BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
1158 / 18210 · Module 23 — Intros, Fills, Turnarounds, Transitions, and Endings← prev⊞ allnext →

23.11Establishing tempo

An intro should often make the pulse clear.

If the melody is a waltz:

your intro should probably communicate 3/4.

If it's a bossa:

use the rhythmic pattern before the melody enters.

If it's a ballad:

you may deliberately avoid obvious pulse at first, then establish tempo.

Arrangement starts before note one of the tune.