Black Orpheus

Melody Tips for Composition/Improvisation

You can superimpose a chord progression known as the Andalusian Cadence over the first four bars of Black Orpheus. The progression is i, VII, VI, V7 or in concert A minor, Am, G, F, E7. You can add sevenths to each of these for Black Orpheus:

Black Orpheus with the Andalusian Cadence

Watch the video below: How to Write a Great Melody by David Bruce. The examples apply directly to this chord progression, but the principles are universal. His 10 principles are listed below the video.

How to Melody

1. Use notes from the chords

2. Try other ways through the chords

3. Passing notes and other "non-chord tones"

4. Suspensions, anticipations, and pedal tones

5. Use sequences

6. Think about overall shape of progression

7. Adapting the sequence to the situation

8. Find a balance between steps and leaps

9. Keep the rhythm interesting

10. Play with expectation and overall shape

Assignment

After watching the video, make your own 4 bar melody over this cadence. Just hold on to your resultant sheet music (no need to turn it in). You could potentially use this melody (or ideas from it) when soloing on Black Orpheus. Here's a backing track for you to try playing it over:

Black Orpheus Backing Track