How to Harmonize a Melody - Music Theory

Summary

This video tutorial guides viewers through the process of harmonizing a melody, using a four-bar example in E-flat major. It explains how to identify chords in the key, distinguish harmony notes from inessential notes like passing or auxiliary tones, and choose chords based on melody notes. The instructor explores options for harmonic rhythm, chord progressions, and cadence types, highlighting how different choices influence the mood and flow of a piece. By combining theory with practical examples, the video provides a clear, step-by-step approach for musicians looking to add chords to a melody, encouraging experimentation and creative decision-making.

Takeaways

• 🎵 Harmonizing a melody involves deciding which chords fit the notes of your melody in a given key.
• 🎹 In E-flat major, the chords are I (E♭), II (F minor), III (G minor), IV (A♭), V (B♭), VI (C minor), and VII (D diminished).
• 🟢 Chords I, IV, and V are major; II, III, and VI are minor; VII is diminished in major keys.
• 🎶 Notes in a melody can be either harmony notes (part of the chord) or inessential notes (passing, auxiliary, or anticipatory notes).
• ↔️ Passing and auxiliary notes typically move by step and provide smooth melodic transitions without requiring a chord change.
• 🔄 When harmonizing, you can choose one chord per bar or multiple chords, depending on the desired harmonic rhythm and mood.
• ⚡ Faster harmonic rhythm means more frequent chord changes, while slower rhythm uses fewer chords per bar.
• 🔑 Selecting the first chord carefully is important to establish the key; starting with chord I is often safest in a major key.
• 🎯 Cadences (perfect, plagal, imperfect, or interrupted) help conclude phrases and give a sense of resolution in the harmony.
• 💡 Experimenting with different chord progressions and harmonic rhythms helps achieve the desired emotional impact and flow for the piece.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The video focuses on how to harmonize a melody, guiding viewers through the process of selecting chords to accompany a given melody.

In which key is the example melody presented?

The example melody is in the key of E-flat major.

How can someone determine the chords in a major key?

To determine chords in a major key, list the notes of the scale and build triads on each note. In a major key, chords I, IV, and V are major, II, III, and VI are minor, and VII is diminished.

What is the difference between a harmony note and an inessential note?

A harmony note belongs to the chord being played, whereas an inessential note is a passing, auxiliary, or anticipatory note that does not belong to the underlying chord but adds melodic movement.

What are passing and auxiliary notes, and how are they used?

Passing notes move stepwise between two harmony notes, while auxiliary notes move stepwise away from a harmony note and return. Both types of notes add melodic interest without changing the underlying harmony.

How does the harmonic rhythm affect the mood of a piece?

Harmonic rhythm—the frequency of chord changes—affects the musical flow. Slower changes create a calm or stable feeling, while faster changes create more energy or tension.

What are some chord options for the first bar of the example melody?

For the first bar, you could use chord I, chord VI, or a combination such as I-VI, or even I-V-I. Passing notes like F can influence which chords are chosen.

What is the role of cadences in harmonizing the melody?

Cadences signal the end of a musical phrase. Perfect cadences (V-I) and plagal cadences (IV-I) create a sense of closure, imperfect cadences (I-V, IV-V, II-V) sound like a musical comma, and interrupted cadences (V-VI) sound like a musical question.

How can one decide between multiple chord options for a note in the melody?

Choose chords based on the note’s function (harmony or passing), the desired harmonic rhythm, and the mood or style of the piece. Experimentation and personal preference help determine the most pleasing progression.

What advice does the speaker give for using diminished chords?

Diminished chords (chord VII in a major key) are tricky and should generally be used in first inversion rather than root position for better sound. They are less obvious and need careful placement.

Why might one start a piece with chord I instead of chord VI?

Starting with chord I establishes the key clearly for the listener, whereas starting with chord VI might suggest a minor key and create potential confusion.

How can the tempo of a piece influence chord choices?

In faster tempos, chords might be spaced further apart to avoid rushing, while in slower tempos, chords may change more frequently to maintain interest and flow.

What process does the speaker recommend for someone unsure of which chords to use?

The speaker recommends listing all scale notes, constructing triads on each, analyzing each melody note as harmony or inessential, and then experimenting with different chord combinations to achieve the desired mood.