BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
9573 / 18210 · Workshop 79 — Harmonic Density vs. Melodic Freedom: How Much Harmony Is Enough, When to Leave Space, and How to Avoid “Over-Explaining” Every Note← prev⊞ allnext →

79.4Level 2 — melody + tonic pedal

Now add one bass note:

C.

Keep it for an entire phrase.

The melody gains:

  • tonal center
  • gravity
  • resonance

without receiving a new chord every note.

This is the smallest useful harmonic intervention.