How to start writing music

Getting into music composition can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before, but it’s simple. You’ll need a few things first like an instrument (or music sequencer) that you can play or use fairly comfortably, some knowledge of music, and some idea of what you want to write.

The main thing is to keep it simple.

I’d suggest writing music that’s tonal in a key that you know well and a time signature you know well.

My suggestions are 4/4 and C major.

The first way I’d recommend you start writing music is by replacing a melody over a chord progression that you enjoy. Start with an accompaniment + melody type of texture.

Take a chord progression from a song you like. It could be the four chord song (I V vi IV – OR – C G Am F) or any other chord progression you enjoy. I suggest a chord loop that’s around 4 bars long and doesn’t have more than a handful of chords. You want something that’s simple when you start out.

Then try writing a simple half note melody. Or even whole notes. Maybe quarter notes if you’re comfortable.

But keep it simple.

Once you’ve done that, congrats. You’re a composer now.

After that it’s just a matter of writing and writing and writing and writing and writing.

Keep doing it until you get the results that you want.

Rinse and repeat.

ISJ