Having a hard time creating melodies.....

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Nutdotnet

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Hi.

So ever since I started playing guitar (6 years ago) I have always wanted to write my own stuff. I can come up with lyrics extremely easily. My problem is, and the reason why I have only written one song for those six years is that I have such a hard time comming up with decent melodies for the vocal track to go over the chords of the song.

I tend to follow the chords too much. My melodies just do not have enough "umph" to them (if that makes any sense at all).

Is there any advice one can give to me? Maybe some websites to educate me a little bit. I am just extremely frustrated right now.

Thanks!
 
Hi, Nut.

Do you have any kind of recording stuff? Even a boombox would work. When I first started writing I found it helpful to record the guitar and experiement with humming or singing melodies over it. Since I'm not focused on playing it is easier to let the melody do its own thing over the background of the chords.

A four track is even better so you can also record your melody ideas and listen to them without having to perform them.

You've heard music all your life, so you know what good melodies sound like and how to create them. Its just a matter of getting comfortable with the process of trial and error and getting a system down that works for you.

Try playing your chord progression really slowly and singing different notes over them to see how they interact with the movement of the music. Try singing along with your favorite CD's, then try inventing harmonies for them. :) That is great practice for being creative with making melodies.

Also, try not to edit yourself if you tend to do that. Everyone has to start somewhere and you might as well start where you are. With a little practice at melody writing you will get better. If you cut yourself off and don't practice it is much more difficult to improve.

Good luck!
Chris
 
Doh!

Someone isn't paying too much attention around here...

Nut, I just saw your Nuendo post so scratch that question about your recording stuff. :)

Chris
 
Really? Hmm, I haven't heard that. Maybe at times, considering the problems I am having with my recording setup. But I have listened to the track on a number of audio setups and I didn't think the vocals were off-pitch.

Thanks for the advice though, once I get my recording woes set up correctly I am going to re-record the song.
 
Hi,
I always create a melody track on guitar to compliment the rhythmn....works most of the time....

I also create a lead track to compliment the melody...ya know?
Sometimes they crash into each other...sometimes not....ya gotta fine tune it.

Then I have to let someone else sing it....
Small animals (and most people) flee in terror at the sound of my singing voice....

That's just the way I do it.....
I am sure everyone does it differently.....ya know?
 
Hi Nutdotnet,

what kind of music do you play/write/like?

Just to get a feel for "where you're at", maybe it'll be easier to discuss, knowing what kind of stuff you like.

A few bands you can mention maybe?

cheers /Tommy
 
I'd say pay close attention to songs that do what you're trying to do i.e. get away from directly following the chord progression of the song.
Maybe sing/write a mellody and build the progression around it.
Or try listening to the notes within each chord and instead of singing with the root or tonic of the chord being played, choose a different note.
Or try holding a note over the progression to give you an idea of the "sweet spot " of the progression and build variations with that core.

Good luck.

I piss mellodies and can't write harmonies worth a shit so, what do I know.

Theron.
 
Hey all, thanks for all the advice I really appreciate it!

I am a pretty depressing person right now so I tend to play depressing stuff, lol. I guess I am in one of those moods right now. :)

I think tommorow I am gonna spend most of the day working on some stuff. Once I finally figure out what is going on with my recording setup I will post something a little more polished.
 
Having a hard time creating melodies

hi.
New guy from the north country here.

Trouble with melodies- A few things to try-

-If you have lyrics, try to visualize a scene the lyrics might suggest
-Vary the rythmn of the chord progression (ie country to ska)
believe it or not this can help.
-Try to ignore lyrics for the moment and compose the song as an
-instrumental. When humming out the melody, don't think guitar
----try say, tenor sax.

Good Luck.
 
Analog4,

Good advice! I am going to try and think of lead Jazz guitarist next time I create a melodie, never thought of trying that before....

Matt
 
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