How to create a melody

[peppy197]

If you find playing with scales boring its probably better to just give up.

Seriously though you could start by adding passing tones that don't belong to the particular scale you are working within to spice it up a little.?

That's like saying 'using the alphabet is boring' so just write it as u hear it

Also, don't bother with punctuation (form) as it only slows down our magnificent talent to express our inner feelings thru pure improv.

[TiUser]

I would try using a text and singing - even if you finally don't create a typical song. The text implies some rhythm and singing comes more natural and intuitive than using scale theories.

[Inductance]

Once i have a chord progression that I like, how do i add a melody on top of it, like how do i know what fits.

I know one should play within the scale, but that's kind of boring.

Hi, Majestic. Your question is generally about the creative process, and I don't think there's one correct way of coming up with a melody.

Some people "hear a tune" in their heads first, then they sit down at a piano or pick up a guitar to figure out the chords.

Some people come up with a chord progression first, then they sit down and come up with a melody that fits over it.

And some come up with it all in their heads and they write it down. And others go about it very mechanically at the piano, coming up with chords and a melody in a very rigorous, systematic, almost machine-like manner.

And some do a few of the above every now and then. IMO, there really is no right or wrong way to go about it. If you already have a chord progression, I'd sit at the piano and try to improvise a melody over it. Try to "hear" the melody in your head as you're playing, and then try to reproduce the sound. And if nothing is coming, don't worry. Try to experiment with different combinations of notes and see what happens. Sometimes, "happy accidents" (to quote Bob Ross) can open doors and lead you in a different, interesting direction.

It can be a little scary when it seems like you have NO ideas, but push onward and eventually you'll find something.

[ttw]

Here's an online book (it's around a century old, but still has good advice).

http://www.archive.org/download/cu31924 ... 370559.pdf

[Danijel.Domazet]

Here's an online book (it's around a century old, but still has good advice).

http://www.archive.org/download/cu31924 ... 370559.pdf

Thanks! Could anyone advise any other readings on the composition subject?