Composition theory

When approaching music composition, there are several key components any producer should be aware of, as they relate to structuring notes and chords. This includes types of approaches and the utilization of certain scales:

• Pentatonic scale: This is a five-note scale that is frequently used in pop, rock, and blues music. This scale is simple to sing and offers a melodic hook that is frequently used in choruses, as shown in Figure 5.12:

Figure 5.12: Piano Roll – pentatonic scale

• Arpeggiated chord progressions: To create this melody, a chord’s notes are sequentially played one after the other. This produces a melody that flows well and is simple to remember and can be used in verses or choruses.

Figure 5.13: Piano Roll – arpeggiated chord progressions

• Repeating melodic phrases: This melody makes use of a brief phrase that is repeated throughout the song several times. This produces a melodic piece that is memorable and catchy and can be used in choruses or verses. For example, let’s say we’re in the key of C major. We can create a repeating melodic phrase by using a simple two-note pattern. We’ll start with the C note, which is the root note of the scale, and then add the E note, which is the third note in the scale. To input this pattern into the Piano Roll, you’ll need to start by selecting the C note on the Piano Roll and then input the E note. You can then repeat this pattern by copying and pasting it several times on the Piano Roll, as shown in Figure 5.14:

Figure 5.14: Piano Roll – repeating melodic phrases

• Call-and-response melody: In this melody, one section calls and another responds in a question-and-answer format. As a result, a captivating and exciting melody that can be used in verses or choruses is produced. To create a call-and-response melody in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, you’ll need to start by selecting a key and creating a simple melody. Let’s say we’re in the key of G major. First, we’ll create the call section of the melody. We’ll start with a simple three-note pattern: G, A, and A#. We’ll use these notes to create a short phrase that will serve as the call. We can input this phrase into the Piano Roll as shown in Figure 5.15:

Figure 5.15: Piano Roll call-and-response melody – the call section

This creates a simple ascending pattern that serves as the call section of the melody.

Next, we’ll create the response section of the melody. We’ll use a similar pattern, but we’ll change the starting note to D, which is the fifth note in the G major scale. This would create a descending pattern that serves as the response section of the melody. We can input this pattern into the Piano Roll as shown in Figure 5.16:

Figure 5.16: Piano Roll call-and-response melody – the response section

This creates a simple descending pattern that responds to the call section of the melody.

To create a call-and-response melody, you can alternate between the call and response sections of the melody. For example, you could start with the call section and then follow it with the response section. You can then repeat this pattern throughout the melody to create a captivating and exciting melody that can be used in verses or choruses.

• Simple melodic interval patterns: This melody employs straightforward interval structures, such as thirds, fifths, or octaves, that repeat. This produces a simple melody that is easy to remember and can be used in verses or choruses. To create a simple melodic interval pattern in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, you’ll need to start by selecting a key and creating a simple melody using interval structures such as thirds, fifths, or octaves. Let’s say we’re in the key of A minor. We’ll start with a simple two-note pattern using fifths. We’ll use the notes A and F to create a short phrase that will serve as the foundation for our melody. We can input this phrase into the Piano Roll as shown in Figure 5.17:

Figure 5.17: Piano Roll – simple melodic interval patterns

This would create a simple pattern that uses fifths to create a straightforward melody. Next, we can repeat this pattern to create a melody that is easy to remember. We can use octaves to add variation and interest to the melody. For example, we can create a four-note pattern that repeats. This would create a simple melodic interval pattern that uses fifths and octaves to create a straightforward melody that is easy to remember. To use this melody in verses or choruses, you can repeat the pattern throughout the section. You can also experiment with different interval structures and patterns to create more complex and interesting melodies.

• Melodic leap: This melody makes dramatic, stand-out leaps between two or more notes that are far apart in pitch. To add excitement and impact, this can be used in choruses or other crucial sections of a song. To create a melody with melodic leaps in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, you’ll need to start by selecting a key and creating a simple melody that includes large intervals between notes. Let’s say we’re in the key of C major. We’ll start with a simple four-note pattern that includes a large leap. We’ll use the notes C, E, G, and C to create a short phrase that will serve as the foundation for our melody. We can input this phrase into the Piano Roll as shown in Figure 5.18:

Figure 5.18: Piano Roll – melodic leap

This would create a simple pattern that includes a large interval leap from E4 to G4.

To add excitement and impact to the melody, we can use this pattern in a chorus or other crucial sections of the song. We can also experiment with different intervals and patterns to create more complex and interesting melodies with dramatic, stand-out leaps between notes. For example, we could use a larger leap, such as a sixth or an octave, to create an even more impactful melody.

Note to remember

While melodic leaps can be exciting and attention-grabbing, they can also be challenging to sing or play. Be sure to consider the range and abilities of your vocalist or instrumentalist when creating a melody with large intervals.

We have now learned about a few classic examples of melodic patterns and structures that have supported the expansion into numerous modern pop songs. Studying these patterns and experimenting with them in your own music can help you come up with memorable and captivating melodies that stand the test of time, even though there is no surefire formula for writing a hit melody.

Now, let’s talk about chords. Chords are the backbone of the composition of your underlying melodic leads.

Billboard charting pop chord progression frameworks

Now, let’s explore some time-tested chord sequences that have been used on records that have charted on billboards since the dawn of modern pop music. These progressions are simple, and they can be used in a variety of combinations and with different sound designs to create unique and appealing productions using middle C as the root note. However, note that each of the actual songs uses a different key, and the progressions I’ll describe in this section are just starting points to show you what chord progressions that have already worked look like in FL Studio’s Piano Roll. These progressions work; you just need to make them work. These are songs that span generations and are just as useful today as they were 30 years ago. Modern pop music borrows composition frameworks and reintroduces them under the guise of trap drums and generation-trending BPMs, which is a unit of measurement used to describe the tempo or speed of the music. For clarity, I’m going to give you examples of how these progressions manifest within the Piano Roll, and it will be up to you to learn the notes and get creative with them in your own time. Now, let’s dive in! The following chord progressions have been used frequently in pop music, and I’ll show you how you can incorporate them into your FL Studio workflow frameworks.

Let It Be chords

One of the most well-liked chord progressions in popular music is I-V-vi-IV. It can be heard in many well-known songs, such as Coldplay’s Viva la Vida, Adele’s Someone Like You, and The Beatles’ Let It Be. To input this chord progression into FL Studio’s Piano Roll, you’ll need to select a key and choose the corresponding chords that fit into this progression.

Let’s say we’re in the key of C major. The following are the chords that correspond to the I-V-vi-IV progression:

• I = C major
• V = G major
• vi = A minor
• IV = F major

Following a simple straight formula, these chords would appear in the Piano Roll as shown in Figure 5.19:

Figure 5.19: Piano Roll chord progression – I-V-vi-IV

You can repeat this progression as many times as you like to create a chord sequence for your song. Be sure to experiment with different rhythms and voicings to create a unique sound for your progression.

Wild Thing chords

Next, I-IV-V is a traditional rock and roll chord progression that has been incorporated into a number of songs, including Louie Louie by The Kingsmen, Wild Thing by The Troggs, and Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley and the Comets. To create the I-IV-V chord progression in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, you’ll need to choose a key and select the chords that fit into this progression. In this case, we’ll use the key of C major.

The following are the chords that correspond to the I-IV-V progression in the key of C major:

• I = C major
• IV = F major
• V = G major

This chord progression in the Piano Roll is shown in Figure 5.20:

Figure 5.20: Piano Roll chord progression – I-IV-V

As we aren’t composing the chords to a specific rhythm, you will notice that they appear incomplete to the fifth bar in the Piano Roll. That’s because Figure 5.20 is simply showcasing the three notes and how they appear in the Piano Roll. To input this progression into the Piano Roll, you’ll need to create a new pattern, select the appropriate length, and then add the chords.

You can repeat this progression as many times as you like to create a chord sequence for your song. You can also experiment with different rhythms and voicings to create a unique sound for your progression.

Don’t Stop Believing chords

Many pop ballads and slow songs use the chord progression vi-IV-I-V. Examples include Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You, Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, and Train’s Drops of Jupiter.

To create the vi-IV-I-V chord progression in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, you’ll need to choose a key and select the chords that fit into this progression. Let’s use the key of C major for this example.

The following are the chords that correspond to the vi-IV-I-V progression in the key of C major:

• vi = A minor
• IV = F major
• I = C major
• V = G major

To input this progression in the Piano Roll, you’ll need to create a new pattern, select the appropriate length, and then add the chords:

Figure 5.21: Piano Roll chord progression – vi-IV-I-V

Sweet Child o’ Mine chords

Compared to the I-V-vi-IV progression of the Let It Be chords, the progression of the Sweet Child o’ Mine chords (vi-V-IV-III) uses the vi and V chords in the opposite order. Numerous pop songs have used it, such as U2’s With or Without You, Guns N’ Roses’ Sweet Child o’ Mine, and One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful. To create this progression in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, let’s again use the key of C major for this example.

The following are the chords that correspond to the vi-V-IV-III progression in the key of C major:

• vi = A minor
• V = G major
• IV = F major
• III = E minor

To input this progression in the Piano Roll, you’ll need to create a new pattern, select the appropriate length, and then add the chords, as shown in Figure 5.22:

Figure 5.22: Piano Roll chord progression – vi-V-IV-III

Shape of You chords

Shape of You by Ed Sheeran uses a chord progression that can be described as I-VI-IV-V. In the key of C major, the chords are C major, A minor, F major, and G major. This chord progression has been used in many popular songs across various genres. In Shape of You, the chords are used in a repeating pattern throughout the song. This simple and catchy chord progression is one of the key elements that helped make the song a huge hit. In FL Studio’s Piano Roll, you can input this progression by creating a new pattern and adding the chords in the order of C major, A minor, F major, and G major. To create this progression in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, let’s again use the key of C major for this example.

The following are the chords that correspond to the I-VI-IV-V progression in the key of C major:

• I = C major
• VI = A minor
• IV = F major
• V = G major

To input this progression in the Piano Roll, you’ll need to create a new pattern, select the appropriate length, and then add the chords, as shown in Figure 5.23:

Figure 5.23: Piano Roll chord progression – I-VI-IV-V

Uptown Funk chords

The chord progression of Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk song is a variation of the I-vi-IV-V progression, which is commonly used in pop music. In the key of D minor, the chords are Dm (I), Bb (VI), F (IV), and C (VI). The progression is repeated throughout the song, with slight variations to create different sections and build dynamics. To create the chord progression of Uptown Funk in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, we can use the key of D Dorian. The chords that correspond to the progression are as follows:

• I (Dm) = Dm7 (D minor seventh chord)
• VI (Bb) = BbMaj7 (B-flat major seventh chord)
• IV (F) = Fmaj7 (F major seventh chord)
• VI (C) = CMaj7 (C major seventh chord)

To input this progression in the Piano Roll, see Figure 5.24:

Figure 5.24: Piano Roll chord progression – I-vi-IV-V

Apologize chords

Apologize by One Republic uses the chord progression I-IV-V-vi. It has been used in many hit songs over the decades and is a great chord template to work from. To create the chord progression of Apologize in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, let’s use the key of A minor for this example. The following are the chords that correspond to the chorus progression in the key of A minor:

• I = C# minor
• IV = A major
• V = B major
• vi = F# minor

To input this progression in the Piano Roll, you’ll need to create a new pattern, select the appropriate length, and then add the chords, as shown in Figure 5.25:

Figure 5.25: Piano Roll chord progression – I-IV-V-vi

These are a few classic examples of popular chord progressions that have been adopted in pop music. Although there aren’t any objective standards for using these progressions, being aware of them and experimenting with them can help you write songs that are impressive and memorable.

Now, let’s discuss chord frameworks that are used in rap and hip hop productions that have stood out in each era and genre. These frameworks will provide you with the template and foundation to start creating rap and hip hop tracks that will grab listeners’ attention.

Rap chord progression frameworks

Rap music is best known for its wide variety of chord progressions, frequently combining jazz, soul, and funk music influences. The following are some well-liked rap chord progressions that have appeared in songs that work on billboard charts:

• I-VII-VI: I-VII-VI is a popular chord progression in trap music that can be heard in a number of well-known songs, including XO Tour Llif3 by Lil Uzi Vert and Look Alive by BlocBoy JB ft. Drake. To create this progression in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, let’s use the key of C# minor for this example.

The following are the chords that correspond to the progression in the key of C# minor:

• I = C# minor
• VII = B major
• VI = A# minor

To input this progression in the Piano Roll, you’ll need to create a new pattern and select the appropriate length, as shown in Figure 5.26:

Figure 5.26: Piano Roll chord progression – I-VII-VI

• i-VI-III-V: Rap songs that are emotional and introspective frequently use the chord progression i-VI-III-V, like in Juice WRLD’s Lucid Dreams and All Girls Are the Same. To create this progression in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, let’s use the key of C for this example.

The following are the chords that correspond to the progression in the key of C:

• i = C Eb G
• VI = Ab C Eb
• III = E G Bb
• V = G Bb D

To input this progression in the Piano Roll, you’ll need to create a new pattern and select the appropriate length, as shown in Figure 5.27:

Figure 5.27: Piano Roll chord progression – i-VI-III-V

• I-V-vi-IV: I-V-vi-IV is a popular chord progression in pop music, but it has also been used in a few rap songs, such as Post Malone’s Circles and Halsey’s Without Me. To create this progression in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, let’s use the key of C for this example.

The following are the chords that correspond to the progression in the key of C:

• I = C E G
• V = G B D
• vi = A C E
• IV = F A C

To input this progression in the Piano Roll, you’ll need to create a new pattern and select the appropriate length, as shown in Figure 5.28:

Figure 5.28: Piano Roll chord progression – I-V-vi-IV

• i-VII-III-VI: This chord progression can be heard in numerous drill and trap songs, including the hits What’s Poppin by Jack Harlow and Don’t Stop by Megan Thee Stallion ft. Young Thug. To create this progression in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, let’s use the key of C for this example.

The following are the chords that correspond to the progression in the key of C:

• i (C, Eb, G) = Cm (C minor chord)
• VII (Bb, D, F) = BbMaj (B-flat major chord)
• III (E, G, B) = Em (E minor chord)
• VI (A, C, E) = Am (A minor chord)

To input this progression in the Piano Roll, you’ll need to create a new pattern and select the appropriate length. Then, add the notes for each chord in the progression, as previously listed. Adjust the timing, duration, and velocity of the notes as needed to create your desired sound, as shown in Figure 5.29:

Figure 5.29: Piano Roll chord progression – i-VII-III-VI

We have now seen a few illustrations of common rap chord progressions that have appeared in songs that have been charted on billboards. Although these progressions are not unique to rap music, they have been successfully used in many well-known rap songs, and you can incorporate them into your composing frameworks as the foundation for building your own billboard charting songs.

Chord progression frameworks in modern music

Let’s now discuss basic chord theory and concepts that have been used in music composition and production since the inception of music theory. Chord theory is the study of how chords are constructed and how they function within music, encompassing concepts such as major chords, minor chords, and more. Major chords generally create a bright and happy sound, while minor chords tend to evoke a darker and more melancholic mood. Let’s explore these now:

• Minor chords: Rap songs frequently use minor chords, which have a depressing or melancholic sound. These chords are frequently used to express emotion or infuse an environment with mood. To create a minor chord progression in FL Studio’s Piano Roll, let’s use the key of C for this example. The notes for this chord progression in the Piano Roll are as follows:
  • C#m = C#3, E3, G#3
  • E = E3, G#3, B3
  • G#m = G#3, B3, D#4
  • Fm = A#2, C#3, F3

Figure 5.30: Piano Roll chord progression – minor chords

• Power chords: Rock and metal music frequently employs power chords, but rap songs have also begun to use them. These chords produce an intense sound that can be used to emphasize the beat or give a song more intensity. The following is an example of a power chord progression:
  • E5 = E power chord (E and B notes)
  • D5 = D power chord (D and A notes)
  • A5 = A power chord (A and E notes)
  • C5 = C power chord (C and G notes)

In this progression, the chord names indicate that we are playing power chords, and the number 5 refers to the fact that we are only playing the root note and the fifth note of each chord:

Figure 5.31: Piano Roll chord progression – power chords

• Dominant seventh chords: These are frequently used in jazz and blues music, but they have also been incorporated into many rap songs. These bluesy chords are frequently used to evoke feelings of tension or expectation. The following is an example of a dominant seventh chord progression:
  • G7 = G dominant seventh (G, B, D, F)
  • C7 = C dominant seventh (C, E, G, Bb)
  • D7 = D dominant seventh (D, F#, A, C)
  • G7 = G dominant seventh (G, B, D, F)

In this progression, each chord is a dominant seventh chord, and the number 7 in the chord symbol indicates that the seventh note of the corresponding scale is included in the chord:

Figure 5.32: Piano Roll chord progression – dominant seventh chords

• Suspended chords: Rap songs have occasionally used suspended chords, which are commonly used in pop and rock music. These chords have a distinctive sound that can give the song an air of intrigue or mystery. The following is an example of a suspended chord progression:
  • Asus4 = A suspended fourth (A, D, E)
  • Dsus4 = D suspended fourth (D, G, A)
  • Esus4 = E suspended fourth (E, A, B)
  • Asus4 = A suspended fourth (A, D, E)

In this progression, each chord is a suspended fourth chord, and sus4 indicates that the third note of the chord has been replaced with the fourth note of the corresponding scale:

Figure 5.33: Piano Roll chord progression – suspended chords

• Augmented chords: Songs can be made more dramatic and tense by using augmented chords, which have a dissonant sound. Some rap songs have employed these chords to evoke unease or uncertainty.

The following is an example of an augmented chord progression:

• Caug = C augmented (C, E, G#)
• Eaug = E augmented (E, G#, B#)
• Gaug = G augmented (G, B, D#)
• Caug = C augmented (C, E, G#)

In this progression, each chord is an augmented chord, and aug indicates that the fifth note of the corresponding scale has been raised by half a step. To play these chords on a guitar or piano, you can simply play the root note, the major third, and the augmented fifth together:

Figure 5.34: Piano Roll chord progression – augmented chords

We have now seen some examples of how chords can be produced using the Piano Roll and the corresponding notes. Ultimately, it will be up to you and your own creativity to utilize these frameworks to create ear-catching progressions and make them unique. Don’t copy hit songs but, instead, follow their unique imprint as the baseline foundation to build from – every hit producer does this. In the same breath, don’t limit yourself to following technical frameworks only; create records that chart on billboards and follow a formula but also have their own creative stamp for the composer and producer.

Now that we have discussed some common frameworks, this should give you the technical knowledge base of how rap and modern music are composed using specific time-tested chord theories in FL Studio. Remember, music is subjective; practice, experiment, and work on your skill set every day to get the most out of FL Studio.