2026/09/01
This time, we will introduce a method that allows even complete beginners in instruments or those with no prior experience in composition to create high-quality songs.
However, it is assumed that you can play at least basic chords on the guitar or piano.
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Step 1: Decide the Atmosphere of the Song
First, decide roughly what kind of song you want to create.
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Bright or dark mood
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Fast tempo or slow tempo
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Rhythm pattern (4/4, 3/4, 6/8, etc.)
For 1 and 2, having a rough image in mind will make it easier to create your song.
It’s also helpful to have reference songs, but if you only have one reference, it might end up being too much of a copy. Try to have at least 2–3 songs, or just a vague sense of “this kind of feeling.”
For 3, beginners might not immediately understand, but there’s no need for technical knowledge. When you play according to the image you have in mind, the time signature will naturally fall into place. Later, as you learn more about music, you’ll notice, “Oh, this song is in 4/4” or “it’s in 3/4.”
Step 2: Decide the Chord Progression
Deciding the chord progression before creating the melody makes composing much smoother.
We recommend borrowing the chord progression from a song you like or want to use as a reference.
Popular examples include the Canon progression (C-G-Am-Em-F-C-F-G) or the Marunouchi Sadistic progression (FM7-E7-Am7-C7). You can also use the chord progression of the A section of a song you like or the chorus of a song you want to reference.
Why it’s difficult to create the melody first
Many beginners tend to hum a melody first and then try to add chords afterward. This method is actually very difficult and almost impossible for beginners because it requires advanced knowledge, such as:
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Key: You won’t know the key of the melody you hummed, so you won’t know which basic chords to use.
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Chord functions: You won’t know which chords naturally follow others, which can make your progression sound unnatural.
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Substitute chords: There isn’t only one chord progression for the same melody. Using substitute chords allows for multiple variations, changing the feel of the same melody. Without this knowledge, you’re limited to just the simplest progression.
For these reasons, beginners should decide the chord progression first and then place the melody on top.
The Canon progression: the world’s greatest chord progression
At the end of this article, we list 100 famous songs that use the Canon progression.
As you’ll see, this progression is frequently used in hit songs by famous artists worldwide.
While it doesn’t guarantee a great song, it ensures a solid structure for beginners. We highly recommend trying to place your melody over the Canon progression first.
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Step 3: Create the Melody
Once your chord progression is set, you can create the melody using the following methods:
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Hum while experimenting
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Record the chord accompaniment and play it repeatedly while creating the melody on your instrument
Melodies are hard to imagine just in your head, so make sure to produce sound—either by voice or instrument—while building your melody.
Creating a melody by humming
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Pros: No musical restrictions, allowing freedom; naturally creates melodies suited to your vocal range.
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Cons: If using a reference chord progression, your melody may end up resembling the original song.
Creating a melody with an instrument
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Pros: Less likely to be influenced by existing songs; easier to come up with new melodies.
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Cons: May not suit your vocal range, potentially making it impossible to sing even if the melody is good.
Summary
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Start by humming to create a melody and roughly check your vocal range.
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If it ends up too similar to a famous song, try creating it on an instrument.
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Use the vocal range checked in step 1 as a reference.
Step 4: Add Lyrics
Once you have a melody, create lyrics to match it.
While there are no strict rules, writing completely freely may make it feel like a diary. Here are some tips:
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Describe the scene
Movies often begin with establishing shots. Likewise, in lyrics, describing the scenery helps set the stage. For love songs, you could describe a park where you spent time with someone, or the route home from school where you held hands for the first time. -
Use metaphors
Don’t just describe things literally. For example, for the word “sunflower,” list associated words like “yellow,” “big,” “summer,” “sun,” “edible seeds.” Rearranging and connecting them could become “a yellow sun blooming in summer.”
For “snow,” words like “white,” “cold,” “winter,” “melts quickly,” or “falls like rain” could create a phrase like “white winter rain,” evoking snow in a more stylish way. -
Balance metaphors with direct expressions
Too many metaphors may make lyrics unclear. Use metaphors for scene-setting and direct expressions for emotional moments like the chorus. -
Pay attention to syllable count
Since the melody already exists, make sure the lyrics match the rhythm. For example, in a three-note “la-la-la” melody, “you” may be too short, while “yourself” fits better.
Even with great melody and lyrics, they must fit together well to become a memorable song.
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Step 5: Consider Song Structure and Development
Finally, consider the song structure and development.
If the chorus is already composed, you need verses (A/B sections) leading up to it for maximum impact.
Famous patterns in Japanese pop music include:
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Intro → A → B → Chorus → Short interlude → A → B → Chorus → Long interlude → Soft chorus → Big chorus → Outro
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Chorus → Intro → A → B → Chorus → A → B → Soft chorus → Big chorus → Outro
Structure can be freely changed.
Points to keep in mind:
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Chorus is the main focus: Make verses highlight the chorus. Pay special attention to pre-chorus transitions.
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Eliminate unnecessary sections: Avoid forcing solos or other parts that disrupt cohesion. Save extra ideas for another song.
50 Famous Songs Using the Canon Progression
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Pachelbel – Canon in D
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Celine Dion – My Heart Will Go On
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Adele – Someone Like You
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The Beatles – Let It Be
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The Beatles – Hey Jude
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Ed Sheeran – Perfect
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Ed Sheeran – Photograph
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Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You
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Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved
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Coldplay – Viva La Vida
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Avril Lavigne – Complicated
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Green Day – Boulevard of Broken Dreams
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Taylor Swift – You Belong with Me
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Taylor Swift – Love Story
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Jason Mraz – I’m Yours
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Bruno Mars – Just the Way You Are
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The Police – Every Breath You Take
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Elton John – Can You Feel the Love Tonight
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Michael Jackson – You Are Not Alone
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John Lennon – Imagine
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Beyoncé – Halo
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Rihanna – Umbrella
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Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You
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Justin Bieber – Love Yourself
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Usher – You Got It Bad
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Ne-Yo – So Sick
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The Weeknd – Blinding Lights
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Billie Eilish – Lovely
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Hans Zimmer – Time
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Joe Hisaishi – Summer
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Joe Hisaishi – One Summer’s Day
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Yiruma – River Flows in You
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Chopin – Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2
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Axis of Awesome – 4 Chords
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The Chainsmokers – Closer
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Owl City – Fireflies
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Foster The People – Pumped Up Kicks
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Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way
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Bon Jovi – Livin’ on a Prayer
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Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
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Lady Gaga – Poker Face
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Katy Perry – Hot N Cold
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Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit
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Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under the Bridge
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Metallica – Nothing Else Matters
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Queen – We Are the Champions
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U2 – With or Without You
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Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine
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Linkin Park – In the End
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Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe
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