What is the Easiest Type of Song to Write?
The quest to determine the easiest type of song to write often leads to a subjective analysis, with many factors influencing a songwriter's choice. However, common elements such as simplicity, familiar structures, and personal resonance can guide us. In this article, we explore why certain genres and songwriting techniques might be more accessible, and sometimes, why sticking to what you know can make the process less daunting.
Simplified Structures and Familiar Formats
When considering ease of writing, the structure and format of a song can significantly impact the process. Simple pop songs, folk music, children's songs, blues, and acoustic ballads are often cited as the easiest types of songs to write due to their straightforward nature. For instance, songs structured around a verse-chorus-verse pattern, such as many pop songs, are consistent and easy to follow. Similarly, the 12-bar blues form, which is a basic and repetitive structure, provides a framework that is both easy to learn and easy to adhere to. These familiar formats allow songwriters to focus more on their lyrics and melody rather than the structure itself.
Sources of Inspiration
One key factor in writing an easy song is drawing inspiration from personal experiences and familiar themes. Children's songs, for example, often revolve around simple and relatable topics like animals, nature, or everyday activities. Folk songs and simple pop songs also draw from common themes and personal stories, making it easy to craft meaningful lyrics. This closeness to the songwriter's personal life and experiences can help in producing a more authentic and relatable song.
Understanding the Genre
While the structure of a song can simplify the writing process, understanding the genre is another crucial factor. The blues, for instance, is a highly structured genre that is relatively easy to write, given its predictable 12-bar form. However, it's important to note that familiarity with the genre is essential here. If a songwriter is not familiar with the blues, they would face the same challenges as someone trying to write Indian classical music without knowledge of its harmonic and melodic rules.
On the other hand, the blues can be considered the easiest genre to write because its repetitive and familiar structure allows for improvisation. While the 12-bar form is straightforward, the nuanced interpretations and solos are what make each song unique. Similarly, 3-chord songs with stream-of-consciousness lyrics can be relatively simple to write, especially if the writer is looking directly at or thinking about something specific in the moment.
Personal Resonance and Creativity
The easiest song to write is often one that deeply resonates with the songwriter. When a composer taps into their personal experiences, emotions, and environments, the songwriting process can become both effortless and powerful. The beauty of this is that it aligns with the natural flow of creative expression. For example, acoustic ballads, which often focus on personal emotions and stories, are easier to write when the songwriter is emotionally invested in the material.
Challenges and Creativity
While simplicity and familiarity can make songwriting easier, it's also important to recognize the challenges that come with different genres. Writing in a genre that one is not familiar with, such as European classical music, can be a daunting task. The harmonic and melodic rules of these genres require a deep understanding and practice to achieve satisfactory results. This is why sticking to a genre one is well-versed in can lead to better outcomes.
It's also worth noting that even within the most straightforward genres, there is always room for complexity and creativity. Just because a song is simple and repetitive doesn't mean it has to be unappealing. Many artists have mastered the genre of the blues and have produced timeless classics that continue to be enjoyed and admired by audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ease of writing a song depends on the song's structure, the songwriter's personal experiences, and their familiarity with a particular genre. While the blues and 3-chord songs with stream-of-consciousness lyrics can be relatively simple to write, the true challenge lies in elevating the simplicity to create a song that resonates with listeners. Ultimately, the easiest song to write is one that the songwriter feels comfortable and confident in expressing, allowing their creativity to flow naturally.