How to use the “CHROMATIC SCALE” in Jazz Improvisation
Please watch video above for in depth analysis:
Hi Guys,
Today we will look at applying the simple half step chromatic scale to jazz improvisation. This in turn will be reflected in the alternate picking guitar technique:
So, we will look at two parts,
1] Harmonic Aspect-Set-UP-Theory
2] Technical Execution-Set-Up-Instrument
The analysis will be detailed through this 2 5 1
How to use the “CHROMATIC SCALE” in Jazz Improvisation
MUSIC THEORY: Chromatic Scale:
How to use the “CHROMATIC SCALE” in Jazz Improvisation
If we look at the first bar we will see 4 note groupings “Tetrachords”. These groupings are made of semitones [chromatic scale].
Outlining chord with the chromatic scale for jazz improvisation
What you will notice is that they “Outline” the Chord DmMaj7. This makes the ear follow the direction of the line in relation to the harmony so that it is not just aimless semitones strung together, but a connected line with a definite direction that resolves into an arpeggio.
Outlining chords with the chromatic scale
These chromatic semitones in groups of 4 are “Even” Patterns and hence easy to alternate pick as the are all the same “Down Up Down Up”.
4 note chromatic grouping for alternate picking guitar technique
In the next bar we see the same technique: The chord is outlined again with 4 note chromatic scale groupings.
Outlining chords with the chromatic scale
Finally we come to the last bar. This time we employ outlining by moving the chromatic scale up in minor 3rds [Diminished 7th].
Outlining chords in minor 3rds [Diminished 7th] with the chromatic scale
In order to execute this type of playing it is essential to accent the 1st and the 3rd notes of each 4 note grouping. This will create a fluid rhythmic sound and hold the tempo tight.
Alternate Picking jazz guitar technique
If you watch the video at the top of the page you will see how the fretting hand works:
Here is the fretting technique that I employ in the video that sync’s the left hand with the right hand alternate picking:
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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