How to handle instrumental bridges in outside accompaniment pieces
Found in: Accompaniment
Anna J., Canada
When students start bringing in some of their own music, we inevitably run into selections that have extended instrumental bridge sections. What do you do with these? It doesn’t seem to make sense to just play the chords through this section, unless perhaps the chords closely mirror whatever melody there might be. But at the same time, something seems missing to just skip over these passages. How do you treat this sort of situation?
Cate R., Australia
Improv over the chords?
Katie S., California
Arpeggiate those chords in a rhythm that fits in with the song.
Leeanne I., Australia
Play along to the YouTube video. You can still play chords while the guitar solo is happening. Great for beginners with accompaniment.
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
Differentiate it in some way – use Accompaniment Variations, LH octaves/broken octaves, etc. Or, just skip it.