Get updates

 
(https://edmprod.com) (https://app.monstercampaigns.com/c/kpvduxdwtxaam

The Ultimate Guide to Writing Better and More

Memorable Melodies
Photo Credit: Prabhu B Doss
(https://www. ickr.com/photos/78305168@N00/4735360572/) via Comp ght
(http://comp ght.com) cc (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/)

Want to master melody and chord progression writing? Check out

Songwriting For Producers (https://edmprod.com/songwriting-for-
producers).

While groove is fundamental to electronic dance music, it isn’t something that

sticks in your head. You don’t hum “groove” while taking your morning shower
or driving to work, you hum melody. Melody is what gets stuck in someone’s
head.

But melodies are hard to write.

There’s always that feeling that it’s just not good enough. You may feel like all
melodies you come up with sound like they’ve been written before. Maybe
your melodies sound horrible and you’re not sure how to improve.

If so, this is the article for you.

This isn’t 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
(https://www.edmprod.com/music-theory-the-tldr-version/) if you need a
primer.

I’ve also summarized this melody writing process in a FREE cheat sheet that
you can download using the button below (comes with bonus MIDI les).

Download the free cheat sheet + MIDI

(https://app.monstercampaigns.com/c/tqrrosyetxmbgw2u8g0d/)

A Basic Overview of
Melody
Melody comes from the Greek word melōidía and is de ned by a series of notes
that are perceived by the listener as a single entity or object.

When somebody listens to a melody, they don’t hear it as just a random

combination of notes, they hear it as something. They can point out where it
starts and ends, they can remove it from the song and remember it.
The typical listener couldn’t care less about the clap sample you’re using or the
bass you spent 20 hours designing in Massive. They care about what they
can take away from your music (https://edmprod.com/songwriting-for-
producers).

What does a melody consist of?

It helps to picture melody as horizontal notation, and harmony as vertical. A
melody is by de nition monophonic (meaning one voice), but that doesn’t mean
that chord progressions aren’t 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.

(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.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. There’s no particular formula. You don’t have to have a contour that
rises and then falls, and you don’t need to have a certain number of drops or
leaps. It’s completely down to preference. But you will notice how different
contours elicit a different emotional reaction from the listener. For example: a
melody that ascends may sound more uplifting than one that descends.

(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/Contour.png)

Orjan Nilsen’s “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 dif cult to hum, whistle, and remember – whereas a
narrow range will have less variation in pitch and won’t sound as interesting.

(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/Range.png)

Intervals
A melody uses more than one note, so there’ll always be at least one melodic
interval. Does the melody jump up to certain notes? Or does it move up to
them incrementally. It’s handy to know the different intervals and the musical
quality they contain.

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 different 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.

There are of course others, but I’ll 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
isn’t the main feature.

Another characteristic of motifs is that they’re generally repeated. Ideas that

play frequently throughout the song and may vary slightly from section to
section.

Three Common Types of

Melodies in EDM
There are a ton of different 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.  (https://youtu.be/af1hIoGLRWQ?t=2m15s)
Chord-based: melodies that are played with each chord. Here’s a good
example.  (https://youtu.be/IZlfVSTFx_g?t=36s)
Motif-based: Melodies that repeat and vary an idea. Here’s an example.
(https://youtu.be/dkFaubbXMFM?t=54s)

My 5-Step Approach to
Creating Memorable
Melodies
Now that you know a little theory, it’s 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 won’t suffer
from lack of inspiration or ideas (https://www.edmprod.com/37-ways-to-
discover-new-song-ideas/), or that you’re restricting yourself. It means that
you’ll 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 won’t waste time plotting each note by ear or hitting random keys on your
keyboard. I’ve chosen a C Major pentatonic scale which contains C, D, E, G, and
A.

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 isn’t just a
succession of notes. It’s a rhythmic succession of notes. Rhythm is extremely
important in melody. Don’t neglect it.

(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.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. Here’s how mine sounds so far:

3. Draw a contour
Now that the rhythm is nailed, it’s 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.

(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.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 in uence 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 NI’s Massive.

5. Create!
At this point it’s 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. Don’t feel like you have to follow your contour line exactly. If
something sounds out of place, x it.

(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/Melody-1.png)

Following the contour line created earlier.

Adding Flair
The melody is nice, but it isn’t great. After creating something simple, you’ll
want to make a few adjustments to add interest and air. Try adding extra
notes and varying note length.
(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/Melody-1a.png)

Varied note length and added in extra notes

Here’s what it ended up as.

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

Tips
Sometimes it just doesn’t 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 you’re 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 melody resolves 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 studying other artist’s work. Let’s
deconstruct 5 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 I’m sure many others would agree with me when I say it’s
CATCHY. Let’s take a listen…

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=iD6An7tKfAw)

▶
The melody that comes in at 2:18 is simply awesome. It’s euphoric, uplifting,
and most of all? It’s memorable (https://www.edmprod.com/memorable-
music/).
(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/Insomnia.png)

MIDI of Faithless – Insomnia with contour shown

One thing that stands out about Insomnia is repetition. There’s 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. I’m sure you’ve all heard this one. (It’s in 240p so
you know it’s old).

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=jNqT3yLZ9aw)

(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/For-an-Angel.png)
Below is the MIDI for the topline melody from this beautiful track. Notice the
difference in range and rhythm compared to Insomnia. This here is an example
of how simple melodies can be. Look at it! Does it look complex? No. It’s
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. It’s epic and
memorable at the same time. You can hear it from 4:00.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-
rtM5o_JpY)

▶
Pretty awesome, right? Let’s have a look at it.

(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.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, you’ve got this staggering arp-like A section, then a long note followed
by the close of the melody in a different rhythm.
4. Basto – Again and Again
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=GIk6kSdeIsA)

▶
I’m sure you’re sick of trance by now, so here’s a different 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 during Avicii’s golden days,
you’ll know what I’m talking about). Let’s take a look at the MIDI.

(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/Again-and-Again.png)

That top line seems complex but isn’t 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 – I’m Not Alone

▶
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=a8TPXFoXO5A)
This is one of my all time favorites. The main melody is based in chords, and
gives off a trance feel but acts as a pop song and does it damn well. As for the
MIDI.

(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/Im-not-alone.png)

3 Ways to Find Inspiration

for Melodies
Recommended: Songwriting For Producers
(https://edmprod.com/songwriting-for-producers)

Knowing how to write a melody is one thing, but what should you do when
you’ve 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 can trigger ideas for melodies. For
example, you could extract a melody contour from an object in an image (like
I’ve done here).

(https://ysb9sqrtp8- ywheel.netdna-ssl.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. They’re 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 it’s a construction site where something’s being
hammered. Everything has rhythm, you’ve just got to listen out for it. So you
can nd contour, pitch, and rhythm from simple things around you. That’s 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. What’s your favorite melody of all time? Let me know in the
comments section below.

Remember, if you want this article in the form of a cheat sheet that you can
quickly reference while producing, click the button below.

Download the free cheat sheet + MIDI

(https://app.monstercampaigns.com/c/tqrrosyetxmbgw2u8g0d/)

New producer? Frustrated?

 Watch my free video training on how to master the fundamentals of electronic music
production (the smart way)

Get Instant Access

(https://app.monstercampaigns.com/c/joxgwrgz1uzfqjhrnkfe/)

C O N TEN T P R O DUC T S O THER

Track Breakdowns EDM Foundations Resources

(https://www.edmprod.com/tb/)
(https://edmprod.com/edm- (https://www.edmprod.com/music-
Work ow & Creativity foundations) production-resources/)
Songwriting For
(https://www.edmprod.com/category/work owcreativity/) Podcast
Producers
Arrangement & (https://www.edmprod.com/podcas
Composition (https://edmprod.com/songwriting-
Facebook Community
for-producers)
(https://www.edmprod.com/category/arrangecomp/)
(https://facebook.com/groups/edm
Mixing and Mastering Productive Producer
Launchpad
(https://edmprod.com/productive-
(https://www.edmprod.com/category/mixingmastering/)
(https://www.edmprod.com/launch
General producer)
Contact
The Producer’s Guide
(https://www.edmprod.com/category/general/) to
Work ow & Creativity (https://www.edmprod.com/contac
Privacy Policy
(https://edmprod.com/work ow)
Ableton Work ow Bible (https://www.iubenda.com/privacy
(https://edmprod.com/ableton-policy/29076032/legal)
work ow-bible)


(https://facebook.com/edmpsite)
(https://twitter.com/edmprod)
(https://instagram.com/edmprodgr
© Copyright 2019 EDMPROD LTD.