REWIRE MUSIC THEORY 

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5.3 Melodic Pitch

The notes for a melody are related to the chords that are played behind them. Notes that are in the chord are used in conjunction with notes that are not in the chord to create an interplay of tension and release within a melodic line. The direction and range of the pitches in a melody also contribute to the shape and character of a melody.

  • Watch the walkthrough video.

  • Learn the information below.

melody

Terms
Step is the distance of one note.
Leap is the distance of more than one note.
Contour: The shape of the melody that comes from the combination of steps, leaps, and their direction.
Chord Tone: A melody note that is in the chord.

non chord tones

A melody note that does not belong to the underlying chord. They usually occur on a weak beat and resolve to a chord tone on a strong beat. It is possible to have more than one NCT in a row as long as the resolution to the chord tone is strong. NCTs are categorized by how they are entered and exited.

Cycle through the slideshow to learn about the different types.

 

MELODIES AND VOICE-LEADING

SINGLE VOICE MELODY

Follow one voice in a progression with inverted chords to create a melody with smooth voice leading.

MULTI VOICE MELODY

Change voices inside of each measure and stay on the same voice when switching chords to add shape to the melody.

MULTI VOICE MELODY WITH NCTS

Non Chord Tones Over More Than One Chord
Suspension (SU): A note that is sustained or repeated from the previous chord. Suspensions are exited by a step to a chord tone in the following chord.
Anticipation (AN): A note that is not in the current chord, but is in the following chord. It occurs at the end of the measure and either sustains or repeats into the subsequent chord.

 

Analyze

MELODY ANALYSIS

Analyze chord tones and non chord tones in the melodies of the Noteflight score below.

  • Listen along to the score and link what you hear with the chord tones or non chord tones that are being played.

  • Pay close attention to the direction and range of the melodic line.

OPEN IN NOTEFLIGHT

 

Compose

Melodies Using Voice Leading Composition

Write and record a four measure melody using chord tones and non chord tones from an original chord progression that has been inverted for smooth voice leading.

  • Listen to the backing track below

  • Complete the Chord Organizer →

  • Record the drum, bass, and chord part in Soundtrap

  • Write a melody using voice leading on the Melody Organizer →

  • Record the melody in Soundtrap

Open In Soundtrap

    1. Add a drum track, bass track, and chord track

    2. Record the parts

    3. Quantize the performances to the correct subdivision.

    4. Trim the ends of the notes for the bass part and chordal part.

    5. Add a track for your melody.

    6. Record the melody

    7. Quantize the performance

    8. Trim the ends of the notes (optional).