How to Write Melodies: A Detailed Guide for Music Producers

[EDM Tips]

Melodies are often the heart of a track, the element that gets stuck in the listener’s head. In this guide, I’ll take you through every step of how to write melodies, from choosing the right scale, creating the chords, adding the rhythm, all the way through to humanizing the final result. We’ll also tackle common mistakes and advanced tips, including writing counter melodies. Let’s get into it…

Step 1: Choose the Right Instrument to Start With

When starting your melody, I recommend starting with a simple piano preset. Here’s why:

1. Simplicity Keeps You Focused: A piano’s straightforward sound ensures you focus on the melody rather than getting distracted by synth patches.
2. Dynamic Note Expression: Piano sounds naturally respond to note lengths and velocity, giving you more control over the emotional tone.
3. Versatile for Collaboration: If you’re working with vocalists, a piano makes it easier for them to interpret the melody.

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Step 2: Define the Vibe of Your Track

The vibe determines everything about your melody, from its complexity to its emotional tone. Ask yourself:

• What genre am I producing? (Trance, melodic house, pop?)
• What emotion should the melody convey? (Happy, melancholic, introspective?)
• How complex should it be? (A big room EDM melody might be simpler than an ambient one.)

Having clarity on the vibe before you start ensures all elements of your track work cohesively.

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Step 3: Choose a Scale

Your scale is the foundation of your melody. Most DAWs offer tools to simplify this process:

• Start with Major or Minor Scales: Major for uplifting vibes, minor for darker tones.
• Use Scale Lock Features: Tools in DAWs like Ableton and FL Studio show only notes within your selected scale.

For example, selecting A minor (all white keys) is a beginner-friendly choice, while A-flat minor adds subtle emotional depth.

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Step 4: Build a Bassline and Chord Progression

Melodies need a strong foundation. Here’s how to create yours:

1. Start With a Bassline: Pick 3-4 notes from your scale to serve as the roots of your chord progression.
2. Build Triads: Add notes by skipping every other note in the scale to form basic chords.
3. Enhance Chords:
   • Add 7th notes to create richer harmonies.
   • Use chord inversions by shifting some notes up or down an octave for variety.
   • Spread notes across octaves to create more dynamic, open voicings.

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Step 5: Write the Melody

A. Start With Rhythm

Lay down the rhythm of your melody using the root note of your scale. Focus solely on rhythm to ensure it interacts well with the bass and chords.

Tips for Rhythmic Composition:

• Keep it simple: Start with short, repetitive patterns.
• Interplay with existing elements: Ensure your rhythm complements the bass and chord progression.

B. Add Pitch

Once your rhythm is set, add pitch to your melody. Focus on these key notes:

• Root Note: Establishes a strong sense of the track’s key.
• Third and Fifth Intervals: Add emotional weight and harmony.
• Seventh: Adds richness to the melody.

Use the in-between notes sparingly for runs or embellishments to create movement and emotion.

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Step 6: Add Repetition and Variation

Repetition makes melodies memorable, but variation keeps them interesting. Here’s how to balance both:

• Repeat Rhythmic Patterns: Duplicate rhythmic motifs across sections.
• Introduce Variations: Change the pitch or rhythm slightly in the second or fourth repetition to maintain listener interest.
• Resolve the Loop: Ensure the end of your melody naturally leads back to the beginning for smooth looping.

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Step 7: Create a Counter Melody

Counter melodies add depth by contrasting and complementing the main melody. Think of them as two characters in a dialogue.

How to Write a Counter Melody:

1. Start With Rhythm: Ensure the counter melody’s rhythm contrasts with the main melody.
2. Choose Pitch: Use different notes within the scale, but avoid clashes by staying harmonically aligned.
3. Experiment With Interplay: Alternate between melodies to create a sense of call and response.

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Step 8: Humanize Your Melody

To avoid a robotic sound, humanize your melody by:

• Tweaking Velocity: Highlight key notes by increasing their velocity while softening others.
• Adjusting Timing: Use groove templates or manually shift notes off the grid for a more natural feel.
• Layering Instruments: Test different instruments for your melody, counter melody, and chords to find the best emotional match.

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Bonus Tip: Use Reference Tracks

Studying professional tracks can inspire your melody writing. Analyze their use of repetition, rhythm, pitch jumps, and counter melodies. Apply those techniques to your own work while maintaining your unique vibe.

The MIDI from Avicii – Levels

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Common Melody Writing Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcomplicating the Melody: Simple melodies are often the most memorable. Avoid cramming too many notes.
2. Ignoring the Loop’s Resolution: Ensure your melody transitions smoothly when looped.
3. Neglecting Emotion: A technically perfect melody can still fall flat if it lacks emotional impact.

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Final Thoughts

Crafting a melody that resonates takes practice and patience. By starting with strong foundations, embracing repetition and variation, and humanizing your track, you’ll learn how to write melodies that stick with listeners.

If you want to take your production skills further, check out my Music Production Accelerator Program for personalized coaching. The link is below!

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Did you find this guide helpful? Let me know in the comments what worked for you and what you’d like to see next!

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