Quick Win #45

Use Strong Overtones as an Ostinato 2

Here's a quick summary of the main takeaways from this Quick Win!

  • if you want to increase the complexity of your ostinato, consider using scale tones 1, 5, and 3 (or -3) in the bass register
  • repetition combined with new information is a must(!) in composition
  • shifts down by 1 chromatic step can work very effectively; also, scale changes are great for setting a different color

Advice

The ostinato sounds complete when using scale tone 3 (or -3) next to 1 and 5. Therefore, harmonizing a lead line on top is a great technique to combine with the ostinato.