How do I find chords to go with my melody in music I write?

Question

I have written a number of tunes using just A,B,C, etc. to indicate notes. I have no musical knowledge so I am unable to find the appropriate chords to go with my tunes. Is there a an online program or tool that will automatically add chords to my tunes? If not, what is the best way for someone with my limited knowledge of music theory, to find the chords that will complement the notes I write in my tunes.

Answer 1

If you have little music theory experience, stick with one key, probably C on piano or G on guitar and adapt what you are singing to that key. G is good on guitar because it allows you to utilize the G-A-B-C-D-E-F#-G notes around the bottom three strings within the first three frets as the "singing" notes (easy to learn these). This is a typical singing range. Literally, in G, you only need to know the chords G, C, D and Em (maybe Am) to get off to a good start. Match the notes you are singing on the guitar and play chords that include them. It certainly would help to know a bit about chord building, voice leading, and cadences here because just singing a G note doesn't mean play a G chord. The G note is in the G chord, C chord, and Em chord so it depends on where we are in the progression (more importantly, where we came from and where we are going). Typically (in the key of G), start on G chord and end the G or C chord, so a typical sequence would be G-C-D-G or G-D-C-G or G-D-Em-C. Something like that. When you get to the chorus, go for starting with the C or Em. You only need a verse progression and a chorus progression. Then just do V-V-C-V-C-C and you have a song. Want to sing higher or lower/change key? Use a capo. This is oversimplified but people have made careers off little more (ask Ed Sheeran).

Answer 2

Look at your lyrics like a script to a movie. When youre reading the script what soundtrack pops in your head? A song is just a 3 minute movie that rhymes. What character are you casting for your script? Who will be the Narrator? What soundtrack best compliments your actors words aka your lyrics?

Answer 3

This is a great question! The answer is probably already within the melody you've written. Your song is probably written in a certain key (C major, A major, etc). Each key has chords associated with it, which are built from the notes of its scale. Your melody probably also "implies" certain chords. If you sing the melody of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" unaccompanied, for example, the song's melody suggests a certain harmonic structure even if there is no chordal accompaniment. Most melodies will suggest certain chords, and often there is more than one option. For example, if you're in the key of C major and the melody starts on G, you could play a C or a G chord there and it would work well.

In my private lessons, I help students learn to identify chords by ear, harmonize melodies, and compose their own music by exploring basic music theory concepts in a broad, accessible way. It's not as hard as you might think! Other tutors here are recommending recording and production techniques which are totally helpful to know, but are not remotely related to the question you asked! :) Please let me know if you're interested in scheduling a lesson.

Answer 4

So you have an awesome melody and a killer song written down but now you need music to match it. One thing you can do is get some music software like Logic, Ableton, Fruity Loops, etc. Then download some basic midi chord progressions online. I would google what midi is and how to use it in programs. They are usually free. Then you would import that midi file and adjust the tempo to fit the rhythm of the melody you wrote. Now starting in the C key, sing your melody. Sound off? Go to the next key. Continue until you get the sound you are looking for. The one you land on is usually going to be the key of your song. Now that you have the key of your melody you can mess around with different chord progressions to find one that fits best! If you need help with any of this let me know!

Justin

Answer 5

In general, and I mean, general, you can use major chords for songs that are light content lyrical stories, or typical life experiences, relationship songs, romance, light/happy topic everyday experience songs. Folk or Country songs. Moderate to slow tempos. Acoustic guitar or piano, strings or organ sounds work there, along with other woodwind or brass instruments of course if desired.

If you write deep thought lyrics, sad, tragic, or mysterious songs, minor chords will help create that mood. Strings and abstract synth samples may work well here. Possibly lead guitar parts with heavy reverb/delay/echo repeat, maybe orchestra drum sounds like kettle drums, chimes, vibes, etc.

Angry lyric songs or sexually driven lyrics can be expressed with overdrive guitar. Many of these types of songs are fast tempo. Heavy kick drum and bass guitar are main ingredients for these types of standard, or heavy metal rock. Fast paced frantic overdrive guitar leads and hard driving drum patterns, work here.

Jazz or more complex voicing chords, are generally reserved for Jazz or funk music. Of course there are a few exceptions to that rule.

This is only the tip of the iceberg advise/suggestion.

Answer 6

So it looks like you already know the answer yourself as you said it in the question. You want to know how to create chords that complement your melody. You should look up some music theory tutorials on youtube. The specific term for having chords work well with a melody is called "harmonization" I hope this helps.

Answer 7

I hate to think that there might be such a program. If there is it will almost certainly do it wrong. You need to learn about keys and chords. I might be able to help you, or refer you to someone who can. Let me know.