When have you learned enough to start using your instrument as a writing tool? Songs have been written that use only one chord and thousands of songs have been written around a pattern of three or four chords. You might be able to start using your instrument immediately. Don't get frustrated if you don't instantly get the results you want and don't feel as if you have to use your instrument for all of your writing sessions. Be patient, but persistent, and work your instrument into your writing regimen at a pace that you feel good about. Eventually, you'll probably find that not only will playing inspire you as a writer, but writing will also inspire you as a player. As you become familiar with your instrument, you will begin to relish the challenge of picking out the music in your head and using the instrument to make it a reality.

As you practice your lessons, listen for sounds that inspire you. See if you can learn the chords to some of your own songs. If you don't have these charted, your teacher or co-writers can probably help. Once you've got a handle on some basic chords, start experimenting with different chord patterns, grooves, and rhythms.

As you learn and your musical skills grow, your instrument will become more productive as a writing tool. How far to take it is up to you. You may decide, as many great writers have, that the basic chords and rhythms are enough for you and leave the fancy stuff to the producers and studio musicians. On the other hand, you may find, as Sir Paul McCartney, Prince, and Camille Wallin have, that fluency with half a dozen instruments helps you express yourself more clearly and gives you more writing options than a basic working knowledge of just one instrument. For now, concentrate on getting started. You can decide the rest later.