How do I write an original melody?

Question

I'm trying to write a song, and I keep thinking of a melody, but they have all been taken. How do I find a melody that hasn't been taken?

Answer 1

Really good question! I have read that Paul McCartney wasn't sure Yesterday was an original melody and went around for weeks asking people what they thought! So it's not easy, but you can do this. What has worked good for me is to get a catchy melody in my head when i am walking or even working in the yard. No instrument. Clear your head. If you hear a phrase that has a nice bounce, see what you can do with this. Then when you get a good singable line, record it right there. on your telephone or another quick recording tool. Not much worse that loosing a good line!

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

There are actually a few billion possible melodies, so they haven't really all been taken.

That said, it can be awfully difficult to get other people's tunes out of your head, especially if you're trying to write something in a particular style. Try experimenting with different rhythms; with different chords under your melody; even with different tempos and grooves. Any of these can give you a new idea.

Also, even if you come up with something that sounds too much like someone else's song, you can consider that a first draft, and try changing notes and rhythms until it doesn't sound like that any more.

Hope that helps!