CHAPTER15

Harmony and Counterpoint

In This Chapter

  • Understanding the differences—and similarities—between harmony and counterpoint
  • Creating pleasing background harmonies
  • Using different chord voicings
  • Composing interesting two-part counterpoint
  • Learning effective voice-leading technique

A song doesn’t have to be anything more than a melody and chords. Think of a folk singer and her guitar, or a solo violinist accompanied by piano. Melody and chords are all you need. However, when you turn on the radio you don’t hear a lot of solo folk singers. What you typically hear is a full arrangement, complete with keyboards and bass and drums, background ...

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