I know the most effective strategy is melody before (or at the same time as) chords, but I have a hard time finding notes outside the major scale unless I predetermine a freaky chord and puzzle piece it in. Any advice for being more adventurous with melody?
try throwing words into the game. this can allow concepts, ideas, and even stories, to drive the music and give it purpose. otherwise how the hell would any note be 'right' or 'wrong'?