Top Instruments for Songwriters
Unleash Your Creative Potential
7/6/20242 min read


4. Notebook: Old-School Creativity
Example: Lyric Brainstorming
Imagine sitting under a tree, pen in hand, jotting down poetic lines. Your notebook becomes a treasure trove of lyrics, metaphors, and emotions. Whether it’s heartbreak, love, or a quirky observation, let your thoughts flow freely. Remember, Bob Dylan filled countless pages with his iconic lyrics.
5. Timer Technique: Beat Procrastination
Example: Pomodoro Songwriting
Set a timer for 25 minutes (the Pomodoro technique). During this focused interval, work solely on your song. No distractions—just you and your creativity. When the timer rings, take a short break. Repeat. Before you know it, you’ll have a chorus, verse, or bridge ready.
6. MIDI Controller: Unlock Endless Possibilities
Suppose you’re not a virtuoso pianist, but you want lush piano chords in your song. Connect a MIDI controller to your computer, load a piano VST (virtual instrument), and play those chords using the controller. Add strings, synths, and drums—all with a few clicks. Voilà! A fully produced track.
Explore New Sounds with MIDI Controllers
Discover uncharted musical territories by diving into MIDI controllers. Even if you’re not a virtuoso on every instrument, MIDI lets you create magic with the touch of a button.
Join Our Newsletter for Exclusive Songwriting Tips
Don’t miss out on expert songwriting advice! Sign up for our newsletter and receive weekly insights, creative prompts, and behind-the-scenes stories. Let’s turn your musical dreams into reality.
Remember, these instruments are your allies in the songwriting journey. So grab your guitar, fire up that voice memo app, and let the melodies flow!
P.S. Want more songwriting tips? Subscribe to our newsletter now!
Sign up below and get your FREE Ebook " From Pen to DAW: Mastering Music Composition in the Digital Age"
DISCLOSURE: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
As a songwriter, having the right tools can significantly enhance your music-making process. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these essential instruments will empower your creativity and take your songs to new heights.
1. Your Musical Instrument of Choice
Example: Acoustic Guitar
The acoustic guitar is a timeless companion for songwriters. Its warm tones and versatility make it perfect for strumming chords, fingerpicking intricate melodies, or even percussive techniques. Imagine writing a heartfelt ballad with gentle fingerpicking or a foot-stomping folk anthem with robust strumming.
Example: Digital Piano or Midi Keyboard
A digital piano or keyboard opens up a world of possibilities. You can experiment with different piano sounds, layer strings or synths, and compose intricate melodies. Picture creating a haunting piano intro for a dramatic song or adding lush orchestral elements to your pop track.
2. Voice Memo App: Capture Inspiration Anytime
Example: Melody on the Go
You’re walking through a park, and suddenly, a melody pops into your head. Whip out your phone, open the voice memo app, and hum or sing that melody. Later, you can expand it into a full song. Ed Sheeran famously wrote “Shape of You” using voice memos!
3. Quality Microphone: Elevate Your Recordings
Example: Home Studio Setup
Invest in a decent condenser microphone like the Audio-Technica AT2020. Set up a cozy corner in your room, place the mic on a stand, and record your vocals. Capture the raw emotion of your lyrics—the crack in your voice during a vulnerable moment or the power in your belting chorus.