Songwriting is a skill that can be taught and learned. For many, composing
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This year is going to be your year. You want to master the skill of songwriting. But where do you start and what are the best songwriting books?
There are many books out there on songwriting and it’s easy to get lost during your search. And spoiler alert: many of them are cr*p. They are shallow and manage to indulge you in long stories that teach you nothing. So to save you some time I have listed all the books that I find of good value. No fluff, no endless self-promotion. All hands-on songwriting techniques and tips. Also, to organise your lyrics and music it’s worth having a songwriting journal/notebook.
Don’t feel like reading? Here is the list of book recommendations. They are ordered by the categories above. The best books on songwriting are:
Top Picks
Learning songwriting is something that comes with a lot of practice. So I encourage you to do all the exercises you find in these best books on songwriting. And most important of all apply the music theory and these songwriting techniques to your songs. I guarantee that when you write
Music Theory and Songwriting Books
Here are the best songwriting books for melody writing, creating chord progressions and musical form.
1. Great Songwriting Techniques by Jack Perricone
This is hands down the best book a songwriter could read. The first time I picked up this book I was amazed by how clearly everything was explained. Practically any topic ranging from writing melodies to amazing chord progressions is covered. Jack Perricone has delivered a masterpiece and if you only buy one book from this list, then let it be this one because it is one of the best books on songwriting.
Some of the topics that you can expect to learn more about are:
- Melody
- Harmony
- Rhythm
- Lyric Writing and Placement
- Tone Texture
- Loop-based Harmonic Patterns
- Form
You can also check out my full book review and video if you want to learn more.
2. Chord Progressions For Songwriters by Richard Scott
If you want to dive into chord progressions. Then here you go! Chord Progressions For Songwriters by Richard Scott is an amazing resource. There is enough to explore for an entire songwriting career. Even though the
Every chapter is a unified lesson about a chord progression any songwriter should know. The lessons range from the basic I-V progressions, circle progressions, Blues, Flamenco Folk and Jazz to name a few. An amazing detail is the sections about chord substitution and variations.
3. The Songwriter’s Workshop: Harmony by Jimmy Kachulis
Harmony is by far the favourite topic of many songwriters. And this is rightfully so. For many songs, the harmonic backbone is what gives the unique spice and colour to the melody and lyrics. Jimmy Kachulis manages to dig deep in a very intuitive way. Popular chord progressions and essential techniques are what you can expect to learn. This book is rightfully on the list of best songwriting books. It’s a must-read.
You will learn the fundamental harmonic techniques that are behind the hit songs of our time. The easy-to-understand exercises help you put what you learned right into action. Topics that for example are covered are chord colours and chord embellishments.
4. Melody in Songwriting: Tools and Techniques for Writing Hit Songs by Jack Perricone
Have you read the first book on my list “Great Songwriting Techniques”? Then you already know what quality to expect. This book is the forerunner and is often referenced in his later book. Writing melodies can be very difficult to grasp. This does not only count for songwriters but for many composers and producers as well. Melody writing is just a darn difficult topic to teach. But this book does a very good job.
What you can expect to learn from this book is fundamental techniques that you can use when writing melodies. These tools and techniques will give you the knowledge and power to create interesting melodies. Also, you will learn how rhyme and melodic rhythm influence each other, what makes harmony progress and other relationships between melody and harmony.
5. Harmony and Voice Leading by Edward Aldwell, Carl Schachter, Allen Cadwallader
The mother of all harmony books if you ask me. I used this book extensively during my years at the faculty. And I still reference it frequently. The book “Harmony and Voice Leading” is more for classical
I used this book during my classical
6. Everything in its Right Place: Analyzing Radiohead by Brad Osborn Ph.
Does anybody like Radiohead? Even if you don’t it is worth the effort of analyzing their
YouTube Tutorials
If you want to learn more creative songwriting techniques and hear them in action then check out my video tutorial playlist called: Songwriting Tips & Music Theory for Composing Music. Or check out all the educational music videos and articles on this site.
Lyric Writing
Here are the best songwriting books for lyric writing.
7. Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison
I have to be honest with you. Writing lyrics was my least favourite thing about writing
This book opened my eyes. It taught me how to write lyrics and I actually enjoy it. I feel that my lyrics became so much more interesting and personal. And most important of all I feel in control. Writing Better Lyrics teaches you how to be and stay creative. Once again, I recommend this book.
8. Songwriting Without Boundaries: Lyric Writing Exercises for Finding Your Voice by Pat Pattison
I am not being sponsored in any way but I just find that with these two lyric writing books, you don’t need anything else as a songwriter. Songwriting Without Boundaries is a book that focuses on really mastering important lyric writing techniques. The book is full of inspiring exercises and it complements “Writing Better Lyrics” perfectly.
Music Production and Audio Engineering
To successfully pitch your song to artists and labels, as a songwriter you need to be able to record your musical ideas. And also to produce and mix them to a certain extent. Because if you don’t then there are plenty of other people who do possess these skills.
9. Recording Secrets for the Small Studio by Mike Senior
Being able to record your songs as well as possible is an essential skill for a songwriter. Because if your recording or demo sucks nobody will listen to it. Nobody wants to acknowledge it, but it is the truth. That’s why you need to at least have some basic audio engineering knowledge.
Luckily Mike Senior who also writes articles for the famous Sound on Sound, has made a comprehensive guide. Especially for all the musicians, songwriters, composers, and producers who make
10. Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio by Mike Senior
Again a book by Mike Senior? Well, because it’s a complete bang for your buck and a no-brainer! Remember when I said that you need some basic knowledge about recording
This book is as complete as it gets when it comes to learning how to mix. This is the ultimate resource for students who are just starting to learn how to mix
I have learned so much from this book. I think it’s the easiest one to understand and it’s very beginner friendly. And between you and me I still go back to some chapters every now and then.
Inspiration and Productivity
You might think: ‘What are these books doing on a books on songwriting list?’ Well, because we all need inspiration and we all need to get things done. Today’s day there are so many distractions in our lives that it can be difficult to stay productive. Also, it can be easy to lose your physical or mental health while battling with the ongoing pressure of social media.
11. Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg, Steve Magness
The title says it all. This book by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness is highly inspirational, motivational, and educational. Once I started reading it, I could not stop. It has so many nuggets of wisdom in it. But the most important lesson you can learn from this book is how to get the best out of yourself and your work healthily and sustainably.
Making
12. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Essentialism by Greg McKeown is one of those books that makes sense from the beginning. Nowadays we just want to do everything at the same time. Multitasking is hip and buzzing. But does that work? Learn how to do more by doing less. No nonsense!
Bonus Books
Listen To This by Alex Ross
I am a big fan of Alex Ross’s writing. His book ‘The Rest Is Noise‘ is a gem for any composer wanting to learn and read more about
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
I think any artist should read this book. Actually… Everybody should read this book! It’s full of great tips to lead a creative and happy life. Especially as a songwriter you need to stay open to creative songwriting ideas. And also you need to be able to generate many different songs. Luckily this book is such a well of inspiration and wisdom. I was pleasantly surprised when I read it. I opened my eyes and it taught me to direct my attention in a more creativity-focused way.
If you want to avoid creative burnout or writer’s block, then I advise this book by Rick Rubin. This should be on any songwriter’s bookshelf. No questions asked. That’s why it’s on my best songwriting books list!
Why Read Books About Songwriting?
Reading some of these best books on songwriting can help you in many ways. It can improve your writing skills by learning new tools and techniques for writing solid melodies, harmonies, and lyrics. You can also polish and market your songs more effectively by learning how to record, edit and mix your
What
A songwriter needs to learn many different skills to be successful in the
- Musical talent: This includes the ability to sing or play one or more instruments, as well as compose original melodies and harmonies.
- Creativity: The ability to generate new and original ideas for songs, as well as experiment with different genres, styles, and techniques is very important.
- Musical score writing & reading: This is the ability to write
music in a standard notation. This will not only be useful to you when readingmusic but yourmusic can then also be read and performed by other musicians. - Lyricism: The ability to write words that express feelings and thoughts through song, as well as rhyme, use great imagery, and create word hooks that never let you go.
- Communication: This is the ability to convey your musical vision clearly and effectively to others, such as co-writers, producers, engineers, and artists. Also, you need to be able to work and network with many people in the musical field.
- Technical skills: This is the ability to use software and equipment to record, edit, mix, and produce your songs, as well as understand the basics of
music theory, song structure, and copyright law.
Do you need help with improving any of these
