Using melodic and other devices

Key learning points

1. Composer use different melodic, harmonic and rhythmic devices for specific musical effects.
2. Common melodic devices include using sequences, countermelodies and motifs.
3. Pedals (a repeated bass note) and inverted pedals (a repeated non-bass note) are effective harmonic devices.
4. To develop rhythmic features, we can use devices such as diminution, augmentation, syncopation and polyrhythms.

Keywords

• Countermelody - a second melody that plays at the same time as the main melody

• Diminution - where the notes in a melody or rhythm are all shortened by the same proportion (e.g. in half)

• Sequence - where a melodic idea is repeated, getting higher or lower in pitch each time

• Pedal - where the bass note stays the same while the chords change above

• Inverted pedal - where a note in a non-bass part stays the same while the chords change around or below it

Common misconception