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Chord Level Effects

A pattern that contains four instrument parts (string bass, cello, clarinet, and flute) is used here to illustrate the ways chord level assignments can affect the notes in a part. The string bass, cello, clarinet, and flute parts are each assigned to one of four chord levels: levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The pattern uses a 2C major chord for composition. The pattern encounters two chords: a simple 1Bb7, and a 1Bb7b9#9#1113.

The notes in all parts consist of a C major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, and B) written in a middle range appropriate to the instrument playing the part. The following table lists the notes in each part.

Part Original notes Comments
Flute C6, D6, E6, F6, G6, A6, B6 C6 is equal to the note one octave above middle C.
Clarinet C5, D5, E5, F5, G5, A5, B5 C5 is equal to middle C.
Cello C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, A4, B4 C4 is equal to the note one octave below middle C.
String Bass C3, D3, E3, F3, G3, A3, B3 C3 is equal to the note two octaves below middle C.

The behavior of each part as it encounters various chords depends on two factors: what chord level is assigned to the part, and what chord structures and scales are contained at that level in the chords that are encountered.


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