Are you stuck on the ole ‘pen & paper’ system?
Sooooo many songwriters out there are stuck with the ole ‘pen and paper’ system. You know the one, where you grab a pen and your songwriting pad and start writing down your thoughts.
Now before you attack me - I’ve NOTHING against pen and paper. God knows I use it extensively in my own musical life. But, there is a certain tool that you should be incorporating in your songwriting arsenal. That is, a DICTAPHONE!
For those of you who already have recording devices, this is probably not a biggie. But for the rest of you… I think you’re crazy not to have one 
Any portable recoding device will make creating melodies and putting down your thoughts an absolute joy. You can grab a digital Dictaphone for as cheap as $40 from amazon. And the beauty of these babies is that for some of them, you can plug it directly into your computer via USB and just grab the file and place it on to your desktop.
Very cool.
If you want to go old school, then you can always get a portable tape recorder:
In fact, I use one even today and I ain’t shamed to say it You can grab one of these for around $20.
Are you getting your idea’s down? No? You should be!
Shamir
PS. If you already DO use some kind of recording device, do us a fave a let me know (post below).
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I use my phone!
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Shamir. I like your new blog. A dictaphone is a great idea. I will definately be on to that.
Thanks!
Kelly
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Interesting Shamir, I have a medium tape recorder, but would try to get a more portable one like the “olympus”.
Thanks.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Hahaha…I definitely go old school. I use the $20 tape recorder too. I used to use it for recording my history class but now since Im out of college and trying to pursue my dream, Ive been using it for figuring out harmonies with my songs. Funny I never thought to use it as my pen and paper. Ill have to try that.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I prefer to use my cell phone - nowadays most new models come with the sound recording option. Since I carry my cell everywhere I go, it comes handy whenever a good tune comes up in my head, whether I’m in a train, bus or in class..:) - and I can transfer the files onto my PC later.
Cheers!
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I use my phone or my PC as well as the ol’ pen and paper (if I’m out) . my mini recorder got stolen, but thankfully my ideas were already on my PC and the recorder was empty.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Hey!!!! I have been using an old portable mini cassette recorder for years. It is great. It is especially handy when I am noodling around on my guitar or piano, then all of a sudden I stumble across a really nice chord progression or melody, I grab that tape recorder and lay it down quick so I do not forget it….
ALSO, another tip I have found handy. Writing those pesky Lyrics!!! For the songs that I have written the music first, when I play my CDs in the car with my backing tracks, I hit record on my little tape player and start singing whatever comes to mind in the verses and the chorus. Usually at least a little seed will pop out which I can build upon to get a nice lyric built.
Very Handy!!!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
hello !
yes i have a dictaphone, i bought it some months ago, it’s really great!!!
thanks shamir for your time!
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Thanks Barbara. Nate, lol @ pesky lyrics. Sometimes, writing lyrics can be a drag, but this is why recording your words is easier. (at least I find it MUCH easier). Again, I’m not dissing the pen and paper…
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
What about this if your stuck… phone yourself up and sing it onto your answerphone
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Thanks for having the most awesome songwriting tips. I recently formed a new band with 4 of my closest friends and we really have to work hard during jam sessions for many hours to even get one or two songs that sound good. We like to use the pen and paper method for the rough draft versions, then when we get something that we like, we’ll use a dictaphone to record the final version of the lyrics, and then go from there. Thanks again for the insight.
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:55 pm
i record stuff on my phone
April 23rd, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Hey Shamir,
I am def. going to get a dictaphone…at this moment in time I am utilizing my phone (treo 755) but unfortunately im not computer savvy enough to tranfer the files to my pc via my phone…but I think a dictaphone would be easier and more private because to many people listen to my voice memos on my phone…the last thing I want to hear is Ashanti singing one of my songs on the radio without my consent lol…sooo DICTAPHONE HERE I COME!
Signed
excited about my new device
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I go for both methods mixed together , part thinking on it and writing and part recording it and improvising.
that’s very good i suggest i to every songwriter.
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Shamir, its really a great idea to have these devices, coz they can help one to remember what one might have thought of. Keep it to the zenite for i am getting it out already the secret
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
First of all,i would like to say thank you very much for your help in songwritting. And i use my laptop which has mp3 recording software, plus i use a microphone….Its sufficient.God bless!
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Hi Shamir
Are you bringing out any new Clickbank products this year?
April 23rd, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I have the dictaphone… the thing I need to drill into my head is to take it anywhere I go, since good ideas often come when I have no notebook/recorder around.
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Yes brilliant. I do that with my mp3-player (I actually CHOSE my mp3-player because it had this function). It allows me to quickly record stuff, write songs when there’s no instrument near me, but eh, yeah. It’s a great way to record jams and stuff like that. I do it a lot. I also ditch very very much, but I’ve had some songs written from my recorder
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I use my mobile/cell to record AND write down lyrics whenever I could. But typing with phone pads could be tiring…I still prefer pen and paper for writing down lyrics though. You get to draw some crazy stuff too if you’re feeling stuck~!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
These are all great IDEAS!
April 23rd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
My phone is the best tool I have for getting stuff out of my head and recorded for future “tweeking”.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I also use my cell phone.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Using the phone to record your idea’s is becoming a popular method nowadays. You can hold so much on a phone now… my nokia phone has around 4gigs in there. Of course, there are phones that can hold much more than that too.
Eric, I have one product on the horizon but it may not be listed in clickbank. Thanks for asking. Do you have my Professional Songwriting Secrets product?
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
I use my girlfriends phone cos i havent got one but the only problem is she either deletes them or looses her phone. I think i might get a dictaphone
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
I’ve been using a combination of notepad on my computer, pen, paper and a dictaphone. I like to keep the dictaphone with me wherever I go. You never know when the muse is going to hit you with some great lyrics or melody. I also like to use it to record chord progressions if I’m just messing around on the keys. It’s great cuz I can download my data to my laptop and go back to it later.
Thanks for your blog.
~toreko
p.s. I also use my phone from time to time if I forget my dictaphone.
April 23rd, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Hello,I fully agree.I went through carrying a pen and pocket note pad for years,allways thinking that when I read it I could remember the melody…..NOT!!So I began the micro-cassette
recorder thing that worked better but as cheaply as I could get out of it ,The micro had no USB,so the duplicate would then be
tracked down on my 32 trk.and work the song from the melody out.I need some COLLABORATION!!!(or maybe a bit more expensive stereo hand held 4 trk!!.)As I write I have the melody
and tempo and usually the key it’s in..Thats where I run into problems,I have to then get the musical end of it in that key or
the original “feel”I originally came up with is lost.Anyway good point on this particular problem….JM
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Hi Shamir!
I also use my mp3 to record myself when I’m playing chords on my guitar and sing melodies that come to my mind.
Then I plug it into my computer and copy the files on my desktop.
I had a great software which enabled me to work my recorded files, cut and delete some parts, add rhythm, harmonies, effects…
When my old computer collapsed, I lost it, and I can’t remember its name.
Whatever, I think “pen and paper” are also necessary because, after some time, you may forget the way you played some chords, so you have to write down a tablature.
I really think both devices are complementary.
Nice to share my passion with you and thanks for your tips!
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I use my mp3 player, which is also a recorder. I also use my laptop because I spend most of my time in the day with it. The software I’m using is Absolute Sound Recorder, which is good.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
I have a Creative Zen Vision:M and it has a recording feature that I’ve been using for a while to record all my songs and song fragments. the hard part is just putting it in a place where I don’t drown out my voice with my guitar when I’m walking and playing/writing at the same time. only thing that seems to work is either a hood or a shirt pocket.
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
It’s way better than trying to transcribe melodies though.
what sucks is a lot of times I get ideas in the shower and forget them by the time Iget out.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I don’t use any recording device, but I do have an old school casette recorder that I would use if I ever deemed it necessary. Usually I will write down musical ideas as well as lyrics in one notebook. Maybe that makes me old fashioned, I don’t know, lol.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I’m going to use an Olympus VN2100-PC (or something in that direction). I’m going to get it for my birthday (I’m only 13 =). I can’t wait to get it!!!!!
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I thought of that a long long time ago and yes, it works very well.
April 23rd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Years ago I used a dictaphone. But every time I stood up it fell off m lap and broke. Mobile phones are much more sturdy. In theory I could record myself on my mobile phone. I think a video camera which you could stand on a table top to video yourself would be great. Or a dictaphone which was tough enough to survive being dropped. Any suggestions?
Angella
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I use my camera.
It has an audio recording option on it…for any that is interested, it is a Casio like Z600. Haha i could be totally off on what type it is..but the brand is casio. With a 1 GB memory card, I can record up to like 27 hours on it, I think.
It’s great.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Hi,
I use a hand -held mini cassette recorder. When that is not handy and I’ve discovered a melody in my head, I’ll call my home and sing the idea into my answering machine. Great minds think alike!
Tim
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
I use my MP3 Player….it has a record function. At the end of the day I dump it to my computer.
April 23rd, 2008 at 9:51 pm
I ues one beause i can put down the melody that is in my head, to go with the words, you cant put on paper. Or can you? No ! I have a small digital recored and it came with a text progam that puts you voice in to text and vice
versa.
It’s great.
Michael in Canada
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:20 pm
If I get into a little bit of trouble of trying to file it all in my head
I will use a mini tape recorder device I like to carry with me 99.9% of the time. idea’s words and melodies are sometimes very valuable and don’t come easy and forgetting them or not being able to remember them is not an option, so as I stated prior, using a recording devise helps capture the moment and lock it in permenintly, for safe keeping if need be or for future reference. I personally feel that you’re doing an excellent job
Shamir. you’re take and advise on songwriting is very valuable, not to mention timeless. it should be written in stone but a good audio would suffice after all this is the new millinium.
Thank you
Ben C
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
News technologics always are importants to musicians and songwriters. I am learning about softwares computer.
Thanks for help me.
Washington
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Shamir, I purchased an Olympus WS-300M Digital Voice Recorder a little over a year ago for a training class and it is the best money I ever spent. I have recorded hundreds of song Ideas since then and I still keep going. I can’t imagine how many of them would have been lost before I got to a pen and paper.
Great suggestion
Take care.
Glenn
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:49 pm
This is for Mattie and anyone else who needs a good recording program ,
Hi Mattie was it called AUDACITY thats what i use and its Free just go to audacity.com and make sure you also DL the lame file so you can change your wav file into an MP3 i also connected my mixing board to all of my instruments then threw my PC and the quality is awesome as well as very inexpensive . another site that maybe of help to everyone is craigslist.com so far i bought a key board and electric drum set and sold and bought a few guitars there at really good prices.
Dominick
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:02 pm
A suggestion for Shamir,
how about a Blog for anyone who would like to collaborate songs, Maybe we can all try one song together and have some fun. we would also have to agree its everyone who contributes and no arguing or fighting over copy writes ETC….
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:34 pm
I used to use a portable Olympus digital recorder for quite a few years. I switched to using my ipod since I carry it with me the majority of the time. There is a small attachment that turns an ipod into a recording device. The sound quality is pretty good. It’s really been a life saver for me and has helped me capture many a song idea that would have definitely been lost had I tried to wait ’til later. The files are saved on your computer when you connect to Itunes.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:37 pm
thanks. shamir…i am new in this field, but looks like i do have to have this gismo….there are already a lot of melodies that i have probably missed documenting just because i was out there downtown walking and not a paper and pen ready.
April 23rd, 2008 at 11:58 pm
yea ive had a digital recorder for a few years now cuz it sucks being out thinking up a good song u can write it down but you ca never remember the melody
April 24th, 2008 at 1:51 am
I just use the recorder on my phone! Works Perfectly!!!!!
April 24th, 2008 at 2:33 am
I can’t tell you how many times I used to lose song ideas, lyrics, and melodies because I had no way to track them down! I’ve been writing for many years now and have picked up some tricks along the way. Shamir, you are right on with using a dictaphone! Having something handy for those moments you are “struck” with an idea is so important. For us songwriters it could be anytime. Using a handy dictaphone, voice recorder, or even stationary tape recorder is so useful. I’ve even gone as far as recording on my voicemail or using voice recorder option on my cell phone. Even laying down audio on my computer and creating a voice file/WAV. file works. You can find any method that works for you!
April 24th, 2008 at 3:04 am
This idea is not new, it’s been around for at least 25 years, maybe longer, I don’t know. You youngins’ got some catchin’ up to do. lol But on a more serious NOTE, carry it around wherever you go, cause when an idea strikes you either in a lyric or melody, you can record it so you don’t forget it. Thanks for getting the tip out there!
April 24th, 2008 at 3:08 am
Canadian eh?
April 24th, 2008 at 3:09 am
Yep - I’ve got a cassette recorder I got from Radio Shack. The only problem, is I need 2, one for the lyrics and one for the melody. The good part is that it will play in any cassette deck, with no need for a computer. However, I can download the data to a computer with a USB port if needed.
April 24th, 2008 at 5:42 am
Hi Shamir! Before I got a 8 track digital recorder, I used to record my ideas on my mom’s sanyo cassete tape recorder. How low tech can I get!
April 24th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Hi Amir
Can you email me please and let me know whether you are putting out any more songwriting products this year. Cheers?
April 24th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Hey Eric, I answered your questions above
I have a little something in the making.
April 24th, 2008 at 7:15 am
This is a wonderful device Shamir,thanks i believe it will be of great help
April 24th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Well that’s an idea my daughter has a small one i got her cause she has MD and i got it for recording lectures in university but she is done now and ican get it from her. Thanks for the idea
April 24th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Hey Shamir, if I’m not near my computer I carry a pocket size Digital Recorder it is one of the best things I have ever bought. I love it for when I’m driving and stuck in traffic.
Cheers Glennys
April 24th, 2008 at 9:18 am
hey, i got a dictaphone about a year ago, and i dont know how i managed before, its so easy to just put down your thoughts and you can easily put them on to your computer…
keep up the awsome work….really helps :D…
Cheerrss
Emily x
April 24th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I use an H2 from Zoom. I love the darn thing for alot of reasons. It uses a flash momory card which you can change out for a larger one and you can just plug it into your computer to move the files. It also serves as a pretty good quality digital microphone to hook up directly to your PC with a USB cable. It catagoizes files nicely and has a multidirectional mic. Lots more great features but not cheap - around $200.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Hi,
I am christopher and i really like the idea and i know that it is going to help me very much.thanks
April 24th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Yes, I use a DVR , but I prefer a pencil to make short notes on any piece of paper like a shopping docket or whatever, ideas come to me when I’m not expecting it , I sort it out later .
April 24th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
i use my phone it records clear an its convienant
April 24th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
i use my phone. I forget my thought when i try to write things down.
April 24th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
It is a great idea and I will be taking advantage of. Thanks!!! I do own a cassette recorder but now that youve’ given me that, you know the rest.
April 25th, 2008 at 3:15 am
There is a sony device that will convert your recorded voice into text but it is very expensive
April 25th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I was writing yesterday and ALL three of us had our phones out..lol. We also had the trusted pen and paper too… but it’s amazing how times have changed.
April 25th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
i use my mp3 player because i’ve run out of money to spend =(
ah well…still works =P
April 25th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
I have a stereo with a recording device, an MP3 player, a cell phone, and a dictaphone. i also have the H2 from my zoom, and DVR, but i dont record with those ones. i use my computor, too. but mostly just a pad and paper.
April 25th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
It is a great idea and I will try to take advantage of this new innovation. Thanks
I have a cassette recorder but now that you have made it know to me I will go for it.
April 25th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
I have a very small, cheap home studio that gets pretty decent quality when i spend some time with it. so i just use that. but for the inexperienced a dictaphone is an amazing start.
April 25th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Shoot! I wish I read this before I lost a verse of my new song! >.>
April 25th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
LOL @ Kenny.
Alex, the beauty of a dictaphone is that it’s portable - so you can carry it absolutely anywhere. So wherever you have an idea, you can record it instantly.
April 25th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Thanks Shamir, i’ve bn fond of m’ 4ni but now am go’g 4 a dictaphone,
April 26th, 2008 at 5:53 am
I use my MP3 player, which has a voice recorder.
April 26th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Cheers samir lovin’ your ideas n stuff, but im a rhymin type of writer and i’m havin a bit of trouble just gettin started, like what i should write about. any ideas?
April 26th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I use a phone, but am about to get something better. Thanks.
April 26th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I think most of the mobile phone will have recorder function, for the shy musicians, like me, u can just pretend to talk on phone while u are singing so melody…. no one will know what u are doing actually!
April 28th, 2008 at 2:10 am
Hi Dominick
Interesting idea you got there, I think we should follow it up
I think it might be inspiring, and I wonder how Ill tune in with someone else’s initials lyrics
April 28th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
This is a good idea!
I have a Creative Zen MP3 player which has amongst its numerous functions a built in microphone. Once ive recirded my idea i can play it back on my MP3 player and transfer it onto my PC to send to my bandmates. Its particularly good when i play it in Shuffle mode cos while i listen to all my favourite music, every now and then my snippet of an idea comes up. This can be pretty inspiring, comparing my ideas with the music i love!
April 30th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I use my mp3 players that have voice recording. The files are small and easy to transfer to my computer and hard drives for long term storage. The only problem I have is generating too many and not being that motivated to get the file names changed and organized. Since it is on my mp3 player I can go back and listen to my ideas anytime I want.
May 4th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Hi all,
I’m using the Edirol; it does all this stuff in stereo; it’s a bit expensive, but the file size record capacity is ginormous. R-09
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=757
cheers,
John
May 5th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Technology is great. Am use to pen and a mini tape recorder, i love to improve my tune with a digital dictaphone.
Love you all.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Since I have joined your songwriting,I wanted to take a stab at writing some songs. Since I am a product of the 60’s,I know form all the music I have listened to,I want to try it out. I have a wacky sense of humor,I automatically make up words that presents a difference story or feelings that most people think about in life. There are so many things my mind ponders on,I am make it an effort. I work 7 days a week,and 10 to 12 hours a day,there is little time to sit down and write from your thoughts inside. I will go buy a little recorder,and start with a thought and expand on that thought and see how it comes out.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I feel that writing about something that has affected you in life,and voice your feelings that are deep down inside. I would not make it a downer type of song,but thats ok to. I like to take a negative thought or situation and turn it into a positive mind provoking change from a situation. We all have things we want to change or do something where you feel others will take off with their idea’s and now you have two different songs. I play an electric guitar,but I am not very good. I want to put a song together. My only problem is what keys to play in and what type of music should go with the Idea’s.
May 13th, 2008 at 10:48 am
great idea shamir. i’ll love to get one. by the way i want to use this medium to say i really appreciate you. thanks for your wonderful tips. i am very greatful
June 28th, 2008 at 10:32 am
It is nice but I use my phone.
July 7th, 2008 at 1:47 am
I use my laptop with a free program called Audacity. I can create several tracks and layer the process.
October 7th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I use my mp3 players and my pda. The Palm T3 has a very nice voice memo function. If you use the older treos like the 650 or 680 work well too. The nice thing about the Palm platform is that there are a lot of programs that help out guitarists with chord dictionaries and chord pro format for showing songs/lyrics and chords. Of course with the traditional memo functions on these devices you can also input lyrics look up synonyms etc. Great for the songwriter. These functions can all be found on your laptop or desktop computer but the small size of the PDA makes them super portable.
February 10th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
That’s really cool. I always carry a pen,and a mini note pad.
August 27th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Dear Shamir,
I had an old casio exilim camera that had voice recording buit in, i used that, now i use my samsung camera . i download them onto my computer and copy them to itunes . then i show them off to my friends .