When a musician is putting together a typical arrangement it’s good for him to 1) make sure he has a solid rhythmic pattern going, and he needs 2) a good chord structure moving along within that rhythm, and of course he needs 3) a straightforward melody.  If they’re handled with taste and skill, this group of factors combine for a fine rendition of the piece.

However, there are often long notes at key points in the melody’s progress, and players like me crave an extra voice “singing along” during those long notes (and perhaps elsewhere as well) to add interest and color.  I’ve found that there are a lot of ways to work with that, and I’m always working on these creative “fill parts,” so I thought I’d jot down a collection of ideas to consider if you want to.  Here they are!

WHERE TO GET NOTES FOR FILL-INS:

HOW TO PLAY FILL-INS:

FILL-INS WITHIN PHRASES:

 INTROS AND CODAS:

ANOTHER OPTION --- AN ACTUAL MELODY SECTION THAT YOU COMPOSE AS AN INTERLUDE BETWEEN VERSES:

Perhaps you'll find some useful ideas in this discussion!  If nothing else, I suggest that you do some exploring and experimenting!  Don't be afraid to try new things or to make mistakes while trying!  Don't be propagandized too much by the KISS (keep it simple, stupid) crowd!  Some of the best popular music breaks that stark rule!

I plan soon to use an actual melody for a discussion of how I go about making up meaningful fill-in parts.  Perhaps "The Broom o' the Cowdenknowes." Let me know any ideas you may have as well!