How to Write a Lead Melody - Music Theory Hacks for Better Melodies

Summary

In this music theory video, Kate and Ray from Revolution Harmony teach viewers how to craft lead melodies that captivate listeners. They emphasize the importance of using large intervals, like a seventh, to create attention-grabbing melodies that stand out. Additionally, they advise against ending melodies on bar lines, suggesting instead to hold notes over into the next bar for a more fluid and unpredictable melody. The video provides practical examples and tips, such as using a melody checklist and incorporating syncopation for extra melodic interest.

Takeaways

• 🎶 **Engage Listeners with Bold Melodies**: Use large intervals like a seventh to capture attention, as they are rare and exciting compared to common small intervals.
• 🌟 **Start with a '7-Up'**: Begin your melody with a seventh interval upwards to immediately grab the listener's attention.
• 📚 **Understand Intervals**: Learn how to identify and utilize intervals, such as the major 7 (11 semitones) and minor 7 (10 semitones), to create dynamic melodies.
• 🚫 **Avoid 'Quitter' Endings**: Don't always end your melody on the bar line; instead, let it flow over into the next bar for a more fluid and unpredictable sound.
• 🎵 **Create Tension and Release**: Hold a note over two chords to change its harmonic function, creating tension that resolves when the chord changes.
• 🌈 **Use Syncopation for Interest**: Add an eighth note rest after a held note to create syncopation, making your melody more engaging.
• 📈 **Elevate with the 'Melody Checklist'**: Utilize the melody checklist for guidance on writing compelling and effective melodies.
• 🔄 **Loop and Repeat for Impact**: Structure your melody to loop, reinforcing the memorable elements and keeping the listener engaged.
• 🎹 **Key and Chord Progression**: Compose within a specific key, using a progression of chords to provide a foundation for your melody.
• 📺 **Learn from the Experts**: Watch additional videos and resources provided by Revolution Harmony for in-depth lessons on lead melody writing.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video presented by Kate and Ray?

The main focus of the video is to teach viewers how to create lead melodies that grab attention and stand out, using music theory hacks without the need for notation.

What is the level of the music theory hacks presented in the video?

The hacks presented in the video are designed for intermediate level musicians, but beginners can also benefit by referring to the free book '12 Music Theory Hacks' provided by the hosts.

What is the name of the upcoming single mentioned in the video?

The upcoming single mentioned in the video is 'Down with the Drama'.

In which key is the song 'Down with the Drama' written?

The song 'Down with the Drama' is written in the key of F sharp minor.

What are the chords used in the progression of 'Down with the Drama'?

The chords used in the progression of 'Down with the Drama' are F sharp minor, A major, E major, B minor, D major, and A major.

What is the first music theory hack presented in the video to make a melody stand out?

The first hack is to use a large interval, specifically a '7-up', in the melody to grab the listener's attention, as large intervals are rare and exciting compared to small, everyday intervals.

How can you determine the interval of a seventh in a melody?

To determine the interval of a seventh, start by going an octave up from the starting note and then move one note down in the scale. Depending on the scale, this will result in either a major 7 (11 semitones) or a minor 7 (10 semitones).

What is the second hack presented to make a melody more engaging?

The second hack is to avoid ending the melody on or before the end of a bar. Instead, hold the last note over the bar line into the next bar to create a flowing and unpredictable melody.

How does holding a note over two chords affect the melody?

Holding a note over two chords changes the feeling of that note, as it sounds resolved over one chord but becomes tense and in need of resolution when the chord changes, adding momentum to the melody.

What additional technique is suggested for extra melodic fluidity when holding a note over a bar line?

For extra melodic fluidity, after holding a note over a bar line on a quarter note beat, give it an eighth note rest and then start the melody again on the offbeat eighth note.

Where can viewers find additional resources on music theory and songwriting?

Viewers can find additional resources on music theory and songwriting by visiting the website 'revolutionharmony.com' and checking out the free book '12 Music Theory Hacks' and the 'Apprentice Course'.