chords to match melodies/scales

[michaelthornton]

Over time i can figure out the melodies(indivual notes to a song) using scales of course but how do i figure out what chords to use to match the songs. some songs require more than three chords and they all arent major which can be very boring.

[cyberfret]

If you are talking about figuring out the chords of a song by ear, then try this lesson for the basics.

http://www.cyberfret.com/ear-training/by-ear-1/index.htm

--Shawn

[michaelthornton]

Thanks so much for the tip Shawn. I went to one of the sites that helps with ear development and i successfully completed one. Is there anyway to figure out the chords w/o listening by ear with just theory. for ex. if the notes are e d c e d c in the
first melodic line is there anyway to figure out what chord should go there? I'm really just trying to take as many shortcuts as possible which i know may not be smart. But if you could answer that question it sure would help.

[cyberfret]

You could harmonize a melody, but the chords you came up with would not necessarily be the original chords of the song. You could come up with many possibilities of chords to play with the same melody. That is definitely not a "short cut".

In order to come up with chords that will go along with a particular melody, you need to understand a lot about music theory. I would start to take a look at the lesson in the music theory section. Understanding key, and chord construction is a must. Then when you are able to spell chord, you can start to see the possibilities.

For example if in the key of G I have a C note. Then I could play a C chord, or an Am, or a Gsus4, or D7, or F#m7b5 or ......... so you see that until you have a little more understanding, this is not short cut :)

Here is the Music Theory section of Cyberfret.com
http://www.cyberfret.com/theory/index.php

--Shawn

[michaelthornton]

Greatly appreciate the advice once again man. There is so much to learn and so little time. :)