Elements of Music: Contrast
Another way to incorporate some variation is to add contrast. The 3 types of contrast we’ll look at in examples are:
• Rhythmic contrast: changing the rhythm to add to or take away energy from the same melody
•Melodic contrast: making a statement then answering that phrase with another
• Harmonic contrast: playing the same melody but then repeating it with different chordal accompaniment
RHYTHMIC CONTRAST
The second one is more upbeat, but the idea is not lost
MELODIC CONTRAST
With this example you use the same idea and the same notes and you end up going back to the root. But you change the way you get back to the root.
HARMONIC CONTRAST
With this example you have the same exact melody but the chord accompanying it (the harmonic accompaniment) varies for a different feel or added interest.
