Steps to Writing a Metal Song

Soul-stirring metal music of any type begins with powerful lyrics that highlight an artist’s singing prowess in the studio and on a stage. However, if you lack the muse to put pen to paper, you only have to learn what it takes to compose the next big metal song of the century. So how does one write a metal song even if you’re just starting? With this comprehensive guide, you’ll develop what it takes to start and finish a good metal song.

For starters:

1. Begin by Finding a Melody or Riff

There may not be a particular way of writing a great song. However, when it comes to metal music, it’s best to start with a vocal melody or guitar riff.

To get the perfect melody, play some chords on your guitar and add your voice to it. Keep playing until the tune you produce begins to take a musical shape. Moreover, the developed melody can either be the chorus or stanza of your song.

To begin your song with a riff, play the guitar alone for a perfect metal riff. Ensure it’s enticing enough to command the attention of listeners at the hearing of the sound.

2. Figure Out Your Title

The title dictates the trajectory of your song. Begin by creating a phrase of one to seven words that sums up the song’s idea on your mind and then let it represent the title.

After that, ask yourself what the title is all about and what the listeners will love to know about it. Once you figure out the answers to these questions, use them in your verses.

3. Decide on Which Metal Subgenre You Want

Metal music is a broad genre with many subgenres, including but not limited to: thrash metal, power metal, death metal, folk metal, glam metal, progressive metal, and doom metal.

Do well to listen to each of these subgenres and identify the one you find original to you.

Subsequently, regularly listen to artists who sing the subgenres you like and attend their concerts to connect to them. The more you study their songs, the better your writing skill.

4. Create the Song’s Structure

Like any music genre out there, a metal music song’s structure consists of verse, chorus, and bridge. 

Chorus is the repeated line(s) in your song. It may vary from the verses of your song harmonically, melodically, and rhythmically. Your chorus can include new instrumentation. Conversely, verses differ with lyrics throughout the song. It should be unique, engaging, or tell a story.

Find a skilled rhythm guitarist who can produce the song’s structure according to the melody you composed earlier. Subsequently, build a chord progression for the song’s structure.

5. Include Bass and Drums

What’s metal music without bass and drums?

You have the song’s structure ready by now, so it’s time to include the necessary metal music instruments in your piece.

At this point, your guitarist, drummer, and bassist should keep playing along with the song melody until they determine the best beat and baseline that will do justice to the song.

Your bassist must endeavor to achieve a great rhythm by carefully following the chord structure, vocals, or any instrument you find complementary.

6. Include the Lead Guitar

Some metal bands have a lead guitarist. If you do, let your lead guitarist come in and add some melody to the song.

Mind you:

Beware of the lead guitar melodies overpowering the vocal melody.

7. Come Up With the Lyrics

Metal music isn’t one to lack issues to address or topics to discuss musically. From politics, injustice, poverty, depression, pain, loss to love, the list is endless. However, choose a theme that you find comfortable.

8. Rehearse the Song

Since you have your melodies, chorus, verse, bass, and drums, it’s time to put everything together to draw out an outcome. As you practice, listen attentively to the instruments and voices in the song to identify lapses. Record the music while you’re all playing. Listen to it with your band to see which area requires some finishing touches.

9. Relax

Sometimes relaxation is all it takes to find your muse and compose beautiful metal music. For instance, as a metal singer who also likes to hunt, you may find your lyrics or a theme for your song while utilizing the personal recommendation of a bow or Bowscanner’s take on a crossbow.

With these tips, you can confidently write trailblazing metal music to the thrill of all metalheads.