How to Get Out of a Songwriting Rut (Without Losing Momentum)

You sit down with your guitar, hoping for magic. Instead, what comes out feels uninspired at best. Before you know it, you realize you’re in a rut.

And if left unchecked, that tiny rut can snowball into months of inaction. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck.

1. Get Outside Perspective

The quickest way out of a rut? Perspective.

A mentor—someone who’s been in your shoes—can help you see what’s actually working and where you might just be spinning your wheels. It’s like having a creative GPS to reroute you when you’ve taken a wrong turn.

No mentor? No problem. Start simple:

• Grab a notebook.

• Write down what you’ve been doing: songs you’ve started, ideas you’ve explored, skills you’ve been improving.

It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come. Seeing your progress in black and white can shake you out of a slump.

2. Celebrate Small Wins

Don’t just push past your progress—celebrate it.

Studies show it takes about 15 seconds for a positive moment to stick in your brain. So the next time you:

• Land a tricky chord change

• Finish a full song

• Nail a melody

…bask in that win for at least 15 seconds. Let it sink in. You’ve earned it.

3. Lean Into Community

Songwriting doesn’t have to be a lonely grind. Creativity thrives in collaboration.

Reach out to fellow writers. Share ideas. Co-write. The energy of community often pulls you forward when your own momentum stalls.

4. Refill Your Creative Tank

When all else fails, step away from the guitar. Inspiration doesn’t just come from music—it comes from life.

• Read a book

• Watch an obscure documentary

• Go to an art museum

• Take a walk in nature

Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective to reignite your spark.

Final Thoughts

Ruts happen to everyone. But they don’t have to last forever. Shake up your routine, shift your mindset, and reconnect with your wins and your community.

Before you know it, you’ll be back to writing songs that excite you again.