Techniques for Creating Spooky Music

Writing a scary or spooky sounding song primarily involves soundscapes, choice of musical scales, tempo, rhythm and lyric content. Here are some techniques and how they've been used in real songs:

1. Dissonance: This is a technique where sounds clash with each other invoking feelings of tension or unease. An iconic example would be the Jaws Theme by John Williams. The repetitive two-note pattern creates a dissonant sound that builds suspense, contributing to the overall scary feel.

2. Use of Minor Keys and Scales: Minor keys often contributes to a darker, sad, or eerie mood. For example, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" is set in C# minor to add to its spooky character.

3. Tempo & Rhythm: Slower songs can often contribute to a spooky feeling because they can evoke a sense of anticipation. The slow, relentless rhythm of the "Halloween Theme" by John Carpenter increases tension and uneasiness.

4. Sound Design & Production: Using unconventional sounds or instruments can make a song sound eerie or strange. In the Beatles’ “Revolution 9,” the amalgamation of random, dissonant noises and sound bites creates an unsettling feeling.

5. Lyrics: Telling a scary story through the lyrics can really make a song creepy. "Ghost Town" by The Specials uses lyrics about a post-apocalyptic world to frighten and captivate its audience. 

6. Unconventional Song Structures: Traditionally pleasing song structures can be subverted to give off an unsettling feel. Pink Floyd’s “Careful With That Axe, Eugene” strays away from traditional verse-chorus repetition and introduces sudden loudness, amplifying its spooky atmosphere.

7. Use of Silence: Strategically placing moments of silence can heighten the suspense. For example, the Pixies often used this technique in “Where is My Mind?” where the silent moments contribute to an eerie mood.

8. Instrumentation: The choice of instruments can also impart a scary feel. For instance, the use of the theremin in the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" gives it an eerie, ghost-like quality.

Many of these techniques can be combined or used selectively to suit your song's spooky theme. Remember that other elements like atmospheric sound effects and choice of instrumentation can also enhance the eerie effect you're aiming for.

Written by OpenAI GPT-4