Book · Music
Beginner to Composer in 14 Days · Digital edition
B Side Baby
Day 11
Creating the B section of your composition
It’s time to create the B section of your composition, in the relative minor key already written on your worksheet. B sections always contrast with what listeners have heard before, switching up the mood and keeping things interesting.
Exploring the B section
There are many ways to move between the chords that belong to the minor key. The strongest movements are captured in the diagram below. It works in the same way as the one in Day Six. Start on any of the chords, then follow the arrows to find the most musical way forward through the chords.
The im can move to any other chord, giving you so many options to play with. When you’re ready to bring your B section to a close, start aiming towards the im. When you reach it, end there, on the root of your minor key.
Go to town trying all the different chord movements that are possible with this diagram for one minute, always ending on im.
- Play one hand only (RH or LH).
- Play HT.
- Play without a pulse or specific rhythms.
- Play the chords to a rhythm e.g. half notes.
- Switch to a new rhythm each time you move to a new chord e.g. half notes to quarter notes etc.
Choose your favourite four chord progression and write it in on your worksheet.
- Improvise with the chord tones of your chord progression, both hands all over the piano. Improvise freely without any specific rhythm or pulse.
- Now play your chord tones to the rhythmic phrase on your worksheet, still with both hands. Steadily work towards a pulse.
- Can you play the last step using only your RH?
Time to choose: Choose a rhythmic value for your LH e.g. quarter notes, and play your chord progression as chords this time. Whatever rhythm you choose, you’ll still always change chords on beat one. With your RH play the chord tones that correspond with each LH chord, set to the rhythmic phrase on your worksheet. Lastly, try my pointers below.
- Keep your LH within one octave.
- Keep your RH in the highest registers of the piano.
- Now choose a different rhythmic value for your LH and repeat this exercise.