A harmonization should include chords that underscore the
design of the melody. For example, the tonal design of the
melody is supported through the repeated use of V-I
progressions. Cadences provide musical punctuation and are
strategic places to reinforce the key. This punctuation can
be strengthened by closing on stable chords and using
standard cadential progressions. The rhythmic outline of a
melody can help one decide how to control harmonic
Discover clues about the design of the melody through
analysis. Analysis will help one find patterns of pitch and
rhythm in the background of a melody. These discoveries can
indicate which chord to use and when to use it.
Many melodies can be harmonized with only primary triads, especially
simple folk melodies that feature strong tonal focus. Sometimes the
simple clarity of primary triads is the best solution.
- Simplify the melody to reveal background pitch and rhythm patterns.
- Look for intervals or triads outlined in the melody.
- Look for patterns that focus on the tonic pitch.
- Select chords implied by outline patterns.
- Select chords that support tonicity.
- Design a harmonic rhythm that supports the melody's rhythmic background.
- Harmonize cadences with the standard progressions (V-I, IV-I,"x"-V,
and so on).
- Use a chording instrument like a piano or a guitar to test your setting.
- Change chord choices and harmonic rhythms if needed. Retest until satisfied.
- Use inversions to add melodic interest to the bass line.
- Use root position to enhance harmonic focus.
- Make changes to improve the independence between the melody and the bass lines.
- To add variety
- Reinforce any variety procedures built into the melody
(series-of-fifths, harmonic sequence, substitution, non-tonic
- Reinforce contrasts in the phrase plan of a melody. For example,
the "b" or "bridge" phrase of a melody is usually conceived
as a contrast phrase with a built-in variety procedure.
- Rough in chords to reinforce tonal focus, especially at the beginning
and end of the melody and at cadences. This rough sketch will also
establish a basic harmonic rhythm. Consider the use of variation devices
in the middle of phrases or in the middle of the melody.
- Look for opportunities to use variation devices but do not lose sight of
- Remember that fifth relations tonicize, third relations provide color
change and can link fifth relations via successive substitutions, and
second relations provide melodic thrust, occasional color change, and
are good harmonic satellites.
- Experiment with some alternative choices. You may make new discoveries
that will prompt you to replace some of your first choices. Do not lose
sight in the overall need for tonal focus. Variation can be overused,
weakening both the effects of variety and the listener's sense of
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