To compose music you need to know the basics, symbols and notes.
Steps
Step 1. Choose relative chords harmonically
They can be major or minor, or just notes that catch your attention. Read the details below.
Step 2. Find the left hand chords related to musical notes
You can do this by tweaking a bit. One method is to use chords containing the same notes as the melody. This step is for those who have some musical knowledge, but if you have a good ear you will still succeed.
Step 3. Listen to the music of other composers
Imagine how the melody and the accompaniment are connected and complement each other.
Step 4. Find the right chords
It might be a bit difficult so try using a keyboard or piano while reading the notes to understand the principle (this trick only works with songs in major keys. It is more complicated to analyze songs in minor keys).
Step 5. Choose a key (In this example we will use E major)
Step 6. Locate the notes of the ascending major scale (for E major:
MI FA # G # LA SI C # D #), these are the notes allowed to build a melody. You can certainly use other notes but these are the ones that work best. Note the flats and sharps (in the example: A is in the scale, so Ab and A # certainly won't be. Like D #, so we won't have D or Db).
Step 7. Now you need to know which chords to use (obviously this is not an absolute rule but the indicated chords are the ones that will fit best), there are 7 chords that belong to the scale
Each corresponds to a note on the scale. Eg:
- Let's take a note of the scale (example 1: let's take E. Example 2: let's take C #).
- Now you have to skip a note of the scale and choose the next one (Example 1: starting from E, skip F # to get to G #. Example 2: from C #, skip D # to get to E).
- Repeat the previous step one more time (example 1: from G #, skip A, to get to B. Example 2: from E, skip D #, to get to G #).
- Now play the 3 notes you found (Example 1: E, G #, SI. Example 2: C #, E, G #) together. Play one of the "allowed" chords (example 1: E major. Example 2: C # minor).
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Repeat the previous steps, starting with the other notes (F #, G #, A, etc.). At the end, you will find 7 different chords (E major, F # minor, G # minor, A major, B major, C # minor, D # minor b5. Often shortened to: 1, 2m, 3m, 4, 5 6m, 7mb5). Order these 7 chords however you like (using certain chords more often than others. Typically the 7mb5 chord is rarely used) to get a harmonic sequence that works well together.
- This is certainly not a magic recipe. First of all, the order of the chords is important. It is up to you to find the agreements that work best and the best succession. Second, the melody is important! According to the melody it will be necessary to adapt the sequence of the chords. And finally, your song will only be interesting after breaking these rules. If you don't break the rules your songs will sound stereotypical. Find the right balance.
- However, this rule can be very helpful when you think there is a need to change chords but don't know which one to use. Try the 7 chords: probably one of them will be the right one!
Advice
- The most important thing is to never give up. The composition is not easy. It could take a day or even years depending on the complexity of the piece.
- It is important to play existing songs, analyze chords and melodies. So you can choose a starting note while working on melodies and chords related to the piano.
- Listen to the patterns used in existing songs of the music genre you are interested in. If you do, it will be easier to compose following the same patterns later.
- Always record any ideas that go through your head. So, you can always remember them!
