Introduction to Composition

Now that we have the basic "building blocks" down (in other words, scales), it's time to put these to use.

 

Step 1: Complete this tutorial.  It will be a review of scales for you, but also allow you to create some short melodic fragments using the scales.

https://learningmusic.ableton.com/notes-and-scales/keys-and-scales.html Links to an external site.

 

When you get to Page 6/6, you'll see this:

 

• Choose ANY key that's not C major.
• Make sure your scale type is on Major/Ionian.

 

Create a 4-measure "loop" of a melodic fragment.    There are two requirements:

- Your fragment has to begin on the tonic of the scale you've chosen (look for the red horizontal bars)
- No more than two notes played at a time.

- If you want - scroll a bit farther down and add a drum groove under this.

 

You're going to create THREE different motives - each in a different key.   Once you create one for me, play it, then press "clear" and do it two more times!