How to Write a Catchy Melody

1. Why a Melody?

Before diving into composing, think about why your melody exists. Is it supposed to evokesuspense, joy, or sorrow? Should it match the fast-paced action of a boss fight or underscore atender emotional moment in a film?

For example, think of the "Harry Potter" theme by John Williams or "Zelda's Lullaby" from TheLegend of Zelda. Both are catchy and memorable, but they serve different purposes: oneinvokes wonder and magic, while the other offers nostalgia and calm.‍

Remember: the mood and setting are key!

2. Keep It Simple!

Sometimes, we overcomplicate things when trying to be creative. But the truth is, simplemelodies are often the most memorable. Think of the iconic Super Mario Bros. theme by KojiKondo. It’s only a few notes, yet it instantly brings a sense of fun and adventure. Similarly, theJaws theme by John Williams is terrifyingly simple but highly effective.

When writing a melody for film or game music, focus on keeping it straightforward. Try limitingyourself to four to eight notes and see how much emotional impact you can achieve.

3. Strong Rhythms and Phrases

One of the easiest ways to create a catchy melody is to play with rhythm. Even a basic melodycan become incredibly infectious if the rhythm is interesting. Strong rhythmic patterns areespecially important in action scenes or boss battles in games, where the melody needs to pushforward the pace and energy.

For example, the Final Fantasy battle theme is memorable not just because of its melody but because of its driving rhythm. Even the simplest pattern can get stuck in a listener’s head if the rhythm is engaging enough.

4. Melodic Repetition

There’s a fine line between repetition and overdoing it, but repetition is key to creating a memorable melody. Repetition allows the listener to become familiar with the tune quickly. Think of the Pirates of the Caribbean theme: it repeats just enough to become catchy without becoming annoying.

One trick is to introduce small variations after repeating the melody. For instance, repeat the main motif but change the instrumentation or tweak a few notes to keep it fresh. This technique keeps things interesting while reinforcing the melody in the listener's mind.

5. Emotional Contrast

A melody that moves up and down the scale, creating contrast, is more likely to stick in someone's mind. Think about the opening theme of The Lion King—it’s a journey of highs and lows, reflecting the emotional depth of the movie.

In the context of game music, contrasting melodies can signal changing emotions within the gameplay. For example, The Legend of Zelda uses melodies with highs and lows to mark transitions between exploring peaceful lands and engaging in epic battles.

Play with intervals in your melody to create tension and release. Contrast adds dynamics, making your melody much more interesting.

6. Tell the story

When writing for film or games, it’s crucial that your melody matches the visuals or gameplay. Your melody should be a reflection of what’s happening on screen, enhancing the story.

For example, in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the Dragonborn theme perfectly complements the epic scale of the game. Likewise, John Williams' score for Indiana Jones reflects the adventure and thrill of the character’s journey.‍

Tip: Watch the scene or play the game level several times without music. Pay attention to the pacing, action, and emotions involved. Your melody should reflect the dynamics and changes in the scene.

7. Instrumentation 

A melody is only part of the equation. The instrumentation you choose plays a huge role in how the melody is perceived. For example, a melody played by a string quartet in a movie’s emotional scene will sound vastly different than the same melody played by a heavy synth in a futuristic game soundtrack.

Think about the iconic Halo theme, which uses both Gregorian chant-like vocals and orchestral strings to build a haunting yet heroic sound. Similarly, the eerie Silent Hill music utilizes distorted guitars and synths to create a spooky, unsettling atmosphere.

Choose the right instrument to evoke the desired emotion and to fit the genre of the film or game.

8. The Hook

A musical hook or motif is like a meme for your melody—it's the part that sticks in the listener's mind and instantly reminds them of the scene or game. The best hooks are short, repeatable, and emotionally impactful.

Think of the two-note hook from the Jaws theme or the haunting three-note motif from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Both are simple but incredibly effective at triggering an emotional response.

Create a motif that can be repeated throughout the film game, but ensure it doesn’t become overused.

9. Break the Rules!

While there are basic guidelines, don’t be afraid to break the rules when writing a catchy melody for a film or game. Sometimes, the most memorable melodies come from taking creative risks.

For example, the music in Undertale by Toby Fox defies traditional orchestral expectations with its blend of chiptune and electronic music. Yet, it resonates deeply with players. The key is to find a unique sound that stands out, whether that’s an unexpected time signature, genre fusion, or unconventional instruments.

10. Is the melody Stuck in Your Head?

The ultimate test for any melody is whether it sticks. Try recording your melody and stepping away for a few hours or days. Do you still remember it when you come back? If it’s stuck in your head, chances are it will stick with your audience as well. Another way to test this is by playing your melody for someone else. If they can hum it or recall parts of it later, you’ve likely written a winner!

A catchy melody can elevate a film or game soundtrack from background noise to iconic status. It’s the part of the music that people will hum long after the credits roll or after they’ve defeated the final boss. By focusing on simplicity, rhythm, contrast, and matching your melody to the visuals, you can create a melody that’s not just catchy, but unforgettable.

If you want more tips on how to construct melodies or anything out then be sure to check our Ryan Leach’s course on ‘Pillars of Composition’! And Remember it’s the melodies that get stuck in people’s heads that live on forever. Happy composing! 🎶