How can I use or compose music using music theory?

If you're new to the world of composing, then learning Music Theory might seem like a scary thing to you. 

Many people usually believe that it is only for professionals who are experts in reading complicated sheets. Or have completed their music degree from a recognized institute. But the truth is entirely different.

Music Theory is just a simple guide. You can call it the GRAMMAR of music. It helps you understand the basics of music like why certain notes sound good together. And how you can create your very own melodies, harmonies, and songs with full confidence.

I know, it might sound like an Impossible task to you. But trust me, once you get hold of the music theory, everything will become easier for you.

That is why, in this blog, we will explore music theory for you. Whether you are a beginner or someone who already knows how to play. Learning music theory will help you compose music more efficiently.

What Is Music Theory and Why Does It Matter?

As I told you, music theory is the grammar of music. So, it will enable you to create meaningful and beautiful sounds just as grammar enables you to make proper sentences.

Hence, this is why it matters:

• It makes you know how music works.

•  It provides you with instruments in order to create tunes and harmonies.

• This theory saves time as it presents the combinations that sound naturally good.

• It enhances creativity rather than restricting it.

So, when you know how it works, you can use the music theory to make statements about emotions more clearly. Be more experimental, and organize your music in a more detailed way. You can even learn it from a professional Recording Studio in Pakistan.

Start With the Basics: Notes, Scales, and Keys

It is much easier to compose when one is familiar with foundational blocks. You do not need to know it all--Just the basics of all these.

Notes

So, notes are just like the alphabet of music.

Basically, there are 12 key notes, including: "A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#."

Thus, various groupings of these notes produce various moods and emotions.

2. Scales

The next is scale. So, a scale is a set of notes that are played consecutively.  They include: 

• Major scale: It sounds happy and cheerful

• Minor scale: This one sounds sad and emotional

So, choosing the right scale combination provides you with the right notes to create your desired composition.

3. Keys

Now, the keys are essential. They tell you about the base of your song. 

For instance, if you choose the C major key, then your main notes will be from the C major scale too. That is logical. 

So, the key enables you to remain consistent. And not make random errors in composing.

How to Build Simple Chord Progressions

Now, let us talk about something fun. Chord progressions are basically the heart of your songs. So, they form the basis for your composition. Always remember, when the foundation is strong, your melody will flow seamlessly.

So, this is something you need to take care of. They are chosen from your selected scale. 

For instance, in the C major scale, the chords will be like:

• I (C Major): C - E - G

• ii (D minor): D - F - A

• iii (E minor): E - G - B

• IV (F Major): F - A - C

Let me give you some basic progression notes to help you start with:

• I – V – vi – IV
  (C – G – Am – F)
  It is applied in hundreds of pop songs.

• ii – V – I
  (Dm – G – C)
  Very smooth and satisfying progression that is played in jazz and ballads.

• I – vi – IV – V
  (C – Am – F – G)
  It is perfect for upbeat songs.

So, try playing these progressions, I am sure you will love the flow.

Creating Melodies Using Music Theory

Now we know what music theory really is. So, let us start creating melodies and compositions using it.  Here are some amazing tips for you:

• Stay inside the scale:

All your notes in the chosen scale will nearly always sound well, regardless of the scale.

• Use step-wise motion:

You need to switch between the notes that are right next to each other within the scale. Hence, it makes your song smooth.

• Add occasional leaps:

You can take occasional leaps between your notes to add a touch of excitement. But remember, everything is good in limits. So, do not overdo it.

• Repeat small patterns:

The melody becomes catchy with the help of repetition.

• Match the emotion of the chords:

You need to align your notes with the chord.

If your chord is happy, you need to pick brighter notes. And softer ones in case of sad chords.

Using Rhythm to Shape Your Composition

Ah, rhythm, it is one of the most important parts to give personality to your music. 

Even if you have simple notes, a good rhythm can make all the difference in your music. 

Learning To Use Rhythm As Per Music Theory

Now, let us learn the basics of using rhythm with our music theory. Here is how it is done:

• Start with a steady beat:

The majority of the songs have 4 beats per measure.

• Try short and long notes:

You can try mixing short and long notes to add variations in your song.
Mixing them adds variation.

• Use syncopation:

I know, it sounds like a heavy word. But it is not that hard. It simply means to place notes slightly off your main beat. This adds a groove.

• Align rhythm with emotion:

Again, you need to align it with your emotions. 

So, fast rhythms indicate excitement or happiness. While show rhythms signal sadness or emotions.

Hence, you do not really need complex rhythms to write. But even simple rhythmic patterns can help beginners to create powerful music.

How Chord Inversions Make Songs Sound Smoother

Let us talk about chord inversions now. So, the chord inversion is a simple trick that will allow making the transitions between chords sound more effective.

What Are Chord Inversions?

Hence, chord inversions refer to the rearrangement of the notes of a chord in which the low note is a different note. Here is how it is done, for instance:

• C major root position: C – E – G

• 1st inversion: E – G – C

• 2nd inversion: G – C – E

How Inversion Helps?

• It smooths out the chord changes

• Develop emotional advances

• Sound like professional music.

All you need to do is play a progression forward in either direction with and without inversion. And you will find a major difference.

Add Emotion Using Dynamics

You must be wondering what dynamics is. Well, it is the loudness or softness of the music. 

They are really good. Dynamics can make even simple notes sound mighty when they are employed correctly.

Tips for Using Dynamics:

• You need to start soft and then build up gradually.

• Create some louder notes and highlight them

• Use quiet sections to add emotional depth

• Enhance volume in between choruses to add impact.

Dynamics bring your music to life and make it more impressive.

Music Theory For Song Arrangement

When your chords, melody, and rhythm are in place, music theory assists you in organizing the whole piece into a song. 

Here is what a simple song structure looks like:

• Intro

• Verse

• Chorus

• Verse 2

• Chorus

• Bridge

• Final Chorus

The music theory can guide you to make a choice:

• Where you need to repeat melodies

• Where should you change chords

• When to add new instruments

• How to build emotional up and downs

How to Use Music Theory for Better Harmonies

The harmonies enrich your music and bring color to it. So, they are here to give support to the main melody and add a touch of depth to your overall composition. 

Hence, you do not need to be a genius to produce harmonies. Thus, a simple theory will suffice.

Tips for Building Simple Harmonies

So, here are some amazing tips to help you build melodious harmonies.

• Use notes from the same scale

Well, this makes the harmony smooth and amiable.

• Add a third or a fifth above the melody:

These breaks are in perfect harmony with practically any melody.

• Match harmony notes to the chords beneath them:

For instance, in the case of Am, you can use A, C, or E as a harmony. This will fit perfectly with the notes. 

• Keep it simple at first:

Excessive notes of harmony may result in disorganized music. You can start small and then develop slowly.

Thus, harmonies most particularly come in handy during choruses, bridges, or an emotional moment in a song. Hence, a single additional line of harmony is enough to alter the entire feeling.

If you find it hard even now, you can hire a Professional Audio Recording Studio in Pakistan to help you start.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, you do not need to be afraid of music theory. It is just a simple tool that guides you to understand the music language. 

Hence, once you learn the basics, you can compose music without any problem. From notes to rhythms and melodies, this guide is enough to help you make a meaningful composition that feels close to your heart.

Remember, you do not have to be perfect. It is something that you learn with time and practice.  So, once you get hold of the basics, it will become a piece of cake for you.

Happy Learning!