I see this question asked a lot via Reddit and Instagram.
“How do you learn how to play melodies for (insert genre)”
Most newer producers get stuck because they think they “I can’t play keys” or “I don’t know theory, they’re screwed.
Not true at all.
There’s no secret trick or sauce for learning how to play keys. You can develop this skill by ear with a good piano plugin and a bit of patience.
Here’s what you need to do.
1. Choose A Piano Plugin
Almost every DAW and MIDI controller is piano based. Notes are laid out, and if you can play something on keys, you can easily record or program it.
Even if you’ve played an instrument live, a piano plugin makes the learning process visual and simple.
2. Play around on The Keys a Bit
Don’t worry about scales for now. Put one finger on a note, listen to the sound.
Then place fingers on a few other notes. Move around the keyboard. You’ll stumble into notes that sound good together and finger placements you like. Hit record and play around like this for a bit.
3. Learn to Copy by Ear
Listen to the song and pick a melody from the song that you like. Choose a simple one for starters.
Hum, then find the starting note on your keyboard. Once you’ve got that, follow the melody up or down until it matches. This will start off rough, but gets easier as you go.
Keep in mind. The piano is the same 12 notes repeated over and over.
Recommended Piano Plugins
You don’t need a huge collection of plugins, just 1 or 2 that sound good to you.
Here are two that often show up on Audio Plugin Deals and are worth grabbing:
Putty Piano by Riot Audio
It’s got that hazy, cinematic vibe. Great for moody beats or lo-fi intros. It’s one of those sounds that instantly makes a track feel unique.
Xtreme Piano by Audio Xpressions
Lot’s of character in this piano. You can get big, punchy, almost aggressive tones to weird, experimental stuff in seconds. If you’re bored of “regular” pianos and want something that cuts through.
Keep It Fun So It Doesn't Feel Like Work
After you learn how to replay a melody, play along with song. By this, I mean, play other melodies and lines using the same notes, but to the tempo of the song of course. This will help you come up with new melodies within the same style/genre.
New to Audio Plugin Deals?
Awesome! here’s how it works APD partners directly with developers to bring you full versions of pro plugin instruments at deep discounts. Deals rotate every couple of weeks, and every purchase earns reward points you can spend in The Shop for even more savings.
