Creating a harmony to a melody involves understanding the melody's key, identifying suitable chords, and crafting complementary vocal or instrumental lines. Here's a breakdown:
1. Determine the Key of the Melody
The foundation of any harmony is understanding the key signature and overall tonal center of the melody.
- Identify the Key Signature: Note the sharps or flats at the beginning of the musical staff. This provides a clue about the possible keys.
- Find the Tonic: The tonic is the "home" note of the key. Listen for the note that feels most stable and conclusive in the melody. The final note of the melody is often the tonic.
- Analyze the Melody: Look for patterns of intervals and common chord tones that support potential key signatures.
2. Assemble Primary Chords
Primary chords are the most fundamental chords in a key, providing a strong harmonic foundation. These are generally the I, IV, and V chords.
- I Chord (Tonic): Built on the first degree of the scale. Provides a sense of resolution and stability. Example: In C Major, the I chord is C Major.
- IV Chord (Subdominant): Built on the fourth degree of the scale. Often leads to the V chord. Example: In C Major, the IV chord is F Major.
- V Chord (Dominant): Built on the fifth degree of the scale. Creates tension and strongly resolves to the I chord. Example: In C Major, the V chord is G Major (or G7).
3. Match Chords to Target Notes
This is where the harmonization process truly begins. Identify "target notes" in the melody that will be harmonized.
- Select Target Notes: Choose notes that are on strong beats, or that are held for a longer duration. These are good candidates for harmonization.
- Find Compatible Chords: For each target note, determine which of your primary chords contains that note. The note should be a chord tone (root, third, or fifth of the chord).
- Create a Chord Progression: Arrange your selected chords into a sequence that complements the melody and creates a pleasing harmonic movement.
Example:
| Melody Note | Possible Chord | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| C | C Major (I) | C is the root of the C Major chord. |
| F | F Major (IV) | F is the root of the F Major chord. |
| G | G Major (V) | G is the root of the G Major chord. |
| E | C Major (I) | E is the third of the C Major chord. |
4. Add Color with Secondary Chords
Once you have a basic harmonic foundation using primary chords, you can enrich the harmony with secondary chords.
- vi Chord (Relative Minor): Built on the sixth degree of the scale. Provides a contrasting, often melancholic, feel. Example: In C Major, the vi chord is A minor.
- ii Chord (Supertonic): Built on the second degree of the scale. Often used as a pre-dominant chord, leading to the V chord. Example: In C Major, the ii chord is D minor.
- Other Diatonic Chords: Experiment with other chords derived from the key's scale.
- Borrowed Chords: Consider borrowing chords from the parallel minor or major key for added color and surprise.
5. Create the Harmony Line
Finally, craft the harmony line itself. This can be a vocal harmony or an instrumental part.
- Choose an Interval: Decide on the general interval relationship between the melody and the harmony (e.g., a third above, a sixth below).
- Write the Line: Compose a line that complements the melody, using notes from the chosen chords. Aim for smooth voice leading, avoiding large leaps.
- Consider Contrary Motion: When the melody moves up, consider having the harmony move down (and vice versa). This can create a more interesting texture.
- Vary the Rhythm: Don't simply duplicate the rhythm of the melody. Vary the rhythm of the harmony line to create a more engaging texture.
- Listen Critically: Record and listen back to your harmony to assess its effectiveness. Make adjustments as needed.
