Study the best and most accurate method for composing backing chords and how those chords can be associated to a pre-existing melody. The lesson explores the correct way to analyze notes that form a song’s melody line along with how those notes are able to be connected to the chord changes of any a song…
Q: I like instrumental rock and metal guitar the best with guitarists like; Paul Gilbert, Tony MacAlpine and Greg Howe ranking among my favorites. I’m no-place near the level of these guys, but I do enjoy writing this music. My problem is, I write melodies first & I can’t get the chords that go in the background. Could you consider making a video around this topic of, “Matching Chords to Melody.”
Brian — Vancouver, CANADA
A: In the songwriting process, when melodies are composed prior to a chord progression, there are ways through music theory that can be combined with ways through instinct, plus trial and error, that can come together to help a musician compose a set of chord changes that can be performed behind the pre-established melody.
To successfully achieve this sort of thing as quickly and easily as possible, the musician requires some back-ground knowledge in music theory, combined with musical experience from learning the harmonies found in other songs.
Keep in mind that being able to draw from your experiences, (learning other people’s songs), is paramount in order to have the complete set of skills required to be able to quickly target chords that sound good behind your pre-established melody.
Have a look at some examples I’ve created for this lesson. They outline a number of key points that should help you in your quest for, “Matching Melody Lines to a Backing Chord Harmony.”
You can download the handout for this lesson through the link below:
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