Melodic Development: Lesson 3 In Lesson 1 and 2 we have looked at sequential stepwise patterns involving the Major Scale using eighth notes and triplets. It is a good way to demonstrate melodic development by using these melodic patterns. One way to demonstrate melodic development is through rhythm. In lesson 3 I have written out a series of examples of melodic development through strong rhythmic patterns that develop. There is another way to demonstrate melodic development by playing atonally outside the changes. You can build tension melodically by simply moving a melodic shape around chromatically. When you are writing a melody or improvising a solo it's not so much about the notes you are playing but the destination and strength of the line that will carry you through. By using a strong melodic shape you can move chromatically through chords that on paper don't relate but the strength of the phrase and the resolution of the phrase can make it sound strong. Practice these 4 melodic development exercises along with a related chord or chord progression at various tempos and in different keys. Try writing out and improvising your own examples of melodic development. Example 1 Here is a rhythmic example of melodic development over a Cmaj7 Chord.

 

Example 2 Here is a rhythmic example of melodic development over an A-7 Chord.

Example 3 Here is a rhythmic example of melodic development over an Fmaj7#11 Chord.

Example 4 Here is a rhythmic example of melodic development over a G7 Chord using dissonant notes related to the key.