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SECTION ONE:
Trial and Error vs. Music Theory...
the role of chord harmony behind melody:
When melodies are composed before a songs chord changes are established there
are several ways to bring in chords behind that melody. Through theory and other
ways, (including trial and error), musicians can quickly compose chord changes that
can be performed behind any pre-established melody.
To do this quickly, youll need some back-ground knowledge in the following areas:
- Music Theory
Music Theory:
Understanding music theory allows for a musician to know; the key they are in, what
chords are both inside and outside of the key and how consonance & dissonance
might work to establish unique sounds.
Song Experience:
The more songs you know how to play from memory and the more transcription that
a musician does, presents a wealth of ideas - ready to apply. Without actual song
experience, it is very difficult to quickly test and operate ideas.
SECTION TWO:
EXAMPLES
In the examples below we see how a simple melody can have chords layered behind it.
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Page 2 of 3
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Insanity is doing the same things over & over again, and expecting different results
- Albert Einstein
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