What Music Theory Do I Need To Start Composing?

What Music Theory Do I Need To Start Composing?

This question comes up all the time with aspiring composers and, whilst the answer is not nothing, it is almost definitely less than you think.

Many beginners believe they must master advanced harmony, counterpoint, and orchestration before writing their first piece. In reality, composition and theory develop together. Music theory is not a set of rules that must be memorised before creating music; it is a language that helps explain and organise the sounds you hear and imagine.

Should I Learn My Major and Minor Scales?

Whether you’re hoping to perform, compose or generally take steps to competency on an instrument, learning your major and minor scales is incredibly important. Scales are the foundation of Western Music and understanding how major and minor scales are built will help you create melodies that sound intentional and coherent. You don't need to memorise every key immediately (but hopefully this will happen long-term), but you should understand the pattern of whole and half steps that creates these scales. Once you know a scale, you already have a collection of notes that work well together, making it easier to begin composing.

What Chords Do I Need To Know?

The next step is learning how chords are constructed and getting to grips with the basics of these to be able to support your newly-minted melodies. Start with triads: major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords. These are built by stacking notes from a scale and form the backbone of harmony.

Many successful songs use only three or four chords. By learning basic chord structures, you'll be able to create harmonic progressions that support your melodies.

What Chord Progressions Do I Need To Know?

You don't need advanced harmony to write music. Familiarising yourself with common chord progressions such as I–IV–V–I or I–V–vi–IV can provide an excellent starting point. These progressions appear in countless songs because they create a satisfying sense of movement and resolution. Experimenting with them is one of the fastest ways to start composing music that sounds complete. Following on from that, play other well-known songs or tunes that chime with you and get a feel for what the chord progressions do there.

What Rhythms Should I Know To Begin Composing?

Rhythm is often overlooked by beginners, but it is just as important as melody and harmony. Learn basic note values, time signatures, and rhythmic patterns. Try creating simple rhythmic ideas before worrying about complex harmonies. A memorable rhythm can make even a simple melody feel engaging and unique.

What Song Structures Do I Need To Know?

Understanding how music is organised will make composition less intimidating. Popular forms such as verse-chorus, ABA, and twelve-bar blues provide useful frameworks. Rather than starting with a blank page, you can compose within an established structure and focus your creativity on melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. For example, Set yourself 8 bars of melody and accompaniment for your A section and then, once that is done, work out another complimentary 8 bars for the B section - breaking full pieces into little parts to approach separately.

What is The Most Important Piece of Advice for Beginner Composers?

The biggest mistake many aspiring composers make is waiting until they feel "ready." Theory is valuable, but composition is a practical skill that improves through practice - regardless of your theoretical knowledge, your first couple of tunes won’t be your Magnum Opus. They will improve with time and practice.

Write short melodies. Experiment with chord progressions. Create eight-bar pieces. Some of your early compositions may sound simple, and that's perfectly normal. Every composer learns by writing, revising, and writing again. Write lots or write little but, regardless, write and try to finish songs, pieces and tunes.

---

Explore More from Nick Pike

Nick Pike is a London-based composer, pianist, saxophonist, producer, and educator with over 15 years of professional experience. His music blends neoclassical piano with jazz, funk, and contemporary influences, drawing comparisons to Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma, and Ólafur Arnalds. Alongside original compositions, Nick offers music services including scoring for film, TV, and advertising, piano and saxophone recording, arranging for strings and horns, and professional mixing and production.

Music & Albums – Original releases from solo piano to orchestral scores.

Services – Composition, recording, arranging, and production for artists, media, and brands.

Contact – Get in touch for lessons, commissions, or collaborations.