Chord with lead

[Kyzzok]

Hi there,

I produce trance recently (but I produce electronic music since 4/5 years), I read music theory books, piano books and I have a problem : I begin my track with the main lead melody. After that I have to find a chord to put on my lead to make a good progression in my track, but... I find some chords but there are not interesting, too basic and boring on my lead (who have a catchy melody).

I have this perfect example :



Chord : 1m30
Main Lead : 2m30
Chord and lead together : 3m30

When I have the main lead, I want to try to have this nice chord progression on it. I can find an interesting chord in the same scale, but I can't put my chord on the lead. Maybe it's more easy to start with a chord and add the main lead after ? What do you think ?

I have the "music theory for computer musicians" book but I don't find any answer to "how find a chord on a lead".



Thank you !

[Bobbotov]

The chords are in that track are very basic. Simply Bbm, Ab with a descending movement so they are like this Bbm/Db, Ab/C, Bbm. The top note of each chord would be Bb, Ab, F and that is what gives the progression the distinctive (and this case repetitive) movement.

It is usually easier to have chords first and then do the leads to follow. It is like building a house: first you need a foundation and the chords will provide that.

[Hooj]

Chords first approach is far more difficult & is counterintuitive to most.

You establish a melody first; define which "key" you are using and use those notes (in that key) to form the root notes for you chord progression. You get a basic feel of your progression and if need be, try inversions, different chord types etc to completely "dial in" the exact sound you're after.

Chords complement the melody (unless you are building a track which is NOT melody dependent, like minimal techno etc).

Chord progressions are pretty simple if you have little basic theory knowledge.

[Kyzzok]

Ok, thank you for your answers