PRO TIPS

STOPPED NOTES

In the example shown in the last two steps below, I’ve used a technique that employs ‘stopped’ notes – extremely short notes that don’t really last long enough to convey any pitch information as such; they’re just rhythmic devices that emulate a bass player slapping a string with their thumb bone.

CONTRARY MOTION

When a melody that progresses in one direction up or down the keyboard is supported by a bassline that moves in the opposite direction, this is known as contrary motion. For example, take a chord

Eb, progression that plays Cm, and F, going up in pitch, travelling towards the right end of the keyboard. You might accompany this with a bassline that starts on C but progresses down in pitch, travelling towards

Bb the left of the keyboard to and A. You’ll find more about this idea in 206’s Easy Guide.