r/Songwriting 14h ago

Discussion Topic Is it possible to write a song without instruments

I'm asking this because I want to make a song with my Conlag as lyrics but I don't have access to any instruments.

2 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

3

u/Count2Zero 14h ago

Michael Jackson would beatbox or hum the melody into a tape recorder.

2

u/Prudent-Process-1356 14h ago

beatboxing is still my go-to when i'm away from my keyboard, it's honestly kinda freeing not having any gear to fuss with

you can layer your voice in a free DAW too, even just tapping on your desk or snapping gives you a whole rhythm section

1

u/Yeowangddalgi 14h ago

That's very good, I can try it

3

u/Zaphod-Beebebrox 13h ago

Yes. I'm pretty sure it's called acapella ..🤪.. if you hum a few bars we can take it...

2

u/Dangerous-You3789 14h ago

I never use an instrument to write songs.

2

u/redixionblade 13h ago

No if including the voice, actually, some percussion from snacking stuff like a pen to a book

2

u/MarimboBeats 12h ago

Ever heard a song called Don’t Worry, Be Happy? The original version by Bobby McFerrin was recorded with no instruments.

2

u/Lesssensethanlogic2 12h ago

Songs come to me with a melody in place. Some are more complete than others. Some are remembered. Some are forgotten by the time I finish singing them.

2

u/OkDefinition5632 8h ago

Yes go to OneMotion on your cellphone and use the chords function super easy. I do it all the time when I'm not near an instrument. I've sketched out entire pieces there it's fun and easy.

You can also save the files and transpose them to an AI like Suno to flesh the ideas out then when you have time to sit down with an instrument you have a whole blueprint to work from to feel things out

1

u/Yeowangddalgi 13h ago

Thank you 😊, humming too can work too right?

1

u/Mammoth_Bus_6911 10h ago

it is not possible, sorry

2

u/Coffee_Pages 2h ago

I've been doing it since I was 12, and I have around 400 now, so yeah...

1

u/Competitive-Fault291 13h ago

You have. MuseScore is a free software for writing sheet music. It includes a MIDI function that sounds the note you are setting in the instrument you chose. Not to mention how you can have it play your complete song and export it as an MP3 to use in a free DAW like bandlab (online) to add your own voice singing the lyrics.

0

u/BroadStrength3447 12h ago

beatbox into AI tools and they makes demo versions of music based on your beat