BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
283 / 18210 · Module 8 — Piano Accompaniment Patterns: Turning Chords Into Music← prev⊞ allnext →

8.35Repeated accompaniment should evolve

If you play eight bars of:

C-G-E-G

C-G-E-G

for every chord, it may become monotonous.

Variation ideas:

  • change octave
  • omit a note
  • reverse pattern
  • pause
  • hold a bass note longer
  • add a passing tone
  • broaden register
  • change rhythm at phrase ending

Repetition creates coherence.

Variation prevents boredom.

You need both.