Lesson 2 - Harmonic Progression
When composing a melody to fit a harmonic progression, you may wish to follow these simple steps:
1. Write the chords below the staff.
2. Lightly place dots on the notes that are a part of the chord in the staff above each chord. This will quickly show you what notes are available.
3. Starting on tonic or dominant, lightly draw the contour you wish for the melody. If there is an existing bass line, choose a contour that mirrors it (moves in the opposite direction for contrast) Keep it general yet interesting!
4. Now that you have completed a sketch, "connect the dots" to form the framework for your melody, keeping close to the contour line, and using only the notes that are parts of the chords. If you hit an area where there does not seem to be any good choices, back up a few notes and choose a different path.
Looking ahead.
In our next lesson; Harmonizing the Melody, Non-Chord Tones, methods of embellishing this melody will be examined. We will discuss the Basic Form and Analysis, use of patterns called motives. But for now, try to create more simple, yet attractive sounding melodies. Remember! "An ugly melody with lots of embellishments is usually still an ugly melody!"
Back to Lessons.
When you create a melody Remember!
"An ugly melody with lots of embellishments is usually still an ugly melody!"
Skills Set to Master
Essential knowledge of major scales increases your knowledge and facility of creating melodies.
Minor ScalesAnother powerfull tool. Just like the major scales, the minor scales gives you additional color and versatility of your melodies.