Writing songs that don’t have any words can be a powerful way to explore and express emotions, ideas, and experiences. However, it can be challenging to stay mindful and intentional when working on a wordless composition. In this blog, we’ll explore seven tips for staying mindful while writing instrumental songs that don’t need any words.
Focus on the Goal
Before you start writing, take a moment to reflect on your intention for the song. What emotions or experiences are you trying to convey? What is the overall mood you want to create? Having a clear idea of your goal for the song can help you stay focused and mindful throughout the writing process.
Tell a Story Through the Melody
Just because your song doesn’t have lyrics doesn’t mean it can’t tell a story. Use your melody to convey emotions, create tension and release, and build a narrative arc. Think about how the melody can communicate different emotions, such as joy, sadness, excitement, or fear, and use musical elements such as dynamics and rhythm to create contrast and interest.
Build the Atmosphere
The atmosphere of instrumental songs is just as important as the melody itself. Think about how you can create a soundscape that reflects your current emotional state. This could involve using different instruments or sounds, such as strings, synthesizers, or nature sounds, to create a specific atmosphere.
Put Intention into Every Choice
When working on a wordless song, it can be easy to get lost in the music and forget about your intentions. Stay mindful by putting intention into every choice you make, from the notes you choose to the instrumentation you use. Each choice should be intentional and serve your overall goal for the song.
Express Emotions Through Elements
Melodic elements such as dynamics, rhythm, and harmony can be used to manipulate emotions and create a specific atmosphere. Experiment with different combinations of these elements to see how they affect the overall mood of the song. For example, switching between major and minor chords can create a sense of tension and release, while varying the dynamics can create a sense of drama and intensity.
Writing instrumental songs that don’t have any words can be a powerful way to explore and express emotions, ideas, and experiences. By staying mindful throughout the writing process, you can create music that is intentional, evocative, and impactful. So why not try incorporating some of these tips into your next wordless songwriting session? You never know what kind of beautiful music you might create.
