Blog
Notes on writing songs.
Songwriting ideas, simple music theory and the story behind Notes to Play. Short reads you can try right away.
October 23, 2026 · 5 min
Why I built Notes to Play
Song ideas in notebooks, Google Docs and voice memos, and nothing in between a looper and a full studio. Adam Ayash on why he built Notes to Play, the option in the middle.
October 23, 2026 · 7 min
How to write your first song in 20 minutes (no music theory needed)
A simple, step-by-step way to write your first song: pick a key, choose four chords, shape a verse and chorus, add words, and hear a band play it back.
October 23, 2026 · 6 min
The four chords behind a thousand songs, and how to make them yours
Why I, V, vi and IV show up in so many songs, how to play them in any key, and five easy ways to make the progression sound like you.