As a long time songwriter, I would say the very best songs come when you pick up an acoustic guitar and just thrash it out quickly. Thinking too hard is the ene

As a long time songwriter, I would say the very best songs come when you pick up an acoustic guitar and just thrash it out quickly. Thinking too hard is the enemy of songwriting. I write all kinds of music, from electronica to metal to ambient, and they all start on an acoustic guitar. Understanding harmonic theory (mainly chord progressions) and harmonic rhythm is important because it allows you to know what may work for your next chord. You don't want to interrupt the flow of energy when you have to stop and search for the chords in the key you're working in. Here's my method: Quickly write on guitar -> quickly record raw acoustic into computer -> write down chord progressions -> start replacing harmonic elements with other instruments -> change chord voicings to add interest -> add drums -> establish melody -> record vocals -> add elements that create variation/interest (one-shots that only occur once and break up any repetition) -> mix.