Stevie Wonder Characteristics

Uses horns which play;

• Riffs
• In octaves
• Stabs (Jazz inflections)
• Trumpet line is usually high

Vocal melody is;

• Distinctly high vocal lines 
• Improvisation around the main melody
• Vocal expressions

Chords

• 1 chord in the verse (Typically funk)
• Bass on root note with some improvisation around it
• Uses extended chords (7ths,9ths,11ths)
• Chromatic chords 

No real template to his songs but he tried to strike the balance between simple and complex.

If a piece had strong melodic and harmonic content, he was use a simpler arrangement to give a reflective/slightly depressed feel.

If a piece had a simpler melody, he would use a complex harmonic movement and simple arrangement to give a joyful/happy feel.

Guitar;

• Plays riff
• Uses effects (wah-wah, delay, muting
• Second riff layered over the top of first
• Straight quaver feel

Keyboard;

• Strong emphasis
• Stevie Wonder's instrument
• Thickens bass
• Clavinet, electric piano, organ

• Laid back tempo (slower than disco but faster than blues)
• Kick (4 on 4 bass drum), Snare (2 + 4), closed hi-hats (dotted quavers)

Vocal delivery 

• Emotional 
• Gospel roots

Demonstration of tight musicianship and technical skills