Harmony or Melody First in Composition?

Question

I'm wondering if when composing one would start with an idea for harmony such as a chord progression, or does one start on the melody side maybe developing a melodic motif. What comes first, or maybe there are no rules?

Answer 1

That's a 'chicken or egg' question. Some people come up with a melody first and then they add the harmony and some other people do it the other way around. There isn't a rule that says that either is the correct way. Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Angel

Answer 2

Hi, it could be either. Most of today's songwriters and film composers often prefer chords as start out. Chord progression really helps to construct melodic themes over them, however a melodic line could be easily start an idea of a tune as well. Harmonizing the melody can get us really interesting results. In the end melody is the most important to follow.