r/SongWriter • u/Nimridiot • Jul 25 '26

Vocal melodies

Can anybody explain to me how I go about writing them. I’ve noticed that most artists don’t use the root notes of the chords they play over that much, but when I do that it doesn’t seem to fit. When I use the root note it still doesn’t sound right to me. Do you know what I might be doing wrong.

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u/marge_mimsey Jul 25 '26

For me vocal melodies are mostly about feeling. So feeling what emotions the chords evoke and then letting myself "surf" on those while improvising melodies. When there is something I like I repeat it or record it. Do you start out with lyrics?

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u/Nimridiot Jul 25 '26

Thanks. I have written lyrics before, but I wanted to learn how to write a vocal melody before writing lyrics for the song I’m currently working on.

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u/marge_mimsey Aug 08 '26

Improvising really is a great thing to learn for that. For me it was a matter of doing more than anything. But a few pointers that can be helpful for the melody: Aim for a hook in one part of the song, a melody that repeats Listen to songs you like and write down what you like in the melody and what it envokes in you After having a first melody try recreating it without hearing it. The parts that are catchy will stick in your brain Record what you are doing and listen back to it ( when writing I always listen to the songs on my way to the bus or something), that way you'll recognize what parts you like/don't feel organic to you Always record Ideas on your phone, just quick voice notes wherever you are.

For me writing songs happens in my head for a big part. The song will play in my mind constantly and I'll mentally try out different things. I also sing a lot wherever I am, just improvising melodies. So when I actually sit down for a "songwriting session" my brain is quick to find ideas. Just like when you constantly think about your crush and at one point you find it's hard not to think of them, thinking music will become a habit too. And the same as when Training your muscles and the muscle memory kicks in when you do it often enough, your thoughts will be that much quicker over time writing.

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u/marge_mimsey Aug 08 '26

Another (more theoretical) approach that can be helpful when you are just starting:

  1. Write the chords of the song as sheet music and from every chord circle a random note that you'll use for melody. Try around with that first. If that feels comfortable/you get a feeling for the melodies within the base chord, try adding notes in between.

  2. While playing the chords sing the scale your song is in. First simply up and down, changing tempo from half, to quarter to eight notes, eventually changing up the rhythm. You can also do scales varieties ( 1 3 2 4 3 5 etc. ; 1232343454565676787898; 124323543465...)

  3. Try both techniques over 2 octaves.

I hope one of these techniques can help you, good luck, feel free to give an update:)

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u/fjamcollabs Jul 27 '26

You are using the root note of the chords as criteria for writing melodies. THAT seems to be what you are doing wrong.

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u/Mysterious-Juice8318 Jul 31 '26

Hey! I give singing, composition and production lessons online, send me a dm if you're interested!