When it comes to writing a song, one of the most important aspects is creating a strong melody that can hook listeners in. However, a melody alone may not be enough to create a memorable and impactful song. That’s where harmonies come in. Harmonies can add depth, richness, and complexity to a song. In this blog post, we will explore writing harmonies for a melody of your own song.
1. Determine the key
Determining the key of a melody is an essential step in writing harmonies because it helps you to identify which chords and notes will work well with the melody. In music theory, a key is a set of notes that are organized around a central note or “tonic”. When you know the key of your melody, you can use the notes in that key to create chords that will complement the melody. For example, if your melody is in the key of C major, the notes in that key are C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. You can then use these notes to create chords, such as C major, D minor, E minor, F major, G major, and A minor. Once you have identified the chords that work with your melody, you can start to create harmonies that complement and enhance the melody.
2. Understand where harmony can be applied
The first step in writing harmonies for a melody is to understand where harmony can be applied. Study the notes and rhythm of the melody to identify potential places for harmonies to come in. This will help you to create complementary parts that enhance and support the main melody.
3. Create a basic harmony
Once you have identified the chords that work with your melody, start by creating a basic harmony. A basic harmony follows the chord progression of the song and usually involves a third or fifth above or below the melody. Play around with different combinations until you find a harmony that sounds good.
Once you have identified what works with your melody, start experimenting with advanced harmonies. Some harmonies that can add more complexity to a song such as Major 2nds, which adds a sense of tension and anticipation to the melody. You can also play around with dissonant intervals that sound harsh and unstable but can add a unique flavor to the song. Examples of dissonant intervals include the tritone and the minor 2nd.
4. Try out different harmonization techniques
There are different techniques that you can use when writing harmonies. Experiment with these techniques to see which ones work best for your song. Some common techniques include:
Parallel harmony: This is when the harmony follows the melody in the same direction but at a different interval. This is a common technique used in pop music.
Contrary motion: This is when the harmony moves in the opposite direction to the melody. This creates a more complex and interesting sound.
Call and response: This is when the harmony follows the melody in a call and response pattern, creating a back and forth effect.
Remember, finding the right harmonies is a process that requires creativity and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try out different ideas and explore new harmonic possibilities. With patience and practice, you can create harmonies that complement and enhance your melody, ultimately creating a truly unique and beautiful piece of music. So go ahead and start playing around with writing harmonies, and have fun on your journey of creating harmonies for your own original songs.
