Create Your First Song With Chords and Melody

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90 minutes

5 steps

·Beginner

After 90 min: You can compose an original 32-bar song with a unique chord progression, melody, and basic structure.

What you need

Instrument (piano or guitar)Staff paper or DAWRecording device

The 90-Minute Plan

Choose your emotional foundation0–15 min

What emotion do you want? Happy (major chords)? Sad (minor chords)? Tension (diminished)? Write down 3 chords that feel right together. Play them repeatedly. Feel them in your body.

Build a progression framework15–35 min

Most songs: I-IV-V-I or I-vi-IV-V. Choose one. Play it for 16 bars (4 repetitions). Record this progression as your foundation. It's your song's skeleton.

Compose a melody35–55 min

Sing over your progression without words. Let your voice find notes that fit the chords. Record yourself. Transcribe the melody (write down the notes). Test it on your instrument.

Create verse and chorus contrast55–75 min

Verse: keep the same progression, simpler melody. Chorus: same chords, new melody that's more memorable. Repeat structure: verse, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge (new 8 bars), chorus.

Record and arrange your song75–90 min

Record vocal melody and instrument backing. Keep it simple—voice + guitar or voice + piano. Listen back. This is your original composition. You're officially a songwriter.

Pro Tip

Don't overthink the lyrics yet—focus on the musical structure first. Great melodies carry weak lyrics; weak melodies never recover.