BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
1995 / 18210 · Module 32 — Build Your Own Arrangement from Scratch← prev⊞ allnext →

32.1The complete workflow

For any tune:

  1. Find the melody by ear.
  2. Find tonic/key.
  3. Write scale degrees.
  4. Find phrase structure.
  5. Find basic bass/chords.
  6. Reduce harmony to functions.
  7. Choose style.
  8. Choose accompaniment texture.
  9. Voice chords around the melody.
  10. Improve bass line.
  11. Add color tones.
  12. Add fills and inner movement.
  13. Reharmonize selectively.
  14. Add counterpoint.
  15. Transform rhythm/meter if desired.
  16. Design intro, climax, ending.

This is your new default process.