Songwriting Challenge: Can You Write a Melody That Uses Only 2 Notes?

Putting a limit on one song element forces you to think hard – about everything else.

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Here’s an interesting challenge. Can you write a song melody that uses only 2 pitches? A few years ago, while I was teaching a composition unit to some high school-aged students, I gave them this challenge. Because I didn’t want to restrict them too severely, I allowed them to use 3 different notes. They didn’t have to write lyrics, just instrumental music for any instrument they wanted. Most chose piano. The project was a great success. By limiting the number of notes they were allowed to use, the students instinctively thought about everything else that makes a great song.

I had a specific reason for giving the class this note-limiting challenge. I noticed that most of them were writing melodies that seemed aimless, shapeless, and simply used far too many notes. By telling them they were only allowed to use 3 pitches, they looked to other song elements, such as form, chords, tempo, and performance style, to make their music sound interesting.

And I added one other rule: In addition to the 3 notes they were allowed to use, I instructed them to use one other pitch, which would appear only once in their song. I found that the students thought as much about that one extra note that they were allowed to use as they did about the other 3. Where would they place that note?

So that’s my songwriting challenge to you, except I want to make it a bit tougher for you: Can you write a song melody that uses only 2 pitches? Here are the rules:

1. Write a melody that uses only 2 notes.
2. Those 2 notes can appear in any octave you want throughout the song.
3. Choose a 3rd note that you will use only once in your song.
4. Creating lyrics for this exercise is optional (but I’ll be impressed!)
5. There is no limit on the number of chords you may use, and the chords can contain any notes you wish.

I often find that the most interesting part of this challenge is: where do you place that 3rd note that you’re allowed to use only once?

What are the benefits of this kind of songwriting exercise? Mainly, by limiting your melody to 2 pitches, you’ll find that you immediately start to concentrate on other aspects of what makes good composition. It also takes the pressure off having to create a comprehensive melody.

In that regard, this is a great exercise for you to modify. For example, if you find that in your songwriting your chord progressions seem long and aimless, challenge yourself to write a song that uses only two chords. If you find that you’re the kind of songwriter whose lyrics feel random or unfocused, create a short line of text, 3-5 words in length, and write a song that uses only those words.

Once you’ve written your 2-note song, please feel free to post a link to it below. I’d love to hear what you’ve come up with.

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