i need help determing melody notes(someone please explain)

[monalisa]

ok here goes

once you find your melody,how do you detemine what chords correspond with it,is it just trial and error,you just keep picking until you pick the right chords

example; i have been working on your grace and mercy

key of f major

melody(my version)

YOUR      GRACE          AND      MER     CY
A              C                 D          C         A

KEY OF C MAJOR

YOUR       GRACE          AND      MER      CY

E               G                 A          G         E

I READ SOMEWHERE ONCE YOU FIND THE MELODY ,ADD THE BASS,MY PROBLEM IS HOW DO I DETERMINE WHAT BASS NOTES TO USE,WHEN PLAYING THE MELODY I  HAVE HEARD SOME PEOPLE SAY YOUR MELODY NOTE STAYS ON TOP,I REALLY DIDNT HAVE A UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT THAT MEANT,IS THIS RIGHT

SO WHATEVER I PLAY THE (A) IS GOING TO BE PLAYED WITH MY PINKY FINGER,IS THAT WHAT ON TOP MEANS?

THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP
MAY GOD BLESS
MONALISA

[whitemichael]

Hey, maybe the problem is you are trying to find the melody first and the bass last.  I always notice that it is much easier to find the bass first and place the chords and fillers in last.  For this method to work the only think you have to do is memorize what chord goes with what bass.  And if the song is like very different...still find the bass first and just play around with the melody until you get where you want to be.  Just like if you are playing with someone and they just call out number like 3-6-2-1...they expect you to play those bass notes and automatically fall on the corresponding chords... If you just had to cheat you could just play the chord  of those numbers but that sounds just a bit plain.  Do you sort of understand me....for example if we were in Eb and someone called out those numbers with me never hearing the song I would play.....(super basic...always try to fill in the sound:-)
G /Bb chord
C /Bb Eb G (notice how I voice the 6)
F /G Ab Bb Eb
Eb/Eb chord...
thats a basic example...get back at me if you have other questions...or need it better explained...but the entire point of all the proceeding words is....bass line first...melody later...:-)

[T-Block]

Melody notes are the highest notes you hear.  Bass notes are the lowest notes you hear.  You should listen for either the bass or the melody the first time.  Then get the other one next time.  Then fill in the middle.

[monalisa]

i undestand what your saying,but its easier for me to try to determine the melody,i have been teaching myself and i never played by numbers 3-6-2-1 i do understand what you mean
in the key of e flat the 3 is g and so on,but i dont no about progression am pretty sure i use them but just dont no when iam using them-------so i guess am saying iam playing but dont have any ideal of what im playing----hope you understand what am saying,its just like my fingers are moving and i just keep going,i no this probably dont make any since

but anyway god has been good and i know he has great things in store for me

thanks alot for all the help
monalisa

[whitemichael]

I guess I understand what you are saying.  I just started using the numbering system myself...so I completely understand what you mean by that.  I will say though..that trying to hear the melody first is a very interesting way of learning in my opinion.  I believe that the only way that you will be able to find the bass...is just playing with different bass notes till you hear the one that sounds most like the radio. I have a question though, if someone starts singing a song you don't know...you would start off playing the melody before you add the bass???  I was just wondering  because that seems very hard...:-)...  how old are you by the way if I may ask...  I am happy to see that you do know your keys...that is the one thing that kind of irks me, someone who can play yet don't know a single key they are hitting...."study to show thyself approved..."  be blessed...ttyl