Commonplace books are journals used to store and collect ideas, quotes, notes, and any other type of written inspiration. For songwriters, keeping a commonplace book can be an invaluable tool to capture ideas and inspiration in one central place. In this blog, we’ll explore why songwriters should consider keeping a commonplace book, how to use it, and some tips for making the most of this powerful tool.
One of the main benefits of keeping commonplace books is that they allow you to capture all of your ideas in one place. As a songwriter, you know that inspiration can strike at any time, and it’s important to be able to capture those ideas before they slip away. By keeping a commonplace book, you can jot down your ideas, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
Another benefit of using a commonplace book is that it allows you to easily organize and categorize your ideas. You can use different sections or tabs to separate your lyrics, song ideas, chord progressions, or anything else that inspires you. This makes it easy to find and reference your ideas later on when you’re working on a new song.
Using a commonplace book can also help you develop your songwriting skills. By writing down your thoughts and ideas, you can start to identify patterns in your writing, such as the types of lyrics or chord progressions that you tend to use. This can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses as a songwriter, and give you a better understanding of your own style.
To make the most of your commonplace book, it’s important to keep it with you at all times. You never know when inspiration will strike, so having your book close by will allow you to capture those ideas as soon as they come to you. You can also use your commonplace book to practice your songwriting skills by trying out new chord progressions or experimenting with different song structures.
When it comes to using your commonplace book for songwriting, there are a few tips that can help you get the most out of this tool. First, be sure to date each entry so that you can track your progress over time. This will help you see how far you’ve come as a songwriter, and give you a sense of accomplishment.
Another tip is to use your commonplace book to capture not just lyrics or song ideas, but also any other type of inspiration that comes your way. This could be quotes from books, movies, or conversations, or even sketches or drawings that inspire you. The more you fill your commonplace book with inspiration, the more you’ll have to draw on when you’re ready to start writing a new song.
In conclusion, commonplace books are an essential tool for any songwriter. It allows you to capture your ideas and inspiration in one central place, organize your thoughts, and develop your songwriting skills. By following the tips outlined in this blog, you can make the most of your commonplace book and take your songwriting to the next level.
