BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
13905 / 18210 · Workshop 107 — Composing Inner Voices and Counterpoint: Making the Middle of the Texture Carry Meaning Instead of Merely Filling Chords← prev⊞ allnext →

107.164Apply to “Happy Birthday”

Because it is public domain, use melody fully if desired.

First play:

melody + bass.

Then add only one inner voice.

Do not harmonize every melody note.

At final phrase, use:

F→Fm→C

F → Fm → C

and consciously hear:

A→A♭→G

A → A♭ → G

inside.

Then create a second version where the inner line becomes a small response between phrases.