Don’t underestimate the importance of the ACCOMPANIMENT,

it can:

• Support a melody• Provide harmony• Contrast sections

Here is a few examples and ideas for composing

and listening...

Don’t underestimate the importance of the ACCOMPANIMENT,

it can:

• Support a melody• Provide harmony• Contrast sections

Here is a few examples and ideas for composing

and listening...

Broken chords are exactly that! The notes of the chord played separately in

various patterns.

Broken chords are exactly that! The notes of the chord played separately in

various patterns.

An arpeggio is the root, 3rd and 5th played separately either ascending or descending.An arpeggio is the root, 3rd and 5th played

separately either ascending or descending.

The Ground Bass is a Bass Ostinato that forms the basis of an entire piece. Often used to underpin variations.

The Ground Bass is a Bass Ostinato that forms the basis of an entire piece. Often used to underpin variations.

Pachelbel’s Canon in D

The Alberti Bass, used in the Classical period is a specific broken chord pattern of:

Root - 5th - 3rd - 5th.

The Alberti Bass, used in the Classical period is a specific broken chord pattern of:

Root - 5th - 3rd - 5th.

Stabs are short bursting chords, that add emphasis to a melody, and rhythmic accents

Stabs are short bursting chords, that add emphasis to a melody, and rhythmic accents

Here the second stab is sustained to create a pad supporting the

melody.

A short musical passage or rhythm that keeps the listener’s attention during breaks in the

melody.

A short musical passage or rhythm that keeps the listener’s attention during breaks in the

melody.

Sustained chords in the string section can add depth, warmth and richness.

Ideal for developing a repeated section.

Sustained chords in the string section can add depth, warmth and richness.

Ideal for developing a repeated section.

The rhythm section in Jazz provides chordal support to improvised solos.

Guitarists and pianists use the 3rd and extensions, avoiding the Root and 5th which is covered by bass.

The rhythm section in Jazz provides chordal support to improvised solos.

Guitarists and pianists use the 3rd and extensions, avoiding the Root and 5th which is covered by bass.

The accompanist, (often harpsichord) would play the bass line and improvise the harmony

using the ‘figures’ (numbers).

The accompanist, (often harpsichord) would play the bass line and improvise the harmony

using the ‘figures’ (numbers).

The Basso Continuo or ‘Figured Bass’ was used in Baroque times.

The number is the interval above the bass note.e.g. The note C with 3, 5 below

would indicate to play C-E-G.

The number is the interval above the bass note.e.g. The note C with 3, 5 below

would indicate to play C-E-G.

How would you describe the notes of the chord played separately in various

patterns?

How would you describe the notes of the chord played separately in various

patterns?

What do you call the root, 3rd and 5th played separately either ascending or

descending?

What do you call the root, 3rd and 5th played separately either ascending or

descending?

What do you call a Bass Ostinato that forms the basis of an entire piece.

Often used to underpin variations?

What do you call a Bass Ostinato that forms the basis of an entire piece.

Often used to underpin variations?

What is a short musical passage or rhythm that keeps the listener’s attention during breaks in

the melody called?

What is a short musical passage or rhythm that keeps the listener’s attention during breaks in

the melody called?

Questions….

Broken ChordBroken Chord

ArpeggioArpeggio

Ground BassGround Bass

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