Harmonizing a Melody

Learn about harmonizing a melody: understand voice leading principles

🎵 Stage Brief #22

The blues uses dominant 7th chords on I, IV, and V.

🎯 Your mission

Train your ear to hear what's hiding underneath.

⚡ The twist

Some chords feel like a question. Others feel like an answer.

What you'll learn

The blues uses dominant 7th chords on I, IV, and V. This creates a unique, slightly dissonant harmonic language.

Remember

🎧 Listen

Listen for this

🎧 When the chord changes, your mood changes. Notice when.

🎼 Notes on the staff

Tap a note to hear it

🌟 Artist spotlight

🌟 Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys layered up to 30 voices on a single song.

🤯 Mind = blown

🤯 The same chord can sound happy in one song and sad in another. The CONTEXT does it.

Check your understanding · 1 of 3

What does 'consonant' mean in music?

Check your understanding · 2 of 3

What is a chord?

Check your understanding · 3 of 3

What is a triad?

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You got 0 of 3 right.

🎯

We'll pick a music lesson that matches exactly where your ear is right now.

✨ More to explore

🌍 Where you hear this: The reason songs make you feel things is harmony doing its quiet job underneath.

🏆 Try this week: Sing any note. Then sing one that goes WITH it. What does it feel like together?

👨‍👩‍👧 At dinner: “Play one song together. Talk about what feeling it gave you and why.”

Send it to a parent who wants 5 minutes of music with their kid — no instrument required.

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