5 Tips to Avoid Line Clichés in Music Composition

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 5 min read

As a music composer, you've probably experienced the dreaded line cliche more than once. Known as a repeated musical sequence that's become overused, the line cliche can make your compositions sound unoriginal and predictable. But don't fret! Here are five practical tips to help you avoid the line cliche and bring a fresh, unique sound to your music.

1. Define Your Musical Style

Defining your musical style is the first step towards avoiding the trap of the line cliche. Whether you're a fan of rock, jazz, or classical music, understanding your style will guide your composition process and help you create music that's uniquely yours.

Analyze Influential Genres

Start by analyzing the genres that influence your music. Are there specific patterns or sounds that you're drawn to? Once you've identified these, you can make a conscious effort to use them in a way that's unique to your style. Remember, it's not about avoiding the line cliche entirely, but about using it in a way that's original and reflective of your musical identity.

Identify Signature Sounds

Next, identify your signature sounds. These are the musical elements that make your compositions stand out. Think of it as your musical fingerprint. Maybe it's a certain rhythm, a unique melody, or a distinctive use of harmony. Once you've identified your signature sounds, you can use them to break away from the line cliche and create music that's uniquely yours.

2. Practice Melodic Invention

One surefire way to avoid the line cliche is to become adept at melodic invention. This is the ability to create original melodies that express your musical thoughts and feelings. Here are some techniques to help you practice melodic invention.

Experiment with Notes

Don't be afraid to experiment with notes. Try different combinations, play around with high and low pitches, and see what happens when you break away from the usual patterns. You might be surprised at the unique melodies you can create just by stepping out of the box. Remember, it's the unexpected notes that often make a melody memorable and help you avoid the line cliche.

Explore Different Scales

Exploring different scales is another great way to practice melodic invention. Whether it's the blues scale, the pentatonic scale, or the whole tone scale, each one offers a unique melodic flavor that can help you avoid the line cliche. So, why not explore a new scale today? You might just find a new melodic idea that's perfect for your next composition.

Use Rhythm Creatively

Rhythm is often overlooked when it comes to melody, but it's a powerful tool for avoiding the line cliche. By varying your rhythm, you can create a sense of surprise and intrigue in your melodies. So, instead of sticking to the same old rhythm patterns, why not try something new? A syncopated rhythm, a dotted rhythm, or even a simple change in tempo could be just what your melody needs to stand out from the crowd.

3. Deconstruct Clichéd Lines

Deconstructing clichéd lines is like taking a well-worn path and finding a new way through the woods. It's about understanding the common habits and then daring to do something different. Let's delve into it.

Recognize Common Patterns

First, you need to recognize the common patterns that lead to line cliches. Listen to a variety of music and note the melodic lines that seem to be used over and over again. What do they have in common? Once you understand these common patterns, you can make a conscious effort to avoid them in your compositions.

Alter Traditional Progressions

Next, try altering traditional chord progressions. This doesn't mean completely throwing out the rulebook. Instead, it's about adding your personal touch. What if you tried a chord substitution or added an unexpected chord in the progression? By moving away from traditional progressions, you open up a world of new melodic possibilities, steering clear of the dreaded line cliche.

4. Apply Variations in Themes

Applying variations in themes is like changing the spices in your favorite recipe. It's the same dish you love, but with a new twist that makes it uniquely yours. Let's see how you can do this in your music composition.

Switch Between Major and Minor

Have you ever noticed how a song can feel different when you switch it from major to minor? This simple change can give your melody a whole new flavor and help you avoid line cliches. Experiment with this in your compositions and see how it transforms the mood and character of your music.

Alter Melodic Intervals

Another way to inject fresh life into your music is by altering melodic intervals. By changing the distance between the notes in your melody, you can create a unique and expressive sound. This will not only make your melody more interesting, but it will also help you steer clear of any potential line cliches.

Change Rhythm Patterns

Finally, don't be afraid to play with rhythm. Who says you have to stick to the same rhythm pattern throughout your composition? Changing rhythm patterns can give your music a dynamic and unpredictable quality. Plus, it's a surefire way to avoid falling into the line cliche trap. So go ahead, mix it up and see what happens.

5. Evaluate and Revise Your Composition

Just as a good chef tastes and adjusts their dish before serving, a good composer evaluates and revises their music before finalizing. This final step can really help you to avoid line cliches and make your composition the best it can be.

Seek Peer Feedback

Getting feedback from your peers can be a great way to identify any line cliches you might have missed. Share your music with others and ask them to listen out for any parts that sound too familiar or predictable. Remember, it's always okay to ask for help, and it's a great way to learn and grow as a composer.

Revisit and Revise

After you've received feedback, take some time to revisit your composition and make revisions. Maybe you'll decide to change an interval, switch a section from major to minor, or mix up the rhythm a bit. Whatever changes you make, the goal is to create a composition that is unique, interesting, and free of line cliches. So don't rush this step—take your time and enjoy the process!

If you're looking to further develop your music composition skills and avoid line clichés, don't miss the workshop 'Switching Up Your Process Or Routine' by Celina Rodriguez. In this workshop, you'll discover new techniques and strategies to refresh your creative process and make your compositions truly stand out.