Techniques for building tension

  • play non-chord tones
  • add wider intervals between notes
  • increase the harmonic complexity — use more chord extensions, or go outside the established chord changes
  • introduce dissonance into the melodic phrases
  • play shorter notes
  • introduce more rhythmic complexity
  • increase the use of repetition
  • increase the volume level
  • change registers
  • use jagged articulations such as staccato notes, flutter tongue, stabbing the reed, overblowing, and the like
  • employ various dramatic devices such as swooops, glissandos, shakes, trills

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