One way to play a chord melody arrangement from single melodic notes is by filling and connecting the melodic notes with chord and nonchord tones. So far, my examples make use of chord tones (notes within the chord). In this post, I show the use of nonchord tones, in particular, passing notes. Let’s apply this to Auld Lang Syne to celebrate Robert Burns Night on 25th January.
From melody to chord melody
A chord melody arrangement is an instrumental solo which includes both melody and harmony. Changing a single line of melody into a full-blooded chord melody instrumental solo can be done through the addition of chord tones and nonchord tones.
Chord Tones
So far in my blog posts, I have predominant used chord tones in the melody through block chords and between melodic notes through broken chords. A chord tone is a note that’s in the chord itself.
For example, the C major chord has the notes C, E, and G. If the C major chord accompanies a particular melodic line, adding chord tones in C means adding the notes C, E, and G in any octave.
Nonchord Tones
The other kind of notes you can add to a lead sheet is nonchord tones. These are notes that are not in the harmony. There are two kinds of nonchord tones.
A passing note sits between two chord tones in a stepwise motion. For instance, if the melody goes from C to E, a passing note would be D. Notice that D is not in the C major chord.
A neighbor or neighboring note returns a pitch to itself. If there were two C’s in the melody, you can add a neighbor note of B or D between them. It’s also possible to use C# (Db).
If you’re interested in knowing more about using notes to fill or connect, read about the music theory aspects HERE.
Auld Lang Syne in G with passing notes
As an example, I added passing notes beween the melodic notes in Auld Lang Syne.
Auld Lang Syne with passing tones and chord tones
Another rule of thumb for chord melody arrangement is to fill the gaps with notes. Notice the notes for the lyrics old, be, mind, …. Every long note or rest presents opportunities to fill with harmony. What better way than to use chord tones?
Practice suggestions
Look at the lead sheet and circle opportunities to add notes, either from the harmony or nonchord tones of passing or neighbor notes to connect the melodic notes.
Practice your scales as the notes will help you decide as fillers and connectors. Check my blog posts on scales for the ukulele.
More information
Be sure to visit my previous blog posts about Auld Lang Syne. Get access to the sheet music, notification of new work, and table of contents of this Daily Music Writing Project.
