4.2 writing a melody
What makes a song get stuck in your head? Chances are, its a well written melody.
A good melody is:
In key | The pitches in the melody are in the song’s scale or key.
Is singable | The notes flow easily together and there is space.
Fits | The notes sound good with the chords.
Catchy | Repeated notes/rhythms and variation to keep the listener engaged.
1 | Prepare The Piano Roll
Open up the template, open up the piano roll, click the cog, chose 1/8th notes, and choose the pointer tool.
2 | Find The First Notes
Listen to the track and start playing notes on the vertical keyboard to find the first few notes.
3 | The First Four Bars
Draw the first notes where you would like. Be sure to check with the playback to make sure they sound good. Add in more notes using repetition and variation, making sure the notes are singeable and in key.
4 | The Last Four Bars
Copy and paste the first four bars to the second four bars. Keep the same rhythm and change some of the pitches to complete your melody.