19.4 · Your First Song

Finish the sketch

Three layers make a sketch a song: the loop you wrote, the melody you put over it, and a beat underneath. Here they are assembled. Pull layers out while it plays and hear what each one carries.

The whole sketch

I, V, vi, IV with the unit's melody over a backbeat. Toggle layers while it loops; changes land the next time around.

Chords
The loop: harmony's floor.
Melody
The tune: what a listener hums.
Beat
Kick, snare, hats: the frame everything hangs on.

Now make it yours

Everything on this page exists as a free-play tool with all the dials: any key, your own chords, an editable melody grid, and a 16-step drum sequencer.

Open the Song sketchpad →Or just loop chords →

A good first move: rebuild this sketch in the sketchpad, then change exactly one thing. One chord, one melody note, one drum hit. Songs are written one swap at a time.

Quiz

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Which layer tells a listener what to hum?

Score 100% on every quiz and game to complete this lesson.The four 7th flavors →