BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
8629 / 18210 · Workshop 70 — From Lead Sheet to Full Solo-Piano Arrangement: Melody First, Bass Second, Inner Voices Third, Chord Symbols Last← prev⊞ allnext →

70.1Start with melody alone

Take any legal lead sheet or melody you know.

Do not play chords.

RH only.

Your first task is to answer:

  • Where does the phrase begin?
  • Where does it breathe?
  • What is the climax?
  • Which notes are long?
  • Which notes sound structurally important?
  • Which notes merely connect?

Until you can hear that, harmony is premature.