Hi Guys,
Some of you have asked me if there is a good resource for mastering target tones or jazz chromatics on the guitar.
The good news is yes there is!…
But, it is out of print…
Although, You might find a Pdf or cheap copy on the internet, Amazon or Ebay.
So, what is this resource I talk of?
Okay, so what resource is this?
Well, this resource is a book with C.D written and performed by brilliant jazz guitarist and teacher supreme Don Mock.
The difference between this book and most other books on jazz and chromaticism is that Don shows the “Theory”. This makes it easy to understand.
EXAMPLES OF HOW THIS THEORY WORKS:
The key is this: The first three notes set up and target the chord tone that is on the beat:
Here, it is on beat 3 in red.
Here, is a second target melody: Again, we see the same set up:
Decorating a simple Dom7 arpeggio:
Below, we can see this applied to a C7 arpeggio.
Despite the chromaticism/target tones you can clearly see the outline of the arpeggio in red.
The arpeggio tones are “On” the beat: That is beats 1 and 3.
Lastly, notice the upbeat/target melody in bar 1 that sets this process in motion:
DOUBLE TIMING 16TH NOTES:
As a final example, [and also where this book is in a league of its own] is in the manipulation of double timed 16th note phrases.
This time the target melody or target tones outline the C Major scale:
Again, the notes of the scale are in red and are played “On” the beat and this time there are 4 scale tones per bar.
Again, notice the set up in bar 1:
FINALLY:
When you have this down then you can start to manipulate the target melodies and try placing them in different parts of the bar.
Also, when you are fluent you can start to break the rhythm up and exploit the rhythmic phrasing.
IN CONCLUSION
This was just a brief look at Don Mocks excellent book/C.D “Target Tones”. I am not promoting this book or in any way involved with it, but, as I am always asked for a great resource to learn jazz chromatics on the guitar I felt that this would be of great help to anyone confused or trying to understand the theory behind it.
FREE PDF DOWNLOAD:
If this lesson was of use to you, then Please Subscribe to us on YouTube below, Thanks!
