Master Cheat Sheet
Emotional Map of Melody
1
Key relationship Stable or unstable scale degree?
2
Chord relationship Chord tone or non-chord tone?
1
2
3
4
↑  Chord Tone
Non-Chord Tone  ↓
← Stable
Unstable →
Zone 1
Sweet
Grounded
Stable note + chord tone
SO over C  ·  resolved, warm
Zone 2
Tense but
Supported
Unstable note + chord tone
FA over Dm  ·  grounded tension
Zone 3
Floating
Modern
Stable note + non-chord tone
DO over Dm  ·  airy, surprising
Zone 4
Bitter
Edgy
Unstable note + non-chord tone
TI over Dm  ·  maximum tension
DO
home
SO
strong
MI
sweet
LA
warm
RE
open
TI
leading
FA
tension
Focus on These Notes
Notes at chord changes
Repeated notes
Longer held notes
Starting notes
Ending / arrival notes
These carry the emotional weight — passing notes matter far less.
Fast Analysis
1
Find the key
2
Label the note: DO – TI
3
Identify the chord underneath
4
Chord tone or non-chord tone?
5
Place it on the map — read its zone
Writing & Revision
Need arrival?→stable + chord tone
Need modern color?→stable + non-chord tone
Need supported tension?→unstable + chord tone
Need raw edge?→unstable + non-chord tone
Too safe / generic?→add non-chord tones
Too harsh?→resolve unstable NCTs sooner
Concept based on The Emotional Map of Melody by Tamas Bodzsar  ·  Colors use the custom palette developed for this project.