Question:
How Exactly Do I Play Both The Melody And Harmony Together?
Amber Winter
2013-06-12 22:01:17 UTC
This may be a dumb question unfortunately. But I'm not quite sure how I'm going to play both the melody and harmony together. I'm only one person and I'm not sure how to do this on guitar or piano. How can I play both chords and notes with guitar? Is there a technique? For piano I just need practice on. What if I wanted to use both of the instruments though..? How do I make it so this is possible? Yes I understand that a melody is a group of notes played one after another or shall I say it," the tune of the music", and a harmony is basically the chords in the background of the melody. I'm sorry for such a dumb question but I'm just quite confused by this.
Seven answers:
Birdgirl
2013-06-13 01:58:41 UTC
I'm confused. You don't mean you want to play the guitar and piano at the exact same time, right?



Take guitar lessons and make sure you learn how to read sheet music. If you already read sheet music because of the piano, then you would just need to learn where the notes are on the guitar. Try to find the best guitar teacher you can so you can avoid a lot of false starts and frustrations that can happen if you try to learn completely on your own. There are a few techniques that are really easier to understand if someone is actually there to show you and correct you if you get it wrong (which is why sometimes Youtube videos may have limited use).





But yes, it's possible to play both melody and harmony. There are some very easy pieces, and some that are very difficult. It depends on how good you want to get. Here are some examples of people using the guitar as a solo instrument (as opposed to just playing chords to accompany singing or other instruments).



http://www.classicalguitar101.org/best-classical-guitar-songs.html#.UbmFHIwo4hl



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7pwW2xmytoI



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rT2PTetKMU8



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5WB-p-QBJc
Harry
2013-06-13 09:44:22 UTC
Arthur is basically right for some guitar, and Daniel tries hard.



To achieve a good guitar representation of both harmony with a melody, finger-style is the method of which to best interpret any piece for a single player. Having to know the chords, progression (left hand, at the fingerboard) and the notes to play at the same time (right hand, over the strings), can then be accomplished.



But, just picking each individual string and in sequence (with the right tempo and rhythm pattern) with a pick, or cross-picking, will as well do the trick. As true finger style is advanced (free from a plectrum) and can ad more color and expression to any selection.



For piano, the physical relationship is there as well.



The left hand provides the accompaniment (piano key chords) of harmony, a bass line and sets a tempo or rhythm pattern for the music being played. As the right hand then follows the melody, or notational guide of any song at the same time.



The real challenge in both guitar, and piano playing situations, will be to get the coordination down and to learn to have both hands in a comfortable synchronization (working together) or unison over time, to then provide a complete and recognizable song pattern.



Once you come to understand and use these methods through exercises, continued practice and dedication. It will be much like when first learning to swim, and knowing you're not going to ever again sink.



Learn to float and tread water first. Then, go for the length of a pool.
Russell E
2013-06-13 09:41:09 UTC
On a guitar, you really can't play the rhythm and melody at the same time.

It doesn't matter how familiar you are with chords and notes. It is physically impossible to do



And using piano and guitar at the same time?

How the heck would you do that?
anonymous
2013-06-13 02:07:20 UTC
It is not a dumb question but an important one for music learners.



What you are asking is how do I play Chord based rhythmic patterns. This also means applying rhythmic pattern to a song.



You can play a melody or a chord but when you apply a rhythm it sounds beautiful. What I can do to help you is to direct you to this lesson and then you will learn how to apply the rhythm.



That is the answer to your question - playing melody and harmony together.



Go to the web practice studio all answers are there for you.
anonymous
2016-03-09 01:09:49 UTC
Sounds good, but is long and boring because the whole thing is calm. If it wasn't for the pictures, I don't think my attention span could've lasted as long as it did. It sounds the same throughout with no real development and resolution. Also, I would suggest the left hand to change rhythm in the middle of the piece, to make a climax, then go back to the arpeggios. I get tired of the arpeggios after a while.
?
2013-06-13 00:20:22 UTC
Is fingerstyle playing an answer to your question? Fingerstyle is combination of chords and melody together. It's very creative and interesting playing on guitar
?
2017-02-18 00:03:32 UTC
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