1023 / 18210 · Module 21 — Reharmonization: Changing the Chords Without Losing the Song← prev⊞ allnext →
21.2Rule 1: preserve the melody
Before replacing a chord, ask:
What melody note is happening here?
If the melody note is E, then a replacement chord should either:
- contain E,
- treat E as an extension,
- or create a deliberate tension that resolves convincingly.
This prevents reharmonization from becoming arbitrary.