Which comes first — melody or chords?
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AI starter answer — please verify with real-world experience. Awaiting trusted contributor review.
There is no objective rule for which comes first; the 'correct' starting point depends on your goals for the song. A melody-first approach often leads to more unique, 'unbreakable' tunes, while a chords-first approach is common in electronic, pop, and jazz production to establish a tonal foundation quickly.
- 1.Start with melody if you want a song that feels natural to sing, focusing on rhythm and contour before adding harmony.
- 2.Start with chords if you want to establish a specific mood, groove, or atmospheric 'vibe' to inspire a topline.
- 3.Use the 'sandwich' method by creating a basic rhythmic loop, humming a melody over it, and then refining the chords to match the best melodic moments.
- ×Writing chords first can lead to 'static' melodies that only hit the root notes of the chords.
- ×Starting with melody without a sense of rhythm can make it difficult to fit into a standard time signature later.
If you have a 'hook' stuck in your head, record it as a voice memo immediately without an instrument. This ensures the melody stays pure and isn't forced into a standard chord shape.
Based on AI training data — may not reflect current information.
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