Enclosures

Enclosures are combinations of notes that approach a target chord tone from above and below, or below and above. They encircle or “enclose” the target note.  ‘Enclosures’ are a subcategory of  ‘Approach Notes’.  This technique creates harmonic tension and adds embellishment to a melodic line. Musically, it is strongest when the target note is on a downbeat or an anticipation of a downbeat.

Symbols:
     Lower Chromatic = (LC), Upper Scalar (US),
     Lower Double Chromatic (LD), Upper Double Chromatic (UD), Target Note (T)

Enclosure Examples with a target note of C

Other Enclosure options employ Lower Scalar and Upper Chromatic. Some of these combinations can be dissonant. Dissonance is not “bad,” it can be musically expressive and highly effective. Experiment with different Enclosure variations and see which ones speak to you.