Main Body
20 Melody harmonization
Learning goals for Chapter 20
In this chapter, we will learn:
- How to analyze a melody for its harmonic implication
- The process for harmonizing a tonal melody
Melody harmonization
One approach to composition is to first create a melody with tonal implications and then harmonize it with appropriate and logical chords. This technique also works for improvisation when you are given a melody without chord symbols. Once you determine a logical chord progression, you can create a compelling accompaniment.
Here are some tips for harmonizing a melody successfully:
- First, get to know the melody really well. Sing it, play it, internalize it.
- Determine the most appropriate (i.e., the rate of chord change). Strive for a consistent harmonic rhythm.
- Take inventory of the most important and emphasized notes in the melody. If you are stuck, a good rule to follow is that notes that are repeated, placed on strong metric beats, and/or given a long duration are generally important. From this inventory of important notes, determine the chords that are possible. All important melodic notes should be chord tones.
- Use tonal progressions that follow standard T-P-D-T (tonic-predominant-dominant-tonic) patterns or harmonic sequences we have studied. When in doubt, play a few different possibilities and let your ear decide which one sounds best.
- Ends of phrases should conform to one of the cadence types we have studied.
After indicating a progression through chord symbols, Roman numerals, and/or Nashville numbers, realize your harmonization by writing out the chords that belong to it. You can be creative in this realization by choosing whatever texture you find most suitable for the melody you are harmonizing.
Consider the melody that appears in Example 20‑1. After playing or singing the tune, choose a harmonization following the steps above, then write it using chord symbols above the staff and provide a Roman numeral analysis in the key of F major beneath the staff. Circle any notes in the melody that do not belong in the harmonization.
Example 20‑1. Traditional, “Red River Valley”
Learn about traditional American cowboy song “Red River Valley” by reading this Ballad of America article.
Video: T46 Harmonizing “Red River Valley” (12:30)
This interactive video explains how to harmonize a tonal melody, using “Red River Valley” as an example.
EXERCISE 20-1 Melody harmonization
Study and sing the following melodies. Using just the (I, IV, and V or V7), do your best to harmonize each melody using a regular . Provide Roman numerals beneath the staff and lead sheet symbols above the staff. If you encounter any notes in the melody that don’t fit in the chord you’ve chosen, circle them as .
Worksheet example 20‑1. Traditional, “Home On the Range”
Learn about traditional American cowboy song “Home On the Range” by reading this Library of Congress article.
Worksheet example 20‑2. Joseph Eastburn Winner, “Little Brown Jug”
Learn about American composer Joseph Eastburn Winner (1837–1918) by reading this Oxford Music Online article, written by Michael Remson.
Worksheet example 20‑3. John Wesley Work, “Go Tell It On the Mountain”
Learn about African American conductor, writer, and composer John Wesley Work (1873–1925) by reading this Oxford Music Online article, written by William Burres Garcia and Willie Strong.
the rate of chord change
the chords built on scale degrees 1, 4, and 5
notes that do not belong in a given chord; for example, D would be a non-chord tone in relationship to a C major triad
