song starters

how do you start your songs? like, how do u find a good idea and build on it?

The few I've done started with one or two lines that just sort of pop into my head. Then I just try to build on them from there. :)

yeah same here, usually it happens at 3:00 in the morning and I have to hope it's actually good enough to tkar the time to get up and write it out...

Go for a walk I always get good ideas when I am out doing things, like walking some place. Don't try to hard just think. Thats what I do. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.

Good Luck.

random words help sometimes...i agree with the dont think too hard part...imaginations are always good imo...

I use a lot of different techniques to help start and compose songs (and sometimes I am randomly inspired and let the music "flow" without any formal structuring or conscious thinking).

Here are a few of my articles on a technique called "Pre-Composition." This is one way you can compose songs and my students (myself included) use this technique and find it very helpful.

The Art of Pre-Composition #1 - http://www.guitar9.com/columnist525.html

The Art of Pre-Composition #2 - http://www.cyberfret.com/composition/kyle-hicks/the-art-of-pre-composition/part-2/index.php

Hope this helps and if any of you have questions/comments/etc, feel free to send me an e-mail at [email]Kole@Kolemusician.com[/email]