how do you write great, professional, commercial, catchy melodies?

[andyhix]

I dont really beleive in the books and the theory aspects of music and writing music. I still like to think of creating music as mysticall and free. But theory and books turn it into maths or rules kind of if you know what i mean. Im afraid that if i read up on books and theory it would change and spoil my creative freeness as it were.

Has anyone seen the movie about Jackson Pollock that came out not too long ago? He's the painter that sorta started the whole wild random pours, and splashes of paint thing. Completely out there at the time, and to the novice art appreciator, probably looked stupid and messy. BUT...there was reason behind it, and before he ever started painting that way, he spend a ton of time learning how to paint in the traditional sense and was great at it - amazing landscapes, and whatnot...

The point? If you want to break the rules, or make your own rules, do so with purpose, and first learn what the rules are and how to use them, and you will be better for it. Its what makes the difference between a Jackson Pollock, and any 4 year old with a bunch of open paint cans.

 

[mrx]

...I think the easist method is to creatively steal.

There was a serious quote from Sammy Hagar on this subject 15 or 20 years ago - there's a certain 'length' of music (4 or 8 bars, I think) that has to be copied in order to be guilty of copyright infringement, so he said there's a huge quantity of 'building blocks' - 1 and 2 bar phrases - that can be used to build 'new' melodies.

That new Lonestar single, 'Let's Be Us Again', is a perfect example - slight variations of the chorus hook have been used over and over.

 

[Beltrom]

The point? If you want to break the rules, or make your own rules, do so with purpose, and first learn what the rules are and how to use them, and you will be better for it. Its what makes the difference between a Jackson Pollock, and any 4 year old with a bunch of open paint cans.

True, I started writing something with this intent as an answer to what ecktronic said (and his view is not that uncommon), but I couldn't get it right so I gave up.

 

[jeffrydada]

AAAgh! How?? you mean there's a way to do it? I will admit there are people who seem to have a gift or something. I've been playing and writing off and on for 30 years. When I'm actively writing (like I am Now) I crank out about 15 songs a month of which usually I get 1 or 2 that have a marketable sound. But I think it has more to do with being diligent with a piece than getting lucky. Knowing the different tools of writing and honing your skills at using them is important. Listening to how others do it is just as important. And Garry I think once apon a time Kieth Richards did know but that was many many beers ago!
J.

 

[bbop73]

There is no "sure-fire" way of writing great melodies. I'd say with all of this information everyone has posted, you should try any or all of it to see if it works for you. Knowing your instrument of choice very well and always striving to improve your knowledge of theory and playing never hurts. Also listen to as many artists as possible in various genres of music. Believe me, you will create melody. The question is: Will you be content with it? Write, write, write, then write some more. Good luck.

 

[Gidge]

yeah, there is probably schools out there that dont have enough books to go around, but worry about the dog in the shelter that nobody fuckin wants or it wouldnt be there.....women have the CHOICE to kill their own babies so why not whack a few animals.....

 

[wedge]

When I'm actively writing (like I am Now) I crank out about 15 songs a month of which usually I get 1 or 2 that have a marketable sound.

Is marketability your criteria for "good"? If it is, then you're sunk as an artist. You're not going to write good melodies unless you approach songwriting as an artform first and foremost. If you're trying to apply your melodies to a commercial criteria, forget it. Great melodies arise from the bottom of the soul. If you can't sense that or reach that, then move on to something else.

 

[Garry Sharp]

J - many years and beers (beers? - bit more than beer) ago indeed, but then so was his quote.

I was thinking about this theory debate, which always comes up in songwriting discussions. Although I have some grasp of theory (studied music at school, played in a classical orchestra, can write harmonies and counterpoints) it never comes into play when I write melodies - I'll usually come up with something which to me feels like it has a hook when I'm out cycling or walking, in a completely undisciplined way. Only then do I start thinking about chords etc. for it. Just my 2p.

 

[Gidge]

Is marketability your criteria for "good"? If it is, then you're sunk as an artist. You're not going to write good melodies unless you approach songwriting as an artform first and foremost. If you're trying to apply your melodies to a commercial criteria, forget it. Great melodies arise from the bottom of the soul. If you can't sense that or reach that, then move on to something else.

if commercial sounding music is your goal, the yes, you have to serve both masters : art and commercialability.....we all do this for different reasons and you CAN write good melodies and be commercial.....

 

[CanopuS]

I'd recommend trying to come up with an interesting melody whilst playing around with chords. Trying to paste a melody over a chord sequence often fails for me.