Finding a melody is also an exciting and creative process that can be approached in various ways. Here are some methods to help you find a melody.

Hum or sing

Start by humming or singing different melodies freely. Allow yourself to explore different pitches, rhythms, and patterns without overthinking. Record your ideas or use a voice recorder app to capture your spontaneous melodies.

Play with the scale

Experiment with the scale that results from your chord progression and/or song. You can use the Key Identifier to find it. Play the scale on an instrument or use smartChords virtual instrument (playground). You can activate the piano or the scale fretboard in the settings. The piano shows the name of the scales notes. The scale fretboard highlights all possible scale positions. Click on the fretboard to switch to the scale feature, where you can examine the scale and look for the scale patterns. Play around with different note combinations and patterns to create melodies.

You can open the playground or piano with the selected scale directly from the menu.

Play with the chord tones

Consider the chord progression you have in mind or already established. Focus on the notes within each chord and experiment with melodies that emphasize those notes. Chord tones often provide a strong foundation for melodies that harmonize well with the accompanying chords.

You can activate the piano or the chord gallery in the settings. The piano highlights the keys of the selected chord notes. The chord gallery shows the best fingering for the selected chord. Use a long press to change it.

Rhythmic motifs

Explore rhythmic motifs or patterns that you find catchy or interesting. The Drum Machine or Drum Kit is ideal for this purpose. Start with a short rhythmic idea and build upon it by adding pitch variations and melodic embellishments. Rhythmic patterns can shape the overall feel and groove of your melody.

Variation and repetition

Once you have a basic melodic idea, experiment with variations and repetitions. Alter the rhythm, pitch, or phrasing of certain sections to create contrast and interest. Repetition can help establish familiarity and catchiness in your melody.

Sing over chords

Play the chords of your progression or use a pre-recorded backing track, and sing or hum melodies over it. This allows you to hear how the melody interacts with the chords and rhythm, and helps you develop a melody that fits harmonically within the context.

Emotional connection

Consider the emotional impact you want your melody to convey. Think about the lyrics or message you’re trying to convey and how the melody can enhance the intended emotion. Experiment with different melodic contours, dynamics, and phrasing to capture the desired mood.

Experiment and explore

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different ideas. Allow yourself to make mistakes and explore unconventional melodies. Sometimes the most interesting and unique melodies come from pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box.