BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
12437 / 18210 · Workshop 99 — Accompanying Another Musician: Following a Singer, Leading Without Controlling, Recovering from Unexpected Changes, and Making the Piano Behave Like a Listening Partner← prev⊞ allnext →

99.163A practical accompaniment priority hierarchy

When playing with singer:

  1. Where are they in the form?
  2. What melody note/phrase are they on?
  3. Is pulse clear?
  4. What function supports them?
  5. What bass helps?
  6. How much texture is actually needed?
  7. Is there room for a fill?

Extensions come later.