Happy Halloween: How Music Sounds “Scary”

1. Dissonance: The Musical Uncanny

Dissonance is the use of tones that clash when played together, creating an unsettling feeling. Unlike consonant sounds that feel harmonious and pleasing, dissonant sounds are jarring, stirring a sense of discomfort or unease. Think of that shrill violin in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho, famously composed by Bernard Herrmann. The discordant screeches instantly signal danger and unease, taking advantage of our brains' instinctive dislike for unstable harmonies.

2. Unpredictable Rhythms and Time Signatures

Many scary compositions use irregular rhythms and shifting time signatures to keep listeners off-balance. While traditional Western music often uses predictable rhythms (like a steady 4/4), horror music may throw in extra beats, unusual accents, or even moments of silence. These unexpected changes heighten suspense and throw listeners off guard, suggesting the eerie unpredictability of something lurking in the dark. John Carpenter’s theme from Halloween is a prime example; its off-kilter 5/4 rhythm makes the listener feel as though something isn’t quite right.

3. High-Pitched, Sudden Sounds

Our fight-or-flight instinct kicks in when we hear sudden, high-pitched sounds—think of screams or the screeches of animals in distress. Composers play on this by incorporating high, sharp sounds from violins, synthesizers, or even unexpected crashes to jolt the listener. Soundtracks to horror films often play with these sudden bursts of sound to simulate the shock we experience in jump scares, such as in the opening of Jaws, where high-pitched strings mimic the sense of approaching dread.

4. Minor Keys and Chromatic Movement

Most traditional “happy” music is written in major keys, which tend to feel open and uplifting. Scary music, on the other hand, frequently relies on minor keys and chromatic scales (moving in half steps, as on a piano’s black keys). This choice creates tension, as minor chords evoke sadness or danger, and chromatic scales make it difficult to anticipate where the melody will lead, producing a sense of unease. Franz Schubert’s Erlkönig is a powerful example, a song in minor that tells the story of a spirit haunting a child, with racing chromatic notes that create an ominous backdrop.

5. Layered Textures and Drone Notes

Horror music often features layered, droning sounds—think of the deep hum in The Shining or eerie choirs and bass drones in ghostly soundtracks. These sounds create a heavy, ominous feeling, as if something is lurking just out of sight. Drone notes—single pitches sustained for an extended period—are especially effective. They make us feel as though there’s no escape, creating a stifling atmosphere, perfect for haunted scenes or ghostly landscapes.

6. Ambiguous, Non-Melodic Sounds

Horror soundtracks often venture into ambient or non-melodic sounds that fall somewhere between music and noise. This could include scratching, scraping, or other ambiguous sounds, like in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, where metallic, industrial noises make it feel like we’re trapped in a dark, chaotic space. Ambiguous sounds draw from real-life elements, making them relatable yet disturbing. When we can’t identify the source of a sound, our minds race to fill in the blanks, often with terrifying possibilities.

7. Silence as a Tool

Silence can be just as terrifying as sound. When used strategically, pauses heighten the sense of anticipation, letting listeners fill in the silence with their own anxieties. Composers may follow a quiet moment with a sudden loud sound, playing on our natural fear of the unknown. Silence is an underrated tool in horror, making it feel as though the world has stopped breathing, only to be broken by something shocking.

Bringing the Horror Home: Creating Your Own Scary Soundtrack

With a few of these techniques, you can create your own Halloween soundtrack that’s equal parts haunting and thrilling. Start with minor scales and experiment with dissonance. Add in an irregular beat, maybe a haunting melody layered with a drone note in the background. Don’t shy away from silence; let your listeners hold their breath before you jump in with a sudden, high-pitched note. And if you want to truly unnerve your listeners, try including some non-musical sounds—scratches, whispers, or something strange you can’t quite place.

Scary music taps into something primal, playing on our natural instincts and anxieties. The next time you hear a spooky soundtrack, think about the methods behind the madness, and let it add an extra thrill to your Halloween season. So dim the lights, cue up your favorite horror track, and let the music do its chilling work. Happy Halloween! �

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