If you’ve ever struggled to create a strong vocal melody, you’re not alone. Many musicians rely purely on instinct, but without a clear process, it’s easy to feel lost or uninspired.
Today, I’m breaking down my simple approach to writing vocal melodies—no advanced music theory required. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for new ways to refine your songwriting, these steps will help you craft more memorable and confident melodies.
1. Start With a Chord Progression
I always begin with the chords first because, as a guitarist, I connect emotionally through my instrument before thinking about the melody.
🎸 Pick a simple chord progression in any key. You don’t need anything complex—just something that resonates with you.
2. Focus on Rhythm First
Before worrying about the notes, I shape the rhythm of my lyrics within the chord structure.
🗣️ Try singing your lyrics in a spoken rhythm over the chords. This helps ensure the melody will feel natural and fit comfortably within the music.
Example: “There is a complication to the love you seek, broken hearts will do you harm”
Once you lock in a rhythm, you’re ready to explore melody.
3. Build Your Melody Using Simple Scale Patterns
Instead of guessing notes, I use modes—which are just different scales built from the same key—to shape my melody.
🎵 Find your melody starting note: Use notes that exist in the chord you’re playing (like the root, third, or fifth).
🎶 Experiment with different modes: If your song is in G major, try starting your melody using notes from G major’s second or third mode (A Dorian or B Phrygian). This can give your melody a fresh and interesting feel.
Don’t worry if you don’t fully understand modes—just know that choosing different starting notes can dramatically change the vibe of your melody.
4. Play Your Melody On an Instrument
Once I have a basic vocal melody, I play it on my guitar or piano. This helps me:
✅ Stay consistent when singing the melody.
✅ Identify strong notes to reinforce with harmonies or other instruments later.
✅ Make melody adjustments that feel natural within the song.
5. Finalize Your Melody & Lyrics
Once the melody feels right, I go back and refine my lyrics to make sure they fit rhythmically and emotionally.
✍️ If you need to change words later, keep the melody structure the same and swap out syllables. This keeps your melody intact while improving your lyrics.
Why This Process Works
🔹 It’s structured, yet flexible—you’re not relying purely on trial and error.
🔹 It builds confidence in your singing and melody-writing.
🔹 It helps with arrangement—once you know your melody, you can reinforce it with harmonies, strings, or synth layers.
Your Homework: Try This Yourself!
1️⃣ Choose a simple chord progression (like D-G).
2️⃣ Speak your lyrics over the chords to find a rhythm.
3️⃣ Experiment with melody notes from your chord’s scale.
4️⃣ Play your melody on an instrument and refine it.
5️⃣ Lock it in and fine-tune your lyrics.
Want to share your results? Drop a link in the comments—I’d love to hear what you create! Let’s push forward together and keep making great music. 🎶
