Help on writing melodies

[uofatbone]

I have a big problem. When I sit down to play my guitar, I usually can come up with some pretty decent sounding stuff that could potentially develop into a song. Then I go and write some lyrics to it that, while definately not the best in the world, are decent enough. My problem is when I try to put the lyrics and music together. I can't for the life of me think of a good melody. I don't know what's wrong with me. I guess I just don't have it in me. It's depressing to go to band practices and have nothing to show the other guys, while they have 2 or 3 songs that they are each working on that sound decent.

So basically what I'm asking is what should I do? It's frustrating..

[ElGuitarrista]

What I've found to be helpful is to randomly pick a phrase from a magazine (literally, just close your eyes and point to a page). Then, without an instrument, sing a melody of that phrase... then, try to match it with a few chords. It's worth a try.

[skpr41]

another thing you can try is to record the guitar part that you've done for the song, play it back, and try to sing something to it. and don't worry too much about the lyrics yet. the guitar should lead to some kind of melody. hopefully it leads you to a good one!

[juineaux]

after writing lyrics, ditch the guitar and sing it accapella. You will pretty much be forced to find a melody and when you find something that works transfer it back to the guitar.

[katie]

hey josh -

don't fret, try playing the song and singing oh's or ah's (whatever comes naturally) don't worry about words just yet. This will give you more freedom than you realize and you can start to play around with the fluctuation (higher/lowers) and also tone (louder/softer). It also allows you to mess around with the beat, rhythmically speaking - playing around with different notes (halfs/quarters and eighths') within the melody line for something unique. good luck!

with lyrics I usually write maybe ten different things and then I go back and pick out the lines I enjoy the most from each poem and put it together. This may change the theme, but maybe for the better. There maybe a phrase you especially love for the chorus. As you go about your day keep pen and paper handy to write down whatever may pop into your mind. Taking a walk and just observing whats around you sometimes can do wonders and conjure up images as well from times had or perhaps even times to come. listen to your heart - if you like the line about a week or two later chances are you will like it for even longer.

once again good luck!