Understanding intervals is the key to being able to create and join in another's melodic thought
The Geometry of Harmony Begins With a Determined Point
Composition in music requires a dance and balance between the spaces. Sometimes spontaneous and original, sometimes reproduced, sometimes entirely reworked, the outcome is one that will become a thing if the combinations flow. The key to creating that flow is to understand what opens the current, and why.
In Music, the intervals are what create the space for the current to flow, that space is the space between the frequencies (the notes).
How the spaces allow the current to flow is why there is a current to observe. Harmony, like relationship, requires coordination of these spaces, and where this is achieved, we have the result to observe.
Find some stairs and get someone to read this to you while you follow the, er.. steps
Stand at the stairs, starting on the floor/base (not on a step yet), state (aloud) “A”.
Mark it visibly somehow.
And again, down a step
Here’s where the intervals come into the frame –
This time, decide the floor is C (it was A last time)
It’s where you started, and where you will end, one way or another.
It’s where your feet begin-where they are ROOTed. It’s where the ANCHOR is, at least for the moment.
What letter is this step? ………
Your goal now is to return to where you began, but maybe don’t do it step by step, that’s rather predictable.
- From that top surface, if it’s the same letter as where you began on the floor, take a single step down; now you’re on the SEVENTH step from the floor/base. Now decide whether you’re going to start down a step at a time, two, three… how about five? (Don’t fall.)
Ok, so if you managed to land safely, take a moment to catch your breath. You’re a fifth step from the top (a FIFTH down from the ROOT – the landing, like the floor, functions as a placd to take root).
Notice how, while you catch your breath, it’s a good place to be, though it does seem to have a sense of something, doesn’t it?
Which fits your mood, which seems more like what you want to do? Lot’s of options – some are more comfortable than others, depending on previous choices. Comfort is harmony.
Comfort is harmony, but comfort is subjective. Sometimes, stretching is comfortable. Sometimes we have to have a solid plan to be comfortable, but sometimes we can be comfortable with indecision, spontaneity, moments of what’s needed (tension). Existence without tension is incredibly bleh, so use it well.
Feel the steps, the spaces in between, as you move up/down/around the stairs. Feel your body’s inclinations, hesitations, preferences. Find someway of hearing the tones of the steps/notes you land upon.
Have fun.