ABSTRACT
The use of upper-structure triads involves the superimposition of major or minor triads on top of single notes, guide tones, triads, and intervallic structures. Upper-structure triads add a new set of practical and theoretical issues. With this powerful tool, the number of ways to generate a collection of notes and harness it for compositional, improvisational, and orchestrational purposes is greatly increased. To notate these large harmonic formations, the so-called slash notation is implemented, which makes complex chords relatively easy to interpret. Two types of slash are employed: a diagonal slash that indicates an upper-structure triad written on the left side of the slash and superimposed on top of a single bass note; and a horizontal slash that indicates an upper-structure triad written
denotes polychordal structures that can accommodate as many as eight distinct notes. The term “polychord” indicates two chords that sound simultaneously.
