Harmony Writing
STEP BY STEP
1.
Key Signature – major or minor?
2.
Fill in chord bank
3.
Mark cadence points - be careful of upbeats
4.
Write out a list of ‘correct’ progressions to refer to
5.
Look at ALL notes in between boxes and Assign options above all boxes before
deciding what suits.
6.
Refer to list of ‘correct’ progressions before choosing a chord in each case.
7.
Plot the correct bass note under each box
8.
Make sure to write the BASS LINE in the BASS CLEF
9.
Plot your ‘bones’ notes – the notes that belong to the chord and then add passing
notes, aux notes and dot and dash notes.
10. Observe leaps, rhythms and patterns in the given bass line to develop and include
in your bass line - and OF COURSE Time signature, rhythmic groupings, etc
Check, check and check again as you go.
Remember:
•
All roads lead to 1 so the last box will be chord I, which means the box before the
last will be IV or V (plagal or perfect)
•
Watch alignment of notes between treble and bass.
•
Busy treble = simple bass
•
Simple treble = busy bass
•
Move by step and by passing notes