3 Easy Melody Tricks The Beatles Use To Hook You

Summary

The video explores songwriting techniques inspired by The Beatles, emphasizing the importance of memorable melodies. It highlights that successful songs often utilize simple melodic motifs that are repeated strategically. By focusing 20% of creative energy on generating good ideas and 80% on creatively developing them, songwriters can enhance their compositions. The Beatles' song 'Here Comes the Sun' serves as a prime example, showcasing effective repetition and variation in melody. The video encourages songwriters to embrace these tricks while avoiding the pitfalls of overcomplication, ultimately demonstrating how these principles can be applied across various genres.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Beatles had 20 number one hits in just eight years and still receive over a billion streams on Spotify today.
• 😀 One of the secrets to The Beatles' success was their songwriting techniques, which any modern songwriter can adopt.
• 😀 Repetition in a song can be powerful, but it needs to be balanced and strategically placed to avoid sounding formulaic.
• 😀 The Beatles used a flexible set of patterns in their songwriting, allowing them to adapt to different styles and genres.
• 😀 When writing melodies, focus 20% of your creative energy on generating ideas and 80% on creatively using and developing them.
• 😀 Repeating melodic motifs throughout a song is effective, but the repetition must be varied to keep it interesting (known as the 'Scooby-Doo rule').
• 😀 A good motif is typically 2-4 notes long and easy to sing, but its power comes from how it's developed and expanded into a full melody.
• 😀 One of the keys to successful songwriting is not judging your ideas too harshly at the beginning—let the ideas evolve.
• 😀 Simple melodic ideas, like those in *Here Comes the Sun*, can be developed creatively to create a memorable song.
• 😀 A powerful way to develop a motif is to change the rhythm or pitch while keeping the structure the same to maintain listener interest.
• 😀 These techniques, which worked for The Beatles, are still relevant for modern songwriters, as evidenced by recent hit songs with billions of streams.

Q & A

What is the significance of The Beatles in songwriting?

The Beatles had 20 number one hits in just eight years and continue to receive over a billion streams on Spotify, highlighting their enduring impact on music and songwriting.

What are the key tricks The Beatles used in their songwriting?

The Beatles utilized several go-to tricks, including focusing creative energy effectively, using simple motifs, and employing repetition strategically to enhance the memorability of their melodies.

How should songwriters allocate their creative energy when writing melodies?

Songwriters should spend 20% of their creative energy on generating good ideas and 80% on creatively developing and applying those ideas throughout their songs.

What is a motif, and why is it important in songwriting?

A motif is a short, memorable musical idea, typically consisting of 2 to 4 notes. It is crucial because it serves as the foundation for building a catchy and recognizable melody.

How does repetition contribute to a song's effectiveness?

Repetition helps reinforce melodic ideas, making them more memorable. The Beatles exemplified this by repeating motifs throughout their songs, ensuring they resonate with listeners.

What is the 'Scooby-Doo rule' in songwriting?

The 'Scooby-Doo rule' refers to the practice of using the same melodic idea in different sections of a song to maintain variety while still leveraging familiarity through repetition.

What should songwriters be cautious of regarding repetition?

Songwriters should avoid excessive repetition that can lead to formulaic melodies. It's essential to balance repetition with variations in rhythm and notes to keep the melody engaging.

What are some characteristics of catchy melodies seen in 'Here Comes the Sun'?

'Here Comes the Sun' features melodic ideas that are primarily short, move in steps, and utilize rhythm and intervals to create a unique character, contributing to its catchiness.

How can songwriters ensure their melodic ideas are good enough?

Songwriters can gauge the quality of their ideas by analyzing common characteristics of successful motifs, such as simplicity, singability, and their potential for development.

What emotional aspect should songwriters consider when creating melodies?

Songwriters should explore ways to infuse their melodies with emotion, which can enhance their impact and help them connect more deeply with the audience.