Help me delve into theory

So last night I was screwing around with my guitar and came up with this little melody. I want to incorporate it into a song, but first I would like to know more about it. First, I'll show y'all what it is, then say what I think it is. Here we go:


click here to hear it in midi format

My first step in analyzing what I had come up with was to list out all the notes:
A C E G F D F E C E D A# D A C E G F D F G A G F D F

Removing duplicates I was left with:
A A# C D E F G (A)

My next step was to see what scale contained these notes and it turns out to be F Major: F G A A# C D E

Assuming I've done everything correctly thus far in analyzing the melody, I'm left with a few questions. I notice that I list out A Phrygian when I remove all the duplicate notes from the first list, does this mean the melody is in A Phrygian (I realize that it's the same notes as F Major), or is that just coincidental to the list beginning with an "A". Notice that the melody also starts with an "A". Would it matter what the first note of the melody was? From what I know of modal theory, a mode sets a certain group of notes to a mood. Does my melody sound Phrygiany (my own word :cool: ) I know the mechanics of modes, but they still confuse me.

I already have an idea of what I want this piece to develop into, and a have a few other parts written for it, but I figured I'd start small and answer any questions y'all might have in the event that you have suggestions as to what scales, modes, etc. you'd think I might want to try.

I appreciate, in advance, any insight you guys (and gals) can give me. I hope to be a regular here on the theory board because I'm an eternal student at heart and have many questions concerning music theory. It seems that any time I have a breakthrough on the knowledge end of the instrument it opens up a million doors for me.

for some reason that reminds me of " Hall of the Mountain King" by grieg edvard

First off, there is no F in that melody. It's F#. I would say the the melody is in G melodic minor.

G melodic minor : G A Bb C D E F# (G)

All the notes in the melody are there.

Hehe, true to your namesake you've noticed the mistake. Thanks for filling me in, I'll play around with that scale until I get some more questions.

Dude have you ever listened to any of the songs from the game Zelda: Ocarina of time? That lick sounded very forest-theme zelda (music by Koji Kondo)...

:cool:

Originally Posted by: The AceDude have you ever listened to any of the songs from the game Zelda: Ocarina of time? That lick sounded very forest-theme zelda (music by Koji Kondo)...

:cool:

Was that the one for the N64? If so then I have that game :). I guess I (subconsciously) borrow too hard for melodic ideas, hehe. Two different people saying dude, that kinda sounds like _________. :o

Ya that's the N64 game. I borrow from Koji all the time!

I thought it sounded cool

Firstly - everyone goes on about modes too much. they are useful, but to find out what key a melody is in, just listen to it and try to find your root.
Analysing a melody like that note by note is only going to lead to trouble. some of the note are accidentals, which can mislead you.
I think it is in Am7.
Try this. . .
5 x 5 5 5 x = Am7 (1 bar)

x 5 4 5 5 x = D9 (1/2 bar)

6 x 6 5 6 x = Bbm7(sus2) (1/2 bar)

5 x 5 5 5 x = Am7 (1 bar)

0 7 6 7 9 x = E7(#9) (1 bar)

Let me know what you think eh?

I think you know what you are talking about!

Originally Posted by: TiddlesFirstly - everyone goes on about modes too much. they are useful, but to find out what key a melody is in, just listen to it and try to find your root.
Analysing a melody like that note by note is only going to lead to trouble. some of the note are accidentals, which can mislead you.
I think it is in Am7.
Try this. . .
5 x 5 5 5 x = Am7 (1 bar)

x 5 4 5 5 x = D9 (1/2 bar)

6 x 6 5 6 x = Bbm7(sus2) (1/2 bar)

5 x 5 5 5 x = Am7 (1 bar)

0 7 6 7 9 x = E7(#9) (1 bar)

Let me know what you think eh?

nice sequence... ;)