When developing a melody, we may find ourselves adding more and more notes in an effort to create interest.
Wide ranges and complex sequences can certainly be used to add emotional impact, but they can also diminish a tune’s memorability if applied excessively. Sometimes, less is more when it comes to writing songs that resonate with a wide audience. Creative restrictions around pitch and range can also push you to be more intentional about other aspects like rhythm and harmony, instead of defaulting to adding more notes that may or may not benefit your song.
On that note, let’s dive into this week’s Songwriting Club prompt: write a song that includes a melody (or multiple melodies) that emphasizes a single repeated note.
We used this prompt to write a post-chorus vocal hook that relied on a single note, which inspired the other sections of the song. Here’s what we came up with:
Digging these sounds? Check out this Collection to get your hands on some of the samples that were used in the track. Although it’s not a requirement, if you used a sound you found on Splice Sounds, let us know! If you want to use Splice Sounds in your song but don’t have an account, get your first month free with the code songwriting.
If you’re feeling proud of your tune or you’re looking for some feedback, upload it to the Splice community, SoundCloud, YouTube, Bandcamp, etc., and toss the link in the comments below. Before you share, just make sure you’re following these guidelines:
- Make sure your track aligns with the prompt – it should be something that you’ve specifically written in response to this blog post.
- No promotional posts – no links to contests, social media pages, etc.
- Comment on at least one other person’s song before you go – even if it seems small to you, your praise or critique can make a transformative impact on someone else’s craft.
- Give a quick summary of your goals for your song – asking for feedback on specific aspects (ex. the lyrics, chord progression, etc.) is also recommended!
Check back in for your next prompt on November 15th. We can’t wait to hear what you create!
November 1, 2019
