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How to Make Music Sound Scary

When a composer wants music to sound scary, some very common methods exist. These techniques will allow a composer to create some truly frightening music. Whether the goal is to write music to scare your friends or write a ghoulish soundtrack for an independent film, these tips will help you compose terrifying music without the cheap tricks of screaming and children laughing off in the distance.

Things You'll Need

  • Staff paper
  • Piano
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Instructions

    • 1

      Write music in minor keys. It also is possible to use other scale possibilities, such as the octatonic scale, which alternates between half steps and whole steps.

    • 2

      Achieve a creepy sound using augmented triads throughout the composition. Augmented triads build upon major thirds and have a dissonant quality to them.

    • 3

      Interchange high-pitched fragments in the piano or strings to create a sense of impending doom. Avoid writing complete melodies and break the music up into smaller motivic elements that help keep the piece moving forward.

    • 4

      Include electronic elements in the score. Electronic music is becoming much more widely accepted and used; manipulate everyday sounds in a program that allows musical editing. Some unique sounds become possible by using everyday objects as mundane as a set of keys.

    • 5

      Write violin harmonics into the score. These harmonics create a shimmering, high-pitched element that can be great for adding suspense. Take advantage of the many techniques available on each instrument.

    • 6

      Write col legno for the violin. This technique involves using the back of the violin bow to perform the notated pitches. The effect is a wooden, clattering sound that may mimic the sound of "dancing bones."

    • 7

      Study privately with a composer online or in person to improve writing ability. If you are interested in writing more complex and sophisticated music, this is the way to go.

Music Basics

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