Originally Posted by: jarkko.eklund[p]Great topic! :)How should I approach this. I'm harmonizing chord melody, where I have a melody (that's obvious) and decenting bass line. I also know the chord I'm starting a phrase, and targer chord where to end it. Those melody and bass gives me two pitches for each chord.
First it helps to just be able to map out the tune in a bare bones manner. Just be able to play the melody while keeping a chord happening on every beat. Or start with a steady single bass note on every beat if that makes it easier.
Next, it depends on how much time the melody gives you to put in other info (bass line, chord inversions, chord substitutions, lead lines). And it also depends on the chord changes. In some tunes, the melody doesn't allow for many changes. In others, it allows a bit more freedom to add info. In others, the chord changes really make the tune & form an important thematic part.
I'm assuming you are working from a lead sheet (melody plus chord changes). If so, don't forget that the vast majority of times if you simply play the melody & look for a place to play the written chord along with the melody you are on your way!
[br]My jazz tutorials on walking bass lines (ala Joe Pass), and the extended harmony chords can show you the basic options. I group the chords into well used functional patterns.
https://www.guitartricks.com/instructor.php?input=155014#Jazz_Guitar
Having said that, every tune is unique & presents it's own challenges. And especially when you are just getting started with this style it seems like the options are endless & all hazardous! :)
I outline some of my thought process in my GT jazz song tutorials.
https://www.guitartricks.com/instructor.php?input=155014#Jazz_Songs
And I recently did a YT video on the topic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp0dD4NjhNA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYxqvJQv58g
[br]What tune are you working on? I'd love to go through step by step & give you options. Maybe that will help you see my thought process & get you started!
