How long? like 3yrs after i first started to play in a Nirvana cover band i started as a drummer but after like 2 yrs i switched to the guitar and the year after i started writing and making songs
i would advice you to start writing songs right away because at the beginning they are not gonna be very good it's a learning process just like playing an instrument so the sooner you start the better
Also i would suggest to find a good lyricist within the bands you like cause before you learn how to do it you have to see how it's done then you'll get a basic sense of how to structure song lyrics
But the first step you should already be doing is start writing! you'll see your songs will gradually get better and the more you write the quicker you'll find your own voice
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