12. Composing a Melody Over a Chord Progression
Composing a melody is an art and not a science. There is no set way that will guarantee something memorable.
As you write your melody, remember that:
Melodies are made out of phrases that contrast with each other in an interesting way.
Phrases are made out of motifs that can repeat or change throughout a phrase.
The rhythm might repeat while the notes changes or the notes might stay the same but the rhythm may change.
The last note of a phrase should usually land on a note that is in the chord being played in the accompaniment:
C chord (C-E-G)
Am chord (A-C-E)
F chord (F-A-C)
G chord (G-B-D)
Keep working on the melody until it is satisfying to you.