Adding chord notes to melody notes.
Let's start with the C chord which as you know is C, E, G.? Play this chord and check it against your chart..? These will act as your 'guide notes'.?
Now let's say that you wish to play a C melody note.? The extra notes E and G can be added below it to improve the sound.? You might learn to do that in the following manner.
First play the melody note C
Seeing as you have now used the C note in the chord This leaves G and E so add G below your C.
You now have only one note left in your group which is E so that must be the one to use to complete your chord.
In printed music, the chord you have just formed looks like this.?
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You could of course add the bottom C and even the E depending on how much depth you wish to create but if you are simply adding a bit of flair to a melody you might find that simple 3 note chords are more effective
Adding C Chord Notes To a G Melody note.?
Working again from you C chord guide notes C, E, G.?
As the melody note is G, you can add E and C as harmony notes , so just add E below the melody note G, then add the C below the E.
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Adding C Chord Notes To an E Melody note.?
Working again from your guide notes C, E, G.? The notes to add are C and G.
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This same principle applies to all chords, such as F and G so why not try and work these out in the same manner as we have done with the C chord.? If you can't yet remember the notes for these chords go back to the previous pages to check up on them.?
You do not have to add chord notes to every melody note,? (you don't have to add them at all) but when used with discretion it can improve your playing out of sight.?
You might try playing one section as single notes and in another section use 2 note chords and for further variation use 3 note chords in another section.? In this regard you have scope to develop your own 'arrangement' for the piece and have a lot of fun in the process.? As you become more experienced you will be able to quickly decide where it is best to use single notes and where it is best to use 2 and 3 note chords.
Depending on the piece, a slow strum of the 3 or 4 note chord, each note played in rapid succession, within the timing of the piece and ending with the melody note can sound very professional and suggests a level of ability far in excess of the actual skill required.? (But don't tell anybody).
