How to Write a Melody

Melodies are the most important part of any musical piece or song. Without melodies, human ears generally do not appreciate music.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Guitars
• Musical Instruments
• Pianos
• Music Keyboards
• Pencils
• Writing Papers

1. Decide whether you want your melody to be in a major or minor key. Generally, major keys are used for happy music, and minor keys are used for sad music.
2. Choose a tempo for your melody. It can be slow, fast or rhythmically challenging.
3. Consider various modal scales if you want your melody to be in a certain ethnic style.
4. Experiment with motifs on the keyboard, or in your head, in the musical style you desire. When you discover something you like, write it down on manuscript paper.
5. Experiment with harmony that supports your melody. When incorporating your melody into a song or piece, the harmony will be essential to give the melody direction.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are new to composing, start simple. Write a melody that a young child would enjoy such as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Twinkle Twinkle."