Simpedia

Cathy W., Tasmania

Concerning my post below, I’ve been approached to write out a complete list of ideas! I don’t know whether it’s actually possible to cover all ideas since there are no bounds on creativity. However, here is a list of ideas I am aware of.

“Comp and Improv Tool Kit”

• Change the order of the notes
• Try repeating some notes
• Try to find a new harmony for the melody
• Move the song to a new position
• Try a new rhythm
• Put the RH of one song with the LH of another (may need to move LH to a new position)
• Write some new lyrics
• Use arrangement ideas in a new song
• Find a new melody for a known chord sequence
• Use LH chords from a known song and use target notes to create a new melody
• use target notes over a known chord sequence to create a new melody
• Break up the notes in song with chords
• Change the rhythmic cycle of the song
• Use the cycle of fifths
• Use known rhythm variations
• Add “colour tones” eg 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 7th#5, 7th b9, etc to a known chord sequence for added interest
• Put the melody in octaves
• Try adding some ornaments