Chiptune & 8-bit Music Lesson 2 of 4
Melody and bass
A memorable tune plus a simple bass is most of a good chiptune.
Most great game themes are carried by a strong melody — a short, singable line that repeats and develops. Write the melody first, on a pulse channel, and keep it simple enough to hum. A four-bar phrase that answers itself is plenty.
The bassline
Underneath, a bassline on the triangle channel gives the tune weight and outlines the chords. It can be as simple as the root note of each chord, or a steady walking pattern. Melody on top, bass on the bottom, and you already have a song.
Quick check
A good first step when writing a chiptune is to: