67.12Why held melody notes are ideal

A long melody note allows harmony underneath to change while melody remains stable.

This is perfect for bass-driven reharm.

Suppose melody holds:

G.

Bass descends:

C-B-B♭-A.

The same G becomes:

5 over C

♭13 or color over B-oriented harmony

13/5/etc. depending chord

7/9/etc. over A bass depending chord.

Its meaning changes with bass.