how to make melody loops in fl studio

Introduction

Hey, what’s up, YouTube! Today, I want to guide you through the process of creating catchy melody loops in FL Studio. A lot of you have expressed that crafting melodies can be somewhat challenging, so let’s break it down step-by-step.

It’s been a while since I’ve cooked something from scratch—I was busy posting two TikToks daily and even released my first song under my artist project, Osuki. Check it out in the link in the description below!

Starting with Chords

When I make melodies, a good starting point is always the chord progression. Chords lay the foundational structure for any melody. I generally like to begin with a piano sound that allows me to hear the progression clearly. Today, I’ll be using the Blue Moon piano plugin.

I usually set my tempo around 160 BPM and start experimenting with different chord combinations to see what resonates with me. For instance, if I decide on a G chord, the natural progression might lead me to a D chord next.

Building the Melody

From there, I gradually build my melody. Here’s a rough idea:

Start with the G chord.
Move to the D chord.
Add a third chord to create more depth.

At this stage, the melody begins to take shape, and I think of adding notes that evoke different feelings. For example, I may want to repeat certain notes or strategically lower them to create contrast.

Once I’m satisfied with the basic melody, I like to experiment with it in different plugins until I find the right sound that matches the vibe I'm going for.

Adding Texture

Next, I’ll mute the piano and copy the chord progression into a different plugin, like State Machine Bit Flip for a unique sound. The dragging effect from this plugin can significantly enhance the melody's texture, making it feel richer and less plain.

Incorporating a one-shot sample from a sound pack—like the Linguini Celestial kit—can also add incredible textures to my melody. It's like having different layers that blend and complement each other.

Crafting Counter Melodies

As I further develop the melody, I often hear spaces for counter melodies. It’s all about listening and being open to ideas as the chords play. By using a combination of one-shots and synths, I can add these beautiful glide notes.

Don’t forget to create a secondary part for the melody; it’s essential to keep it dynamic. I prefer to do this without too many layers to avoid clutter. Opting for a bass line is also great, helping reinforce the root notes of your chords.

Final Touches

For the finishing touches, I might use effects like reverb and EQ while keeping the low mids tidy to make the mix cleaner. Drums play a crucial role too—using my Swag DM kit, I’ll add snares, hi-hats, and kick patterns to bring the whole loop together.

Lastly, I finalize the arrangement, ensuring all elements work cohesively. This approach to making melodies is straightforward but effective.

Conclusion

That’s the process for creating melody loops in FL Studio! Make sure to keep your calendar marked for November 13—a special event is coming up! I hope you learned a thing or two today. Let me know what types of videos you’d like to see in the future. Until next time, take care!

Keywords

Melody Loops
FL Studio
Chord Progressions
Blue Moon Piano
Texture
Counter Melodies
One-Shot Samples
Synths
Swag DM Kit
Mixing Techniques

FAQ

Q1: What is the best way to start making a melody in FL Studio?
A1: Start by experimenting with chord progressions using a piano sound. This helps lay the groundwork for your melody.

Q2: How do I add texture to my melody?
A2: You can add texture by using different plugins, one-shot samples, and varying sounds to complement your main melody.

Q3: What plugins do you recommend for creating melodies?
A3: Plugins like State Machine Bit Flip, and various synthesizers work well for crafting unique sounds and textures.

Q4: How can I create counter melodies?
A4: Listen closely as your main chords play to identify spaces for counter melodies, and use one-shots or synths for this purpose.

Q5: What role do drums play in a melody loop?
A5: Drums add rhythm and drive to a melody loop, making it more engaging. Including snares and hi-hats can significantly enhance the overall sound.