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~3-10 |
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4 min |
Simple game for pitched instruments that are able to sustain a note for some time (or at least do tremolo).
Setup
Agree on the order of players (preferably stand in a circle). Announce a number 1 higher then the amount of participants, unless they are less than 5, then the number should be 7. This number will be the upper limit of your melodies.
Gameplay instructions
In every turn active player will take a solo of a given length (counted in number of notes), and the last note of the solo will be held for next two turns as a context for other players.
First player plays a note and holds it. Second player plays two notes and the second note will be held (for two next turns). The third player will play a solo of three notes. When the last note of this solo is sustained, the first player should stop playing (cause two turns of their sustaining just ended).
Every next player in line will play longer and longer solo to a two-note harmony provided by two previous players. When the number called in a setup is reached (e.g. solo of 7 notes is played), consequent players play each solo one note shorter than their predecessors'.
Game end
Game ends when solo of only one note is played again to form a final trichord. If everything went well it should be played by the same player that began the game.
Variants
Consider making it an vocal only piece (a capella).
Making a 'tail' of long sounds longer than two players often gives interesting results although is a bit more difficult and less consonant.
Gamemaster's notes
To make following of longer solos easier, consider using smaller groups of notes (of 2 or 3) when planning your melody. If you want to play a few games in a row, it's good to switch the order of players.
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