Compiled by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

The purpose of this FAQ is to provide answers to questions commonly asked by those in the filking community. Please note that my opinions may not reflect those of other filkers, which is why I've provided a comments area for every page (scroll to bottom). If you have trouble posting below or if you have suggestions for new topics, please e-mail me instead (remove spaces from address). This FAQ should *not* be regarded as being definitive, but only as a rough guide; I will be updating info over time based on posted comments/suggestions, so PLEASE do speak up if you have anything to add/correct. Wherever possible, I have also included links to other sources of related information. - Debbie

Filk FAQ: How do I come up with an accompaniment? (e.g. focus on harmonies? an interesting lead line? counterpoint? etc.) « Instrumental etiquette: How do I know when it's okay to accompany a performer? | Main | How can we all benefit from LISTENING instead of always waiting to perform? »

Question: How do I come up with an accompaniment? (e.g. focus on harmonies? an interesting lead line? counterpoint? etc.)

A while ago I asked instrumentalsts how they came up with an accompaniment? (e.g. focus on harmonies? an interesting lead line? counterpoint? etc.) Their answers are below. Also check out How do I know when it's okay to accompany a performer?

Heather Rose Jones:

"It depends. When I'm accompanying on the harp, I have three basic modes: a "walking bass" type line (especially good with blues-type tunes); rhythmic chording (works only on songs with fairly "folk style" chords -- no accidentals); or a melody/descant line. (I'm not quite up to doing more than one mode at a time when I'm improvising.) On the flute, I tend to vary it a lot more within a piece: start out with some fairly slow-moving bass to get settled into the key and chord progression (and to have a chance for the performer to warn me off, if they want, without it being a big deal); move on into some melody and parallel harmonies; and then work up a little descant if the tune calls for it. If there are other accompanists, I'll spend more time going back to the moving bass to leave more "room" for others to play in, and I generally avoid doing more than maybe half a verse on melody, since there isn't much musical point to it, usually. Once in a blue moon, if the piece is right and the performer gives me the nod, I've had a chance to do a bit of serious soloing. Heaven. But as far as I'm concerned, that's purely the performer's call. I'm a lot more comfortable doing fancy stuff on the flute than on the harp -- it's my first instrument, and I don't have to think much while I'm playing it."

Jeff Bohnhoff:

"I tend to jump in very infrequently. I will do it if the performer is someone I know, and I am absolutely certain that they won't mind, or if they have asked me to play along in advance. Even then, I'll only play something if I feel that it can add something and not detract from the song or performer. I almost never play along with someone I don't know. If you do play along, it's *not* OK if what you are playing is taking attention away from the performer and/or the song."

Joe Bethancourt:

"I try to do the same sort of accompaniment that I would do for myself: to embellish and add to the lyric line and vocals. I try to keep away from what the performer of the song is doing on their instrument, and re-enforce their instrumental line.

Don't try to accompany folks who are "star-struck" over themselves. (I name no names ..... ) If it is obviously beyond your capacity, don't try. Learn to hear the chordal changes. Learn basic chordal patterns. Learn to find keys by ear. Let their instrument have priority of sound. Don't overpower their voice. Keep it simple.

(can you tell I do this professionally?)

Common chordal patterns:

I vi IV V (C Am F G)
vi V (Am G common in Irish music)
I iii IV V (C Em F G)

and so forth..... each style has a distictive chordal pattern, and many writers use a preferential pattern very commonly, for example Leslie Fish."

Comments? Suggestions? Please post below.

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