Why Is Scary Music Scary?

[Lombax]

Why does scary music make us feel uneasy?

[Mamyalynne]

Not every piece will have the same effect on everyone, but generally music can set a mood if you now how to score it.

That's the same whether something is soft and sentimental or as you mention - scary.

[Apc2604]

Its also very much dependant on the chords used, and other musical things which I don't know too much about. The musicians amongst us will know.

[Apc2604]

I do know that music that is sad is most often on the minor scales.

[woofgang]

its partly because we have been "taught" that it heralds something scary.

[andres]

Every horror or murder film shows violent scenes being played out with scary ,dramatic music being played in the background. I suppose that we are conditioned to feeling uneasy when we hear it .

[Apc2604]

https://www.musical-u.com/learn/7-strange-musical-secrets-for-making-your-own-scary-soundtrack/

[webbo3]

Low frequency's can have an effect on the mind, it can scare a tigers prey.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/12/001201152406.htm

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/how-the-hidden-sounds-of-horror-movie-soundtracks-freak-you-out