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

Hack Music Theory

18 Jun 201806:10

Summary

TLDRIn 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'.

Outlines

00:00

🎵 Lead Melodies That Captivate: The 7-Up Hack

This paragraph introduces the concept of creating lead melodies that stand out and command attention, using the '7-up' hack. The video's hosts, Kate and Ray, explain that melodies with large intervals, like a seventh, are rare and exciting, capturing listeners' attention more effectively than smaller intervals. They illustrate this by showing the lead vocal melody from their upcoming single, 'Down with the Drama,' in the key of F sharp minor, with a chord progression of F sharp minor, A major, E major, B minor, D major, and A major. They emphasize the importance of starting with a '7-up' interval to immediately grab the listener's attention and discuss the psychological reasons behind why large intervals are more engaging. Additionally, they provide a practical guide on how to create a '7-up' interval and mention a melody checklist for further guidance.

05:02

🌈 Enhancing Melodic Flow: Over the Bar Line and Syncopation

The second paragraph delves into the technique of extending a melody over the bar line to create a more fluid and unpredictable lead melody. The hosts demonstrate how holding the last note of a bar into the next can loosen the rigid structure typically found in melodies, making them more attention-grabbing. They also discuss the emotional impact of holding one note over two chords, showing how the same note can sound resolved in one chord and tense in another, adding momentum to the melody. To further enhance the melody, they suggest adding an eighth note rest after the held note, starting the melody again on the offbeat for a syncopated effect. The paragraph concludes with a prompt for viewers to subscribe for more music theory content and to engage with the hosts in the comments.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Lead Melody

A lead melody is the primary melodic line in a piece of music, often played by a solo instrument or sung by the lead vocalist. In the context of the video, the lead melody is emphasized as a crucial element for capturing the listener's attention. The script mentions that the lead melody from the verse of their single 'Down with the Drama' is highlighted, indicating its importance in the song's structure and appeal.

💡7-Up Interval

In music theory, an interval is the difference in pitch between two notes. A '7-Up' interval refers to a melodic leap of a seventh, which is a large interval that can make a melody stand out. The video suggests using a 7-Up interval to create a lead melody that demands attention, as it is considered extraordinary compared to the more common smaller intervals. The script provides an example of starting the lead melody with a 7-Up to grab the listener's ears.

💡Chord Progression

A chord progression is a sequence of chords played one after another, creating harmonic movement in a piece of music. The video script outlines the chord progression in the key of F sharp minor, consisting of F sharp minor, A major, E major, B minor, D major, and A major chords. This progression serves as the harmonic foundation for the lead melody and is essential for the overall musical structure.

💡Syncopation

Syncopation is a rhythmic technique that involves placing emphasis on normally weak beats or off-beats, creating a sense of surprise or tension in the music. The video script discusses using syncopation by holding a note over the bar line and then starting the melody again on an offbeat, which adds fluidity and unpredictability to the lead melody, making it more engaging for the listener.

💡Resolution

In music, resolution refers to the process of moving from a note or chord that creates tension to one that provides a sense of rest or stability. The script mentions how holding a note over two chords can change the feeling of that note, as it initially sounds resolved over one chord but becomes tense when the chord changes, creating a need for resolution. This technique adds momentum and interest to the melody.

💡Music Theory

Music theory is the study of the practices and possibilities of music, including elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and form. The video is part of a series called 'Hack Music Theory,' which aims to provide notation-free theory for creating great music. The script discusses various music theory concepts, such as intervals and chord progressions, to empower viewers to write compelling lead melodies.

💡Muted Chords

Muting in music production refers to reducing the volume or stopping the sound of a note or chord. In the script, the chords at the bottom of the screen are mentioned as being muted, meaning they are not part of the vocal melody but are there for reference. This technique helps to focus attention on the lead melody while still providing a harmonic context.

💡Melodic Fluidity

Melodic fluidity refers to the smooth and natural flow of a melody, which can make it more pleasing and engaging to the ear. The video script suggests techniques to enhance melodic fluidity, such as holding a note over the bar line and starting the melody on an offbeat. These methods contribute to a more dynamic and less predictable lead melody.

💡Songwriting Hacks

Songwriting hacks are strategies or techniques that songwriters use to improve their craft or create more effective melodies and songs. The video introduces several hacks, such as using a 7-Up interval and holding notes over the bar line, to help songwriters write lead melodies that grab attention. These hacks are presented as practical advice for enhancing the songwriting process.

💡Musical Attention

Musical attention refers to the ability of a piece of music to capture and hold the listener's focus. The video emphasizes the importance of creating lead melodies that demand the listener's attention in a world of increasing distractions. The script provides specific techniques, like using large intervals and syncopation, to make melodies more attention-grabbing.

Highlights

Lead melodies should grab listeners' attention to avoid becoming background music.

Use the '7up' hack to create melodies with large intervals for extra attention.

Evolution has programmed us to ignore everyday things and pay attention to extraordinary things.

Large intervals are rare and exciting, making them effective in melodies.

Starting the melody with a '7up' interval is a powerful technique.

The interval of a seventh is created by going up an octave and then moving one note down.

In the key of F sharp minor, the melody starts with a '7up' from C sharp to B.

The melody checklist is a valuable resource for writing great melodies.

Endings should not necessarily coincide with the end of a bar.

Holding the last note over the bar line creates a flowing and unpredictable melody.

Holding a note over two chords changes the feeling of that note.

The tension created by holding a note can inject momentum into the melody.

For melodic fluidity, add an eighth note rest after a held note on a quarter note beat.

Syncopation can make a melody more engaging and attention-grabbing.

Unexpected held notes and syncopation can turn listeners into fans.

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