Step #4 of Writing Great Lyrics – Create Rhythmic Interest
Although the notes that you choose for your melody are important, that’s not the only thing that matters. We also need to think about the rhythmic variation of our melodic phrases. In this blog post, we’ll discuss creating rhythmic interest in our melodies.
Beginner songwriters habitually start all their melodic phrases on beat one. However, this isn’t necessarily the best thing to do, as it can make your melody feel cluttered. It’s easier to understand this by comparing rhythm in melodic phrases to body language.
Starting on beat one can be thought of as very forward-leaning body movement. It’s quite assertive in nature. When you alternate between starting on and off beat one, you create this dance in body movement similar to a body swaying back and forth. This is when a melody really starts to breathe and dance.
By creating rhythmic interest, we also are able to make more use out of the 4 notes we’ve chosen for our melody. Check out the article here for a refresher on creating a 4 note melody. Through varying your melody rhythmically, you can use your 4 note melody in different sections of your song, without sounding repetitive or boring.
What’s important to observe here is that longer melodic phrases are often built out of smaller melodic motifs that are varied in different ways.
To help you build your melody quickly, click here to download a free PDF eBook containing all the diatonic chords written out in 6 different keys titled “Diatonic Chords in 6 Different Keys”:
An Example of Variation in Practice
The song “When the Party’s Over” by artist Billie Eilish is a great example of the usage of variation. It doesn’t demonstrate rhythmic variation but it does show melodic variation.
In the verse of the song, the same melodic fragment is used four times. However, each time the fragment is repeated, it’s moved up the scale. This creates a beautiful sense of rising tension, which then resolves itself in the chorus.
Conclusion: Step #4 of Writing Great Lyrics – Create Rhythmic Interest
Crafting melodies that dance and breathe requires a deep understanding of rhythm and phrasing. By experimenting with the placement of our melodic phrases, we can create songs that genuinely come alive.
Step #3 of Writing Great Melodies – Use Steps and Leaps
A common trap that most songwriters fall into, is not making enough variations to keep a listener’s interest. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of combining steps and leaps to make melodies more interesting and emotionally resonant.
A step melody is defined as a melody where all of the notes are next to each other in the scale. For example, let’s say that we’re in the key of G Major, and we use a melody with the notes G A B next to each other. This melody is a step melody because all of the notes aren’t more than a 2nd away from each other.
On the other hand, a leap is defined as when you skip over at least one note to reach another note in the scale. As an example, a melody composed of G B D in the key of G Major is one that’s made out of leaps. This is because all of the notes are more than a 3rd away from each other in the scale.
To help you build your melody quickly, click here to download a free PDF eBook containing all the diatonic chords written out in 6 different keys titled “Diatonic Chords in 6 Different Keys”:
Why and How to Combine Steps and Leaps in a Melody?
If we use only steps, then our melody will sound boring and uninteresting, despite being easy to sing. However, if we use only leaps then our melody will sound chaotic and incoherent. Finding a really good balance between steps and leaps is the key to creating great melodies.
One method that we can use is to determine what moment of our song that we’d like to stand out. Leaps are great at shining spotlights on moments in songs. The larger the leap, the more excitement and energy it invokes in your listener. In addition, the placement of your leaps is also an important factor to consider. For instance, placing a large leap at the beginning of a song provides a lot of drama and emotion – almost as if announcing the start of a story.
An Example of Combining Steps and Leaps
The classic tune “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is an amazing example of using steps and leaps to great effect.
At the beginning of the song, there’s a full octave leap on the notes of the word “Somewhere”. Since this is an A A B A song, there isn’t a chorus. So, the large leap on the hook of the song allows it to stand out even further, and be more memorable to our listener.
Through this example, we can see that one of the biggest reasons to use leaps is that it helps create memories for our listeners. Leaps allow listeners to latch on to a song, and it helps provide them excitement.
Conclusion: Step #3 of Writing Great Melodies – Use Steps and Leaps
By combining steps and leaps effectively, you can craft melodies that are not only musically pleasing but also emotionally resonant. Finding the right balance between the two is the key to writing melodies that capture the attention of your audience.
Turn your inspiration into beautiful songs with step-by-step guidance through two professional songwriting methods. By the end of this course, not only will your tool belt be stocked; you’ll have a plan and a method for finishing your songs – all of them:
Step #2 of Writing Great Melodies – Create a 4 Note Melody
Songwriters commonly assume that using as many notes as possible in your melody is a great thing to do. However, the truth is that when you first start composing a melody, it’s best to limit yourself to using 4 notes from the scale. In this blog post, we’ll discuss creating a 4 note melody as part of the melody writing process.
There are 3 main reasons to limit yourself to 4 notes. They are as follows:
Encouraging creativity: By imposing limitations, you encourage yourself to work within those limitations. Thus, you also encourage yourself to be more creative with limited materials.
Avoid sounding like an exercise: When you use all 7 notes of the scale, it often tends to sound like you’re just running a scale. This makes melodies boring and sound like exercises.
Reserve material for other parts of the song: It’s important to leave some of the notes for you to use in other parts of the songs. Having somewhere to go is what gives melodies a sense of purpose and a journey to follow.
How to Use 4 Notes to Create a Melody
Before trying to create a melody with 4 notes, be sure that you’ve picked your scale, key and chord progression.
If you need some help, click here to download a free PDF eBook containing all the diatonic chords written out in 6 different keys titled “Diatonic Chords in 6 Different Keys”:
A really important thing to establish at this point is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. In further steps, we’ll be refining and creating different iterations of this melody to work with. Start by singing the 4 notes you’ve chosen over the chord progression you’ve chosen. Experiment with different combinations of the notes and remember to try and keep it simple, as simplicity at this point is key.
Conclusion: Step #2 of Writing Great Melodies – Create a 4 Note Melody
By limiting yourself to four notes initially, you create a foundation upon which you can build an engaging melody. Through experimentation, you’ll be able to compose great melodies that work well over your chord progression.
Step #1 of Writing Great Melodies – Figure Out the Scale
Many songwriters often wonder where they should begin when trying to write melodies. In this blog post, we’ll demystify the first step to creating great melodies – figuring out the scale.
Imagine composing a song as preparing a recipe. You begin by deciding on the essential ingredients. When melody writing, your ingredients are the notes of your scale. Common scales used for melodies include the major and minor scales. By determining the scale, we narrow down the number of ingredients we could possibly use in our recipe i.e. our song.
For instance, let’s take a look at the scale of the key of G Major:
G A B C D E F# G
By deciding on our key as G Major, we can narrow down the notes our melody uses to the notes in the scale.
Using the Scale to Compose Melodies
There are a few ways we could go about using the scale to start composing our melody. We could simply sing up and down the scale, randomly picking notes to combine with one another. However, an approach that tends to be more intuitive for beginner songwriters is to pick 3 or 4 chords from the key, and write a chord progression.
Click here to download a free PDF eBook containing all the diatonic chords written out in 6 different keys titled “Diatonic Chords in 6 Different Keys”:
By using chords and notes from the same key, any melodies that we create will naturally sound good over the chord progression we’ve chosen.
Conclusion: Step #1 of Writing Great Melodies – Figure Out the Scale
Starting the processof writing melodies doesn’t have to be daunting. Through deciding on our key and scale, we provide ourselves with a framework to create melodies on. In this manner, we won’t feel lost or overwhelmed when trying to begin the melody writing process.
Turn your inspiration into beautiful songs with step-by-step guidance through two professional songwriting methods. By the end of this course, not only will your tool belt be stocked; you’ll have a plan and a method for finishing your songs – all of them:
Writing great melodies often feels like a mysterious art. In this blog post, we’ll break down the melody writing process into 7 simple steps. Of course, there’s no one right way to write a melody and these steps are just designed to show you the essential elements of melody writing. So, you’ll be able to write songs better and faster.
Choosing the right scale is like selecting the key ingredients for a recipe. When you know your scale, you’ll be able to narrow down the choices of notes you have to build your melody from. Common scale choices are usually either major or minor.
For example, if we choose the key G Major, we’ll automatically know that the following are notes we have to build our melody from:
G A B C D E F# G
From here, you could just sing the notes of the scale and combine them till you form a melody. However, a more intuitive method for most beginner songwriters is to pick 3 or 4 chords from the key you’ve chosen, create a chord progression and sing over it. This makes it really easy for you to form a melody from the scale, and always have it fit over the chords you’ve chosen.
Click here to download a free PDF eBook containing all the diatonic chords written out in 6 different keys titled “Diatonic Chords in 6 Different Keys”:
Step 2 – Create a 4 Note Melody
Limiting the number of notes you use from the scale is important, because of a few reasons:
Imposing limitations forces you to be more creative with less material.
Using all 7 notes will result in a melody sounding just like an exercise.
You will be able to save some notes for use in other parts of the song.
At this stage, it’s not necessary for the melody you create to be perfect. This melody will be refined and you’ll create different iterations of it in later steps.
Step 3 – Use Steps and Leaps
Before we discuss how to use steps and leaps to add variety to your melody, we must first understand what they are. Below are the definitions of both:
Steps: When the notes are all next to each other, this is called a step melody. For example, a melody composed of G A B would be considered a step melody because all of the notes are next to each other in the G Major scale. The largest interval possible with a step is a 2nd.
Leaps: If the melody skips over notes in the scale, this is called a leap. For example, a melody composed of G B D would be considered a leap melody because all the notes aren’t next to each other in the G Major scale. The smallest interval possible with a step is a 3rd.
A well-written melody should have a good balance between leaps and steps. Using only leaps results in a melody sounding chaotic, whilst using only steps makes it boring and monotonous. The placement of your leaps is also important, as a leap denotes a sense of drama and emotion. By using leaps to highlight specific moments, we can create memorable moments in our songs.
An example of good usage of leaps in melodies in the classic tune “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.
Step 4 – Create Rhythmic Interest
Rhythm plays a vital role in melody writing. The placement of notes within the beat pattern can drastically change the feel of a melody. Beginner songwriters tend to make all of their phrases come in on beat one. This can make the melody feel cluttered, giving the feeling of all of the space being occupied.
We can liken rhythm in a melody to body language. Coming in on beat one is extremely forward body language. When we mix up phrases coming in on and after beat one, we get a sort of push-pull body language that makes our melodies dance. Varying the rhythm of our melodic phrase in different ways allows us to get more use out of the 4 notes that we’ve chosen. This way, they can be used differently in different sections of the song.
It’s also worth remembering that long melodies are often made up of smaller motifs that are repeated using different variations. A song that demonstrates this beautifully is Billie Eilish’s song “When the Party’s Over”, where the same melodic motif is moved up the scale four times in the verse.
Step 5 – Repeat the Phrase
We’re going to call our phrase the combination of our melodic motif plus its rhythmic variation. For an example, view the picture below:
What we can do is repeat the melodic phrase that we’ve come up with again. However, ensure that we vary the repeat in some way, whether that be going up the scale, moving the notes around slightly or changing the rhythm.
During this process, you may realise that you find other chords which work well with your melody, that are different to the initial 3 or 4 you picked to start out the song with. This is entirely natural because the first few chords we pick are just to establish the key and keep ourselves grounded. They by no means have to be the only chords we ever use.
Step 6 – Introduce Some Variation
Once you’ve managed to build up a fairly long melodic phrase – which you can think of as a part of a section – we should start thinking about how we can introduce variation to provide the element of surprise to our listeners. The best way to do this is to break the pattern that you’ve been using.
When you regularly create small changes to your melodic motifs, you keep your listeners interested. Great melodies are made out of a well-balanced combination of repetition and variation. The secret is to try and ensure that every melodic motif that you write slightly varies from the others in some way.
Step 7 – Write More Melodies
After writing enough melodic material for one section of a song – say a verse – you need to write more melodies for the other sections of your song such as the chorus, and bridge. One of the easiest ways to do this is to look at the contour of the melodic material you’ve created so far. Contour is just a very fancy word to describe the shape and direction of the melody.
For example, if your melody was ascending, then you could change it to be descending instead. However, a great melody doesn’t just change the contour – it also varies the starting note. You could also decide to simplify the melody instead, as some melodies can benefit greatly from restraint. After all, the key to writing great melodies isn’t complexity, but contrast.
Another important thing to think about is where the most important moment in your song is, and try to place the highest note in your song there to highlight it. You can also try to refrain from using the root note of a key in a build-up, till you need to deliver a message with a punch. This is a common strategy used when writing a pre-chorus.
Finally, remember that throughout the process of composing melodies, you don’t have to worry about your lyrics. What we’re really focusing on here is finding some nice melodies – lyrics can come later.
Conclusion: Writing Great Melodies in 7 Steps
Crafting great melodies doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or daunting process. By following these steps, you’ll be able to compose amazing melodies in a systematic and consistent manner.
If you would like more details, explanations and examples, then be sure to check out the video now.
Level up your songwriting with five radically practical exercises used by professional songwriters around the world:
When it comes to songwriting, one crucial element that can make or break a composition is the melody. The melody carries the emotions and conveys the message of the lyrics, acting as a musical thread that binds the song together.
In this article, we will explore the process of creating melodies that complement and support the lyrics, as well as contribute to the overall prosody of your song.
The key to crafting a successful melody is to keep it simple and restrained. By doing so, the melody can enhance the lyrics without overpowering them.
It’s important to ensure that the melody and lyrics work together, as well as support and elevate each other. By maintaining a sense of simplicity, the melody can become more memorable and accessible to listeners.
Drawing from The Chords and The Key
To create a melody, one effective approach is to look at the underlying chords and the key of the song.
By analyzing the chords played in a specific key, the songwriter can identify the scale from which the melody notes can be drawn. For example, the following notes come together to make up the G Major scale:
G A B C D E F# G
When you draw your melody from the above notes, you ensure that it will be in harmony with any chord progression you’ve chosen from the key of G.
To help you get a better understanding of the relationship between the chords and the key, click below to get instant access to the free PDF ‘Functions of Chords in a Diatonic System’
Questions to Ask Before Starting Melody Writing
Prior to starting your melody writing, there are a few important questions you need to ask yourself:
How should your chosen chord progression be played? Should it be played fast, slow or mid-tempo?
Do you have a rough idea of the mood that you’d like the song to be?
What is the key of the song?
Do you have an approximate tempo for your song?
The above questions help you create a solid base on which your melody is able to stand on. After all, it’s important to remember that the goal of your melody is to complement your chosen chord progression, and contribute to the mood of your song.
Melody Writing Methods
Below are some methods to help you come up with melodies for your song:
Matching the melody to the lyrics of your song.
Song example: “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
The haunting and contemplative melody of “Hallelujah” perfectly complements the introspective and emotional lyrics. The rising and falling melody emphasizes the heartfelt and introspective nature of the song, creating a powerful connection between the music and the words.
Develop a call and response. For example, you could develop a simple motif that revolves around 4 notes for the first line of your lyrics, followed by a motif that answers for your second line. So, maybe if your first line of lyrics ascends, then descends, then your second line can descend, then ascend instead.
Song example: “Respect” by Aretha Franklin:
Aretha Franklin’s soulful anthem “Respect” showcases call-and-response elements throughout the song. The backup singers respond to Aretha’s lead vocals with phrases like “sock it to me” and “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” creating a lively and interactive musical exchange.
Use repetition. Once a melodic phrase or pattern is established, repeating it or slightly varying it can create a sense of familiarity and catchiness.
Song example: “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift:
The chorus of “Shake It Off” features a repetitive refrain, “Shake it off, shake it off.” This repetition reinforces the song’s theme of resilience and letting go of negativity, while also making it incredibly catchy and easy to sing along to.
Conclusion: How to Write a Song – Creating the Melody
Crafting a melody that harmonizes with the lyrics is a vital aspect of songwriting.
By keeping the melody simple, drawing from the underlying chords and key, and using techniques like repetition and call-and-response, songwriters can create melodies that enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics. This process will help you create cohesive and captivating melodies for your song.
Remember to let the chords guide your melody and strive to create prosody between your words and music.
Start with one of these 20 songwriting prompts that will kickstart your creativity and fuel your songwriting on any given day.
And a huge THANK YOU to the 20,000 subscribers of our YouTube channel who have supported us, inspired us, and contributed so generously to our growing community of musicians and songwriters.
I got a phone call from my friend Benny the other night (Benny, who I make videos with on all things songwriting). He was very excited: “Kep! You have got to listen to the new Sam Smith song! It’s in…Phrygian!”
What the hell is Phrygian, and why is this so exciting?
Well, music nerds, Phrygian is a mode, which means it’s a scale that is not your average minor scale or major scale. This particular mode is a minor scale, yes, but it has a crucial note that gives it its own special dark sauce: it has a b2.
For a more in-depth look at Phrygian (and also the wild extra note that makes the Chorus pop), check out this video on the channel:
The b2 note in the scale makes it very dark, and also totally unique among the songs on the charts right now.
In fact, it makes it unique amongst almost all Top 100 songs from the past decade or more.
But why should we care what’s on the charts? Well, I have it on very good advice (John Mayer told me this himself…) that a very good practice as a songwriter is to listen to the Top 10 on any day, without judgments of good and bad, but instead with this question in mind:
Why do millions of people love this?
And secondly: Can I use that thing in my own way (regardless of whether I happen to ‘like’ this particular song? Which, incidentally in this case, I very much do).
The video above gives some tips in the second half about ways you can take the musical concepts that make this song a standout, and apply them to your own song, without ripping it off.
For another example of how to take a cool musical idea you hear in a song, and apply it to your own songwriting, you can check out this video from the archive, on adapting this beautiful neo-soul progression.
And for a more structured and in-depth guide to taking a music idea, and turning into a full song, with step by step tools, techniques, and strategies, check out our brand spanking new Online Mini Course: The Songwriting Process Start to Finish!
Studying and understanding the tools that go into making a song can help anyone learn how to write a song more effectively. I hope these conversations give you ideas for your own songs and songwriting.
We were lucky enough to have a long conversation with Berklee Professor Pat Pattison. But was my teacher and mentor at Berklee, and eventually my colleague and friend. Studying Pat’s material transformed my songwriting practice – it gave me a tools and techniques to draw on to develop ideas into full songs, to understand the relationship of sections, and most importantly, to understand how structure can amplify meaning.
In this video series, Pat takes us through the elements of lyric writing – and demonstrates how making decisions about the structure and placement of lyrics can amplify the meaning and emotions we are trying to convey. Motion creates emotion.
