Guitar Songwriting

[MikeG]

Hey guys as some of you may know I am a musician. For those who don't here is a quick back story. I have been a vocalist for 11 years and have gotten back into playing guitar since last year. I've always written lyrics and melodies for as long as I can remember deciding to be a singer. Now I'm at the point where I want to create my own songs on guitar with my lyrics. I have my basic grasp with the chords. I have a good understanding of music theory regarding the roman numeral system and what that means with what key I am in. Thing is though when I do try to create music I just get stuck. I am not sure if its just a case where I am pushing too hard and nothing is coming out or what. If anyone is wondering I have a Jackson RR5 pro for an electric guitar and for an acoustic-electric I have a Takamine EG532SC. The style I am shooting for is an alternative hard rock sound but still with nicer acoustic sounds in there as well. I'm mainly a rhythm guitarist as its just me and not a band. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

[Greyshades]

I've got one:

Throw the theory stuff out the window, and play around with chord voicings on the acoustic first.

Singer? Find your melody line on single notes, then take the theory stuff, and work on whatever key you find your voice wants to sit in. You might find it easier to redevelop some of the melodies a little after the chord progression takes some shape. Hum along to it first, or "scat" over the progression to find out what works best.

My main goal when I write is to break all the "rules", then start to work my way back to them. Now, if I'm writing a Worship song, I might follow the rules in black and white, but other times I'll just let things happen.

That's just me. In my opinion, each person has their own way of developing the craft. Some of that might help you a little though. It's worked for me for 15+ years.

Let us know how it goes.