9 Tips To Help You Write A Melody
A melody impacts how we react to a song as it is an accumulation of notes that are sung or instrumentally played in a song. The melody typically is simple as it consists of pitch and duration and makes all the difference in how we feel.
Choose A Key
It is important that you choose a key that imitates the type of song and the feelings you want to evoke from it. For example, by choosing a minor key, the sounds are much more melancholic and reflective, whereas, major keys will evoke uplifting sounds.
Choose a Chord Progression
The chord progression is the backbone for your music as it is typically a series of chords that support the melody and rhythm. Start your chord progression with 4 to 8 bars in length, making sure each chord starts and ends on 1.
Write With A Plan
Start by formulating your chorus melody and work backward by thinking about what verses and pre-chorus melodies would complement the chorus.
Give Your Melodies A Focal Point
To keep the melody from falling into the gaps, create a high note to complement the singer’s vocal abilities and tone. Have it only appear once in the song, to create a dynamic moment in the song. Or, consider subverting the song by highlighting a low note.
Experiment With Variation In Notes And Rhythmic Structure
Try altering one or two notes in each repeated phrase to give the song some edge. As well as consider adding some syncopation to the rhythmic pattern to the melody. Subtle but effective alterations will keep the song from becoming too repetitive.
Put Away Your Instrument
Writer's block is a normal and inevitable part of the music creating process. If you are struggling to come up with a melody on your instrument, try spontaneously singing and recording on your smartphone. Listen to the recording and transcribe the notes of what you sang.
Keep A Melody Within An Octave And A Half
The melody should remain comfortable enough for the singer to expand on, so keep the melody from getting too expansive. This way, all listeners can sing along too and increase its popularity.
Write Stepwise Lines With A Few Leaps
Traditional stepwise motion means one note transitions to the next without skipping a note, either through ½ or whole notes. Consider mixing in leaps of 2 or more whole notes to make your music stand out.
Listen To Your Favorite Artists
What is it exactly that is in the melodies of your favorite artists that intrigue you the most? Pay attention to the rhythmic patterns, leaps, and scales and use them as inspiration to start your own creations.
Sources:
“10 Tips for Writing Great Song Melodies,” Secrets of Songwriting
”How to Write a Melody: 9 Tips for Writing Memorable Melodies,” MasterClass