You don't have to play an instrument to start writing songs effectively or successfully in a very short time. Of course, it is advantageous to play an instrument, but it's definitely not a requirement. Indeed, many hit songs have been written by beginner songwriters just like you who didn't know the difference between a chorus and prechorus and an "Amaj" chord from an "Amin". Many of these songwriters have turned out to have only one hit song, some partly because they didn't keep applying themselves to the craft of songwriting and others for a variety of reasons.



If you want to learn songwriting quickly and correctly, you don't need to spend a fortune on special songwriting courses and e-books--at least not just yet! These types of instructional materials certainly have their place in songwriting but most should be used when you reach the intermediate stage.

The first thing you need to do is buy or borrow "The Craft Of Lyric Writing", by Sheila Davis. For less than a fraction of the cost of expensive songwriting lessons and courses, this book will teach you all the basics when it comes to lyric writing at an accelerated pace as long as you apply yourself. You'll instantly have a better understanding of how to construct the lyrical parts of songs and you'll be inspired to continue studying this book which doesn't contain even one wasted page!

Next, listen to your favorite songs and by applying techniques learned from Sheila Davis's book, you'll begin to hear those songs in a different light! Now it's your turn.

Armed with nothing but the essential basics learned from the book as well as your own melodic creativity, you'll start to hear your songwriting come alive, one line or phrase at a time!

After that, then you might want to consider investing in a decent acoustic guitar or keyboard. Buy an inexpensive chord book (for either guitar or keyboard--they're different) and begin learning chords. By combining an instrument with "The Craft Of Lyric Writing" you already have the greatest head start possible in songwriting. On the other hand, if you choose to sing your melodies, it can be done effectively, but understand you will be somewhat limited when it comes to harmonizing your songs with different chords. With an instrument, you can hear how different chords sound and how they color your melodies.

In a couple of short months you'll probably find you're not a beginning songwriter anymore!