Mastering the Art of Songwriting: How to Finish a Song like a Pro
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Mastering the Art of Songwriting: How to Finish a Song like a Pro

As a songwriter, there’s nothing more frustrating than having an endless list of song ideas but not being able to finish any of them. It’s a common struggle among writers, but the good news is that there are plenty of ways to get unstuck and finally finish that elusive song.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why people struggle to finish songs, as well as provide 10 tips on how to finish a song like a pro.

We’ll also discuss how music production can help you complete a song, explore songwriting techniques to help you write your song, and talk about when to outsource and when to keep writing your song.

Key Takeaways

  • Identify the reasons for getting stuck: Understand the common reasons for struggling to finish songs, such as writer’s block, lack of motivation, or fear of failure. Recognize these challenges and find ways to overcome them.
  • Seek collaboration: Consider working with a co-writer or collaborator who can provide fresh perspectives and accountability to help you complete the song.
  • Set specific goals and deadlines: Establish clear objectives and timelines for each phase of the songwriting process to stay focused and motivated.
  • Embrace imperfection: Instead of striving for perfection, view each song as a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Don’t be afraid to experiment, take risks, and learn from mistakes.
  • Use songwriting techniques and prompts: Explore different song structures, melodies, chord progressions, and prompts to spark creativity and keep the songwriting process engaging and fresh.

Why do Songwriters Struggle to Finish a song?

Getting Stuck in the Process

One of the main reasons why songwriters struggle to finish songs is that they get stuck. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as writer’s block, not being able to come up with the right chord progression, or not being able to write lyrics that fit the melody.

When this happens, take a step back and approach the song from a different angle. Try changing the key of the song, switching up the rhythm, or even writing a different part of the song altogether. Getting unstuck can be as simple as trying something new.

Lack of Motivation and Inspiration

It’s easy to get discouraged when you’ve been working on a song for days, weeks, or even months, without making any real progress. When this happens, it’s crucial to remind yourself why you’re writing the song in the first place.

Fear of Failure

Finally, fear of failure is a common reason why songwriters struggle to finish writing songs. This fear can manifest in a number of ways, such as not wanting to share the song with others, being overly critical of your own work, or giving up on the song altogether before it’s finished.

It’s important to remember that every songwriter experiences failure at some point in their career, and that failure is simply a part of the creative process. Embrace your mistakes and use them as learning experiences to grow.

How to finish a song

10 Tips on How To Finish A Song

1. Find a Co-writer or Collaborator

One way to help you finish your song is to find a co-writer or collaborator. Working with another writer can help you approach the song from a different perspective, and can also provide motivation and accountability to finish the song.

2. Set Specific Goals and Deadlines

Make a plan for what you want to accomplish each day or week, and hold yourself accountable to those goals. Having a deadline can also provide a sense of urgency to finish the song.

3. Take a Break and Come Back to It Later

Sometimes, the best way to finish your song is to take a break and come back to it later. This can give you time to gain perspective and approach the song with fresh ears. It can also provide clarity on what’s working and what’s not, and can help you identify any areas of the song that need improvement.

How to finish a song 4

4. Start with a clear idea

Before you begin writing your song, have a clear idea of what you want to convey. This will help you stay focused and on track.

5. Embrace imperfection

Embrace imperfection and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow as a songwriter.  Remember that every song you write is a step forward in your creative journey, whether it’s a masterpiece or a work in progress. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on the process of songwriting and enjoying the creative journey.


Allow yourself to experiment and take risks with your writing. Don’t be afraid to try new styles, chord progressions, or lyrical ideas. Sometimes the most unexpected and imperfect moments can lead to the most memorable and beautiful songs.

In the end, what matters most is the emotional connection you make with your audience. Imperfect songs that speak to the heart are often the ones that resonate the most deeply with listeners. So, embrace your imperfections and let your creativity flow. 

6. Experiment with different structures

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different song structures, such as adding a bridge or changing up the chorus.

It can be tempting to stick to the tried-and-true verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus structure. However, don’t be afraid to try something different!

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  1. Add a pre-chorus: A pre-chorus is a section that comes between the verse and chorus and builds up to the chorus. This can help create tension and anticipation, making the chorus feel even more powerful when it finally arrives.
  2. Experiment with the length of your sections: Instead of sticking to a strict verse-chorus structure, try playing around with the length of your sections. Maybe your chorus is longer than usual, or maybe your verses are shorter. This can help keep the listener engaged and prevent your song from feeling too repetitive.
  3. Use a different chord progression for your bridge: If you’re finding that your chorus and verse have similar chord progressions, try switching things up in the bridge. This can help create a sense of contrast and keep the listener interested.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to writing songs. Play around with different structures and see what works best for you and your song. 

7. Use prompts

Using prompts, such as a specific theme or word, can help spark creativity and give you a starting point for your song.

You never know what might make your song stand out and resonate with listeners. Try playing with the timing, chord progressions, and melodies to see where it takes you.

Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Who knows, you might just create a masterpiece that earns you recognition and success in your music career.

8. Practice, practice, practice

Like any skill, writing songs takes practice. Make a habit of writing every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

9. Celebrate your successes

Whether you have a complete song or just a portion of one, take the time to celebrate your successes and acknowledge the hard work you’ve put in.

10. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback

Getting feedback from other songwriters, producers or musicians can be valuable in improving your song and getting it to a finished state. Don’t be afraid to share your work and ask for constructive criticism.

How Music Production Can Help You Finish Your Song

Discovering Your Unique Sound

Music production can be a powerful tool in helping you finish your song. One way that music production can help is by helping you discover your unique sound. Experiment with different instruments, sounds, and effects to find the sounds that resonate with you and help bring your song to life.

Creating Interesting Arrangements

Another way that music production can help you finish your song is by helping you create interesting arrangements. Adding layers and textures to your song can make it more dynamic and engaging for the listener. Play around with different arrangements to find the one that best fits the mood and message of your song.

Getting Feedback from Other Music Producers

Finally, music production can help you finish your song by getting feedback from other music producers. Join a community of producers and share your work for feedback and critiques. This can provide valuable insights into what’s working and what isn’t, and can help you fine-tune your song for maximum impact.

How to finish a song 3

Songwriting Techniques to Help Finish Your Song

Focusing on the Melody

One technique to help you complete your song is to focus on the melody. Spend time crafting a strong, memorable melody that will stick in the listener’s head. Use repetition to reinforce the melody, and experiment with different harmonies to create a rich, textured sound.

Playing with Song Structure

Another technique to help you complete your song is to play with song structure. Try changing up the verse-chorus-bridge structure, or experiment with adding or removing sections to create interest and variety. Don’t be afraid to break the rules and try something new.

Using Prompts and Exercises to Spark Your Creativity

Finally, using prompts and exercises can be a helpful tool in sparking your creativity and helping you complete your song. Try writing a song in one sitting, or use a specific chord progression as a starting point. These exercises can help you break out of your comfort zone and try something new.

When to Outsource and When to Keep Writing Your Song

Sometimes, outsourcing certain aspects of your songwriting process can be beneficial. For example, hiring a session musician to record a difficult guitar part, or working with a professional mixing engineer to polish the final mix. Outsourcing can help you achieve a higher level of quality and professionalism in your music.

Knowing When to Seek Help

However, it’s important to know when to seek help and when to keep writing your song. If you find yourself constantly outsourcing tasks and never actually finishing the song yourself, it may be time to reevaluate your process and approach to songwriting.

Keeping the Integrity of Your Songwriting Process

Finally, it’s important to keep the integrity of your songwriting process intact. Your songwriting process is what makes your music unique and special.

Don’t compromise your process for the sake of convenience or speed. Instead, embrace the journey and take pride in every step of the process, from writing to production to the final mix.

Conclusion: How to Finish a Song like a Pro

Finishing a song can be a challenging process, but with the right mindset and tools, it’s definitely achievable. 

Whether you’re a seasoned composer or writer or just starting out, remember that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the creative process.

How can I learn how to finish songs?

There are several ways to learn how to finish songs, such as setting a goal to finish one song per week, joining a songwriting group or workshop, or working with a mentor or coach.

How can I finish tracks faster in electronic music?

If you want to finish tracks faster in electronic music, try setting up production sessions where you focus on one aspect of the song at a time (such as arranging or sound design), collaborating with other producers, or using a template to streamline your workflow.

What should I do if I need help finishing a song?

If you need help finishing a song, consider reaching out to a trusted friend or collaborator for feedback, hiring a professional songwriter or producer to co-write with you, or taking a break and working on something else before coming back to the song with fresh ears.

What is a good rule of thumb for finishing songs?

A good rule of thumb for finishing songs is to focus on one section of the song at a time (such as lyrics or instrumentation), and to avoid getting bogged down in perfectionism or overthinking.

How can I overcome creative block when trying to finish a song?

To overcome creative block when trying to finish a song, try taking a break and doing something completely unrelated to music, exploring new genres or production techniques, or collaborating with other songwriters or producers.

What should be my goal when writing music?

Your goal when writing music should be to finish one song, then another, and so on. The more you practice finishing songs, the easier it will become to get to the end of a song.

How can I release a song that I’m proud of?

To release a song that you’re proud of, focus on the quality of the song and the emotional impact it has on listeners, work with trusted collaborators or professionals, and promote the song effectively through social media and other channels.

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