Building a chord progression around a melody

[Donzo]

I’m sure there are volumes of theory around this but wondering if there are some basics on how to “attach” chords to some single-note melodies I’ve come up with when noodling around. Actually, a lot of times I’m just noodling around and hit on something that sounds good so I keep going, not even sure what key I’m playing in – I assume that’s the first step (i.e., determining the key), where do you go from there?

[BluGenes]

Yea, knowing the key is the start. That can be the first chord.. I understand what you want to do and all, but..

What I do is start with a chord progression first, then pick a melody out of that. It is easier and I know right off what notes I can and can not use. Something like this is called playing the chord “tones”. You can play notes that build the chord tone and with “passing” notes, connect to the other chords. I think Brian touched on this once before, but, I couldn’t tell you what lesson it was. You could search for this too.. Actually, very good lesson is Brian’s lesson using Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Don’t let that tune fool you, you will be surprised how it turns out.. It is a very old lesson worth watching. And it is along the lines of what you are looking for.. because he uses the notes from the song to build it..

Don't practice till you get it right, practice till you can't get it wrong.

[Donzo]

Thanks, I’ll try that, makes sense to start that way!

[Author]

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