Do you want to write the next big pop song? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced songwriter, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about writing a hit pop song. We’ll discuss the basics of songwriting, and we’ll also give you some tips and tricks for making your songs stand out from the crowd.
So whether you’re looking to write a love ballad or a club banger, read on to find out how to write a pop song.
What is a Pop Song
A pop song is a song that is popular, or has appeal to a wide audience. Pop songs are typically short, catchy, and easy to remember. They often have a simple, repetitive melody and a sing-along chorus. Many pop songs are about love and relationships, but they can also be about other topics, such as friendship, dancing, and having fun.
Pop songs are usually recorded by professional musicians and released on CDs or digital downloads. They are also played on the radio and on television.
Some pop songs become so popular that they become timeless classics that are remembered for generations. Examples of classic pop songs include “Yesterday” by The Beatles, “Like a Virgin” by Madonna, and “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston.
The Basics of Songwriting
There’s no one right way to write a song. However, there are a few basic elements that every songwriter should keep in mind. The first is melody.
A good melody will be memorable and catchy, and it should flow naturally with the lyrics. The second is harmony. This is the use of multiple notes to create a fuller, richer sound.
A good harmony will compliment the melody and add interest to the song.
The third element is rhythm. This is the underlying beat that gives the song its energy and movement. A good rhythm will be lively and engaging, and it should drive the melody forward. These are just a few of the basics of songwriting, but keeping them in mind can help you to write songs that are both enjoyable and effective.
Types of Pop Songs
Pop songs are usually about love, heartbreak, or having a good time. They often have a catchy melody that is easy to sing along to. Some pop songs are also dance songs, and people often enjoy dancing along to them at parties or clubs. There are many different types of pop songs, and new ones are being created all the time.
Some popular types of pop songs include ballads, uptempo songs, and break-up songs. Ballads are usually slower and more emotional, while uptempo songs are more energetic and fast-paced.
Break-up songs are, as the name suggests, about breaking up with someone. They can be sad or angry, but they often have a feeling of empowerment as well. No matter what type of pop song it is, there is sure to be one that appeals to everyone’s taste.
Chords and Chord Progressions
When it comes to finding the right chords and chord progressions for a pop song, I find the best way to do this is by listening to you favourite pop songs to start with and then start to make notes as you listen along. You want to be listening to the chord progressions and the way the guitar or piano is being played. For instance the strumming pattern of the main instrument, let’s just use guitar for this example. (upstrokes, down strokes or played straight (playing down strokes all the way through) Are the chords being finger picked and also think about how the song is making you feel as a listener)
Once you have finished listening to your chosen pop tracks, it’s now time to learn them on the guitar or Piano. There are plenty of free sites out there with good chord sheets and tabs, a good one to use to get those chords is www.ultimate-guitar.com Even though this is a guitar based web site, it will still give you the chord names so you can play them on other instruments to.
The great part about using this method, is that it will help you to understand the chords and progressions that have been used to make this pop song stand out, it’s also a great starting point when writing new songs, giving you a solid step in the right direction.
So now you have that part under your belt it’s time for you to experiment with the new chords and progression that you have learnt. Start playing with those chords, try mixing and matching from different songs, experiment with the chord progressions from one song and maybe use the strumming pattern from another. This is all about being experimental and creative. (Trust your ears.)
This is a method I use when I have a touch of writers block. I put the guitar down for awhile and just put on some music that either really influences me or something that has the vibe I’m looking for. I just sit back and take it all in, critically listening to the basic parts and the core of the song to help jump start fresh and new ideas.
There have been hundreds if not thousands of songs written using this very chord progression the I V iv IV ( 1,5,6,4 in a major key). These chords can be placed in any order and will give you a different song every time with change of tempo, strumming pattern, maybe finger picking, vocal, melody etc.
The most common chords to use for pop songs are the following: Using the (1, 5, 6, 4 –I V iv V) Starting in the scale of C major this would be C, G, Amin, F. The roman numerals represent the numbers of the major scale. See Bellow for the chord progressions in each key. (remember you can change this around and rearrange them. It doesn’t have to be I, V ,vi ,IV (1,5,6,4) it can also be for example: I, IV, vi, V (1,4,6,5)
Pop Song Chord Chart
| Key | I | V | vi | IV |
| C Major | C | G | A min | F |
| G Major | G | D | E min | C |
| D Major | D | A | B min | G |
| A Major | A | E | F# min | D |
| E Major | E | B | C# min | A |
| B Major | B | F# | G# min | E |
| F# Major | F# | C# | D# min | B |
| Db Major | Db | Ab | Bb min | Gb |
| Ab Major | Ab | Eb | F min | Db |
| Eb Major | Eb | Bb | C min | Ab |
| Bb Major | Bb | F | G min | Eb |
| F Major | F | C | D min | Bb |
Writing Lyrics
The best lyrics are the ones that come from the heart. When you write from your own experience, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level. That doesn’t mean that you can’t write about other topics, but it does mean that you should be careful not to force the issue.
The best songs are the ones where the lyrics flow naturally and don’t feel forced. If you’re struggling to find the right words, try free writing for a few minutes. Just let your thoughts flow onto the page, and see what comes out. You may be surprised at what you come up with.
I find a good starting point is to play your chord progressions for the chorus or verse and hum or whistle along, this will help create a melody. Once you have that melody down, start writing some one liners, literally what ever comes to mind or even better record yourself on your phone and start rambling. Even if the words make no sense at all, you will naturally start to add words in and the sentences will start becoming more complete as you go. Just keep playing the same thing over and over whilst doing that and the lyrics to the song will organically start to come together nicely. This is a great way to look/listen back and find the one line that resonates the most, usually the one that jumps out at you will be the perfect place to start and it will also help set the story or message you are trying to get across in your song.
Writing lyrics is a personal journey like blogging or writing in a journal. You have to really let go, don’t be afraid to mess it up and don’t let yourself think this is silly etc. Let the words flow and enjoy the process.
Once you have a general idea of what you want to say, start playing around with rhyme and meter. This will help to give your lyrics a more polished feel. Lastly, don’t be afraid to revise your lyrics until they’re perfect. The best songs are often the result of numerous drafts.
So go ahead and experiment until you find the perfect way to express yourself. Writing lyrics can be daunting, but it’s also exhilarating.
The Hook
The hook is that part of every pop song or any song for that matter that just grabs you and doesn’t let go. Its the part of the song you find yourself whistling or singing over and over again, sometimes without even realising you’re doing it. (We’ve all been there 🙂
A hook can be a specific musical part of the song or a specific lyric or melody, it can be pretty much be any thing thats super catchy and unforgettable. This is usually something that repeats at different stages through out the song, a lot of the time the hook is within the chorus but not always.
When writing a hook you are going to be doing the same kind of things you where doing when you started writing the lyrics. Hook writing is another experimental process that requires you to just hit the record button on your phone and start rambling and experimenting. You will know when you hit something good because it feels catchy and natural, it make your smile because you know you’ve stumbled across something great and like any other song hook, it will stay with you after you finish your writing session.
Check out our “Hook Writing” article Here
Music for Pop Songs
Pop songs are often derided for being too simplistic and catchy, but there’s an art to crafting a truly great pop song. A good pop song is one that gets stuck in your head for days, no matter how many times you hear it.
The best pop songs are the ones that are both catchy and meaningful, with lyrics that resonate with listeners. The music of a pop song is just as important as the lyrics, and the best pop songs are those with a catchy melody that you can’t help but sing along to.
Whether it’s a fun summer anthem or a heart-wrenching ballad, a great pop song will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.
Promoting your Song
As any musician knows, promoting a new song can be a daunting task. There are countless ways to get the word out, and it can be difficult to know where to start. However, there are a few tried-and-true methods that can help promote your pop song and get it the attention it deserves.
One way to promote your song is to post it on social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Make sure to use popular hashtags and tags, and include a link to your song in the description.
You can also submit your song to music blogs and websites for review. Be sure to do your research and find sites that are relevant to your genre.
Lastly, don’t forget to reach out to your friends and family members and let them know about your new song. A little word-of-mouth can go a long way in promoting your latest release.
Tips and Tricks for Success
First, your song should have a catchy melody that will stay in the listener’s head. The lyrics should be simple and easy to remember, with a message that resonates with the listener. It’s also important to choose an upbeat tempo that will keep the listener engaged.
And finally, make sure your production values are high quality and polished. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to writing a pop song that will be a hit with your audiences!
Conclusion
Writing a pop song can be both challenging and rewarding. By following the tips in this guide, you can write a catchy and meaningful pop song that will resonate with listeners. And with a little promotion, you can get your song the attention it deserves. So go ahead and give it a try – you might just be surprised at what you create!
