rhythmic roles

PADS

Pads are chords with a long duration. The attack of a pad can occur at the same time as the kick, and the release can happen at the same time as a kick or snare. Pads are frequently played at the start of a chord and end when the chord changes

PUNCHES

A punch is a chordal rhythm with a short duration. Punches generally are at the same time as snare attacks, but they can also happen at the same time as the kick. Punches can also have no link to the drum beat and, by doing so, add more overall rhythmic interest to a song. A guitar playing with the snare on beats two and four is a classic example of a punch. One instrument can play both pads and punches or the roles can be shared between more than one instrument.

OSTINATO

An ostinato is a one- to two-measure repeated rhythmic figure that is usually quieter in the mix. One or more voices of the chord can be used in an ostinato to create sparse or dense textures.

RIFF

A riff is a two- to four-measure repeated rhythmic figure that is usually louder in the mix. One or more voices of the chord are used with syncopation, repetition, and space to create melodic-sounding phrases. The riff below is four measures long and has a repetition pattern of ABAB.

harmonic texture

The rhythmic roles being played at a given time are referred to as the harmonic texture. In pop music, harmonic texture changes when sections of a song repeat. The first verse of a song might only have a guitar part strumming chords (ostinato). The second verse might add a piano part playing long chords (pads). When few chordal instruments are playing rhythmic roles, the texture is “thin.” When there are many chordal instruments playing rhythmic roles, the texture is “dense.” Rhythmic roles are combined in the examples below.

THIN HARMONIC TEXTURE | PADS + OSTINATO

DENSE HARMONIC TEXTURE | PADS, OSTINATO, PUNCHES + RIFF

Goal: To be able to compose chordal parts using any of the rhythmic roles

How to Complete the Assignment:

• Exercises 1- 4: For each line compose a chordal part (write chords) with the chords using the rhythmic roles assigned. Line asks you to use pads and outer voices, for example. Only use chord tones.

• Exercise 5: Compose your own bass line and chordal part using the chords given. Make sure to invert the chords if needed for smooth voice leading. Use any rhythmic role you want

OPEN IN NOTEFLIGHT