So can any music-talented people help me out? If you had to compose some songs but only had access to 8 notes, what notes would they be?

Basically, what are the 8 strongest notes for musical composition. Or what notes would you want on a xylophone with only 8 keys?  

Personally, I'd want the D flat major scale. Arguably one of the most beautiful scales; the keys are D flat, E flat, F, G flat, A flat, B flat, C, D flat (^ up octave vs the first D flat). To anyone non-musicially inclined, it'll sound very similar to C major, since the tonic (first key) is only up a halfstep. But, since its more lush, it makes chords easier to compose.

I'm not a music major so I wouldn't be able to explain exactly why the notes are more lush; one would have to experiment with both C major and D flat major to understand the difference.  

Posted by Latte

Personally, I'd want the D flat major scale. Arguably one of the most beautiful scales; the keys are D flat, E flat, F, G flat, A flat, B flat, C, D flat (^ up octave vs the first D flat). To anyone non-musicially inclined, it'll sound very similar to C major, since the tonic (first key) is only up a halfstep. But, since its more lush, it makes chords easier to compose.

I'm not a music major so I wouldn't be able to explain exactly why the notes are more lush; one would have to experiment with both C major and D flat major to understand the difference.

Must spread rep. Just wanted to instigate your variably well-rounded creative knowledge.  

Posted by Latte

Personally, I'd want the D flat major scale. Arguably one of the most beautiful scales; the keys are D flat, E flat, F, G flat, A flat, B flat, C, D flat (^ up octave vs the first D flat). To anyone non-musicially inclined, it'll sound very similar to C major, since the tonic (first key) is only up a halfstep. But, since its more lush, it makes chords easier to compose.

C#/D flat major is a very beautiful scale, I definitely agree!
I personally enjoy D major, F# major and A major, they are calming for me
G minor and F# minor are also some keys I find engaging.

What type of song are you composing (pop, dance, rock metal, etc.)?
Pop music would usually use major keys, while classical uses both minor and major. Major keys tend to be 'happier' with minor keys leaning towards 'sad' or 'serious' of 'mysterious'.
As you are using an xylophone both major and minor keys would suit the instrument.  

Posted by Dusty

Basically, what are the 8 strongest notes for musical composition. Or what notes would you want on a xylophone with only 8 keys?

Dusty is going to challenge Martin Garrix.  

Posted by Platinum

What type of song are you composing (pop, dance, rock metal, etc.)?
Pop music would usually use major keys, while classical uses both minor and major. Major keys tend to be 'happier' with minor keys leaning towards 'sad' or 'serious' of 'mysterious'.
As you are using an xylophone both major and minor keys would suit the instrument.

It's a bit of a hypothetical question. Xylophone was used as an example because it kind of best fits. Any percussion instrument would be fitting as fixed notes, no chords, no sustained and such.  

Tertian is all I want