How to Write a Catchy Melody

Music Theory from Beastie Boys "Sure Shot".

0:00 Step 1. Scale
1:31 Step 2. Rhythm
1:58 Step 3. Contour
2:25 Final Example

Step 1. Scale
There are two types of catchy melodies: annoyingly repetitive ones you can’t stop singing but actually hate, and awesome ones that are memorable cos they’re unique. So, to write a catchy melody that isn’t annoying, you need to make it unique somehow. There are numerous ways to do that, and in this example we’ll be using two. The first way is to use an unusual scale. You see, our ears are so used to hearing melodies in the major and minor scales that they often fade into the background. By using a scale that’s more rare, your melody will instantly stand out. In this example, we’re using the Blues scale. So, to get the Blues scale, you start with the natural minor scale. From the root of A, that’s simply all the white notes. Next, you delete the 2nd and 6th notes. This gives you a five-note scale called the minor pentatonic. Now, to turn the minor pentatonic into the Blues scale, you add what’s known as the “blue note”, which is the ♭5. So in the A Blues scale, that’s E♭. And a quick shoutout to Beastie Boys, as this lesson is based on their song “Sure Shot”, which features that much-loved flute melody from Jeremy Steig.

Step 2. Rhythm
Another great way of making your melody unique is to use an unusual rhythm. And one of the easiest ways to do that, is to use triplets. So, change your grid to 1/16 note triplets. Next, write a cool rhythm on your root note. And to create variety, be sure to use three different note values. Also, use a rest somewhere, which allows your melody to breathe. And by the way, our tempo is 98 BPM.

Step 3. Contour
Finally, it’s time to create a melodic contour. So, change the pitches now by moving your notes up and down on the grid. And most importantly, remember to play the “blue note” somewhere, which is E♭ in this example. If you don’t play that ♭5, your melody won’t actually be in the Blues scale, it’ll just be in the minor pentatonic. And that’s it! If you need more help writing melodies, download our Songwriting & Producing PDF and follow the seven guidelines in our Melody Checklist.

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ABOUT
The fast, easy & fun way to make music. Taught by Ray Harmony, a multi award-winning college lecturer who's made music with multiplatinum Grammy-winning artists, and his protégé wife, Kate.

CREDITS
© 2023 Revolution Harmony
Revolution Harmony is Kate & Ray Harmony
Script & all music in video by Revolution Harmony
Book promo filmed & edited by Maurits Nienhuis
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[muhammadrezahaghiri]

Hello!
Triplets create an energetic feeling in melodies, first time I learned to use the triplet was when I wanted to write a shred guitar piece 😁

[mortengu]

Great little recipe... got inspired and wrote a short blues tune 🙂

[ngerfandanjihan]

loving this new format, jumping right into it

[charlesneuzil]

Nice! I always look forward to your teaching and come away with great insights. I really liked your comments on choosing some interesting rhythms and to utilize rests. And best of all you have motivated me to explore some different scales today. Thank you!🙂🙏🙏🙏

[theyab_pro]

Wow I love this so much but can you make a melody based on “Starman Slaugheter” from Friday night Funkin mixed with ur song and make it less complex!

Thx for this lesson!

[correametal]

Simply awesome guys!!! There are so many things that come to mind when listening to such ear catching phrasing like this! Thanks!

[Machoniak]

As usual in your tutorials I can find unconventional solutions. The sounds of this scale sound intriguing and encourage me to create a melody different from what I have managed to do so far. Could you please give me some example chords in this scale?

[reaktiv]

Simple and very powerful tip, such a great lesson in such a short video! Thanks a lot again!

[Keshiaaa]

Please hack “everything everything “ they make the most unbelievable Melodies and it’s both inspiring and discouraging cuz I just can’t find my melodies

[WillLockyearArch]

So if writing that lead in a blues or indeed a Dorian scale etc, is it important for the chords and everything else to also use that note or should be rest of the composition be in the minor to provide contrast. I’m assuming it’s the former but interested to hear your thoughts on it.

[amngamechanger]

Nice! Make a tutorial on KSHMR chords and melody Aka how KSHMR makes chords and melodies

[playernne]

What program do u use or recommend??
(If there's any free programs id really be grateful if ud recommend some)

[billhasty]

No TEA ?? lol Love the insightful Lessons. Thanks Kate & Ray.

[SamBrockmann]

Could you do an example melody based on Dick Dale's "Misirlou"?

[chris-iblc]

Where is the intro? Remember unity and variety have to be equal

[unclejam]

I have been watching your stuff for years and like it. I used to like it when the phone got thrown in the intros... What shocked me today was some copycats doing your same style. I think they call it flips or flip 1 flip 2 instead of tip 1 tip 2. It made me feel sick that they would have the audacity to so blatantly copy your style. Goes against all the rules of musicians... Mmm trapped myself here. Everyone borrows and copies. Only the legends do something new, but that is often copying a trick from a different genre or era.... Ohh well..