Just wondering how any of the lyric writers here write a melody to go along with their words. My limited vocal range has pushed me towards actually writing a melody before singing on my new songs but originality is my new obstacle - anyone have ideas?

I have never really written a melody before trying to sing the vocals, but I guess an idea would be to play your preferred instrument along the rhythm of the words/ lyrics. Just a thought.

i always just pick up a guitar sing along and go... what is good is usually remembered, and what isn't good isn't repeated, and do it long enough and you'll have something tangible... my best melodies come when i'm actually in the mood of the song... then i force myself to really dig deep in those emotions and the melody can reflect it

Sometimes I write lyrics with a melody and then find the proper chords on the guitar that fit around them...but I definitely find it easier to write/record an instrumental and then work on the lyrics/melody within the confines of the song. It depends which comes to me first, the melody/lyrics or the song itself.

Problem is I've been trying to get something i like for this one particular song for 4 years

I've tried melodies based on scales, root notes, thirds, fifths, you name it... maybe i should just change the chord progression (it is Em G D/F# Em after all)

if you want to try a more cerebral approach, this might be a helpful read

Oh cool, I'm a sucker for this kind of thing... I've put in a purchase request with my uni library [I'm actually a little suprised they didn't have it...]

thanks again!

np

GREAT BOOK. in fact, he's still working, researching and discovering. google him. you'll find his recent research.