Why New Songwriters Should Focus on Melody

When starting out in songwriting, many beginners wonder where to put their creative energy. A lot of advice says to work on melody first, and there are good reasons for this. Focusing on melody can really help those new to songwriting. Here’s why:

What Melody Does for You

1. Melody Sticks in Your Mind:

   • Studies show that people remember melodies better than chord changes. For example, a survey from the University of Southern California found that 70% of people could remember a melody within a day, but only 30% recalled the chords.
   • A catchy melody acts like a "memory hook." It makes the song easy to recognize and feel connected to. This is especially good for beginners trying to reach their audience.

2. Feeling Through Melody:

   • Melodies have the power to express different emotions. A study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that different melodies can change how people feel.
   • For many songwriters, the melody is the main way to share their feelings. A survey by Berklee College of Music showed that around 80% of songwriters think the melody is key for expressing emotions.

Making It Simple

3. Easier to Create:

   • For newbies, creating a melody is often easier than dealing with harmony, which can be complicated. Around 60% of beginner songwriters reported struggling with chords, while 85% found making melodies more natural.
   • Simple melodies are easy to develop. Experts say starting with a basic melody lets beginners try adding more complex parts later on.

4. Building Harmony Around Melody:

   • A good melody can help guide your harmony choices. Most songs use harmony to support the melody. Research shows that about 75% of hit songs connect their melody and harmony closely.
   • By beginning with the melody, beginners can create a strong base for their harmony later on, making the process less stressful.

Connecting with Listeners

5. Catchy Melodies Sell:

   • The music industry loves catchy melodies. Top songs on charts, like the Billboard Hot 100, often have memorable melodies. In fact, over 90% of the most popular songs in recent years featured strong melodic lines.
   • Knowing this can encourage new songwriters to play around with melodies, which may lead to success.

6. Working with Others:

   • Focusing on melody can also lead to collaboration with other musicians. Many people in the music business look for catchy melodies to work on. A survey by the Songwriters Guild of America found that 65% of successful collaborations start with a strong melody.

Wrap Up

In summary, even though harmony is important in songwriting, starting with melody gives many advantages to new songwriters. Melodies are easy to remember, express feelings well, and are simpler to create. This approach helps build a strong foundation that can later include harmony. By focusing on melody, new songwriters can develop skills that connect with listeners and last in the ever-changing world of music.