Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Chord Progressions

Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Chord Progressions

Lesson: Melody, Harmony, Rhythm & Chord Progressions

(Part of Module 3: Music Composition & Song Structure)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

  • Understand the roles of melody, harmony, and rhythm in music production
  • Identify and construct basic chord progressions
  • Use rhythm and harmony to support a melody
  • Compose musical ideas using a DAW or instrument

Lesson Outline

1. Melody – The Voice of the Song

Definition: A melody is a sequence of musical notes that are perceived as a single cohesive idea. It’s what you sing or hum.

Characteristics:

  • Linear and memorable
  • Built from scales (major, minor, modal)
  • Often uses repetition with variation
  • Can be vocal or instrumental

Tips for Writing Melodies:

  • Start with a short 3–5 note phrase
  • Use stepwise motion with occasional leaps
  • Try to end phrases on strong chord tones (like root or fifth)
  • Think in “call and response” phrasing

2. Harmony – The Emotion Beneath the Melody

Definition: Harmony is created when two or more notes sound at the same time. It adds emotional depth and color.

Built From Chords:

  • Chords = 3 or more notes played together
  • Common triads: Major, Minor, Diminished, Augmented
  • Seventh chords and extensions add complexity

How Harmony Works:

  • Harmony supports the melody by giving it a context
  • Chord choices determine the song’s mood (happy, sad, tense, dreamy)

3. Rhythm – The Movement of Music

Definition: Rhythm is the pattern of sounds and silences in time. It’s what makes you tap your foot.

Key Concepts:

  • Tempo (measured in BPM): the speed of the music
  • Time Signature (like 4/4, 3/4, 6/8): determines beat grouping
  • Groove: how rhythm “feels” — straight, swung, syncopated
  • Subdivision: whole, half, quarter, eighth notes, etc.

Practical Use:

  • Use a metronome to practice timing
  • Try drum patterns to explore groove
  • Align melodies and chord changes to strong beats

4. Chord Progressions – The Foundation of Harmony

Definition: A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in a specific order.

Popular Progressions:

  • I – IV – V – I (e.g., C–F–G–C): Simple and uplifting
  • vi – IV – I – V (e.g., Am–F–C–G): Used in many pop songs
  • ii – V – I (e.g., Dm–G–C): Jazz and soul standard
  • I – V – vi – IV (e.g., C–G–Am–F): Very popular in modern pop

Tips:

  • Use chord tones for melodies
  • Change chords every 1 or 2 bars
  • Experiment with inversions and extensions (7ths, 9ths)

Listening Activity

Pick 2 songs and identify:

  • The main melody (hum or sing it)
  • The supporting chords (use your ear or app tools)
  • The time signature and tempo
  • Any rhythmic pattern or groove

Practice Exercise

Task:

  1. Choose a key (e.g., C major)
  2. Create a 4-chord progression (e.g., C – G – Am – F)
  3. Add a simple melody over it (try 4–8 notes)
  4. Add a basic drum loop or metronome to define rhythm
  5. Record or program your progression in your DAW

Key Takeaways

  • Melody carries the tune, harmony sets the mood, and rhythm drives the song
  • Chord progressions are essential for creating emotional flow
  • Mastering these three elements helps create songs that are musically rich and emotionally resonant
  • Simplicity, repetition, and variation are the keys to songwriting success