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The Ultimate Guide to Writing Better and

More Memorable Melodies
Sam Matla / March 10, 2014 /
Arrangement & Composition (http://edmprod.com/category/arrangecomp/) /
36 Comments (http://edmprod.com/ultimate-melody-guide/#disqus_thread)

Photo Credit: Prabhu B Doss (http://www.ickr.com/photos/78305168@N00

/4735360572/) via Compght (http://compght.com) cc
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/)

While groove is fundamental to electronic dance music, it isnt something that

sticks in your head. You dont hum groove while taking your morning shower
or driving to work, you hum melody. Melody is what gets stuck in someones
head.

Butmelodies are hard to write.

Theres always that feeling that its just not good enough. You may feel like all
melodies you come up with sound like theyve been writtenbefore. Maybe
your melodies sound horrible and youre not sure how to improve.

If so,this is the article for you.

This isnt a theory article, but a basic understanding of music theory will make
it easier to follow along. Check out the TL;DR Guide to Music Theory
(http://edmprod.com/music-theory-the-tldr-version/)if you need a primer.

Update: Ive put together a FREE cheat sheet + pack of MIDI les for you to
study.You can download them by clicking here.
(https://edmprod.leadpages.co/leadbox
/143e9e9f3f72a2%3A13634110db46dc/5750943224168448/)

A Basic Overview of Melody

Melody comes from the Greek wordmelidaand is dened by a series of
notes that are perceived by the listener as a single entity or object. When
somebody listens to a melody, they dont hear it as just a random combination
of notes, they hear it assomething.They can point out where it starts and
ends, they can remove it from the song and remember it. The typical listener
couldnt care less about the clap sample youre using or the bass you spent 20
hours designing in Massive. They care about what they cantake awayfrom
your music.

What does a melody consist of?

It helps to picture melody as horizontal notation, and harmony as vertical. A
melody is by denition monophonic (meaning one voice), but that doesnt
mean that chord progressions arent melodies. By the late 19th century, the
top tone of a chord was considered to be part of a melody. The simple I, IV, V
progression in C Major shown below has its own melody.
 (http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads
/2014/03/Top-Tone1.png)
THE YELLOW HIGHLIGHTED NOTES CONSTITUTE A MELODY WHILE BEING PART OF THE CHORDS.

A melody consists of, or is characterized by a few elements:

Contour
Range
Intervals
Structure
Scale

Contour
A memorable melody follows a contour, a line that ascends, descends, arches
or dips. Theres no particular formula. You dont have to have a contour that
rises and then falls, and you dont need to have a certain number of drops or
leaps. Its completely down to preference. But you will notice how dierent
contours elicita dierent emotional reaction from the listener. For example: a
melody that ascends may sound more uplifting than one that descends.
 (http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads
/2014/03/Contour.png)
ORJAN NILSENS BETWEEN THE RAYS. (HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=NRQZYLE57Y8) A GREAT MELODY TO SHOW
CONTOUR.

Range
The range is the distance between the highest and lowest note of the melody.
Some melodies occupy a very large range (2 octaves and up) while others have
a much smaller range (half an octave). Range is important to consider when
writing melodies as a wide range will make a melody more dicult to hum,
whistle, and remember whereas a narrow range will have less variation in
pitch and wont sound as interesting.
(http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03
/Range.png)

Intervals
A melody uses more than one note, so therell always be at leastonemelodic
interval. Does the melody jump up to certain notes? Or does it move up to
them incrementally. Its handy to know the dierent intervals and the musical
quality they contain. Read: TL;DR Intervals (http://edmprod.com/interval-
basics/)

Structure
Melodies have structure too. You could have an A and B section to your
melody, maybe even a C. Think call and response, up and down, etc.

Scale
Melodies are formed from scales. There are numerous types of scales:

Modal:variable patterns of Major/minor scale. Starting at dierent points

Major and minor:makes up the majority of Western music.
Chromatic:all twelve notes.
Pentatonic Scale:5-note scale. Often used in blues and rock. (Learn more
about the Pentatonic Scale) (http://edmprod.com/tldr-music-theory-
pentatonic-scales/)

There are of course others, but Ill exclude them for sake of popularity and use
(especially in EDM).

The difference between motif and melody

A motif does contain melodic characteristics, but calling it a melody is a little
far-fetched. A melody is the main idea of the track. A motif or phrase is a short
musical idea it might be a few notes placed in a certain order or rhythm, but
it isnt the main feature. Anothercharacteristic of motifs is that theyre
generally repeated. Ideas that play frequentlythroughout the song and may
vary slightly from section to section.

Three Common Types of Melodies in EDM

There are a ton of dierent melodic structures in music. You can arpeggiate a
chord and turn it into a melody, you can add notes on top of a pre-existing
chord progression, you can use long notes, short notes. The list goes on. In my
opinion there are three main melody structures in EDM:

Arpeggios:a melody where the notes of a chord are played one after the
other. Example. (http://youtu.be/af1hIoGLRWQ?t=2m15s)
Chord-based:melodies that are played with each chord. Heres a good
example. (http://youtu.be/IZlfVSTFx_g?t=36s)
Motif-based:Melodies that repeat and vary an idea. Heres an example.
(http://youtu.be/dkFaubbXMFM?t=54s)

My 5-Step Approach to Creating

Memorable Melodies
Now that you know a little theory, its time to launch into the practical side of
things. While melodies can be created by randomly plotting in notes, I nd it
better to use a structure. Using a structure DOES NOT mean you wont suer
from lack of inspiration or ideas (http://edmprod.com/37-ways-to-discover-
new-song-ideas/), or that youre restricting yourself. It means that youll be
able create a musical idea more quickly and easily.

1. Choose a scale
Starting with a scale limits the amount of notes you can use straight away, so
you wontwaste time plotting each note by ear or hitting random keys on your
keyboard. Ive chosen a C Major pentatonic scale which contains C, D, E, G, and
A.

00:00 00:00

2. Create a Rhythm
After identifying the scale you want to create your melody in, you need to
come up with the rhythm for your melody. You see, melody isnt just a
succession of notes. Its arhythmicsuccession of notes. Rhythm is extremely
important in melody. Dont neglect it.
 (http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads
/2014/03/Rhythm-Step-2.png)
CREATING A SIMPLE RHYTHM WHICH WILL BE THE FOUNDATION FOR THE MELODY.

You might want to use a kick drum or a metronome when working on the
rhythm for your melody. Heres how mine sounds so far:

00:00 00:00

3. Draw a contour
Now that the rhythm is nailed, its time to start sketching the outline of the
melody. This is where you have to think! I like to draw one on paper, but you
can just paint a mental image in your head if you want to save the trees.
 (http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads
/2014/03/WP_20140306_001.jpg)
A BADLY TAKEN PHOTO OF MY HAND-DRAWN CONTOUR.

4. Choose/create a sound
Whether you want to write your melody before or after sound design is
completely up to you. I prefer to create or choose a sound rst as I know
having a good sound will inuence my writing decisions (certain melodies
will work great with a massive trance lead, but not as well with a cheap piano
sound). I created a simple pluck sound in NIs Massive.
 00:00 00:00

5. Create!
At this point its time for you to refer back to the contour line you drew (or
thought of) and change around some notes until you nd something that
rings with you. Dont feel like you have to follow your contour line exactly. If
something sounds out of place, x it.

(http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads
/2014/03/Melody-1.png)
FOLLOWING THE CONTOUR LINE CREATED EARLIER.

Adding Flair
The melody is nice, but it isnt great. After creating something simple, youll
want to make a few adjustments to add interest and air. Try adding extra
notes and varying note length.

(http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads
/2014/03/Melody-1a.png)
VARIED NOTE LENGTH AND ADDED IN EXTRA NOTES

Heres what it ended up as.

00:00 00:00

Very country-like. It lacks depth and power due to only being a single voice.
But thats a basic example of how you can use this structure to create
melodies.

Tips
Sometimes it just doesnt work. Try the following to regain your inspiration
and get the right sound:

Use silence
Switch the instrument
Move it up or down an octave
Delete every second note

If youre creating a melody from a chord progression then

Work with the rhythm of the chord progression (if there is one)
Have the strong notes of the melody contained within the chord. I.e, if the
rst chord is a C Major, make the rst note of the melody a C, E, or G.
Pay extra attention to the note before a chord change

Things to avoid:

Winding on and on. A good melodyresolves and repeats itself.

Too much variation in pitch and rhythm. Consistency is key, keep it simple.

Analyzing 5 Memorable Melodies

One of the best ways to learn is by studyingother artists work. Lets
deconstruct5 well-known melodies.

1. Faithless Insomnia
I had to choose this one, I just did. Insomnia is one of my favorite dance tracks
of all time and Im sure many others would agree with me when I say its
CATCHY. Lets take a listen
The melody that comes in at 2:18 is simply awesome. Its euphoric, uplifting,
and most of all? Its memorable (http://edmprod.com/memorable-music/).
 (http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads
/2014/03/Insomnia.png)
MIDI OF FAITHLESS INSOMNIA WITH CONTOUR SHOWN

One thing that stands out about Insomnia is repetition. Theres an A and B
section.The A section (rst 4 bars) features a downwards slope from the 1st
beat. The B section instead travels upwards from the E to the F-sharp instead
of dropping down to the D. This provides some variation while keeping the
overall melody memorable.

2. Paul Van Dyk For an Angel

Yet another absolute classic. Im sure youve all heard this one. (Its in 240p so
you know its old).
Below is the MIDI for the topline melody from this beautiful track. Notice the
dierence in range and rhythm compared to Insomnia.
(http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03
/For-an-Angel.png) This here is an example of how simple melodies can be.
Look at it! Does it lookcomplex? No. Its straightforward. The rhythm and
variation make it memorable.

3. Fisherman and Hawkins Apache

This melody has been stuck in my head for the past few months. Its epic and
memorable at the same time. You can hear it from 4:00.

Pretty awesome, right? Lets have a look at it.

 (http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads
/2014/03/Apache.png)
MIDI FOR FISHERMAN AND HAWKINS APACHE

Check out the contour on that. What I love about this melody is variation in
rhythm, youve got this staggering arp-like A section, then a long note followed
by the close of the melody in a dierent rhythm.

4. Basto Again and Again

Im sure youre sick of trance by now, so heres a dierent one. One of my
favorite tunes from Basto. The main melody can be heard after 0:35.


Ahhh. Ye olde Dancepiano 2k7 (if you made music duringAviciis goldendays,
youll know what Im talking about). Lets take a look at the MIDI.
(http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03
/Again-and-Again.png) That top line seems complex but isnt in theory. Basto is
simply going up and down the scale before making a large jump on the fourth
beat of every odd numbered bar. Notice how the D# is very prominent and
drives the melody forward.

5. Calvin Harris Im Not Alone

This is one of my all time favorites. The main melody is based in chords, and
gives o a trance feel but acts as a pop song and does it damn well. As for the
MIDI.
(http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03
/Im-not-alone.png)

3 Ways to Find Inspiration for Melodies

Recommended Reading: 37 Ways to Find New Song Ideas
(http://edmprod.com/37-ways-to-discover-new-song-ideas/)

Knowing how to write a melody is one thing, but what should you do when
youve got no ideas? There are three things I do to nd inspiration for
melodies:

1. Find Contour from Images and Scenery

Some people like having a visual counter-part to audio. I nd looking at photos
and scenery, even just walking outside cantrigger ideas for melodies. For
example, you couldextracta melody contour from an object in an image (like
Ive done here).
(http://myzone.edmprodlimited.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03
/Contour-from-image.png)

2. External Noise
Human voice has pitch, birds chirp with a certain pitch. Take time to just listen
and nd the melodies that are being composed in every day life. Theyre more
obvious than you think. Listen out for melodies in:

Conversation
Wildlife
Machines and vehicles

It sounds cheesy, but give it a go.

3. Finding Rhythm from External Noise

You can nd rhythm from external sounds just as you can nd pitch. This can
be found in conversation, maybe its a construction site where somethings
being hammered. Everything has rhythm, youve just got to listen out for it. So
you can nd contour, pitch, and rhythm from simple things around you. Thats
the basis for a melody. Endless ideas are at your ngertips! What are you
waiting for?

A Final Word
You should now have a better idea of how to go about writing melodies and
also nding inspiration for them. Melody writing will always be a challenge,
but it should be enjoyable. Take the knowledge that you have and put some
practice in. Whats your favorite melody of all time? Let me know in the
comments section below.

Update: Ive put together a FREE cheat sheet + pack of MIDI les for you to
study.You can download them by clicking here.
(https://edmprod.leadpages.co/leadbox
/143e9e9f3f72a2%3A13634110db46dc/5750943224168448/)

Tags:guide (http://edmprod.com/tag/guide/), melody

(http://edmprod.com/tag/melody/)
36 Comments EDMProd
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Join the discussion

secrets 2 years ago

Great article. It made me want to pull out my laptop this instance to start making melodies.
But unfortunately I'm still at work.

Keep up the good work.

3 Reply Share

Sam Matla > secrets 2 years ago

Damn it! Thanks. Have fun making melodies :)
1 Reply Share

Thomas Wolfe a year ago

You make complex things so clear, thank you!
1 Reply Share

James Egnlish 2 years ago

Where can you find notes for melodys (and chords) for songs? preferably in midi?

cheers
1 Reply Share

Sam Matla > James Egnlish 2 years ago

What John said, also another great one is http://nonstop2k.org
2 Reply Share

JohnSedano > James Egnlish 2 years ago

google mate!

www.cool-midi.com/
electrofresh.com
www.free-midi.org
1 Reply Share

Luke 2 years ago

Great article!
Another unreal melody in my opinion:
Skrillex - Scary Monsters & Nice Sprites
1 Reply Share

Sam Matla > Luke 2 years ago

Thanks Luke! And I agree. Have you heard Skrillex's latest album?
1 Reply Share

Boros Stefan > Sam Matla 2 months ago

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