Voice Leading
Voice Leading describes the linear or horizontal motion of melody notes when chords change.
“Good voice leading” refers to the smooth connection of melody notes when chords change. When a melody note referencing the harmony of a chord either remains stationary or moves in ½ or whole steps to a melody note of the next chord, good voice leading results.
The strongest voice leading involves the use of ‘Guide Tones.’ Creating a ‘guide tone’ line involves moving a small distance from a defining tone (3rd or 7th) in one chord to a defining tone in the following chord. You can also create a guide tones lines using color tones (upper structure chord tones – 9, 11 or 13).
The use of voice leading and more specifically guide tones creates the strongest and most logical melodic lines.
Once you develop mastery of these, you can choose when to use or not use them. Not always playing what is predictable will surprise your listeners and keep their interest.
“Good voice leading” refers to the smooth connection of melody notes when chords change. When a melody note referencing the harmony of a chord either remains stationary or moves in ½ or whole steps to a melody note of the next chord, good voice leading results.
The strongest voice leading involves the use of ‘Guide Tones.’ Creating a ‘guide tone’ line involves moving a small distance from a defining tone (3rd or 7th) in one chord to a defining tone in the following chord. You can also create a guide tones lines using color tones (upper structure chord tones – 9, 11 or 13).
The use of voice leading and more specifically guide tones creates the strongest and most logical melodic lines.
Once you develop mastery of these, you can choose when to use or not use them. Not always playing what is predictable will surprise your listeners and keep their interest.