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4.4 chordal texture

A chord’s rhythmic role creates its “chordal texture,” which can be broken into four categories: pads, punches, ostinatos, and riffs. Rhythms from each category can exist at the same time in a song as long as the instruments playing them differ in range, volume, and number of voices in a chord.

  • Watch the walkthrough video.

  • Watch the video on Chordal Rhythm→

  • Learn the different rhythmic roles below

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

 

Improvise

CHORDAL RHYTHM IMPROV

Bob write a description and clear instructions.

  • Read the recording instructions below.

  • Keep track of the voice leading with the Improv Organizer →

  • When improvising, find something that you like and repeat it until it locks in time with the track.

  • You can record your chordal part and layer new chordal rhythms to change the texture.

 

Bb MAJOR: IV iii vi I

OPEN IN SOUNDTRAP IN DIFFERENT KEYS:
KEY OF A | KEY OF Bb | KEY OF C | KEY OF D

    1. Add a track -> piano + keyboards track -> choose a keyboard.

    2. Turn cycle mode on by clicking on the circular arrow button and adjust the repeated section to one phrase length.

    3. Invert the chord progression and practice playing pads, punches, ostinatos, and riffs along with the recording.

 

Compose

HARMONIC TEXTURE COMPOSITION

  • Listen to the vocal sample in the Soundtrap score in the key of E major.

  • Write a drum groove, chord progression, bass line, and two chordal parts with the
    Harmonic Texture Organizer →.

  • Review how to use Harmonic Rhythm →.

  • Read the recording instructions below.

 

    1. Record the drum groove and bass line on the Soundtrap Project.

    2. Record the first chordal part for both phrases (eight measures)

    3. Record the second chordal part on the second phrase (last four measures)

 

Listen

TRANSCRIPTION

Transcribe the intro ostinato keyboard part and bass line for the intro of “I’ve Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas

    • The song is in G major.

    • It starts on the I chord.

    • The chord progression uses the I, IV and vi chords.

    • Not all of the chord tones are used.

    • There are passing tones in the bass line.

EAR TRAINING

Identify the harmonic textures in this Wedding Party Playlist. Be sure to note the following:

  • Which chordal instruments are playing in specific sections?

  • What chordal roles are each instrument fulfilling?

  • Where in the mix is each instrument?
    Parts that are louder are in the front or forward in the mix.
    Parts that are softer are     in the back or backward in the mix.