Hi
I hope your new year is off to a fantastic start! Today we're going to explore improvisation and the major sound. As we have done with the minor and dominant sounds in previous JPS Emails, let's map out the "Bb" major sound using a scale format and an arpeggio format:
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As you can see, the major sound consists of seven notes (as is the case with all musical sounds - major, minor, half diminished, diminished). The scale format uses a sequential note order (1 2 3 4 5 6 7) while the arpeggio format uses an every other note order (1 3 5 7 9 11 13). All melodies (composed or improvised) are using one of these two formats. Let me say that again - all melodies (composed or improvised) are using one of these two formats. Give this fact some thought and let it sink in - it's so important to truly know this musical reality and have the capability of recognizing these formats in the music you play or create. The melodic motif we're going to play today for improvisation development uses an arpeggio/ascending format: | |
As a side note, when developing jazz language (improvisational skills) for a specific sound, I always split the sound into four fragments and then practice each fragment isolated. As you can see in the diagram below, each fragment consists of four notes. Can you identify which fragment our "Bb" major motif above is using? | |
Our descending "Bb" major motif we're playing today is an improvisational line that launches from the 2nd fragment which focuses on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th. It's a lush region of the sound which you'll enjoy playing and hearing - be sure to watch my video to help you nail down the proper articulation, feel, and time of this melodic line.
Finally, once you can play this improvisational motif for "Bb" major, take time to discover, learn, and play the line for the remaining 11 major chords.
Enjoy mastering this traditional jazz improvisation pattern!
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P.S. I highly recommend using an application like iReal Pro or software like Band In A Box when practicing. Hearing and Feeling a skill within a musical context makes all the difference in the world - it expedites your musical development.
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