Rule-based Composition Grammar Analysis and Applications

This paper proposes a visual method of melody writing based on music rules and the digital characteristics of Equal-temperament. Specifically, clock diagrams are used to visualize the equal ratio and cyclic relationship in Equal-temperament. After the visualization of all the keys used in the composition, this graphic method can be used to implement compose on any key. With the rule-based composition grammar, new melody can be written with chords as the basic unit through a visual "jump point" link. This grammar is only used for pitches in melody composition, and note duration will be studied in our future research. For those non-musicians, the rule-based composition grammar can be used to compose from simple to complex. The grammar analysis can be applied not only to melody, but also to chords, harmony, orchestration and so on.