Music in Horror

Music is really important in creating a scary horror film as it adds to the suspense. What builds the suspense is the build-up of music accompanied with acting until you reach the climax of the action (scary part is finished). This is done by beginning the scene in often a simple melody and as the second the story gets more horrific, more instruments are added and the dynamics (volume) become more intense, and this uneasy mood is created by increasing sharp, quick and sudden bits of the music until finally it really loud and the murder for example takes place. The sharp, quick and sudden bits of the music scare you because they are unexpected, alarming and irregular.

There is often a jarring motif that is a tiny little musical thought that repeats itself through the movie. Like when Jaws had that repetitive motif when the shark's fin was exposed.

What you need to make a scary horror movie sound track:

• Orchestral instruments like violins or flutes

• Steady build up

• Steady volume increase

• Edgy and sharp pieces of sound

• Repeated motif