As a music maker, crafting a strong and memorable melody is crucial to the success of your song. However, there are certain pitfalls that you should avoid in order to create a cohesive and effective melody. Here are five red flags to avoid in a melody:
1. Too complex
While it can be tempting to pack your melody with intricate melodies and runs, it’s important to remember that simplicity is often key. A melody that is too complex can be difficult for listeners to follow, and may distract from the overall message and emotion of the song. Instead, try to focus on creating a simple, catchy melody that is easy for listeners to remember and sing along to.
2. Run-on sentence
Just like in writing, a melody can suffer from a “run-on sentence” if it lacks phrasing and structure. A melody that is too long and lacks breaks or pauses can be tiring for listeners to follow, and may cause them to lose interest in the song. Be sure to add phrasing and structure to your melody to keep listeners engaged and make the song more enjoyable to listen to.
3. Not singable
A melody should be catchy and easy for listeners to remember and sing along to. If your melody is unmemorable or difficult to sing, it may be a red flag that it needs some adjustments. Imagine singing your melody at a karaoke night or trying to teach it to a friend – if it feels awkward or hard to perform, consider revising the melody to make it more singable and memorable.
4. Stretches words
A melody should enhance the lyrics and help convey the emotion of the song. However, if the melody stretches out words or syllables in an unnatural way, it can be jarring for listeners and take away from the overall impact of the song. Be mindful of the phrasing and flow of your melody to ensure that it complements the lyrics rather than distracts from them.
5. No focal point
Every melody should have a clear and defined focal point, whether it be a specific word or phrase. Without a focal point, a melody can feel aimless and lack direction. Be sure to establish a clear focal point in your melody to give the song a sense of purpose and direction.
In summary, it’s important to be aware of these red flags to avoid in a melody when crafting your song. By staying mindful of complexity, phrasing, singability, word stretching, and the need for a focal point, you can create a strong and effective melody that enhances the overall impact of your song.
