This One Melody Tip Will Make Your Melodies GREAT

Summary

This video delves into the art of melody writing, focusing on the powerful tool of melodic phrasing. The presenter demonstrates how shifting the start of a melody, either before, on, or after the downbeat, can drastically affect a song's energy and emotional impact. By creating dynamic contrasts in phrasing, songwriters can add movement, tension, and expression to their melodies, making them feel more engaging and less predictable. The lesson provides practical advice on how to apply this principle to craft more compelling melodies across various genres.

Takeaways

• 😀 Melodic phrasing is crucial for creating dynamic and engaging melodies in songwriting.
• 😀 Starting every melodic phrase on the downbeat can make the melody feel predictable and rigid.
• 😀 Shifting melodic phrases off the downbeat or before the downbeat creates a sense of movement and energy.
• 😀 Varying the phrasing between sections of a song (e.g., verse vs. chorus) helps to create contrast and keeps the listener engaged.
• 😀 Using off-beat phrasing can add breath, space, and a dance-like quality to your melody.
• 😀 Melodic phrasing can change the emotional energy of a song, making it feel more expressive rather than static.
• 😀 Conscious design of melodic phrases is essential for building energy and emotional depth in a song.
• 😀 The principle of melodic phrasing is not genre-specific and can be applied across various musical styles (pop, folk, country, etc.).
• 😀 A melody that starts on the strong beat can feel assertive, while shifting to off-beats can create a more fluid, storytelling effect.
• 😀 Listen to popular songs like Katy Perry's 'Firework' and Post Malone's 'Circles' to identify how varied melodic phrasing creates dynamic movement.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The main topic is the concept of melodic phrasing in songwriting, with an emphasis on how varying the phrasing can improve the dynamics and energy of a melody.

Why is melodic phrasing important in songwriting?

Melodic phrasing is important because it creates dynamic contrast, energy, movement, and emotional expression within a melody. This keeps the melody from feeling repetitive or static.

What is the effect of starting a melody on the downbeat?

Starting a melody on the downbeat gives it a strong, assertive feeling. However, if used too frequently, it can make the melody feel like a list, lacking variation or flow.

What happens when a melody starts off the beat or after the downbeat?

When a melody starts off the beat or after the downbeat, it creates a sense of movement, flow, and energy. This phrasing provides contrast to melodies that begin on the downbeat and makes the melody feel more dynamic.

How does shifting melodic phrasing affect the song?

Shifting melodic phrasing, such as starting a melody before or after the downbeat, introduces a sense of variety and energy to the song. It helps the melody breathe, dance, and convey emotion more effectively.

What is the difference between starting a melody on beat one versus starting it after beat one?

Starting a melody on beat one gives it a grounded, strong feeling, while starting it after beat one creates a sense of anticipation and movement. This contrast helps maintain listener interest and emotional depth.

How can a songwriter use phrasing contrast in different sections of a song?

A songwriter can use phrasing contrast by varying the start points of the melodic phrases in different sections. For example, a verse might start phrases on the downbeat, while the chorus could start them off the beat to create a dynamic shift.

Can the principle of melodic phrasing be applied across different musical genres?

Yes, this principle can be applied across all musical genres, not just pop. It's about the melody itself and how it engages the listener through phrasing, whether in folk, country, indie, or other genres.

How does varying the phrasing within a section improve the melody?

Varying the phrasing within a section adds contrast, prevents monotony, and helps the melody breathe. It also makes the melody more emotionally compelling and engaging by adding subtle shifts in energy.

What is the purpose of anticipating the downbeat in a melody?

Anticipating the downbeat in a melody creates a sense of forward motion and energy, making the melody feel like it's pushing towards the next strong beat, adding a sense of excitement and unpredictability.