Melody And Intervals?

Question

How do composers think about intervals like minor, major,etc to compose melody?\n\nEg I know playing major third will invoke happy mood....that is if we play C and then E creates happier environment...but how use combination of minor-major to create melody?

Answer 1

If I understand your question correctly, using your scale intervals can be very important in writing a good melody. Sounds like you may already know a few common intervals, but i'll include all within a major scale below.

C Major Scale: C D E F G A B

Major Scale Intervals: root, major 2nd, major 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, major 6th, major 7th

If you were to lower any of the major intervals (2 3 6 and 7) one half step, this would cause the interval to be minor. An A minor scale has three minor intervals.

A Minor Scale: A B C D E F G

Minor Scale intervals: root, major 2nd, minor 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, minor 6th, minor 7th

Mixing major and minor intervals within a melody can be useful and interesting sounding, just make sure to experiment and listen back to see what you enjoy! Hope that helps!

-Nic