okay, say i have a chord progression i really like. what are some good ways to figure out a melody to go with it? i'm tired of noodling to find something that fits. it usually doesn't work out, or it hasn't been lately.

Maybe try to pick out an interval (like a 3rd or something). Use that interval alot, within the key of your progression of course. Also use the inversion of it (like if you're using a minor third up, do a major sixth down. Generally do that, use some passing tones for flavor. I think Brahms did that for alot of his themes and melodies.

Speaking of Brahms, listen to some classical music. That'll put some ideas in your head.

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Record the progression, play it, hum over it and see what happens. That usually helps me.

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Find a theory book and learn how the scales make up the chords