First thing I do is not plan to write. I don't work well creatively under pressure. This is not to say that what I do create is that great, but it's mine.
Second thing I do is press the record button. I record every practice session.
Third thing I do is forget I'm recording.
Basically I begin my usual practice session with excersises, scales, modes ect.
Then I being playing songs I know. Usually my own material.
Somewhere along in my practice, I begin drifting from my stuff to a new chord arrangement, a riff, etc. Possibly just a change of beat.
(Back in July I bought a drum machine and it has inspired me, same chords, different beat does wonders)
I begin with the chords. I've always been in the habit of talking to myself during practices, so when I hit a progression I like, I verbally name the chords. (saves time later)
At this point, either a melody comes, followed by words, or nothing. If nothing more comes, I'm left with a chord progression I 'might' work on later. Sometimes I have as many as five progressions during a practice. Nothing else.
But, once in a while, when all the planets and moons are aligned, so to speak', the melody comes and right behind it comes the lyrics. That's the main reason for recording my practice sessions.
About 50% of the time I leave the words, melody, chords and beat alone. I add a lead later, or fiddle with one during this time. Depends on what flows.
The other 50% can be cut down further.
80% of that 50% is never touched again.
Some of what I do, lingers in my mind for a while and I'll make a chord adjustment, change some words, etc. But when I do this, it has to be within hours or a few days of the original practice session. Beyond that time I loose interest in it or it's lost in the shuffle and a newer progression or song as arrived.
I have a very difficult time stopping and restarting work on a song.
I find it impossible to take lyrics or a poem and add music to it.
I usually do a song a month, on the average. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
Since that old thread about this same subject was posted back in July or August, I've been experimenting with other peoples techniques and habits. I find it hard.
I always fall back to my old habits, the 'comfort zone' I guess.
I'm still trying other song writers ways though. I want to keep an open mind.
