Conflict of playing a note when both melody and chord require it

When the chord note and melody note don't share the exact same timing, one might slightly interrupt the resulting double note enough to give it a separate attack and/or release for its "other" role. This happens all the time, because the melody notes are often chord tones.

1. Can you play chords and melody at the same time?
2. What is the relationship between chords and melody?
3. What is the relationship between notes and chords?
4. How do chords and melodies work together?

Can you play chords and melody at the same time?

As one advances, polyphony or playing multiple parts at once, is even possible. I believe that teaching chords and melody at the same time will lead to quicker comprehension of the instrument. Think of the piano, one plays the chords with their left hand and the melody with their right.

What is the relationship between chords and melody?

Non-chord tones will give your melody a sense of momentum and tension, while chord tones will give your melody a sense of stability and release. Of the chord tones, roots and fifths have the most stability, while thirds and sevenths strike a nice balance.

What is the relationship between notes and chords?

The answer requires at least a little music theory. Vocal melodies (or any melodies, for that matter) are likely to use the notes within accompanying chords to some extent. However, melodies are unlikely to only use notes within the accompanying harmony (chords). In fact, melodies would be rather dull if they did!

How do chords and melodies work together?

When we hear melodies, we automatically group the notes together in our minds, forming possible chords as we go. Here's an example of what I mean. Click the play button below, and listen to the melody.