Melody, Melody, Melody…

Learning the melody in Bluegrass and Old Time music is an essential task in really understanding the music. This style of music is built on the melodies. Many of these melodies and their variations have been around for hundreds of years. Chord progressions in Bluegrass and Old Time music are very simple and many songs share the same chord progression. It is the melodies that make each tune unique and special. 

Why is it so important to learn melody?

• Singing: If you want to sing a song you need to know the melody. That seems fairly obvious, but in order to sing harmony you really need to know the melody.
• Taking breaks: You can never go wrong if you play the melody during a break. If you want to be more creative, using the melody as the foundation of your improvisation will take you far.
• Playing backup: Since the chord progressions for so many songs are similar (if not the same) keeping the melody in your head will help you when playing backup. You won’t get lost and can provide kicks, accents, etc. based on the ebbs and flows of the melody.

So, when learning new songs take some time and learn the melody. Learn to sing it, learn to play it and have fun with it!

Bruce Thompson is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, a certified Wernick Method Instructor and teaches classes at Caffè Lena in Saratoga Springs. He also runs a guided jam for those new to bluegrass at the monthly ABL Meetings.