BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
8326 / 18210 · Workshop 66 — Melodic Development Through Guide Tones: Making 3rds and 7ths Sing, Connecting Chords Horizontally, and Building Lines That Explain the Harmony← prev⊞ allnext →

66.95Why this matters for arranging

A substitution is not automatically good because it is clever.

Ask:

  • Does the melody still work?
  • Does the bass line improve?
  • Do the guide tones move beautifully?
  • Does the function remain clear enough?
  • Does the new color serve the phrase?

Guide-tone motion is one of your best quality checks.