Primary chords are a great starting point for composing a song or instrumental piece.
Try the following step by step guide to get you started:
Choose a key to write in (if it’s your first attempt choose C major)
Start and end on chord I
Play the other chords (IV and V) in whatever order you want (you can use guitar or piano to play the chords – whichever instrument you play)
Now try improvising a melody over the top of the chords. If you are a singer you can start to hum a tune (don’t worry about the lyrics yet – you can work on those later)
Notate your idea on the staff paper. If you have an instrument play your composition and make changes as you wish.
Question 1
1.
Add a melody to the primary chords. Beats 1 and 3 should be chord tones. Beats 2 and 4 can include non chord tones if you choose to.
Question 2
2.
Enter a primary chord in each measure, then write a melody. Beats 1 and 3 should be chord tones. Beats 2 and 4 can include non chord tones if you choose to.
Question 3
3.
Add the primary chords for G major in the bass clef. Make sure to write IV and V in the correct inversion. Beats 1 and 3 should be chord tones. Beats 2 and 4 can include non chord tones if you choose to.
