Section 2 (Arranging) - Writing for Rhythm Section Flashcards
what is the rhythm section essential for
providing the harmonic and rhythmic pulse or feel
what do you do when its not specifically indicated what to play
comp
what is comping
when the rhythm section compliments an ensemble
what is given to indicate a player should comp
slash notation and chords
what can be included in slash notation
text and the musical notation to play with the ensemble
when a pianist has to play comping accent rhythms with the band it will be where
in the middle of the staff written as a rhythm. not specifying notes to play besides the chords on top of the measure
what is voice below lead
its a melody that should be played as the pianists top note.
shown with a line under the note heads
what are the 4 points of rhythm notation and lead notes?
- to limit the range of voicing when comping
- to highlight or duplicate a melodic line
- the provide shape to a melodic line
- to emphasis voice leading in the progression
what is the most detailed way a piano part can be written and why?
fully notated
to leave no interpretation for the performer
how are the guitar charts written
the same as piano
how do you communicate you want the piano or guitar playing for certain sections
write piano only
or guitar only
what are the three methods for having the guitar and piano play together?
- guitar doubles a melodic line
- fully voice so the ranges compliment each other
- have guitarist play simple triadic outlines called shell voicings
what are the roles of the bass player?
communicate time and groove
dynamic contrast, shaping, and harmonic link for all instruments
what is the minimum required for a bass player
slash notation and chord symbols
can bass parts involve specified notes?
yes to perform a rhythmic figure and complete harmonic structure
can bass parts also be fully notated
yes
what do you write when you have a rhythmic figure you want to bass player to repeat around the changes
simile or continue this pattern in a similar style
with slash notation
when writing bass parts in swing what are three things to be aware of?
- arpeggiated lines create angular shape of bass movement that is stylistically correct
- extensions with arpeggios create a modern and linear feel
- new chords start with root and are created by inserting passing tones between the roots of each chords
what is important to know about the bass’ range
too low is not clear
too high will sound thin
primary function of a drum set player
establish and maintain time
also to communicate dynamics throughout the arrangement
what does the right foot play
kick drum
role of kick drum
style pattern
accents
what does the right hand play
stick brush mallet
right hand alone plays
time of cymbals
accents on snare/toms
what does the left hand play
stick brush mallet
what does the left hand play alone
accents on toms/snare
additional embellishment on cymbals
What do the left hand and right hand play together
rolls, snare patterns, double handed accents and fills
drum set abbreviations
snare - sn hi hat - hh cymbal - cym ride - ride cowbell - cb side stick - ss
what clef is used for drum set parts
neutral clef
how are drum set parts beamed
by extremity
hands up
feet down
where is snare located on the staff
C5
where are toms located on the staff
E5 D5 and A4
where is stepped (foot) hi hat located on the staff
D4 notated with Xs
where is stick hi hat located on the staff
G5 notated with Xs
where is ride cymbal located on the staff
F5 notated with Xs
where is crash cymbal located on the staff
A5 notated Xs
what indicates closed HH
+
what indicates open HH
o
what does a . over a cymbal mean
choke
what does slash notation tell a drummer
play time
hit drum monkey
what are ensemble figures
rhythmic figures written on the third line indicating to the drummer to play them with the band
section figures above staff are called what
kicks
what are kicks
rhythmic figures to be played with the time pattern
how do you notate a specific drum part
same as the bass
what does the word fill with a bracket mean
fill for the length of the bracket
play as many notes as possible ensuring the band can no longer feel the pulse then twirl sticks
