Relating melody to harmony

Filed in Free Lessons on January 15, 2010



I have not talked about the relationship between the melody and the harmony before.  I will admit that the clip below is a bit dense, but it will give you some things to think about.

Here is a summary of what I am demonstrating in the video.  If you have control over what the melody is, try to choose a melody that stays away from the primary chord tones (1, 3, and 5) of the chords you are using. 

For example, if you are playing a C7 chord, try using melody notes besides C, E, and G.  On a dominant chord, Db, D, D#, F#, Ab, and A will all work.

If you can't see the video below, here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Pe84XfaNQ




Will you do me a personal favor?
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Janet D.
1/15/2010 12:14:22 PM

Greg, you probably don't even appreciate it, but I noticed how you could talk and at the same time, play the chords without thinking and without looking at the piano. That is very intimidating. I love this video even though it is over my head.

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Danny Gardner
1/15/2010 12:28:24 PM

Wonderful lesson Mr. Howlett. I'll definitely be working hard on this concept. You presented it very well.

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Jim Burton
1/16/2010 2:37:13 PM

Greg, I have never watched anything this off base. Do you know anything about theory? This makes no sense. I am starting to wonder why anyone reads this blog.

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Danny Gardner
1/16/2010 6:19:16 PM

Mr. Burton sir, it is my request that you would be more respectful to Mr. Howlett. He works and studies hard. This blog is a free service and resource that he chooses to provide. If you object to what he says then with all due respect please either present the grounds for doing so or find a teacher that you like better. Thank you, sir.

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Greg
1/16/2010 7:26:51 PM

Jim, this is not for everybody.

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Leeanne Graf
1/19/2010 2:30:58 AM

Jim,

How would you feel if someone said the same thing about you? How disrespectful! You have a right to your opinion but please keep it to yourself! Thank you!

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Leeanne Graf
1/19/2010 2:38:03 AM

Greg,

Could you pls post that fill in you played while on the Fmin7? I would love to add that into some songs. Thanks. :)

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Leeanne Graf
1/19/2010 2:40:59 AM

Greg,

Could you pls post that fill in you played while on the F min7? I would love to add that into some songs. Thanks. :)

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Rosemarie Keefe
7/27/2010 8:39:20 PM

I am a church pianist and a piano teacher. I teach piano improvising and I have found your website very interesting and can see where it would be helpful. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your skills.

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