MELODY WORKSHOP

Learn how to compose a melody in 3 steps using the melody practice arrangement exercise. First add a chord progression, second add a short repeating melody (ostinato) and third add a lead melody. These 3 steps together will come together to create a simple song.

For edm producers, try writing the melody using piano sounds instead of synths. A melody that sounds good on a piano will typically sound good on most synths. So you will be able to reuse your melody across different synths to make different variations of an awesome mix. Also writing a melody using piano notes will make harmonizing easier later.

It’s a good idea typically to mix each step of the melody on different parts of the piano. Also try adding a piano bass line to the chord progression.

Chord Progression
For starters pick a scale, like the f dorian scale. In Ableton you can set up an auto correct for the scale. The auto correct will automatically override notes that are out of scale. This is extremely useful if you are not familiar with scales.

Ostinato
For the ostinato, short repeating sequence of notes, experiment mixing up a couple octaves. The ostinato may totally end up being a vocal chop, beep or other unique short sounds later.

Lead Melody
The lead melody is a super satisfying sequence of notes. These sequence of notes are easily verbalized or hummed. Writing the lead melody is easier after creating a chord progression and Ostinato. Try writing the lead melody above the chord progression and below the ostinato.

These 3 steps for a melody create simple melodic songs. After completing the 3 steps try adding the melody to a synth, adding buildups, transitions, riffs and much more. Just remember to space each step out across the octaves of a piano/ keyboard so they are not on top of each other.