Approach Notes

Definition

Approach notes are musical embellishments or non-chord tones that lead into a target note, creating a sense of tension and resolution within a melodic line. They serve as a way to connect harmonies and enhance melodic fluidity, often used in improvisation to add interest and expressiveness to music. Understanding how to effectively use approach notes is crucial for creating compelling harmonic improvisations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Approach notes can be either diatonic (within the key) or chromatic (outside the key), allowing for diverse expressive possibilities in improvisation.
2. They often occur a half step or whole step away from the target note, creating a smooth transition that adds complexity to melodic lines.
3. Using approach notes effectively can help to emphasize strong beats and create anticipation for upcoming harmonic changes.
4. Approach notes play a vital role in jazz and classical improvisation, contributing to the development of themes and motifs within a piece.
5. They can be used in various musical styles, providing musicians with tools for creative expression and dynamic storytelling through music.

Review Questions

• How do approach notes contribute to the overall expressiveness of a melody in harmonic improvisation?
  • Approach notes enhance the expressiveness of a melody by creating tension that resolves into target notes. This tension adds emotional depth and complexity to the melodic line, making it more engaging for listeners. By strategically placing approach notes before chord tones, musicians can emphasize certain beats and guide the listener's ear through harmonic progressions.
• Discuss how different types of approach notes, such as diatonic versus chromatic, influence the sound and feel of an improvisation.
  • Diatonic approach notes create smooth transitions within the key, maintaining a sense of coherence and familiarity in the melodic line. In contrast, chromatic approach notes introduce unexpected tension that can heighten drama and excitement. The choice between using diatonic or chromatic approach notes allows musicians to shape the emotional landscape of their improvisation, influencing how it resonates with the audience.
• Evaluate the role of approach notes in developing motifs during improvisation and their impact on audience engagement.
  • Approach notes play a critical role in developing motifs by providing a framework for melodic variation and thematic exploration. By incorporating approach notes into repeated phrases or motifs, musicians can create a sense of evolution within their improvisation. This dynamic interplay captures the audience's attention, allowing them to experience both familiarity and novelty as motifs are transformed through skilled use of approach notes.

Related terms

Chord Tones: Notes that are part of the underlying harmony or chord, serving as the primary structural elements in a musical context.

Non-Chord Tones: Notes that do not belong to the underlying chord, often used to create tension before resolving back to chord tones.

Melodic Embellishments: Additional notes added to a melody to enhance its expressiveness and interest, including techniques like trills, turns, and approach notes.