Even if chords are simple, they should rub. They should…
“Even if chords are simple, they should rub. They should have dissonances in them. I've always used a lot of alternate bass lines, suspensions, widely spaced voicings. Dfferent textures to get very warm chords. Sometimes you're setting up strange chords by placing a chord in front of it that's going to set it off like a diamond in a gold band. It's not just finding interesting chords, it's how you sequence them, like stringing together pearls on a string. ... Interesting chords will compel interesting melodies. It's very hard to write a boring melody to an interesting chord sequence.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Complex chords gain interest through tension and varied textures, making melodies naturally engaging.
In simple terms: Interesting chords create compelling melodies.
Key Takeaway
Use tension and varied voicings.
Themes
music theory
creativity
arrangement
Mood
inspired
thoughtful
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- songwriting
- jazz improvisation
- film scoring
- arranging
- producing
Key Concepts
dissonance
suspensions
alternate bass
voicing
texture
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance tension and clarity?
- When should simplicity prevail?
A Different Perspective
Overly complex chords can overwhelm listeners if not balanced.