FREE ONILNE LESSONS (Approach Notes)

Approach notes precede their target note and create a resolution pattern. This draws on the classic tension/release phenomenon that is a significant aspect of all types of music.

Chromatic Approach

A chromatic approach note is one-half step above or below the target.

Scale Approach

A scale approach resolves to a target note from its upper or lower adjacent scale tone.  Usually, this means a whole step above or below the target.  In some cases, the scale approach might be a half step away, technically making it a chromatic approach.  But it doesn't really matter what you call it, just as long as you are within the right scale.

Dominant Approach

The dominant approach precedes the target with its fifth (called the dominant) from above or bewlo.  This 'dominant-root motion' or the 5-1 resolution is a very strong pattern.

Here is a common chord progression in the C key.  Notice the approach notes always come in beforen the target notes.