learned songwriting techniques in real time. Once you\u2019ve finished this book, be sure to check out its sequel, The Songwriter’s Workshop: Harmony<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re new to songwriting and are lacking the self-confidence to get started, this book is for you. It focuses on finding joy in the creative process and will gently guide you through writing your first song. After reading this book, you\u2019ll not only finish your first song, but feel inspired and empowered to write many, many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your goal is to write radio-ready pop songs, this book is a must-read. It breaks down over 300 chart-topping songs from artists like John Legend, Maroon 5, and Rihanna, and uncovers the secrets of their success. It goes beyond lyrics and melody to discuss things like arrangement and production, so it\u2019s a helpful read for producers, too. No matter what your role is in the music creation process,<\/a> you\u2019ll learn how to craft songs that are captivating, engaging, and addicting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter how much songwriting experience you have under your belt, there will always be times when you feel creatively stuck and out of ideas. That\u2019s where this book comes in\u2014it features over 500 songwriting prompts in the form of word starters, chord starters, and rhythm starters. The next time you feel uninspired, pick an idea from this book and see where it leads you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With these songwriting apps and books in hand, you have everything you need to improve your songwriting skills. The only thing left to do is establish a regular writing routine and practice your craft every single day. In no time at all, you\u2019ll be able to write without waiting for inspiration to strike<\/a> and bring your songs to life in a way that\u2019s easy and fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best of luck with your songwriting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use Splice Mobile to instantly test and record ideas, explore genres, and unlock new creative possibilities\u2014all from your phone:<\/p>\n\n\n\nTable of contents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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10 songwriting apps that will change the way you write songs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. <\/strong>Word Palette<\/strong><\/a> (free, iOS)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
2. <\/strong>Simple Songwriter<\/strong><\/a> ($4.99, iOS)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
3. <\/strong>BandLab<\/strong><\/a> (free, iOS, Android, and Desktop)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
4. <\/strong>Rhymer\u2019s Block<\/strong><\/a> (free, iOS and Android)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
5. <\/strong>RhymeZone<\/strong><\/a> (free for Desktop, $2.99 for iOS, and $3.99 for Android)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
6. <\/strong>Suggester<\/strong><\/a> ($13.99 \/ free lite version, iOS and Android)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
7. <\/strong>Hum<\/strong><\/a> ($3.99, iOS)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
8. <\/strong>Lyric Notepad<\/strong><\/a> (free, iOS and Android)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
9. <\/strong>Autochords<\/strong><\/a> ($4.99 \/ free lite version, iOS)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
10. <\/strong>Songwriter\u2019s Pad<\/strong><\/a> (free lite version, iOS, Android, and Desktop)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Bonus: <\/strong>Splice Mobile<\/strong><\/a> (free, iOS and Android)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
10 songwriting books you need to read<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Writing Better Lyrics<\/em> by Pat Pattison<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
2. Songwriting Without Boundaries<\/em> by Pat Pattison<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
3. The Craft of Lyric Writing<\/em> by Sheila Davis<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
4. Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting<\/em> by Jimmy Webb <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
5. Songwriters On Songwriting<\/em> by Paul Zollo<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
6. Melody in Songwriting<\/em> by Jack Perricone<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
7. The Songwriter\u2019s Workshop: Melody<\/em> by Jimmy Kachulis<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
8. How To Write One Song<\/em> by Jeff Tweedy<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
9. The Addiction Formula<\/em> by Friedemann Findeisen<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
10. The Ultimate Book of Song Starters<\/em> by Ed Bell<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Use these songwriting apps and books to create your best music yet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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