Different instruments playing multiple melodies?

[bigdaveo11]

hey guys, new to the forums but have been a lurker for awhile. some great stuff on here. Thx in advance for the input.

Producing house, electro and trance music, had a question about melodies. I was attempting to have multiple instruments (ie synth, organ, piano etc...) playing different melodies at the same time during my tracks to add some interest.

1. how do you guys go about implementing this?

2. could i take one melody, harmonize it and then generate various other melodies from within that chord progression?

3. any "rules"/tips for how to go about combining the various melodies in an effective manner?

4. can you use multiple basslines for this structure or can one bassline suit multiple melodies?

does what i am describing refer to counter melodies? read a bit about that. Well versed in the basics of music theory but I am still a beginner.

sorry for any confusion...responses are much appreciated!

[warfighter67]

1. Harmonize the melodies, and make one stand out from the rest while the other are just for backing/texture.

2. Yes. See above.

3. Make them both somewhat follow the same path. If one melody is going up, have the others go up as well.

4. It's not really a good idea to have more than one bassline, because then they clash and things get muddy, and dissonant. Keep it to one bassline, and have it follow the chord progression, to make sure the bassline complements all of the melodies.

P.S. Try to keep it to no more than 3 different melodies at a time. Different instruments playing the same exact melody, even at different octaves is fine. That is known as texturing. It basically changes the feel of the melody or sound.

[bigdaveo11]

thank you. i will try a few things out. appreciate the response.

[Bronto Scorpio]

http://nextstepaudio.com/creative-proce ... nterpoint/

This video could be interesting for you
Check out his other videos too!

Cheers
Dennis

[bigdaveo11]

Awesome! Thank you. Trifonic always has great tutorial vids.