Successful Composition and Improvisation is not just about melodic invention. An enormous range of music can be created by playing chords in a variety of simple patterns…
Here, for your consideration are some commonly-used voicings and rhythms for a C Minor Triad…
Note: Studying-practicing such patterns the right way (as integrated theoretical, aural, visio-spatial, and kinesthetic ideas) in all keys greatly expands your musical comprehension and fluency and develops your ears.
Oom-Pah, Oom-Pah
This simple two-fisted pattern establishes both a solid rhythm and minor harmony…
Waltz
Notice how a simple change in rhythm creates a whole new kind of music, something with a kind of lilt…
Arpeggios, Two-Hands, Triplets
Block Chord Voicings
Think about playing these chords melodically…
Arpeggios, One-Hand, Triplets
Alberti Bass
A standard accompaniment in classical music…
Four Part Choir
Here are the notes arranged as if for the four voices (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) in choir. This is considered an “open” voicing, meaning that the notes are spread out.
Ballad Accompaniment Variation 1
Outlining the minor harmony in 3/4 time…
Ballad Accompaniment Variation 2
Outlining the minor harmony in 6/8 time…
Tango
One of those instantly recognizable rhythms (Play one octave lower than written …
Arpeggios, Cascading Quadruplets
Two-Handed Chord Melody
Stride Bass
A staple in ragtime and early jazz…
Is that it?
Of course not! Countless other chord patterns are possible, but you get the idea. An incredible amount of music can be made by the creative combination of chord voicings and rhythms. Can you think of or invent some other patterns?