Reharmonization Lecture Notes

Introduction

Familiarity with Melody
- Importance of being familiar with the melody.
- Example melody: "Mary Had a Little Lamb"
Understanding Original Harmony
- Original harmony is simple, primarily using the I (C) and V (G) chords.
Harmonic Exploration
- Analyze each melody note individually.
- Example with the note E:
  - C Major: E is the third.
  - F Major 7: E is the major seventh.
  - D Minor 9: E is the ninth.
  - D♭7#9: E is the sharp ninth.
- Explore various chords and sounds.
Chord Progression Considerations
- Importance of how chords transition from one to another.
- Avoid getting too absorbed in individual chords; consider the overall progression.
Approaches to Reharmonization
- Single Chord per Melody Note: Can create complexity and chaos.
- Single Chord for Multiple Melody Notes: Fewer chords, same melody notes.

Starting with C Major:
- Conduct a descending bass line to provide structure.
- Notes:
  - C Major
  - G/B
  - A Minor 7
  - F Minor 6 (or D Diminished over A♭)
  - G♭7
  - F Major 7 (with added 9)
Advanced Chord Progression:
- E♭ Major 7 to A♭7#11:
  - D is the major seventh on E♭.
  - D is the sharp eleventh on A♭7.
- D Minor 7 to G7 to C Major 7:
  - Utilizing intervals of fourths.

Tritone Substitution
- Example: D minor to D♭7♯9 (instead of G7).
- Tritone: Distance of three whole steps between notes.
Gospel Cadence:
- Ending reharmonization with a cadence for closure.

Emphasize the infinite possibilities of reharmonization.
Importance of familiarizing with certain chord progressions, understanding their function, and applying them to simple songs for practice.
Encourage exploration and repurposing of chords to build harmonic repertoire.