Music theory explained

There are several ways to start creating a melody.

Here’s a guide to help you get started with composing one.

Let’s break the creative process into a few clear steps.

1. Choose a Scale and Key:
   Every melody operates within a framework of notes, known as a scale or mode. Decide which scale and key best suit the mood, genre, and music style you’re aiming for.
2. Play or sing the scale to familiarize yourself with its sound.
3. Begin with a Phrase:
   A melody often starts with a simple idea—sometimes just a single note. Play or sing that note to establish a starting point, then experiment with the first phrase.
4. Listen carefully and decide how you’d like to continue: Will the melody move upward or downward? What tempo feels right—fast or slow? Which time signature (meter) matches the mood? What rhythmic patterns work best for your melody?
5. Iterate and Refine:
   Continue adding notes and experimenting with melodic movement and phrasing. Trust your ear, make adjustments, and refine the melody until it feels just right.

Another approach to composing a melody is through melodic improvisation. Try singing or playing your own melody while layering it over the following popular chord progressions.

For greater clarity, let’s begin with the keys of C major and C minor.

The examples below are based on common chord progressions.

Example 1

Example 1, version 1

Example 1, version 2

Example 1, version 3

Example 2

Example 2, version 1

Example 2, version 2

Example 3

Example 3, version 1

Example 4

Example 4, version 1

Example 5

Example 5, version 1

Example 5, version 2

Example 6

Example 6, version 1