In this paper we find the multiplicities $\dim L(\lambda)_{\lambda-\alpha}$ where $\alpha$ is an {\em arbitrary} root and $L(\lambda)$ is an irreducible $SL_n$-module with highest weight $\lambda$. We provide different bases of the corresponding weight spaces and outline some applications to the symmetric groups. In particular we describe certain composition multiplicities in the modular branching rule.
1991 Mathematics Subject Classification: 20C05, 20G05.