Songwriting Checklist

Lucien LaMotte

Lyrics

How many lines are in the verse/prechorus/chorus/bridge, odd or even (3, 4, 5, 6)?

How many stressed syllables in each line (verbs/nouns)?

Is there a variety of stressed syllables between the lines? Longer or shorter line lengths create
spotlights.

What is the rhyme scheme for the lines? What type of rhymes are used (perfect/family etc.)?

What is the title and do all the elements of each section work to illustrate the meaning of the
title?

Where do the lyrics begin and end as phrases (on the downbeat of the measure, after the
downbeat, or leading into the downbeat)?

Are the lyrics using sense language (sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell, kinesthetic)?

Chords/Harmony

How many chords are there in the progression to each section?

Is it the same chords but different order for different sections of the song?

Do the chords all last for the same duration, or is there a variety of how many beats each chord
lasts for?

Does a given chord color sound and give the right mood or emotion to a particular word or
phrase?

Is the chord articulated rhythm (strum pattern, surface rhythm) creating a movement that
works with the song’s meaning?

Does the progression of chords create a lift into each section, does the cadence of the
progression create finality or uncertainty?
Melody

What is the shape of the melody (rising, falling, arch, inverted arch)?

Do the chosen melody notes on the stressed words create an effective mood or emotion for the
lyric?

Are the notes stable (consonant) or unstable (dissonant) against the chords?

Does each section have a different shape to the melody, or same?

Does the melody in the chorus start on a higher/lower pitch than in the verse?

Does the melody move parallel, similar, contrary or oblique to the bass line?

Does the melody have repetition/contrast?

Is there a motive (short melodic idea, a germ) that is identifiable?

Are there hooks in the melody that capture the listener’s ear?

Form

What is the form of the song (verse/refrain, verse/chorus, verse/prechorus/chorus,

verse/prechorus/chorus/bridge)?

Is the form moving in a way that develops the material?