the right chord

[Jim K]

For conversation, let’s say I am composing a tune, using chord melody. Some single notes and some chords. Let’s say the tune is in “C”. Now a melody note in my tune is “D”, but I want it to be a chord. How do I determine exactly what that chord is? Seems like there should be a step by step process to get to that chord; not just my trial and error, which gets no results. Thanks for your comments. Jim K

Topic

[Bob S]

Jim,
There is a systematic way to do that. You want to consider not only the key of the song, but the underlying chord for the specific melody note. So if your melody note is a D, and the underlying chord is a C, you then want to voice a C chord with a D on top, which would be a C9 chord. If instead the underlying chord were an F, then you would want to voice an F6 (or 13) chord.

You always want the melody as the highest note in the chord, so sometimes you have to search around for the right chord voicing. I actually have a volume which shows chord forms with all notes of a scale voiced as the highest note in the chord.

Hope that helps,

Bob

[Jim K]

I guess my comment below was misleading; actually I was defining chord melody:
“composing a tune, using chord melody. Some single notes and some chords”

In my tune I have no chords. Just single notes. That’s the question. How do I determine what the chord “is” if the melody note is D. If the tune is in the key of C, does it follow that the chord must be C9. How about G Major, how about E7?

I though there was a method of analysis that allowed you to locate a chord/s with options for possibilities, that would be pleasant to you ear and flow with the tune.

[Usernameinvalid]

If I understand your question you’re looking for a basic
chord progession to fit your melody.
The chords in the key of C are C, Dm, Em F G Am Bdim.
The formula is Maj, min, min, Maj, Maj, min, dim.
So if you song goes to a D you can play Dm.

Like all theory this isn’t written in stone so experiment
with what sounds good and fits the sound your looking for.

[Duffy P]

It doesn’t have a simple answer. Where does the D occur, on what beat, and what notes lead to it and bone after.
‘
If it’s on a strong beat, (1 or 3) then it will probably belong to the chord underlying it. Say your melody goes D A A F. This outlines a d minor triad, so that’s likely a good chord. If, however, it goes C D E C, you are now strongly leaning on C and E, so it’s likely a. C chord. There doesn’t have to be one correct way to harmonize a melody, and there are other factors to consider. But that is maybe a start.

[Author]

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