Reflecting chord-progressions in melody-lines

[Celestial]

I understand the basics of chord progressions and music theory basics in general, but the one thing I've never understood clearly; how does one reflect a chord progression in a melody line. This applies to composition in general, not only the bass. I understand how to outline chords when for example having a guitar or a piano/keyboard as accompaniment, but if I wanted to write a melodic line that was to reflect the coming chord-progression, how could I do that? Could one for example write a melody based on the notes in the chords?

[Pacman]

The chord progression should follow the melody, not the other way around.

[DocBop]

As a learning tool sure you can use chord tones as a way to practice song writing. It forces you to do more with the rhythm. The melody is what the song is about in the long run, because the chords can be changed. That is what arrangers do is change the chords and/or progression to change the style or mood of a song.

Some people write by coming up with a chord progression and then putting a melody to it. Others write the melody then harmonize it. Many do both depending and go with what was inspiring them at the moment. So you need to learn to work both ways in the long run.

This is where listening to movie soundtracks can be educational. Movies have a simple few note melody that become the recognizable sound to the movie. Then the composer for each scene will change that little motif to fit the scene. Hearing how many ways one little motif can treated is a trip.