Notice the anacrusis/upbeat. See how the note C is targeted with the three chromatic notes starting on an “Up” stroke for alternate picking. It is essential to count time in order to carry the rhythmic phrasing as you connect it all together.
Notice that the “Target Tones” [Enclosure] are now in the bar as part of the line, but the set up remains the same.
Example 2:
This time we have an upbeat with 4 [even notes] grouping. Again, the target tones are set up in the bar as part of the line. Notice, how the chromatic notes set up the key notes on the “Strong” beat.
The next part employs pentatonic tetrachords [4 note groupings]. These are easy to play at a quick tempo on the guitar and work well to connect the next bars chromatic content.
We finally finish with chromatic notes in even alternate picking groupings outlining B7+
EX.1
EX.2
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The example above is the most common and best example of how target tones work and how they are set up. Notice that the weak beat or off beat is the starting note. So, we have [4] e and a as an “Up Beat” [or Anacrusis]. This leads to the strong beat 1 in bar 1.
Now, for alternate picking we need to be aware of what picking stroke we will start on for this weak “Off” beat. Being the “Off” beat and syncopated it will be the “Up Stroke” as in [Down] Up down Up.
Target Tones- Alternate Picking Jazz Guitar Set-Ups
In the Exercise below we will now employ Target Tones within the improvised line itself from the second beat. Again, notice that the target tones start on the “Up Stroke” and resolve to the on [1st] beat of the next chord smoothly with the down stroke.
Target Tones- Alternate Picking Jazz Guitar Set-Ups
With this method you will always know where you are in the bar rhythmically, when you are on the off beat [Up Stroke] and what stroke you will start the next “On” beat with [Down stroke].
Here’s another example:
Target Tones- Alternate Picking Jazz Guitar Set-Ups
It’s also helpful to accent the 1st note in each four note grouping as this will create the jazz feel and thrust the target tones along rhythmically whilst moving your fretting hand into position.
Target Tones- Alternate Picking Jazz Guitar Set-Ups
Exercise 1: Ascending Line:
Target Tones- Alternate Picking Jazz Guitar Set-Ups
Exercise 2: Descending Line:
Target Tones- Alternate Picking Jazz Guitar Set-Ups
Exercise 3: Extended Line: [Ascending and Descending]
Target Tones- Alternate Picking Jazz Guitar Set-Ups
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