Documentos de Académico
Documentos de Profesional
Documentos de Cultura
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... vi
I.
REVIEW of BASIC THEORY MATERIALS............................................... 1
II.
RHYTHM ..................................................................................... 14
III.
BASIC TONALITY .......................................................................... 60
IV.
TRIADIC GENERALIZATION............................................................ 77
V.
DIATONIC HARMONY................................................................. 103
VI.
HARMONIC PROGRESSION.......................................................... 116
VII.
HARMONIC ANALYSIS ................................................................. 147
VIII.
HARMONIC SUBSTITUTIONS & TURNAROUNDS............................ 167
IX.
HARMONIC SPECIFICITY.............................................................. 195
X.
COMMON MELODIC OUTLINES.................................................... 240
XI.
HARMONY: OVERVIEW of VOICINGS ............................................ 280
XII.
MODES & MODAL FRAMEWORKS ................................................. 319
XIII.
QUARTAL HARMONY.................................................................. 341
XIV.
OTHER SCALES & COLORS ........................................................... 349
XV.
EXTENDED TERTIAN STRUCTURES & TRIADIC SUPERIMPOSITION... 389
XVI.
PENTATONIC APPLICATIONS ....................................................... 407
XVII.
COLORING OUTSIDE the LINES & BEYOND................................ 413
XVIII.
ANALYSIS: the BIG PICTURE.......................................................... 424
XIX.
EXPANDING HARMONIC VOCABULARY ........................................ 460
XX.
CODA........................................................................................ 474
Appendix I: Reference for Chord/Scale Relationships ........................................ 475
Appendix II: Elaborations of Static Harmony ................................................... 486
Appendix III: Endings.................................................................................. 492
Appendix IV: Composing Tips ...................................................................... 500
Appendix V: Theory Applications.................................................................. 503
Introduction
vii
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE
Jazz is an aural tradition. The music is passed from one teacher to a student, from one generation to the
next, not from written books, but from the tradition of personal interaction, listening and imitation. The
success of this method is proven world wide. There are no etude books for Indian classical music; a student of African drumming does not run to the store to buy a copy of the well-tempered drum book.
Most of the great jazz artists we listen to learned from the aural traditions and not from written textbooks. Why write one? This book is meant to be a supplement to and not a substitute for the aural musical education. This book is a resource to augment the learning experience of listening, transcribing classic jazz performances, and performing the music with peers.
The book has been developed over the last ten years of teaching. I want to extend thanks to the hundreds of students who helped me determine areas that needed clarification and allowed me to formulate
answers. Thanks also to Reed Kotler whose internet discussion group offered me the opportunity to offer
my answers to many common questions. I appreciated the opportunity to try out parts of chapters in
those electronic chats, honing my opinions in some productive (and sometimes heated) discussions.
ORGANIZATION
It is my contention that jazz music theory should not be separated from traditional tonal music theory.
C major is C major. Music of many different styles still share fundamental building blocks. Jazz shares
tonal principles, harmonic frameworks, forms, and melodic construction with tonal music from the
Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods, and with ancient folk and contemporary popular music.
The book is divided into two volumes that correspond with two levels of jazz theory classes at the university level. Volume I deals with the relationship of jazz improvisation to the traditional major/minor
system (Chapters 1-11). This section includes a lengthy chapter on rhythms in jazz performance.
Volume II examines additions to and extensions beyond the major/minor systems (Chapters 12-17).
Many of the concepts in the second section are best understood in relation to the foundation of the major/minor system. After study of the component parts of jazz, a student should be prepared to recognize
how pieces fit into the whole of a jazz improvisation and be able to transcribe and analyze complete
jazz improvisations. Chapter 18 provides analyses models of five well-known improvisations. Chapter 18
could be used as a graduate level jazz theory class using the transcriptions included here as a beginning.
There are five appendices included at the end of Volume II which should be valuable resources for students of jazz: Reference for Chord/Scale Relationships, Elaborations of Static Harmony, Endings,
Composing Tips, and Theory Applications. Students are encouraged to supplement this book by consulting the many available sources for the history of jazz, lists of representative musicians and recordings,
and lists of standard jazz tunes for performance.
Good music theory should describe how the music sounds. And music theory has only two rules: (1)
does it sound good? and (2) does it sound good? All else is a discussion of principles: if I do this, it
sounds good; if I do that, it doesnt. I have tried to keep all discussions relative to the aural experience.
viii
Introduction
There are no mathematical charts that are irrelevant to practical applications. The books concepts were
based on personal research of jazz improvisation by outstanding jazz artists and the study of great musicians from all eras. The book includes musical examples from a wide range of sources including Bach,
Mozart, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Tom Harrell and Mike Stern. It is these artists who are the ultimate authority and who have determined the fundamental laws of music theory. I have never liked the
distinction between an ear player and a theory player. It implies that one who knows theory is separated from the aural, and implies that one who plays by ear knows nothing of what he plays. A good
player (ear or theory) knows what it is that he hears, plays by ear, and understands the concepts of
what he plays. Whether he is able to articulate what it is that he does is another matter. A theory
player who does not sound good has not used music theory well. I based this book on music theory
that describes how the music sounds never loosing sight of the two rules.
What about those students who define jazz as playing what you feel and often shun theory discussions?
Art can express feelings. Without some knowledge these students wander about musically and consequently express very little. There are many skills to be mastered. I am reminded of something said by
the great baseball philosopher, Yogi Berra, If you dont know where you are going, you might wind up
someplace else. Learning theory can give these students some direction and goals so they wind up
playing what they feel instead of winding up someplace else. As a writer studies grammar and vocabulary, an improviser and composer studies music theory: to find and master the tools necessary for the
goal of personal expression. Any young improviser who wants to play what he hears or play what he
feels has an idea about some notes that sound good in a context. That idea is music theory.
Those who do not improvise often wonder what it is that we do. This is the simplest answer to the question, on what do we improvise?We improvise on the melody (paraphrasing), or improvise on the
harmony (being either specific or general). A dictionary defines improvisation as inventing with little
or no preparation. Few improvise on the melody or harmony without a great deal of preparation.
Preparation for jazz improvisation can occupy a lifetime. The study of music is a never ending puzzle.
One piece may be solved, but in doing so one finds it connects to a larger piece of the puzzle. When we
are done with the Sunday crossword puzzle we tossed it aside; but, thankfully, music is a puzzle that can
entertain and fascinate an artist for a lifetime.
When I began to play, improvise and compose music, I was confronted with twelve pitches and no patterns or preconceived notions about structure. I spent years practicing and studying patterns of scales,
arpeggios, melodic shapes, embellishment figurations, harmonic possibilities, and rhythms. I find I get
closer to completing a circle and returning to the point where I am confronted with twelve pitches and
no patterns or preconceived notions about structure.
Introduction
ix
gins reading, the reading material is much more elementary than the childs aural languages skills, and
they work to balance the two skills.
This is the opposite of the musical learning experience for so many children. The first day with an instrument is often spent looking at whole notes on a page. By the time many students attempt to understand the aural significance (the real musical language!) they are past their prime learning period. While
their reading skills may be quite advanced, many of these students attach little actual musical meaning
to what they have been trained to reproduce. At the age when training the ear is finally stressed, it is often more difficult to ever achieve any balance.
Children can distinguish noun and verb phrases and individual words even though language is not spoken one . . . word . . . at . . . a . . . time. Language, like a musical line, is often a nonstopstreamofsound. So
often a musical student will attempt melodic dictation trying to hear each individual note of a phrase
rather than trying to hear groups of notes analogous to noun and verb phrases. A child can perceive the
basic meaning of The big bad wolf ate the grandmother, to be wolf ate grandmother. A music student should learn to distinguish groups of pitches in a phrase as pointing to a single pitch that is more
important than the surrounded pitches. The phrase below includes all twelve chromatic pitches, yet the
bracketed groups of pitches point to the three notes of the C major triad. The line is not heard as random chromaticism, but as an embellished tonal idea in the key of C major. We can hear the bracketed
groups of pitches in the same way we hear noun and verb phrases.
C
&c
j
n
#
# b n #
3
Identifying each pitch by its vertical alignment with the given chord provides no insight and serves no
real purpose. We do not hear separate words or letters in a sentence, nor would we analyze a sentence in
this way.
C
&c
j
n
n #
#
3
#6 M7 M9 m9
#4 M6 m6 P5 P4 M2 A2
M3
One of the characteristics of music and jazz music in particular is that the musical ideas may not be
contained within the measure lines. The measure lines do not exist in music; they exist only in music notation. If melodies are highly polyrhythmic, as they are in many jazz compositions and improvisations,
the melodies will often overlap the measure lines, and the notes will not align vertically with the written
chord symbols. It is extremely important when listening or analyzing to realize that music is linear and
not vertical. If we analyze music vertically confining the notes to neat groups of four eighth notes it
makes as much sense as trying to read the sentence The big bad wolf ate the grandmother, as Theb
igba dwol fate theg rand moth er.
A valuable tool for teaching language is the use of memorization of common phrases. All language
courses teach basic conversational, useful phrases: how are you? which way to the [train station]
[bathroom] [theater]? will you accept my credit card? At the more advanced level, a student of language may memorize portions of great literature or important documents. (Shall I compare thee to a
summers day? . . , We hold these truths to be self-evident . . .) The value of this exercise is obvious:
the student learns to appreciate the sound, structure and finer use of the language. The musical analogy
Introduction
is also obvious: students wishing to learn the jazz language should memorize short and long phrases
from important jazz improvisations in order to appreciate the sound, structure and finer use of the musical language.
We diagram and analyze sentences to determine the noun and verb phrases and identify the modifiers.
We diagram sentences to learn to use the basic structures to construct our own sentences. Different modifiers can be used, the sentences reordered and the potential for expression is infinite. Musical analysis
can parallel this grammar exercise. Analyzing well constructed musical lines can teach us how to play
our own individual lines. We can borrow the fundamental principles and shapes of a well constructed
line, add or subtract decorative chromaticism and embellishments (modifiers), change the rhythmic
character and create infinite lines of individual expression.
Pat Metheny responded to a question about jazz improvisation and echoed the language analogy:
Improvising on chord changes is a lot like giving a speech about a fairly complex subject using fairly complex grammarthere is no way you can just wing it, you have to
have done a lot of research into the subject and have a pretty wide ranging vocabulary
that makes the language in all its potential available to you. much in the same way that
all of us are capable of kind of improvising our sentences without really thinking too
much about verbs, adjectives, pronouns, etc. A really good improviser who has studied
harmony and its implications for years can sort of just play. There is no getting
around it, if you are serious about playing on a tune like Giant Steps or even Phase
Dance for that matter, you will have to know everything there is to know about particular
chords, series of chords, key changes, etc. The only way to get past the problems . . . is to
practice a lot for many years and to learn all you can about music. There are no short
cuts or quick fixes. (3.24.99)
CONCLUSION
I have written three books with the goal of making it easier for students to learn all they can about jazz
music. The books are certainly not short cuts or quick fixes, but companions for many years of practice
and study. This theory book was to have been the first that I published, but I spent so much time on
Chapter 10 on common melodic outlines that it became a book itself, Connecting Chords with Linear
Harmony. Comprehensive Technique for Jazz Musicians is meant to be the practice room companion
to this theory book, though published first. Jazz Theory Resources can provide theoretical explanations
and suggestions that may be pursued in the practice room and provide insight into the organization of
jazz improvisation and composition. Music is more than the sum of the parts. This book is just about
some of the parts.
Chapter 1
CHROMATIC SCALE
The one scale that all jazz musicians use is the chromatic scale. It is shown below written ascending and
descending. Altered notes want to continue in the direction in which they have been altered. Sharps indicate a raised note and the direction it wants to resolve. Flats indicate a lowered note and the direction
it wants to resolve. Accidentals, when written correctly, make lines easier to read. The note above Cn is
not always a C#. It may be a Db under certain circumstances. If a line moves up from C to D through a
chromatic note, that note is C# , indicating the alteration and the direction of the resolution. If a line
moves down from D to C through a chromatic note, that note would be Db, indicating the alteration and
the direction of the resolution.
&
& # # # # #
? # # # # #
b b b
b b
b b b
b b
Chapter 1
Octave (8)
Seventh (7)
Sixth (6)
Fifth (5)
Minor
Perfect
Diminished
An inverted third becomes a sixth and a major becomes a minor, so a major third inverts to a minor
sixth. Spelling makes an considerable difference in analyzing intervals. The pair of intervals and their
inversions below will sound the same, but are spelled and should be analyzed distinctly. An augmented
second has the same number of half steps as a minor third, but the letter names of the pitches decide
the numerical interval. Any C to any D is the interval of a second and therefore inverts to a seventh; any
C to any E is a third and therefore inverts to a sixth.
A2
d7
& # #
m3
M6
b b
Intervals and spelling will be easier to understand with discussion of scales. Scales are made of intervals,
and intervals come from scales.
Chapter 1
&
?
M2
&
?
W
M2
H
m2
W
M2
W
M2
W
M2
H
m2
In order to create the same order of intervals starting on F, it is necessary to lower the Bn to Bb.
Most scales have one pitch for each letter, so there are only seven pitches in the scale. It is for this reason that Bb is used instead of A# in the F major scale regardless of ascending or descending. This avoids
having an An and an A# in the same scale. Any additional chromatic pitches that might occur it the key
of F would follow the principle that altered notes want to continue in the direction in which they have
been altered.
W
M2
&
?
W
M2
H
m2
W
M2
W
M2
W
M2
H
m2
Chapter 1
In order to create the same scale starting on G,. it is necessary to raise the Fn to F#.
W
M2
&
?
W
M2
H
m2
W
M2
W
M2
W
M2
H
m2
&
?
b b
b b
&
?
The natural minor scale does not have a leading tone. In order to create a dominant chord and harmonize minor keys, the seventh degree must be raised. This creates the leading tone and the interval of an
augmented second between the sixth and seventh degrees. The augmented second has the same number
of half steps as a minor third, but will not sound like a minor third in the scales below. The altered leading tone is added in order to create harmony with a dominant chord, and the scale is therefore called
harmonic minor.
C Harmonic Minor:
A Harmonic Minor:
A2
&
?
b
b
b
A2
A2
&
?
A2
Chapter 1
It is a natural tendency to raise the sixth and seventh degrees when ascending from the dominant to the
tonic and lower them when descending. This principle was addressed concerning chromatic scales:
raised pitches want to ascend, lowered pitches want to descend.
A Melodic Minor:
&
?
# #
n n
# #
n n
n n
b b
n n
b b
C Melodic Minor:
&
?
CIRCLE of FIFTHS
Review of the circle of fifths with key signatures. There are other possible keys. Continuing around the
circle would yield the keys of C# major with seven sharps and Cb major with seven flats. Using the parallel keys is advisable whenever possible. Most would prefer Db (5bs) to C# (7#s) and B (5#s) to Cb (7bs).
C major/A minor
F major/D minor
#
D major/B minor
G major/E minor
b
#
B b major/G minor
E b major/C minor
0
0
A b major/F minor
b #
6 6
D major/B minor
A major/F minor
#
Emajor/C
B major/G
G b major/Eb minor
# minor
minor
F major/D minor
Chapter 1
Tonic
&
?
Supertonic
Mediant
Subdominant
Dominant
Submediant
Subtonic
Leading Tone
The names were derived from their relationship to tonic. This is important to understand as it shows the
importance of learning pitches as they relate to the home pitch, and not as they relate to adjacent
pitches. This principle will have great significance regarding hearing tonal music. A subdominant is not
named for being the pitch below the dominant, rather it is named for because it is the pitch a fifth below the tonic.
Dominant
&
Tonic
Subdominant
Mediant
Supertonic
Submediant
Subtonic
Leading Tone
No #s/Nobs
1b
2b
3b
4b
5b
6b
6#
5#
4#
3#
2#
1#
Bb
Bb, E b
Bb, Eb, Ab
Bb, Eb, Ab, Db
Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb
Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb
F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#
F#, C#, G#, D#, A#
F#, C#, G#, D#
F#, C#, G#
F#, C#
F#
Chapter 1
STEMS
Notes above the middle line of any clef have stems down, below middle line have stems up.
Correct stems:
Incorrect stems:
&c
?c
NOTE ALIGNMENT
Check the vertical alignment of notes. If two notes occur at the same rhythmic place, it should be visually reflected on the page. The notes in the second measure below are not aligned vertically as they are
in the first measure, making it difficult to tell which notes are to be played together.
Correct vertical alignment:
&c
?c
ACCIDENTALS
Accidentals should precede the notes in the corresponding space or on the line as in the first measure.
If they are placed arbitrarily before the note, as in the second measure, it makes reading difficult. The
accidental should never follow the note: in a paragraph we may write Bb, but in the staff it should be
written bB.
Alignment of Accidentals:
& b b
Chapter 1
Accidentals should follow the logic of the chromatic scale. For raised notes: use sharps, for lowered
notes: use flats. Accidentals that indicate modulations should be used when appropriate rather than their
enharmonic equivalents.
The first two measures of the example below are drawn from a published transcription of a Charlie
Parker improvisation. The second two measures is a preferable version. The change in the first measure
from Dn to Db might seem correct since the flat lowers D. However, the C# is preferable to the Db. The C#
is a tone that indicates the modulation from the key of F to the key of D minor, is the leading tone to D
minor, and is the third of the indicated A7 chord. A Db is meaningless in this context. Would it be the
diminished fourth of the A7 chord and the lowered tonic of D minor? The Ab, as a lowered note, wants
to move down. It slows down reading when the Ab is followed by an An: the Ab indicated downward motion which was contradicted by the An. The An should have had a courtesy accidental in the first two
measures. The courtesy accidental is unnecessary with the use of G#. A Gn followed by a G# indicates upward resolution, and allows anticipation of the An. Using the C# and G# also avoids having repeated
pitches of the same letter name: Dn to Db and Ab to An.
Ambiguous Accidentals:
E7
A7
Preferred Notation:
Dm7
& b b b
E7
A7
Dm7
# #
BEAMING
For instrumental writing in common time, beam eighth notes in groups of two or four, and beam sixteenth notes in groups of four.
or:
c
Beam eighth notes in groups of two, and sixteenth notes in groups of four, when writing for instruments
in triple meter.
34
The time signature 68 has the same number of eighth notes as 34, but the subdivisions should be grouped
differently to indicate the pulse difference. 68 indicates two beats per measure so eighth notes should be
grouped in threes and sixteenth notes in groups of six.
68
Chapter 1
.
J
10
II.
Chapter 2
POLYRHYTHMS
No attempt will be made here to thoroughly explain the inner workings of an African drum ensemble,
but some generalizations will be helpful for understanding certain aspects of jazz rhythm. In an African
drum ensemble there are many different pulses occurring at once, making the music polyrhythmic. One
role in the band may be to play a primary pulse on a cowbell, something we could write in Western notation as quarter notes. These quarter notes can be subdivided into two eighth notes. Another role is to
suggest a second pulse which could be notated as a dotted quarter, which can be divided into three
eighth notes. The two pulses will continue throughout the piece. There will probably be other pulses introduced including half note triplets, and their subdivisions of quarter note and eighth note triplets.
2.1
Soloist
Polyrhythms
.
.
.
.
.
c > > > > > > > > > >
Pulse #3
Pulse #2
c > .
Pulse #1
>
J
>
> .
J
> .
>
>
>
As a piece progresses, individuals may improvise rhythms suggesting combinations of the pulse; for
awhile suggesting the quarter note pulse, and other times suggesting the dotted quarter pulse. The emphasis of one or the other pulse is suggested by the use of accents. These polyrhythms are probably
Chapter 2
11
recognized now as being a part of more than just jazz, as they have permeated the American and World
pop music.
1:1
3:1
2:1
Some research has been done using a computer system to time the relationship between the first and
second notes in the improvisations of artists like Oscar Peterson, Sonny Stitt, John Coltrane, Miles Davis
and many others. The results were tabulated and the average ratio was in the neighborhood of 58:42.
This ratio can be rounded to 60:40 and then reduced to 3:2. 3:2 can be conventionally notated:
2.3
3:2
3:2
This study was fascinating but it offered little help for the aspiring young jazz musician. The 3:2 ratio is
difficult to read and even more difficult to teach. The best way to understand the jazz swing feel is to listen to hours of great musicians playing jazz. A close examination reveals many different concepts from
one player to the next and even from one player within a single performance. There will be times when
the eighths notes are perfectly even, others where they will be more like the dotted rhythms, others may
fall in that indefinable area between the 3:2 and 2:1 ratios. What makes the music swing is not just the ratio of eighth notes, but the combination of forward drive, swing eighth notes, well placed accents and articulations.
The best way to understand the jazz swing feel is to listen to hours
of great musicians playing jazz. What makes the music swing is not
just the ratio of eighth notes, but the combination of forward drive,
swing eighth notes, well placed accents and articulations.
12
Chapter 2
c .
^
J J
^
J
Watch a jazz musician count off a tune. Usually he will snap his fingers on beats two and four to establish
the tempo and then count, One - (snap) - two - (snap) - one - TWO - three - FOUR. This emphasizes
the back beat rather than the traditional strong downbeats one and three. Many jazz musicians set their
metronome to click on two and four to simulate this accent. Try this rhythmic test. Sing the tune Hit the
Road Jack while clapping your hands. You are probably clapping on beats two and four, and not on
beats one and three. Hit the Road (clap) Jack (clap)...
The accented upbeats are not limited to the pulse but also effect the subdivisions of the pulse. Eighth
notes will get a slight accent on the upbeat rather than the downbeat. Players will achieve this by slurring
the upbeat to the downbeat. Horn players will tongue the upbeats and slur to the downbeats. Guitarists
may pick the upbeat and hammer the finger or slide to the downbeat. String players must change the
bow on an upbeat rather than the downbeat as they may have been accustomed.
2.5
Accented upbeats:
Many jazz lines end on an upbeat and these notes should be accented. Remember, that to accent a note
it must be louder than the surrounding notes. Often this means playing the surrounding notes softer. It is
hard to play a line with all loud notes and then play a note with an accent. Making the surrounding
notes softer will help the accented note stand out.
Chapter 2
13
Lines that end on short notes on the upbeat should are usually played short and accented and will often
be notated with a ^ symbol.
2.6
^
c
do
ba
do DAHT
do
do DAHT
do
ba
ba
do DAHT
Long notes on the upbeat at the end of lines should also be played with an accent.
2.7 End on long accent:
>
c
do
ba
do
DAH
>
>
do
do
do
ba
DAH
ba
do
DAH
> . . .
&c
DAH
dot
dot
. . b > .
J
dot dot
do DAH
DAHT
The upbeats of a jazz line generally get accented, but the shape of the line is the most important thing to
consider when determining accents. The top notes of a line and any changes of direction call for an accent. The resulting accents will often suggest another pulse and help create the polyrhythms inherent in
jazz. In the following example (which is closely related to a favorite line of Charlie Parker) the top notes
of the line should receive an accent. These accents create a counter-rhythm to the four quarter notes per
measure. The resulting rhythm is a series of dotted quarter notes. This kind of accenting is often called
bopping the top of the lines.
&c
> 3 >
>
>
>
>
^
# j b # # n b # b
Many of the tunes used for jazz improvisations are show tunes, and are often written with very simple
melodic rhythms. Jazz improvisers will almost never play the melody the way it is written in sheet music.
Often, the first improvements made by a jazz improviser are to the melodic rhythms. Important notes
14
Chapter 2
which typically land on the downbeat will be moved ahead to the upbeat. The anticipation pushes the
melody forward, and calls attention to the more common upbeat accents. While some notes are played
earlier, others are delayed, and others may be hurried along to make up for differences.
Here is a five-note melodic idea as it may appear on sheet music.
2.10a
Square melody
&c
And here are a number of ways a jazz musician may alter the rhythms to jazz them up.
2.10b
>
j. .
c
&
2.10d
More anticipation.
3 down, 2 up.
2.10h
2.10j
&c
2.10c
.
> ^
j .
Delayed by a beat and the rest
hurried along.
^
^
c
&
.
>
c
j
& j
2.10g
. .
>
c
& j
.
>
>
c
&
2.10e
>j
>
c
&
2.10f
2.10c
. .
>
j
c
& .
Long notes, any value from a dotted quarter note and above, are usually played forte-piano ( ). There
may be a slight crescendo at the end of the note into either the cut-off or the next melodic pitch. This is
Chapter 2
15
more prevalent in ensemble work than in improvisation and will vary in intensity depending on the ensemble.
In early baroque music, articulations and phrase markings were not included. The player was expected to
know how to phrase and articulate in the style. The same is true for much of the music written for jazz
bands. The jazz musicians were expected to see the notes and interpret them in a jazz style. Probably few
of the earlier jazz musicians thought a great deal of exactly what things went in to making the music
sound like jazz, relying on their ears to imitate and govern their decisions. In a rehearsal recently, a seasoned professional was reluctant to provide verbal details on how to articulate certain unmarked passages. He then played the passages for the younger players. He expressed surprise at playing quarter
notes short and playing all the long notes forte-piano. For him this was just part of how to make it sound
like jazz. Historically, this and many other aspects of jazz have been learned and passed on aurally:
learning by imitating the master. This underscores another major difference in the European and
African cultures. The European tradition of learning involves the written page. The African oral tradition
depends on the master/apprentice approach. There are no African drumming etude books in the
African drum tradition.
Most contemporary music published for jazz ensembles includes all articulation markings, in part due to
the large education market. While this might insure a more accurate performance of the composers
ideas, there is still no substitute for listening to the style and imitating. One disadvantage to reading
charts with all articulations written in is the students never develop the critical skills to make the appropriate articulations and phrasing decisions themselves. There is no substitute for the aural experience.
RHYTHMIC ROLES
For a basketball, baseball or soccer team to be successful, each member must understand their role and
its relationship to the rest of the team. This is also true in the African drum ensemble and the jazz
rhythm section. What follows is some general guidelines for the roles and responsibilities within the jazz
rhythm section. With any jazz performance, depending on the players, the historical period and the
time of night, these lines of demarcation may be clear or deliberately obscured. Determining the basic
roles will help in understanding the foundation and help to understand the deviations from the norm.
The pulse is generated from two parts of the rhythm section: the ride cymbal and the bass. The ride
cymbal pattern can be many variations of quarter and eighth note combinations, but fundamentally has
to supply the quarter note pulse. Without the solid pulse as a foundation there can be no subdivision of
that pulse. The bass player locks in to that quarter note pulse and walks a quarter note accompaniment. The backbeat is emphasized by the drummers hi-hat closing on beats two and four. The bass
player may slightly emphasize the backbeat by accenting two and four with the hi-hat. Once these roles
are established, the subdivisions can be easily felt.
The drummer may add a pair of eighth notes on the back beats creating what is generally considered
the jazz ride pattern. This may be only a point of departure for many great jazz drummers. The pair of
eighth notes may shift and in doing so imply time signatures other than 44 . Within an eight measure
phrase you may hear:
16
Chapter 2
The bass player adds to this by playing subdivisions between his quarter notes. Often these notes are
muffled or ghosted. These little spit notes have more importance as rhythm than pitch.
2.12 Bass line with ghosted spit notes:
b c n b n b b n b
In a rock beat, the bass drum has the role of providing the pulse while the snare has the backbeat. In a
swing feel, the pulse is played by the ride cymbal while the hi-hat plays the backbeat. That leaves the
snare drum to accent other rhythmic figures. Some possible snare drum combinations include:
2.13
c .
Charleston rhythm:
c
J
J
A combination of Charleston rhythm displaced and on the beat:
2.15
c
J
The guitarist and pianist can reinforce the snare drum rhythms shown in 2.13-2.15. The use of combinations of quarter note and dotted quarter rhythms add to the polyrhythmic character. Listen to some of
the great jazz rhythm sections and how they develop the rhythmic interplay while accompanying
(comping for) a soloist. The rhythm sections of the Miles Davis Quintet from the 1950s with Philly
Chapter 2
17
Joe Jones on drums, Paul Chambers on bass, and either Red Garland or Wynton Kelly on piano provide
excellent listening models. Ex. 2.16 represents possible accompaniment figures which could be played
by the guitarist or pianist and maybe also the snare drum using rhythms from ex. 2.13-2.15. It is unlikely
that all would decide to play the same figures without prior planning. The structural places in a piece will
usually be anticipated with an upbeat of four accent. In the blues, this may occur at the end of four measure phrases as shown below.
2.16
F7
& c .
1
b
J
& .
B 7
& .
Gm7
b
.
B 7
F7
b
J
J
J
Cm 7
F7
B 7
.
J
J
#
G 7/B
A7
D7
Gm7
F7
.
J
J
J
J
J J J
C7
F7
D7
Gm7
C7
|
.
. |
J
J
J
There are times when long streams of dotted quarter notes may be superimposed over the common
time groove. Listen particularly to the rhythm sections of the John Coltrane Quartet where Elvin Jones
on drums and McCoy Tyner on piano play streams of dotted quarter rhythms over the steady common
time bass lines. Ex. 2.17 illustrates the dotted quarter rhythm over the last four measure of the blues.
2.17
b
j
& b c b b ...
.
?b c
n
Gm9
D 13 C9sus4 C13
..
..
G 13 Fm aj7
#
b9
D7 13
C13
Gm9
j
b b b j n . j
...
# n
G 13
F13
b b b ... b
.
b
The Miles Davis Quintet rhythm sections of the early 1960s with Ron Carter on bass, Tony Williams on
drums and Herbie Hancock on piano stretched the boundaries of polyrhythms more than ever before,
creating great waves of rhythmic dissonance between the drums and piano and the steady pulse from
the bass. This group has recorded some trio and quintet material together in the 1970s and 1980s.
When listening to them stretch rhythmic boundaries, note how often the eight measure phrase served as
a guidepost for resolving rhythmic dissonances.
The bass drum in contemporary jazz is usually used to accent major structural points or strong accents
in the music. It is rare in modern playing to hear the bass drum play the four on the floor four beats
per measure on a swing feel.
The jazz improviser, as the improviser in the African drum ensemble, plays a variety of rhythms over
the top of the rhythm section. The basic rhythmic currency for swing improvisation is the swing eighth,
but rhythmic variety is created in a number of ways. Accent groupings of two eighth notes correspond to
the quarter pulse while accent groupings of three eighth notes refers to the secondary dotted quarter
18
Chapter 2
pulse. A jazz improviser, having established the eighth note, will use any combination of other subdivisions and rhythmic units.
I often ask, when standing in front of a student band, Who keeps the time in the band. Almost everyone in the band will point at the drummer. It is everyones job to keep the time. A drummer cannot fix
the bad time played by one, much less sixteen other musicians. When I was a young novice player, I sat
in with an outstanding bass player and drummer. They did not swing nearly as well when I played with
them. It was clearly not them, but me. It was a valuable learning experience. A saxophone student in an
improvisation class once complained that the rhythm section was not keeping good time and would occasionally play wrong chords. The next time through the tune I stopped the rhythm section and allowed
the saxophone to play an unaccompanied chorus. He could not keep the time or the changes by himself. It pointed out something to all of the class: keeping time and the chords was everyones responsibility. We practiced a drill for a few rehearsals to gain control of these elements. Every one played one
chorus with accompaniment and one without until we all could make it through the form keeping the
time and playing the chord changes convincingly. Drummers learned to play the tune and keep the
form on their solos.
Chapter 2
19
line spills into the next measure before coming to rest on the C major, a half note later than the chord
chart suggests. Being aware that all music is experienced in linear time will help in understanding the
necessity of linear and not strictly vertical analysis of music.
2.18
Trumpet
&c
Piano
&c
Bass
?c
G7
Cm aj7
b
#
G7
Cmaj7
Dm 7
.
|
.
J
J
J
J
J
Dm 7
G7
Cmaj7
# b
Dm7
20
Chapter 2
2.19
1.
ENTIRE PIECE
2.
CHORUS I
(AABA form)
CHORUS II
(AABA form)
CHORUS III
(AABA form)
CHORUS IV
(AABA form)
CHORUS V
(AABA form)
3.
8 measure phrase
8 measure phrase
8 measure phrase
8 measure phrase
2 measure phrase
2 measure phrase
4.
4 measure phrase
The eight measure fragment (4.) from the previous graph can be divided into one-measure segments.
The single measure is represented by the whole note in the graph below. This single measure in 2.20
must be viewed in the larger scope as a subdivision of an eight measure phrase (4.) which is a part of a
thirty-two measure AABA form (3.) which may repeat several times to create the entire piece (1. & 2.)
With this larger perspective, the discussion of the whole note chart showing the note values and relationships is appropriate.
2.20
Chapter 2
21
Seasoned improvisers and composers sense and feel larger units of time. An improviser learns to feel
an entire thirty two measure form. Sometimes a musician will improvise several times through the form,
sensing one hundred and twenty eight measures, building his ideas to a logical conclusion. A improviser
may learn to feel a thirty-two measure form as one unit of a four-chorus improvisation. Within each
form, the eight measure phrase is shaped by all members of the band. In fact, just as a beginning musician can tell the difference between beats one and four, an experienced jazz musician senses the difference between the first A and the last A of an AABA form. With this perspective knowing where beat
three is in a measure is analogous to knowing where the B section is in an AABA form. The B is the
third beat of the form, the form being an augmentation of the measure. This takes some time to master,
as any beginning improviser who has lost the form will attest.
To continue this example, say the jazz performance of this piece lasts for five minutes (the Entire Piece).
The band plays the melody of the song for the first minute (Chorus I: AABA). The alto sax improvises
over the form for a minute (Chorus II), followed by the trumpet (Chorus III), and the piano (Chorus IV).
The band plays the melody again at the end (Chorus V). The entire piece being subdivided into five
parts makes the jazz performance very much like the five paragraph paper form as shown below:
Jazz Performance
Statement of the melody: Introduces the form and
themes on which the band will improvise.
Alto solo: The alto player expresses his version of
the melody and harmony.
Trumpet solo: The trumpet player expresses his
version of the melody and harmony.
Piano solo: The piano player expresses his version of the melody and harmony.
Restatement of the melody: Reminds the listener
of original themes.
22
Chapter 2
SYNCOPATION STUDIES
The eighth note is the basic unit of currency for jazz, but it is the groupings of the eighth notes that create the rhythmic business. Syncopation is created by a shift of the accent in a musical passage, where
beats that were normally weak may now be accented. Typically in the European model, within a quarter
note pulse, every other eighth note is on an accented down beat. By accenting every third eighth note, a
shift will occur contradicting the basic pulse. This is the most fundamental type of syncopation used in
jazz: the dotted quarter pulse (grouping of three eighth notes) against the quarter note pulse (grouping
of two eighth notes). This is one of the many rhythmic characteristics borrowed from African culture. In
jazz performances, the polyrhythms usually fit into the eight bar phrases defined by the forms of many
show and pop tunes which are the basis for so much of the jazz literature. Much of the syncopated dissonance with the primary pulse is resolved after four or eight measures. There are thirty-two eighth notes
in a four measure phrase which divides into sixteen even quarter note beats. Thirty-two is not divisible
by three (the dotted quarter pulse) without a remainder of two. The jazz improviser/composer uses mixtures of threes (dotted quarter pulse) and twos (quarter pulse) to create the cross-rhythms associated
with jazz.
The dotted quarter note imposition can occur anywhere in the measure and can be articulated in many
ways. In the following example, the dotted quarter rhythm occurs on beat one. It is shown with four different articulations: long-long, long-short, short-long, and short-short. This rhythm is typically called the
Charleston Rhythm.
2.21
c .
A dotted quarter note is equal to three eighth notes, and three can be expressed as 3, 2 + 1, 1 + 2 and 1
+ 1 + 1. In musical notation that would be a dotted quarter (3), a quarter and an eighth (2 + 1), and
eighth and a quarter (1 + 2), and three individual eighth notes (1 + 1 + 1). In many musical passages
where the dotted quarter pulse Charleston Rhythm is implied, it may be divided into any of these
combinations:
2.22
(3)
c .
(2 + 1)
(1 + 2)
(1 + 1 + 1)
Chapter 2
23
Negative space is implied space created by a positive image. Below are four black boxes (positive
space). The negative space, a white cross, is also clearly visible and important to the image.
2.23
Negative space
Visual artists depend on the recognition of negative space. The concept of negative space is also important in music. Any pitches that are played (positive space) may imply other pitches that are not played.
A certain pitch may be stressed by playing a number of pitches around that pitch that point to that
pitch, while never actually playing the pitch. This type of manipulation is one thing that creates dramatic interest in the music. As with pitches, any rhythm that is played (positive space) may imply a
rhythm not played (negative space).
The dotted quarter Charleston Rhythm is shown on the top line repeated over a four measure phrase,
creating a constant dotted quarter pulse against the quarter note pulse. The bottom line in the following
examples shows the rhythm of the notes that are not being played by the top line. The bottom line is
then the negative space of the top line.
Try dividing the class into two sections. Have one section tap the top lines and the other tap the bottom
lines on this and following examples. Switch every four measures.
2.24
c .
Dotted quarter Charleston Rhythm extended over four measure phrase shown with
implied negative space rhythms:
.
J
c
J
J
J
.
J
J
J
J
This may sound like a mathematical game, and it can be, but here are some musical examples that occur
frequently and naturally. Dexter Gordon, in a blues improvisation, and Dave Brubeck both used the
negative space rhythm from ex. 2.24.
2.25
b
.
& b c j b j
j . b
b X
24
Chapter 2
2.26
J
J
&c
The dotted quarter rhythm from ex. 2.24 can be displaced by an eighth note creating the following line
shown with positive and negative rhythms.
2.27
c .
Dotted quarter rhythm displaced and extended over four measure phrase shown with
implied negative space rhythms:
c
J
.
J
J
J
J
J
Duke used the negative rhythm from ex. 2.27 in the piece It Dont Mean a Thing if it Aint Got That
Swing.
2.28
b
& b c J
j
.
J
J
J
Chapter 2
25
The dotted quarter rhythm from ex. 2.24 can be displaced by a quarter note creating the following line
shown with positive and negative rhythms.
2.29
Dotted quarter rhythm displaced and extended over four measure phrase shown with
implied negative space rhythms:
.
J
c
J
J
J
J
.
J
You can see the negative rhythm from ex. 2.29 in the following melody composed by Sonny Rollins.
2.30
b n b n
J
J
J
& c j #
b .
The next stage in developing a sense for these rhythms involves understanding the subdivision of the
dotted quarter notes. As discussed previously and shown below, the dotted quarter note equals three
eighth notes which can be expressed as 3, 2 + 1, 1 + 2 and 1 + 1 + 1.
2.31
(3)
c .
(2 + 1)
(1 + 2)
(1 + 1 + 1)
More musical rhythmic material can be created by substituting combinations of the variations to the
dotted quarters in ex. 2.24, 2.27, 2.29. In the following several examples, every other dotted quarter value
is substituted with another combination of a quarter and an eighth (2 + 1), and eighth and a quarter (1 +
2), or three individual eighth notes (1 + 1 + 1). Changing the rhythm will also change the implied negative space rhythm.
2.32
.
J
.
J
c
J
J
J
J
J
J
26
Chapter 2
2.33
c .
J J
.
J J
J J
c
J
2.34
.
J J
J
J
J
J
J J
c .
J
.
J
.
J
c
J
J
J
J
2.35
c .
J
c
.
J
If you are singing along, you probably noticed that the negative
space to ex 2.35 resembles the Dizzy Gillespie tune Salt Peanuts.
2.36
&c
b
Salt
Pea nuts
b
Salt
Pea nuts
Chapter 2
2.37
c
J J
.
J
J J
J J
J J
J J
.
J
2.40
.
J
c .
J
c
c .
2.39
27
c .
J
2.38
.
J
c .
J
c
J
.
J
J
J
J
.
J
J
28
Chapter 2
2.41
c .
J
.
J
A musician
.
J
Singing and tapping the rhythmic examples in this chapter will help develop the rhythmic independence, the aural and visual recognition needed to read, invent and interpret rhythmic musical material.
2.42
Jazz Waltz
& 4 ....
parked
car?
? 34 .
.
34 Who
the
..
..
parked
car?
.
.
Who
the
..
..
..
Chapter 2
29
POLYRHYTHMS in PERFORMANCE
All of the discussion of possible rhythmic variations and superimpositions are meaningless and merely
mathematical games without understanding and recognizing their place in musical performance. Many
ask, after studying the previous material, how to get these ideas into their own playing. It is beneficial to
study several examples from jazz performances to see how great jazz artists incorporate polyrhythms in
their improvisations and compositions. Several examples have already been shown from Dexter
Gordon (ex. 2.25), Dave Brubeck (ex. 2.26), Duke Ellington (ex. 2.28) and Sonny Rollins (ex. 2.30).
To learn language or a craft of any kind, the proven method is to study the masters. To develop individual vocabulary within that craft one must borrow from the vocabulary of those masters. This may seem
contradictory to develop individual vocabulary by borrowing from others. What one does with the borrowed material is what separates mimicking and parroting from true personal development.
I composed a blues that used nothing but Parker lines, stolen to show students ways to develop ideas
from borrowed material. I called the piece Ornithelestes which means literally Bird-stealer. Anyone
who plays jazz is just that, whether they intended to or not, as Parker, the Bird, has influenced so many
jazz improvisers.
The following example is created with a line borrowed from Parker that has a different conclusion
added. Beginning with the pick-up notes, the melodic accents are based on the dotted quarter pulse
shown creating a secondary pulse to the primary quarter note pulse of the bass line.
2.43
&c
?c
Gm 7
C7
b n
b n
The superimposed dotted quarter note pulse need not be constant. Shifting between combinations of
quarter and dotted quarter groupings makes this improvised line by Miles Davis interesting. The implied
divisions are shown above the line for reference.
2.44
.
>
>
& b c J
.
. >
J
Clifford Brown used the dotted quarter note pulse to break up an otherwise straight forward eighth note
line. The idea began in the second complete measure and for the two measures Brown implied 3, (2 +
1), 3, (2 + 1), 3, and 2 before continuing the line with eighth notes. This idea recurred in many forms
throughout this solo.
30
Chapter 2
2.45
&b c
3
b b
b b .
j
j b . J
& b b n b b
Displaced accents are created by odd combinations of twos and threes and give the music the excitement and unpredictability that makes listening challenging and interesting. Parker, in the melody to Au
Privave began with suggested dotted quarter groupings and slipped in a pair of displaced quarter notes
in the ex 2.46 below. Parker continued the play on the dotted quarter note in mm.5-6 of the same piece,
shown in ex. 2.47.
2.46
j
& b c # j
2.47
& b c n . J J b
A pair of superimposed dotted quarter rhythms are sequenced in this improvised example from Charlie
Parker.
2.48
b c j 3 j
b
&
3
b j j
Chapter 2
31
In the first two measures of this improvisation, Parker emphasized the downbeats one and three by coming to rest on chord tones and using notes with longer values. The second two measures had no melodic
motion as Parker just drew attention to the rhythmic superimposition of dotted quarter values.
2.49
j
& b c # n
j
.
In the melody to the blues tune Billies Bounce, Parker imposed a long passage of dotted quarter displaced accents. Ex. 2.50 shows the first three measures of the melody. Ex. 2.51 shows the accents implied
by the entire melody. Parker was inventive and dramatic in the development of his rhythmic ideas.
Parker achieved a balance between on the beat and off the beat material, with a sense of when to give
the listener the expected and when to give the unexpected. Reducing the melody of Billies Bounce to
rhythmic notation alone helps to focus on the rhythmic development. Parker used strings of dotted
quarter note superimpositions beginning on beat three of m.1, labeled (a). It occurred in the exposition
of this idea in mm.1-3, (a) overlapped itself several times. After so many dotted quarter notes, one would
expect the first note of m.6 to be on beat two, but instead, Parker played it earlier on the upbeat of beat
one creating a second motive (b) which is really a variation of motive (a). Parker then returned to the
first rhythmic motive beginning on the third beat of m.6. Motive (a) returned beginning on the upbeat
of beat three in m.8. Motive (b) returned on the downbeat of m.10 followed by the overlapping motive
(a) in mm.11-12. The chart in ex. 2.51 does not show all the notes of the melody, simply the accents suggested by the melody.
2.50
&b c
n #
32
Chapter 2
2.51
c
1
a.
b.
b.
a.
a.
.
J J
10
a.
J
a.
11
J
a.
12
A sense of mixed meter is created in ex. 2.52 by the assortment of irregular accents. These three measures could have been notated as one measure of 68 followed by a measure of 44, another measure of 68,
and finally a measure of 24. Of course, Parker was not thinking of notational questions when he conceived
of this line.
2.52
& b c n
# b n
Wes Montgomerys live recording of Impression is a lesson in creating rhythmic expectations, developing them, and adding surprising twists and turns. On the recording you can hear members of the band
laugh at the way Montgomery set up a rhythmic idea only to turn it upside down or sideways just when
they had it figured out. Ex. 2.53 is essentially a 34 idea played over the 44 measures. The idea was completed and reset at the end of the eight measure phrase, where he began again.
2.53
>
>
>
>
>
>
c
&
>
>
>
>
> . etc.
&
fast swing
3
8
Chapter 2
2.54
33
fast swing
&c
j
j
. . j .
.
J
j
j
& j . . .
. J
. j
The repeated notes of ex. 2.55 make the focus of this idea clearly rhythmic. It is related to the rhythm in
ex. 2.53 but resolved the conflict at the end of every four rather than eight measure phrase. In the solo,
Montgomery developed this idea over an AABA form and eventually developed the four quarter note
measure and elicited a surprised response from the band.
2.55
k >
k >
k >
k
>
c
&
k >
k >
k >
k k k k k
>
& #
fast swing
k k k k
b
ketc.
>
Groupings of notes implying other pulses do not have to last for several measures to be interesting.
There are countless examples of steady eighth note lines interrupted briefly with groupings like the ones
from this Carl Fontana improvisation.
2.56
&c
j j
Subdivision of a quarter note is not limited to a pair of eighth notes. Any number of combinations occur. Dividing the pulse into three or triplets provides another opportunity for cross rhythms. Any combination of triplets divided evenly or unevenly in relationship to the pulse may be found in jazz improvisations.
34
Chapter 2
2.57
c 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
c
This is a common blues idea played by thousands of guitarists in blues bars. It may be wickedly difficult
to try to read figures like this but once heard, they are easily recognized.
2.58
F7
3
3
3
c
b
b n b
&
3
In 44, the metrical division is typically pairs or groups of four eighth notes. Ordering those eighth notes
into groups of three can create the cross rhythms and syncopated polyrhythms. When the pulse is subdivided into triplets, notes are grouped into threes. In order to create the rhythmic dissonance and
cross rhythms with triplets, then the notes must be grouped into pairs or fours.
Herbie Hancocks groupings of triplets into sets of four in ex. 2.59 suggested half-note triplets or a 32
measure imposed in the space of a 44 measure. Freddie Hubbard, on the same recording used similar
rhythmic ideas at this point in Dolphin Dance.
2.59
Polyrhythms
3
b
b b
b b
# n b
b
&
B pedal
&
b
3
G7
3
3
Cm
b b
n
3
3
3
Grouping eighths into three note sets in 34 time may suggest an imposition of 68 over the 34 meter as shown
on the top line of ex. 2.60. Grouping the eighths into four note groupings takes the syncopation over the
measure line into the next measure, and may suggest 32 meter over the 34 . This is traditionally called
hemiola and is shown on the second line of ex. 2.60. A common misconception is that all syncopation is hemiola, but traditionally it is the implication of a 32 measure over two 34 measures, particu-
Chapter 2
35
larly at cadential points. This idea was used frequently in Baroque music. Ex. 2.61 is an example of
hemiola at a cadential point from a piano sonata from the classical period composed by Mozart.
2.60
Metric equivalents:
34 .
34
34
2.61
6
3
8 over 2
3
4
over
# 3
& 4
? # 34
Three different divisions of 34 time are suggested in the melodic excerpt below, In mm.1-2,
gested, mm.3-4 suggests 23 time and mm.5-6 suggests 68 time.
2.62
F7
B 13 9
& 34
b b
b
G13 9
D7
& n .
b .
b
b .
E maj7
j
b
b .
3
4
time is sug-
Cmaj7
n .
Bill Evans was an artist who could play a waltz, make it swing and yet never suggest 34 time. In ex. 2.63,
Evans used hemiola, the half note implied over the 34 meter. Later in the same solo, Evans suggested 68
meter as in ex. 2.64.
2.63
Hemiola:
& 34
j
# # # #
Gm 7
A7
Dm7
36
Chapter 2
2.64
B bmaj7
E7
Am 7
& 4 #
J
Many jazz waltzes are played fast; much faster than the dancers would want at a wedding party. A fast
waltz can transform itself into a slower medium swing by something called metric modulation. In ex. 2.65
the relationships are shown between the two meters. In 34 meter, the rhythm section may begin to play
series of dotted quarters and the rhythmic pattern shown on the top line. At the beginning of a new section or new eight bar phrase, they may switch to 44 meter where the dotted quarter becomes the new
quarter note, the top line rhythm becomes the typical ride pattern. Two measures of the 34 becomes one
measure of the 44. In order to get back to 34, the band may suggest quarter note triplets which, at the modulation point, become the quarter note of the original 34 meter.
2.65
34 .
34 .
34
3
4
and
4
4
q.q
c 3 3
Michael Brecker used another modulation idea on his piece Escher Sketch, a Tale of Two Rhythms.
The ride pattern (shown in 12
8 ) began the piece and4 remained constant. What changed was the other
rhythmic parts which alternately suggested 12
8 or the 4 meter. When the snare entered it played on two
and four of the 44 meter, making the original ride pattern the syncopated figure shown in the 44 measures.
The syncopated figure was created by groupings of 3, (2 + 1) repeated, and began again every three
measures.
2.66
Metric Modulation
xx
12
16 J . J . J . J . c . . . .
Herbie Hancock is an artist with an amazing command of cross rhythms and over the bar-line phrasing.
In ex. 2.67, Hancock began with the rhythm shown in ex. 2.27 (in sixteenths rather than eight notes), emphasizing dotted eighth notes over the quarter note pulse. In mm.4-8, the emphasis changed to quarter
notes with groupings of four sixteenth notes. In mm.9-11, every fourth sixteenth was accented, but the accent was displaced, making the quarter note accent displaced by one sixteenth note. In mm.11-12,
Hancock accented two then three sixteenth notes and managed to come out, resolving the rhythmic
conflict on the downbeat of m.13. The accents (shown above mm.11-12) created the 3:2 type rhythm discussed in ex. 2.3, expanded and played over the measure line.
Chapter 2
2.67
37
Extensive Cross-rhythms
j j j j j j
. . . . . .
j
.
j j j j j
. . . . .
j
.
&c
1
>
#
#
&
5
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
j j j j j
j j
. . .
> >
> #> > b # > n # > n b > b b > > > # > > > >
n
&
b
9
j
.
j j
.
j j
.
>
>
>
>
>
>
#
&
12
Not all cross rhythms are created by groupings of three eighth notes over the 44 measures. Combinations
of two and three note groupings create interesting cross rhythms. Hancock divided two 44 measure into 2
+ 3 + (3 + 3) + 3 + 2 in the rhythmic ostinato foundation for Maiden Voyage.
2.68
D9sus4
?c
.
J
What is the drummer doing with his ride cymbal while the soloists are playing so many polyrhythms?
Other polyrhythms may be implied that correspond or contradict the metric implications of the tune
and the soloist. If played with sensitivity, while never losing sight of the actual pulse and meter, it can
create a swirling, intense forward drive while actually involving fewer notes. Less can be more. Jack
DeJohnnette never played the textbook ride pattern over the first chorus of Keith Jarretts solo on the
standard from which this was transcribed. He did play four quarters in a row later in the first chorus, but
38
Chapter 2
not until m.18. Here is the first eight measure phrase with some of the polyrhythmic implications indicated by the smaller notes above the staff. These patterns can be found in ex. 2.27, 2.33 and 2.37.
2.69
c
J J
J
J
J
4
J
J
6
J
3
CLAVE BEAT
The Clave beat is a rhythm which uses combinations of two and three eighth note groupings to create a
syncopated pattern. The clave beat and its variations are extremely significant to the structure of some
Latin music. The clave may not be as structurally significant as it is in some Latin music, but occurs frequently in jazz, pop, and funk styles.
There are two basic clave beats (3-2 clave and a 2-3 clave) and then several variations. The 3 and 2 do
not refer to groupings of eighth notes, but to the number of notes played in a measure. The 3-2 clave has
three notes played in the first measure and two in the second. The 2-3 clave is the reverse of the 3-2.
2.70
c .. .
3-2 Clave:
2-3 Clave:
.. ..
..
A good way to get the feel of the clave beat is to play the clave beat with one hand, the negative space
rhythms in the other. Try reversing the hands and alternating four measure phrases after a few times.
Playing in the holes, or the negative space helps to space the notes correctly.
2.71
j
j
.
.
.
.
.
c . . . ..
J
J J
J J
J
J
J
LH
RH
Another good way to practice the clave beat (or any of the rhythms discussed) is to alternate the right
and left hand playing the clave beat with accents. Again, playing all the notes in the measure helps reinforce the steady subdivision and helps sense the correct spacing.
Chapter 2
2.72
39
c .. > > > > > .. .. > > > > > ..
RH
LH
There are several variations of the basic 3-2 and 2-3 clave beats. One or more of the notes may be
shifted forward or backward by an eighth note. As with the original version, practicing playing with two
hands will help integration and precision in playing these rhythms. In ex. 2.73, the second of the notes
on the 2 side is shifted by an eighth note. The subdivisions of the two measures is 3 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 3
for the 3-2 clave and 2 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 for the 2-3 clave.
2.73
c .. .
.
J
.. ..
.
J
..
Ex. 2.74 shifts the first of the notes on the two side forward by on eighth note. The subdivision of the two
measures is 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 2 for the 3-2 clave, and 1 + 3 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 2 for the 2-3 clave.
2.74
c .. .
.. .. .
..
The following variations are created by delaying the last note on the 3 side combined with all three
versions of the 2 side.
2.75
c .. .
.
J
.. ..
.. .
.
J
.. .
.
J
.
J
.
J
.. ..
.. .. .
.
J
..
J
.
J
.
J
..
J
.
J
..
J
The clave is a structural building block of many Latin styles of music, and while not structurally as significant, does occur frequently in swing and jazz styles. Charlie Parker used the 3-2 variation b several times
on Moose the Mooch. Ex. 2.76 shows the opening two measures establishing the clave. Ex. 2.77 shows
mm.15-16, the two measures preceding the bridge, and ex. 2.78 show the last two measures of the piece.
40
Chapter 2
2.76
3-2 Clave
& b c J J
2.77
3
#
J
3-2 Clave
b
&b c
j J
# n
j j
2.78
3-2 Clave
& b c b J
3
J 3
The 2-3 clave with the same variation b can be heard in the next two quite different examples. Ex. 2.79 is
the pre-Jay Leno theme for the Tonight Show, Heres Johnny, written by Paul Anka and Johnny Carson.
The second is the bass ostinato from Herbie Hancocks Chameleon. Chameleon may not look like the
same rhythm as it is written with sixteenths and eighths rather than eighths and quarters.
2.79
TV theme:
& c .
2.80
?c
.
>j . . . . b . b . >j . . b . . b . b J >j . . .
b n
. b n .
. b n . b . J .
Chapter 2
41
ODD METERS
Odd meters have occasionally become fashionable, but the majority of the music played when jazz musicians get together is still in 44 and 34. Hank Levy, Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, and others have
15
21
come up with music in a variety of meters including 54, 47 and 78 , 11
8 , 16 , and even 8 . As odd as these meters seem, they are all created by different combinations of twos and threes in a measure. One of the
more famous odd time signature jazz compositions is Paul Desmonds Take Five, played by the Dave
Brubeck Quartet. The 45 measure is much like a jazz waltz with an extra two beat answer. If you sing who
parked the car? for a jazz waltz, add the answer I did to hear a 45 groove like Take Five.
2.81
Ostinato
b
j
& b b b b b 45 ..
E bm 7
? b b b 5 ..
bb b 4
J
E bm 7
J
b
B m7
b
B m7
..
..
MIXED METERS
Some jazz compositions are created using a variety of meters within phrases, and others where the meters may shift at different structural points in the form. Few of these compositions work their way into the
mainstream of jazz literature and are rarely called casually at jam sessions. This is more a reflection of
their complexity and intricacy rather than any lack of musical merit. The following is an example of a
mixed meter piece. The piece floats on an ostinato moving from 34 to 44 to 24. The ostinato could have
been written in 94 but the mixed meter notation assists visualizing the metric subdivision. The piece shifts
from this ostinato to other meters including: 34 and 44, 83 and 68.
2.82
& 34 .. ...
.
? 34 ..
44 . j
... #
44
J
24
24 #
..
..
What has endured more than the practice of improvising in mixed meters is the practice of playing in 34
and 44 which allows the soloist and the rhythm section the freedom to imply all combinations of mixed
meters over the top. Syncopation is not confined to a predetermined grouping or mixed meter.
42
Chapter 2
Read them in time with a metronome either tapping or singing do or dot with
the figures.
Tap the lines with one hand and tap the negative space with another
Tap your hands alternating RLRL and use accents to play the rhythm exercises
Compose one-part rhythm pieces using excerpts from the rhythm exercises and
have class perform
Compose two-part rhythm pieces using excerpts from the rhythm exercises and
have class perform
Sing or tap the rhythms and have individuals improvise in the two measure rests
For understanding and recognizing sixteenth note rhythms, transpose selected or all
exercises to sixteenths and practice as before
Exercise 2.1 begins with a dotted quarter pulse imposed over two measures of 44. The first and alternating
dotted quarter notes are replaced with a quarter and eighth note creating a (2 + 1) + 3 rhythm in the
second line. The first and alternating dotted quarter notes are replaced with an eighth and a quarter
creating a (1 + 2) + 3 rhythm in the third line. The first and alternating dotted quarter notes are replaced with three eighth notes creating a (1 + 1 + 1) + 3 rhythm in the fourth line.
Chapter 2
43
Exercise 2.1
c .
J
. .
J
J
.
J
J
.
J
.
J
. . .
J
J
.
J
J
.
J J J J
J
.
J
J J
J
c . .
J
J
.
.
J
.
J
. .
J
J
.
J
.
J
.
J
44
Chapter 2
Exercise 2.1 was based on replacing the first and every other dotted quarter by another combination
equal to three. Exercise 2.5 replaces the second dotted quarter value and every other one with another
combination. The first line begins 3 + (2 + 1), the second 3 + (1 + 2), and the third, 3 + (1 + 1+ 1).
Exercise 2.5
c .
.
J
J
J
J
.
J
c .
.
J
.
J
Chapter 2
45
.
J
J
J
J
J
Exercise 2.8 is based on exercise 2.1. In this exercise every dotted quarter note is replaced by a combination of 2 + 1. The second line is displaced by an eighth note and the third by a quarter note.
Exercise 2.8
c
J
J
J
Exercise 2.9 is also based on exercise 2.1. In this exercise every dotted quarter note is replaced by a
combination of 1 + 2. The second line is displaced by an eighth note and the third by a quarter note.
Exercise 2.9
c
J
J
J
J
The possible combinations of 3 for a dotted quarter note (2 +1, 1 + 2, and 1 + 1 + 1), the possible displacements on any beat or upbeat in the measure, and combinations with quarter note values create a
nearly infinite number of rhythms. Familiarization with these exercises will help create rhythmic confidence and inspire more experimentation.
46
Chapter 2
These rhythms in exercise 2.10 are found in many funk, pop, Latin and jazz tunes. The eighth note pairs
are placed every three beats. The three beat rhythm shown above the eighth note line is the augmentation of the dotted quarter notes in exercise 2.1.
Exercise 2.10
Much of the music written in pop, funk and Latin styles is written with sixteenth note subdivision. Well
rounded musicians need to be adept at reading and writing these rhythms. The dotted quarter superimposition becomes a dotted sixteenth in the following exercise. Exercise 2.11 is the rhythmic diminution
of exercise 2.1. It is recommended that all of the previous rhythmic reading and dictation exercises be
rewritten in their diminished form to facilitate the reading of sixteenth note subdivisions.
Exercise 2.11
c . . .
.
J
Chapter 2
47
The first set of exercises was based on the superimposition of dotted quarter notes over 44 time. The
clave beat is another rhythm pattern to which combinations of 2 + 1, 1 + 2, and 1 + 1 + 1 can be substituted for the dotted quarter notes. Some variations are shown below.
Exercise 2.12: Variations of the 3-2 & 2-3 clave.
.
J
.
J
.
J
.
J
.
J
J
.
J
J
J
J
Transcribe rhythms from jazz performances, Latin and pop music. Analyze the
combinations of twos and threes. Experiment with displacement by eighth notes
and quarter notes.
Take simple rhythms from speech patterns and notate. Experiment with displacement by eighth notes and quarter notes.
Take simple rhythms created with quarter and eighth notes and rewrite using eighth
and sixteenth notes. Practice reading and recognizing the same rhythms written in
any form.
Take the previous exercises and rewrite using sixteenths and eighth notes.
Take the previous exercises and notate and practice reading the negative space
rhythms.
48
Chapter 2
READING EXERCISES
Here are several exercises using a mixture of rhythms. Try singing or tapping these rhythms while tapping a steady beat with your other hand or foot. Be sure to practice with the metronome and practice a
variety of tempos.
Reading Exercise 2.1
J
J
J
J
.
J
Chapter 2
49
J
.
c
J
J
.
.
J
J
J
J
Jazz Theory Resources
50
Chapter 2
c .
.
J
c . . . . .
J
J
.
J
. .
J
. .
.
J
Chapter 2
51
c
J
J
. .
J
. . . .
J
J
J
. .
J
. .
J
c
.
J
.
.
J
. .
J
. .
J
c . . . . . . .
J
J J
J
J
J
J
.
J
52
Chapter 3
III.
TONALITY
What is and what creates tonality? How can C major and A minor share the same pitches and what
makes one hear C as the tonic of C major and A as the tonic of A minor? Tonality is created when one
pitch sounds more important and more stable than all the surrounding pitches. This pitch is called
tonic. It is the center of the musical organization and the other pitches often seem to progress towards
this pitch. The tonic is not always the first pitch sounded in the musical setting, but is often the last. It
may not be the pitch that occurs with the most frequency, but it will occur at significant rhythmic and
structural points, which not only establishes its importance, but also facilitates the establishment of meter.
A second pitch, a perfect fifth above or perfect fourth below the tonic pitch is often used to establish the
tonic as the primary center. This pitch, called the dominant, may occur more often in the piece than
the tonic, but often occurs in a rhythmic position which points to the tonic pitch. This dominant pitch
is the second overtone or the third note of the harmonic series, and its relationship to acoustics may be
why the dominanttonic relationship is universal and not limited to the European major/minor system.
The dominant is the third pitch of the harmonic series and the first pitch of the series that is not the
fundamental pitch, and within the series, is bordered above and below by the fundamental pitch.
3.1
Harmonic series
&
10
11
b n
12
13
16
14
15
= approximate pitch
The tonic is established in the example below, by the repeated B rising and falling to the E. The rhythmic placement suggests a three beat meter. The B, the dominant pitch, occurs more often than the E,
but the E has a sense of finality and stability. The meter is not determined by what is written on the staff,
but rather, how we experience the placement of the important notes determines how it is written on the
staff. Here the two important notes occur every three beats, and the musicthe aural experience, not
just the notation, suggests the meter.
3.2
.
&
Chapter 3
53
Ex. 3.2 established E as tonic, but is it E major or E minor? Most people tend to identify it as being in E
major even though no pitch that would determine either major or minor has been sounded. The reason
may be related to the overtone series in that the fifth note of the series is a major third and is often
heard even when absent. This example needs a third pitch to definitively establish the modality as either major or minor. The pitch that determines the modality is the mediant, the middle note between
dominant and tonic.
Tonality, by definition, indicates a hierarchy of pitches, where one pitch is more stable than all the others. This means that not all pitches have the same importance in a tonal musical setting. What are the
three most important pitches? Students with some training in European harmonic theory are quick to
inaccurately respond I, IV, and V, referring to the triads on the first, fourth and fifth degrees of a major
scale. Some wrongly list a leading tone pitch, but a leading tone pitch is not present in all modes. Tonal
music existed long before any system of harmonic progression was developed. The three most important pitches are the tonic (the home pitch), the dominant (a perfect fifth above the tonic), and the mediant (which determines modality, either major or minor). A piece may be tonal and not necessarily in
the major/minor system. There are pieces that may be in other major and minor modes or highly
chromatic implying major or minor, but still imply one pitch as the center of the musical structure.
Tonality is established in the selection below by the initial dominant to tonic statement. E sounds like
the home pitch because it is preceded by its dominant and it is held for a longer duration. The E occurs
two more times in the first full measure and begins the second measure. B, the dominant pitch, occurs
three times in the second measure and begins the third. The mediant is heard for the first time in the
third measure establishing the modality as minor and not major. The line ends tonic-dominant-tonic,
reinforcing E as the primary pitch. The meter (not shown) is clearly audible due to the placement of the
tonic and dominant and their relative durations. A glance at this melody with no sharps or flats might
suggest C major or its relative minor A. The melody itself suggests E as the tonal center. No chords
needed to hear E as the tonic. This melody is in the key of E phrygian, one of the minor modes that will
be discussed in chapter 12.
3.3
.
R
&
M T
T D
C would not be heard as tonic in the first phrase of Amazing Grace, shown below, even though it begins
and ends with C. The first C sounds like a pickup note to the F. C to F is the dominant to tonic relationship and makes the F sound like the home pitch. The establishment of F as tonic is reinforced by holding the F for two counts. The A in the second measure indicates this melody is in a major mode. The
four half notes in the example are the tonic, dominant and mediant. The G and D occur on weaker beats
and for shorter durations. This melody is in an F major mode, not because of key signatures or harmonic progressions, but because of placement of the three important pitches.
3.4
&
The three important pitches were placed in rhythmically significant places in these two examples from
Charlie Parker. In both, the underlying structure implied T-M-D-M-T, 1-3-5-3-1, or Do-Mi-So-Mi-Do. In
the first example, a G major tonality was clearly indicated using strictly melodic principles. G was established without depending on a harmonic progression, chordal instrument, or a written key signature. The
first one used only diatonic notes the second included some chromatic passing tones. Below each
melody are letters indicating the tonic, dominant and mediant pitches.
54
Chapter 3
3.5
Diatonic notes
&
D M
&
3.6
&
# b n b b
3
&c
Here are two examples from Bach and one from Mozart to further illustrate how the rhythmic placement of the tonic, dominant and mediant pitches aid the establishment of tonality and meter.
3.7
T T D M D T T M D T D M M D T T T D
D
D
T
#### 3
r
&
4
3.8
D T
D r
?# c
3.9
#
& c j j
Chapter 3
55
PITCH HIERARCHY
There are twelve pitches available within the European tuning system. Tonality, by definition, indicates
that all twelve pitches are not of equal importance. Here is a hierarchical list of the twelve pitches.
Primary Level
1.
TONIC: the home pitch. In tonal music, all other pitches ultimately point back to tonic.
2.
DOMINANT: This pitch a perfect fifth above the tonic is the primary pointer to the tonic.
3.
MEDIANT: If it is a major third above the tonic determines a major mode; a minor third above
the tonic determines minor.
Secondary Level
4.
All other diatonic pitches. The four remaining pitches in a typical seven note scale. These would
be the second, fourth, sixth and seventh degrees. They are defined by their relationship to the
three pitches above.
SUPERTONIC: The second note of the seven tone scale is above the tonic. It points back down
to the tonic and may occur in passing between the tonic and mediant.
SUBDOMINANT: The fourth note of a seven tone scale is a fifth below the tonic. It is not always
a perfect fifth below. It often occurs connecting the mediant and the dominant in ascending and
descending patterns.
The sixth and seventh are the connectors between the dominant and the tonic.
SUBMEDIANT: The sixth degree is the middle note between the tonic and the subdominant.
The seventh degree may be a half step or a whole step below the tonic.
SUBTONIC: Seventh scale tone, a whole step below the tonic.
LEADING TONE: Seventh scale tone, a half step below the tonic.
Tertiary Level
5.
The five remaining chromatic tones. These tones point to the seven tones above. The remaining
chromatic tones depend on the original diatonic mode. There are five, but with enharmonic
spelling there appears to be more. For example: in the key of C major, the five remaining
chromatic tones are easily visualized by imagining the five black keys on the piano. Careful use
of enharmonics may suggest ten chromatic tones. The pitch between C and D may be a C# when
ascending (C-C#-D) or a Db when descending (D-Db-C).
The most important reason to understand the pitch hierarchy is that it will aid in aural training and
recognition. Trying to hear and understand tonal melodies will be easier knowing that the pitches are
arranged naturally in a classifiable order. Learn the pitches in order of their importance and in relationship to tonic. The primary pitches will be the most prominent pitches in a line in both frequency of
occurrence and rhythmic placement. The secondary and tertiary pitches point back to the primary
pitches and will often occur on weaker beats and with lesser durations.
56
Chapter 3
EAR TRAINING
Ear training can be accomplished with three tasks: singing, writing, and reading. Sing in order to learn
the pitches and their relationships; write melodies by listening to an outside source or memory, identifying and writing the pitches on paper; and read and reproduce written music. Writing the pitches down
without the hunting and pecking at notes on your instrument requires that one really knows and recognizes the pitches. Systematically singing of the pitches prepares one for melodic dictation. Writing
simple melodies will help make the associations between the notation and the written that will aid with
accurate reading in musical performance. These are the three areas that all musicians strive to master.
Practice making the connections between all three skills. When looking at written music, imagine how it
sounds and how it physically feels to play it; when hearing music imagine what it looks like on the page
and how it would physically feel; and when playing, listen intently and imagine what it looks like on the
page.
There is always some discussion as to what syllables to sing. Some advocate the use of solfge with a
movable DO which for a major scale would be: Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do; and for a minor scale: La Ti
Do Re Mi Fa So La. This solfge system keeps the half steps between Mi and Fa and Ti and Do for all
circumstances.
Others prefer singing numbers. Advocates of using numbers make a good point that in all other
discussions of music theory we refer to numbers. Scale degrees and diatonic scale chords are number in
relationship to tonic which is labeled one. All intervals are described by numbers. The argument is, if
so much of theory discussion is based on numbers then it should be reinforced during ear training. The
major drawback is that getting the syllables out can be cumbersome, especially with the two syllable
word seven.
I advocate using something simple to sing and while singing imagine the numerical relationships. So instead of a movable DO, I advocate the use of a movable Doo, using Doo for all pitches, and for
faster passages Doo-be doo-be doo, of course. The important thing is to be able to hear the pitches
correctly not whether you sing the proper syllable. If syllables or numbers are used to strengthen the
comprehension of pitches, then I support the process. If too much emphasis gets put on the learning of
syllables and not the learning of pitch relations, then it is a waste of time. I once visited an ear training
class where a student was asked to sight sing a particular passage. The student actually sang the correct
pitches, but stumbled trying to remember the solfge syllables. He was told by his teacher that he performed incorrectly and the next student was called on. The instructor lost the focus of the exercise by
correcting the solfge syllables and not praising the accurately sung pitches. The solfge system is a tool
to aid in the learning of the pitches.
&c
Chapter 3
57
Sing the 3rd (major) along with 1 & 5. Sing scale passages from the tonic to the dominant and return.
&
Be able to hear and sing the 5 & 3 above or below the tonic pitch.
&
Find the supertonic (2) above the tonic: between the 1 & 3, and below 3.
&
Find the subdominant (4) above the 3: between the 3 & 5. Hear the 2 and 4 in the scale between 1 & 5.
&
&
&
MINOR KEYS
Begin to establish the C (or any tone) as tonic by singing the tonic and the dominant, 1 & 5.
&c
58
Chapter 3
Sing the 3rd (minor) along with 1 & 5. Sing scale passages from the tonic to the dominant and return.
& b
b b
b b
Be able to hear and sing the 5 & 3 above or below the tonic pitch.
& b
b
b
b b
Find the supertonic (2) above the tonic: between the 1 & 3, and below 3.
&
b b
Find the subdominant (4) above the 3: between the 3 & 5. Hear the 2 and 4 in the scale between 1 & 5.
& b b
b b
b b b
& b
b b
b
Hear the 6 & 7 passing between the tonic and dominant. What are your initial instincts? Do you hear a
different version when ascending and descending? Sing the way you hear it first and learn other patterns
based on what you normally hear.
&
n n
b b n n
Chapter 3
59
If a note sounds stable, chances are it belongs to the primary level of pitches. That narrows
the choice to one of three notes.
If the note sounds a little less stable or transient, is probably is from the secondary level of
pitches. The choices are narrowed to four pitches. This pitch probably moves to a pitch
from the primary level, so listen ahead and then work back. If the note resolves down a step
to the dominant, then the note in question must have been the sixth degree.
The deductive reasoning will lead to familiarity. With practice, longer lines of transient and stable
pitches will be easier to hear and notate.
Here is a list of tunes for transcription practice. The list is comprised of folk, childhood, holiday, and
patriotic songs. The list is from my middle America background. You may want to amplify the list with
tunes from your own region, nation, holidays and childhood if they differ greatly from this list. Consult
the National Endowment for the Arts Songs of the Century list for additional melodies. These are
tunes memorized from childhood so musical dictation from an outside source is not necessary. Work
can be done anywhere without electrical devices or computers. You will need a pencil, paper, and until
your skills get better, an eraser. This is an activity you could do with colleagues or alone. Your work can
be easily checked after writing by playing them on your instruments.
Since the most important pitch in tonal music is the tonic, aurally identify the tonic first. Without the
tonic, the other notes are meaningless. Not all tunes begin on tonic. These beginning level writing tunes
usually begin on one of the three primary pitches and usually gravitate towards the tonic very soon. Sing
the melody until you can identify the tonic pitch. Return to the beginning of the piece and determine if
the first pitch is the tonic or another pitch. You may have to sing with numbers up or down the scale until you identify the first pitch. Does the first note begin on the downbeat or does it begin with a pickup?
Is the meter in two, three or four? Finish the melody listening to the intervals related to the tonic pitch
in the piece.
These exercises may seem simple, but you may be surprised at how much practice is needed to write
these tunes quickly and accurately. It requires the command of all fundamental music skills, the most
important being recognition of tonic and basic meter. If any skill area is weak, these exercises provide
some necessary drilling and training.
60
Chapter 3
Practice writing and sight singing every day. Make yourself work quickly and accurately when writing
melodies. Find weaknesses and work out the problems. If these tunes are too easy, there is plenty of
recorded music to transcribe for ear training. These tunes are a much easier place to start than a five
minute blistering improvisation by John Coltrane, Clifford Brown or Michael Brecker.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
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84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
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94.
95.
96.
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98.
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101.
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126.
127.
128.
129.
130.
131.
132.
133.
134.
135.
136.
137.
138.
139.
140.
141.
142.
143.
144.
145.
146.
147.
148.
149.
150.
151.
152.
153.
154.
155.
156.
157.
158.
159.
160.
161.
162.
163.
164.
165.
166.
167.
168.
169.
Oh, Susanna
Oh, Where, Oh Where Has My
Little Dog Gone?
Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Old Rugged Cross
On Top of Old Smokey
Onward Christian Soldiers
Polly Wolly Doodle
Pop! Goes the Weasel!
Puff The Magic Dragon
Rain Barrel
Rakes of Mallow
Red River Valley
Rock My Soul (In The Bosom
of Abraham)
Rock-A-Bye Baby
Row, Row, Row, Your Boat
Rudolf The Red-Nosed
Reindeer
Sail Navy
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Scarborough Fair
Scotlands Burning
Sentimental Journey
Shall We Gather At The River
Shell Be Comin Round The
Mountain
Shoo Fly
Shortnin Bread
Silent Night
Skip To My Lou
Sleigh Ride
Star Spangled Banner
Stars And Stripes Forever
Streets of Laredo
Swanee River
Sweet Betsy From Pike.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
This Old Man
Three Blind Mice
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Voluntary
Wayfaring Stranger
We Three Kings
We Wish You a Merry
Christmas
What a Friend We Have in
Jesus
What Child Is This?
When Irish Eyes are Smiling
When Johnny Comes Marching
Home
When The Saints Go Marching
In
Where Has My Little Dog
Gone?
While Strolling Through The
Park One Day
White Christmas
Winter Wonderland
Yankee Doodle
You Are My Sunshine
Zip-A-Di-Doo-Dah
Chapter 3
61
Every semester I begin the first jazz theory class asking students to write a simple melody such as the one
that is sung on birthdays or O Tannenbaum. Looks around the class suggest they wonder how this
connects to the study of jazz. A surprising number of music majors have trouble with these basic skills. If
the student is unable to hear and notate simple melodies they have sung all their lives, it suggests they
will have trouble hearing more complicated jazz lines from the literature and from their own imaginations. If it takes five minutes to pick out one of these simple tunes, how long will it take to imagine four
chorus of blues in Bb? How well equipped are they to transcribe from memory if the quarter note was
around 240+?
Here is an example of how the exercise might work if we picked O Tannenbaum as the first tune to
transcribe and notate in the key of F major. Sing the phrase through and identify the pitch that sounds
like the stable home pitch. The last pitch in this phrase feels like the tonic. Sing the opening again. Is it
the same pitch? No, it sounds lower. The first guess is that the pickup note should be either the dominant or the mediant because they are the most common remaining primary pitches. If you have trouble
immediately identifying the opening pitch as the dominant, then try starting at the tonic and sing down
until you find the correct pitch: 1-7-6-5-6-7-1, 1-5-1.
Does the melody begin on the beat? How many beats in each measure? It begins with a quarter note
pickup and the meter is three beats per measure. Learn to hear the rest of the melody as intervals related to the tonic. Do not concentrate on hearing the intervals between adjacent pitches. The A in m.2
should be heard as a major 3rd above the tonic, not a second above the preceding note. The last four
notes should be heard as 4-7-2-1, all notes related to the tonic; not as the intervals diminished fifth, minor third, major second.
3.10
Correct
& b 34
. .
Incorrect
& b c .
This melody also sounds correct, but it is notated in the key of Bb major, regardless of what the key
signature suggests. Do not assume that all tunes begin on tonic.
3.12
& b 34
Incorrect
. . . J b
62
Chapter 3
&
P4
P4
P4
P4
P4
P4
Everyone seems to remember the major sixth interval with NBC, My Bonnie, or Take the A
Train. There are four major sixth intervals within the major scale. Which ones correspond to these
tunes? These melodies use the major sixth interval from the dominant to the mediant, 5 up to 3. Those
tunes do not help anyone to hear the other major sixth intervals found in the major scale.
Major Sixth Intervals in C Major Scale:
&
M6
M6
M6
M6
In another visit to an ear training class, I witnessed a teacher who played a C and asked a student to sing
a major sixth interval. The teacher wanted the student to sing C then a major sixth above, A. The student
sang a G and then an E. Clearly the student heard the C as tonic, remembered tunes for recalling a major sixth, and promptly and correctly sang the dominant and the mediant in the key of C. The teacher
told him he was wrong with no explanation, and went on to the next student. The student learned nothing. He had actually sung the correct interval according to the way he was taught and should have been
rewarded.
Chapter 3
63
Examine the intervals in the familiar melody below. The numbers below each note represent the intervallic relationship to the tonic note C. Great confusion can arise from trying to imagine the intervals between adjacent pitches independent of the tonic key.
The melody begins with a major sixth interval (a.) from 5 to 1, and since this is one of the tunes used to
illustrate that interval, it should be easy to hear.
Two tunes are commonly used to learn the descending minor third: America the Beautiful, and The
Star Spangled Banner. Both of these tunes begin with the minor third interval between 5 and 3. The descending minor third interval at (b.) is between the tonic and the submediant. In order to imagine either of the helper tunes, one would have to imagine F as the tonic in the middle of this passage in C major.
The perfect fifth is often remembered from Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. At (c.), one would have to hear
G as tonic in order to sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star to find the perfect fifth.
All of the tunes used to remember a perfect fourth use the perfect fourth between tonic and dominant
(5-1). At (d.), the perfect fourth interval is from submediant to supertonic (6-2). One would have to hear
D major as the tonic key to find the perfect fourth interval at (d.).
The B section begins with a perfect fourth followed by a minor third and another perfect fourth. Using
the tunes as reference, one would have to imagine C major, F major and D major in order to find the
correct intervals if one is thinking only intervals between adjacent pitches.
To hear intervals between adjacent pitches in this very short and simple piece requires thinking not
only in the actual key of C major, but also in F major. D major and in G major. It is no wonder that students have trouble with melodic dictation when trying to use this method. It defies the logic of tonal
music, the very music they are trying to master by the exercise.
3.13
a.
b.
.
&
3
c.
j . j
j . .
& 68
e.
& .
2 1
g.
d.
2 1
j
5
.
1
f.
5
& .
5
.
1
.
6
There are endless examples proving how ineffective trying to hear melodies by relating intervals between adjacent pitches. It may be fun to make up a mnemonic list of tunes to remember the individual
intervals, but it would be more useful to remember how those intervals relate to the tonic.
64
Chapter 3
Here is a simple folk song that could have been included on the list. The simple structure is shown on
the bottom line. It might be easier to hear just the downbeats and then fill in the other pitches that lead
to the downbeats. Learn to hear the melody as intervals (as shown) related to the tonic pitch.
3.14
&c
&c
&
P5
M3
P4
P5
M6
M6
M3
&
&w
&
M3
P4
M3
M2
M3
M2
M3
M3
P4
M3
M2
M3
M2
M2
P5
P5
M6
P5
P5
M3
P4
M3
P5
M6
P5
&
M3
M3
M3
&w
M3
M2
M3
M2
APPLICATION
It is important to learn to apply the principles of tonal melodies to improvisations and composing.
Before attempting to address the intricacies of melodic writing involving harmonic implications, it
would be beneficial to gain some expertise and confidence with simple melodies based on the tonic,
dominant and mediant pitches.
Have you seen an artist draw a portrait of someone? They do not begin with the intricate details of the
eyelashes. A series of decisions are made before beginning. The first decision is how big the canvas will
be and how much space the face will cover on the canvas. They plan the space first so that later they do
not wish for a larger canvas or find they have 80% blank space left. The most general shapes are
sketched out lightly; an oval for the face and simple lines for neck and shoulders. From this basic
framework, the artist begins to fine tune and pay closer attention to the details and unique features.
Inventing a melody can be a similar process to the portrait painting example. How long should the
melody be? What are its high and low points and do they fit on the canvas (instrument)? What is the
simplest framework for the line? How can the simple framework be elaborated to create an interesting
melody.
Chapter 3
65
Amazing Grace is a simply constructed melody that can be used as a model for this discussion. The
melody is shown on the top line in ex. 3.15 and a simple framework is shown on the bottom line. All of
the important notes have long rhythmic values, occur on strong beats, and consist of the three primary
pitches: tonic, dominant and mediant. This melody immediately makes F sound like tonic with the
dominant note used as a pickup and the long rhythmic value given to F. The question of major or minor
is settled by the third beat of the first measure. The line is sixteen measures long. At the halfway point,
the resting note is the dominant, creating a sense that while relatively stable, there is more to come. The
melody winds down to the lower dominant before resolving back to the tonic. The general shape shown
on the bottom line creates an interesting palindrome*. It rises from the tonic to the dominant and
returns in the same way in reverse:
1-3-1-5-1-3-5 then 5-3-1-5-1-3-1.
The notes that make up the framework for this tune, and so many others on the list above, are adjacent
pitches (3, 4, 5 & 6) in the harmonic series.
*Palindrome: A word, phrase, verse, or sentence that reads the same backward or forward. For example: Ada, Civic, Deified, Mum, Otto, Radar, Rotator, Live Devil, Ergo ogre, Madam Im Adam,
Able was ere I saw Elba, Poor Dan is in a droop, A man a plan a canal: Panama, Lewd did I live &
evil did I dwel, Lid off a Daffodil
3.15
& b 34
& b 34
&b
& b .
&b
&b .
If the fundamental structure is strong then the results of melodically connecting the principal tones has
a strong chance for musical success. In addition to the three primary pitches, only two other pitches are
used to create Amazing Grace. G (2, or supertonic) is used in passing between tonic and the mediant; D
(6, or submediant) is used between the tonic and dominant. There is no leading tone or fourth degree of
the scale. These five tones make up one of the pentatonic scales.
66
Chapter 3
Try composing your own melody based on the Amazing Grace three note structure. Use the other four
diatonic pitches from the F major scale. Compose lines that have rhythmic character. Be aware of
phrasing: do not write sixteen measures of notes with no points of repose. In the beginning, try composing smooth motion throughout. With more experience, try some leaps and listen carefully to where the
leaps want to resolve. You may find that the leaps should happen after the main notes and that the main
notes should be approached by steps from above or below.
3.16
& b 34
& b 34 .
&b
& b .
&b c
&b c w
&b
&b w
A simple structure like this would work if transposed to minor. Compose versions in F minor in three
and in four beats per measure. When you compose in minor you have to decide the character of the
fifth and sixth degrees of the scale. It is perfectly musical to use the Db and Eb from the key signature. Do
you hear other pitches? Do they change depending on the direction of the melodic lines? Often the
fifth and sixth degrees of the minor scale are raised when ascending between the dominant and the
tonic and lowered when descending.
Chapter 3
3.18
67
Framework in F minor:
b
& b b b 34
b
& b b b 34 .
b
& b bb
b
& b bb .
3.19
Framework in F minor:
b
& b bb c
b
& b bb c w
b
& b bb
b
& b bb w
68
Chapter 3
Compose several simple frameworks for melodies using only the three primary pitches as shown below.
These pitches are the 3-6 and 8th pitches in the harmonic series in the first measure. The second set has
been transposed to the parallel minor. The primary melodic area should be within the perfect fifth between tonic and dominant. The higher tonic and the lower dominant then can be used for climactic or
dramatic reaches above and below the bracketed areas.
&b c
bbbb
Limit your lines to four or eight measures in length. Within the short phrase try to achieve a rise and fall
with a logical conclusion. Work on the framework until the simple shape is as pleasing as it can be without the aid of any elaborations. Many times when having difficulty composing melodies, composers try
more notes and more exciting elaborate rhythms in attempting to make the pieces more interesting.
Often times the flaw is not with the embellishments, it is with a weak underlying structure that no amount
of decoration can disguise. This is why the previous composing exercise was based on a proven framework from an existing melody.
Using the simple frameworks, compose several short melodies four to eight measures in length. In the
beginning, use only the diatonic pitches shown below. There are ten remaining chromatic pitches that
can be added to the assignments as skills progress.
&b c
bbbb
Chapter 4
IV.
Triadic Generalization
69
TRIADIC GENERALIZATION
This chapter will examine and analyze the use of the triad notes as linear melodic material that may be
used over harmonic progressions in a way that generalizes the harmony rather than specifically addressing each chord.
T ERTIAN T RIAD
A triad is often defined as three pitches sounding simultaneously (a chord) with the adjacent intervals
being separated by the interval of a major or minor third. This definition works well for a great deal of
music created in the nineteenth century and before, but does not explain many kinds of triads available
to composers from the twentieth century and beyond. A triad would be better defined as three simultaneously sounding pitches constructed using any variety of intervals. The most common would be the
triad whose adjacent intervals are separated by thirds called tertian triads. In chapter 13, there is a discussion of quartal triads constructed using intervals of fourths.
There are four types of tertian triads: major, minor, augmented and diminished. The diminished triad
has a diminished fifth, the augmented triad an augmented fifth. Only the major and minor triads have
perfect fifths and are therefore the only two triads considered stable in the tonal system. The notes of
these two triads are the primary pitches that create tonality and define modality: the tonic, dominant
and mediant. In the last chapter these notes were used to create melodies that defined the tonal center
and modality (major or minor) without consideration for harmonic conditions. These same notes are
the primary melodic pitches in most traditional harmonic settings.
TRIADIC GENERALIZATION
Jazz improvisers use these fundamental pitches to create melodies over the harmonic progressions even
when many of the notes contradict the vertical alignment of the chords and melodies. These vertical
contradictions are rarely heard as intolerable dissonances because music is performed and heard in a
linear form. Any vertical dissonances and contradictions tend to resolve through linear aspects of the
melodic lines.
The essence of a harmonic progression creates the stability of a tonal center, moves away forming varying degrees of tension, and then returns and re-establishes the primacy of the original tonic key area.
This is not very different from the function of a simple tonal melody. In a tonal melody the tonic is established by placement on strong structural beats and relationship to the dominant pitch. The melody
then moves away to less stable tones and ultimately returns to the tonic. Many jazz improvisers use similar concepts basing improvisations on the primary triadic tones and sometimes ignore the exact harmonic implications. Why does it work? The melodies and the harmonies function in similar manners by
creating, moving away and returning to the stable tonic area. Any vertical contradiction will just be a
part of the instability that ultimately is, in a linear fashion, resolved by the end of the phrase.
There is a tendency with many jazz improvisation students and some jazz educators to overemphasize
the vertical relationships of each melodic pitch to the specific chords. Playing melodies that specifically
70
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
address each chord in a harmonic progression is certainly a great part of jazz improvisation. Harmonic
specificity or harmonic generalization should not be chosen at the exclusion of the other. Both approaches are found throughout the history of jazz performance. Both approaches may be found in a
single improvisation, or within a single phrase.
Melodies can be harmonically specific or general. The primary pitches of the tertian triad are commonly used for linear melodic material in a way that generalizes the harmony. The intricacies of harmonic progressions and the relationships to harmonically specific lines will be covered in detail in subsequent chapters.
ELABORATION DEVICES
Triadic generalization does not mean that only three notes are being used, just that these three notes are
more important than the other diatonic and chromatic pitches. The same hierarchy of pitches discussed in the previous chapter is relevant to this discussion. If a triadic melody is to include more than
just the three triadic tones, some discussion of elaborating the basic three pitches is necessary.
There are many terms for auxiliary tones. Tones which elaborate the basic triadic tones are often called
non-essential tones to distinguish them from the essential triadic tones. This is an unfortunate designation as these tones are essential to the creation of an interesting melody. They are also known as auxiliary tones or non-harmonic tones. In traditional music, some auxiliary tones may be labeled as accented or unaccented depending on their rhythmic placement on or off the downbeat. In the
polyrhythmic settings common to jazz, this distinction is unnecessary and may prove confusing.
Auxiliary tones embellish the basic triadic tones and will be revisited in following chapters as they apply
to embellishing harmonically specific lines.
P ASSING T ONES
Passing tones (PT) are the diatonic and chromatic steps between the essential tones. In a chord, passing
tones are the diatonic notes between the chord members: C major triad = C (d) E (f) G (a b) C. In a
scale, the chromatic tones between the adjacent scale steps may be chromatic passing tones. A chromatic passing tone can be placed between adjacent diatonic tones a whole step apart. Any diatonic tone
can have a chromatic leading tone. C# is the chromatic leading tone to D and the chromatic passing
tone between Cn and D. Db is the chromatic passing tone between Dn and Cn. The difference between C#
and Db is the direction implied by the accidental. Chromatically altered tones tend to continue in the
direction in which they have been altered. Flatted notes are lowered and therefore tend to resolve
downward, sharped notes are raised and tend to resolve upward.. The chromatic scale is written two different ways to indicate the direction of the accidentals. Sharps are used when ascending and flats when
descending. Keep this principal in mind when writing music and the lines will be easier to read.
After identifying the primary triad pitches, a scale may be viewed as a triad with passing tones between
the primary pitches and a chromatic scale may be viewed as a diatonic scale with chromatic passing
tones.
C
& # # # # # b b b b b
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
71
Passing tones between Tonic (1) and Mediant (3) of a C major triad:
1-3
Diatonic PT
Diatonic and Chromatic PTs
C
&
PT
PT
PT
Passing tones between Mediant (3) and Dominant (5) of a C major triad:
3-5
Diatonic PT
Diatonic and Chromatic PTs
C
&
PT
PT
PT
Passing tones between Dominant (5) and Tonic (1) of a C major triad:
5-1
Diatonic PTs
C
&
5
PT PT
Passing tones between Tonic (1) and Mediant (3) of a C Minor triad:
1-3
Diatonic PT
Diatonic and Chromatic PTs
Cm
Cm
Cm
&
# b
PT
PT
PT
Passing tones between Mediant (3) and Dominant (5) of a C Minor triad:
3-5
Diatonic PT
Diatonic and Chromatic PTs
Cm
Cm
Cm
& b
PT
b #
3
PT
PT
Passing tones between Dominant (5) and Tonic (1) of a C Minor triad:
5-1
Diatonic PTs
Diatonic PTs
Cm
&
5
Cm
Cm
b b
n n
PT
PT
PT
PT
72
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
Diatonic passing tones can be illustrated in this excerpt from a Charlie Parker line. The notes of the G
triad are clearly delineated as they occur on the strong beats of the measure. The passing tones on the
up beats move the line to the next chord tones.
4.1
#
& c
CT PT CT PT CT CT PT CT
This excerpt from a Charlie Parker blues improvisation illustrates the combinations of diatonic and
chromatic passing tones between adjacent chord tones. The Gn is a diatonic passing tone between F and
A, followed by the chromatic passing tone G#. The chromatic G# creates more pull to the chord tone An.
The G# is not heard as a minor third of F (Ab), but as a raised pitch which wants to continue in the direction in which it has been altered. The Bb is a diatonic passing tone between An and C. The addition of
the Bn reverses the tendency of the Bb to point down as an upper neighbor tone to the A, and propels
the line up to the C.
4.2
& b c # n J
CT
PT
PT CT
PT
PT
CT
N EIGHBOR T ONES
Tones on either side of a primary pitch are called neighbor tones (NT). The common practice in most
music from the Baroque period to the present is to use the diatonic (from the scale or mode) upper
neighbor tone (UNT) and the chromatic lower neighbor tone (LNT). In some situations, the LNT may be
labeled a chromatic leading tone (LT). A diatonic instead of chromatic LNT may be found in some folk
and ethnic music which is often due to chromatic limitations of the instruments and not musical preferences.
It is easy to determine the LNT since it is chromatic. It will always be a half step below the tone to which
it points. It should be written with a different letter name and with either a sharp or a natural sign. F#, not
Gb is the LNT to Gn. A#, not Bb, is the LNT to Bn.
The UNT may be harder to determine and will change depending on the key signature, mode or scale. A
simple C major triad (C-E-G) will have different UNTs depending on the key signature and context. A C
major triad can be found as the tonic (I) in the key or C major, as the subdominant (IV) in the key of G
major, and as the dominant (V) in the key of F major or F minor.
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
73
A C major triad will have the same UNTs and LNTs in the key of C major or F major.
C as I in C
UNTs
C as V in F
UNTs
LNTs
&
#
n #
LNTs
C
&b
#
n #
The LNTs for the C major triad remain chromatic in the key of G major, but the UNT to E is an F# from
the key signature.
C as IV in G
UNTs
LNTs
& #
#
n #
If the C major triad is in the key of F minor, all of the diatonic UNTs are also chromatic.
C as V in F minor
C
b
& b bb b n b
#
n # n
The distinction is evident in Chopins choice of UNTs in this excerpt. The C7 chord is the dominant of
F minor and yields the Db, F and Ab as UNTs to the C, E and G. Note how the Bn, a chromatic LT, points
up to the Cn. The use of a Bb would have made the line want to move down to the Ab. Listen to how the
penultimate Bb points down to and finally resolves to the Ab.
4.3
b
n
& b b 128 n b
n
? b b 128
b
A C minor triad can be found as the supertonic chord (ii) in Bb major, the mediant (iii) in the key of Ab
major, and as the submediant (vi) of Eb major or the tonic of C minor (i). Notice how the UNTs change
according to the context. The UNT to the tonic is a whole step above when C minor is a ii, vi or i chord,
74
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
but as a iii chord the UNT is a half step above tonic. When C minor is a ii chord, the UNT to the G is An,
a whole step above, but when C minor is a vi, i or iii chord, the UNT is Ab.
Cm as ii in Bb
Cm as vi in Eb or i in C minor
Cm
Cm
Cm
Cm
b
bb
b
& b b n
&
#
b b
#
n
n
Cm as iii in Ab
Cm
Cm
b
& b bb b b b
#
n n
N EIGHBOR T ONE C OMBINATIONS
Neighbor tones are often found in combinations. These combination neighbor tone patterns have been
called double neighbor tones, changing tones, encircling, or enclosing tones. There are a limited number of possible patterns that involve the basic chord tone (CT) and both the upper neighbor tones
(UNT) and lower neighbor tones (LNT). The possible combinations are:
Combination
UNTLNTCT
CTUNTLNTCT
UNTCTLNTCT
Inverse
LNTUNTCT
CTLNTUNTCT
LNTCTUNTCT
UNTLNTCT
LNTUNTCT
C
&
UNTLNTCT
Cm
n b
b #
CTUNTLNTCT
C
&
#
#
# n
LNTUNTCT
Cm
&
# b
CTLNTUNTCT
C
# # n
n
Chapter 4
CTUNTLNTCT
Triadic Generalization
75
CTLNTUNTCT
Cm
Cm
&
b #
n
n
UNTCTLNTCT
# b b n b
n
LNTCTUNTCT
&
# #
UNTCTLNTCT
# # n n
LNTCTUNTCT
Cm
Cm
&
n b b b #
# b b n b n
Charlie Parker and Oscar Peterson ignored the individual harmonic details and generalized the tonic
triad in the following examples. The four note neighbor tone pattern follows the arpeggio. The first note
of the pattern is the UNT followed by the chord tone (CT), the LNT and the CT again, then a jump is
made to the next chord tones UNT.
4.4
A7
Dm7
G7
&
j
# #
4.5
#
# n
b c
&
n
n
As you can see from the following Beethoven example, this encircling idea is not new or unique to jazz.
The pattern is the same one used by Parker and Peterson: UNT-CT-LNT-CT.
4.6
b
&b c
n b # n # n
Chopins Etude No. 2, Op. 25 is an excellent study in the use of neighbor tones over simple triads.
Shown below are two short excerpts illustrating the simple F minor and Ab major triads embellished
identically in parallel phrases. The circled notes indicate the pitches of the triad. The chord tones, even
76
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
though surrounded by chromatic and diatonic neighbors are stressed due to their location on the
strong beats, and because all surrounding notes point back directly to the chord tones. If all the neighbor tones were removed, what remains is a quarter note triplet melody of the chord tones: 5-5-5-3-3-3-1.
4.7
b
& b bb c
j
n b
4.8
b
& b bb c
n n b j
Mozart used the pattern found in the Beethoven, Parker and Peterson examples, but added a leap away
to a chord tone and back to the original chord tone before continuing the sequence in the following two
examples. Leaping away to another chord tone is called an arpeggiated tone.
n b #
# j
& 8
4.9
4.10
. .
3
n
. #
&b 4
Lee Morgan made this line interesting with the use of chromatic encircling of an F minor triad. Like the
Chopin example, the chord tones 5-3-1 occur on the downbeats so that not only do the chromatic notes
resolve to the chord tones, but do so at significant rhythmic locations.
4.11
Fm
& c # b b n j
Tete Montoliu displaced the rhythmic accent in this syncopated example. He used a three note pattern
of UNT-LNT-CT.
4.12
& b c # n
F
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
77
Tom Harrell makes a case for practicing in all twelve keys in the next two examples. These are from different tunes, different tempos and a half-step apart. The melodic material is identical with the exception
of rhythmic displacement. These examples should inspire trying rhythmic displacement as a developmental tool in improvisation and practice. The encircling pattern is LNT-UNT-CT. Harrell encircled the
third and root of the chords in two octaves, but played the fifth of the chords without any embellishment.
4.13
4.14
Em 9
3
# # #
J
# #
&c
b
&c
3
b b b
b b b b
J
E m9
Joe Pass often used encircling patterns. In the following excerpt, Pass began a scale in the first measure,
but relied on the encircling pattern CT-LNT-UNT-CT for the rest of the passage.
4.15
Dm7
Encircling patterns
G7
C7
& # # n
b #
If the folk-ethnic sound is desired, then a combination of all diatonic neighbor tones may be called for
as in this modal melody.
4.16
& 128
? 128
j j j j
. J b J
r
#
.. r ..
r
#
..
..
j
j b .
r
#
..
..
The same neighbor tone pattern (CT-LNT-UNT-CT) used in the previous melody is used by Gluck in this
example using the notes from a major scale.
4.17
&c
Gluck: Orfeo
78
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
A RPEGGIATED T ONES
A simple stepwise line may be elaborated by leaping to other chord tones. The leap disrupts the calm of
the stepwise line providing angularity and dramatic interest. Arpeggiated tones can replace the upper or
lower neighbor tones as shown below.
4.18
Simple melody:
&
with PTs:
CHROMATIC APPROACHES
Chromatic approaches involve a diatonic note and a chromatically altered note leading to an essential
tone. It may begin with the diatonic tone followed by the chromatic tone as a passing tone into the essential tone, or it may begin with the chromatic tone then a diatonic neighbor tone leading to the essential tone. The chromaticism adds color to the lines and the additional pitches often add rhythmic
interest. The essential chord tones often occur on strong beats in the measure and may be chromatically approached from above or below.
4.19
&
n #
b
4.20
&
b n
n b
# b
A chromatic approach may be used in conjunction with other devices. In the example below, the simple
melodic fragment (GE) can be elaborated with the F as a passing tone. The D# can be added after the
passing tone to create a combination neighbor tone pattern. The chromatic approach (DD#) can be
added following the passing tone F to create one of the most common chromatic approaches.
4.21
&
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
79
&
The simple triadic line shown in the first three measures may be transformed with octave displacement
shown in the last three measures. The octave displacement adds range to the original idea and the leaps
allow for more dramatic expression.
4.23
&c
3
Leaps and octave displacement may be accompanied by other devices. The line below was created using
the triadic line from above with the octave displaced notes. The first chord tone is chromatically approached from below. The line jumps up to the upper octave for the second chord tone, leaps past it
and is chromatically approached . The next chord tones, the fifth and the third, are approached using
an identical pair of upper and lower neighbor tones. The octave displacement of basic pitches and the
addition of several chromatic approaches and neighbor tones has created a much more elaborate line,
but at the same time, the line retains an uncomplicated understructure. The reduction of the line shown
below illustrates the pure diatonic step construction of the elaborate line.
4.24
&c
# n
b
#
3
&c
()
()
80
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
&b c
4.26
# n
&b c
n
3
b
&b c
j # n
Brown chromatically approached the third (D), encircled the fifth (F) and root (Bb) with upper and
lower neighbor tones in this excerpt. The melodic fragment is based on the Bb major triad as Brown
seemed to ignore the specifics of the harmony. It would be misleading to analyze these tones according
to their vertical positions relating to the chords. The C# should not be analyzed as the raised root of
Cm, and the En as the major seventh of the F7 chord. They are better described as two chromatic leading tones to the third and fifth of the Bb triad.
Chapter 4
4.28
Triadic Generalization
81
b
&b c
Cm 7
F7
Dm 7
G7
It is doubtful that Clifford Brown conceived of the notes in this line as pitches related vertically to the
shown chords. Analyzing the tones vertically, the Bn and G# over a Gm, or a Bn over a C7 are senseless. It
is more likely that Brown used the tones from an F major triad as a generalization of the harmony and
approached each F major chord tone with its lower neighbor or leading tone.
4.29
Leading tones
Gm 7
C7
& b c n #
n
Here are two more examples of Bb triad generalization. In the first, Charlie Parker used leading tones
similarly to Browns previous example. In the second, Brown elaborated the triad with a few grace notes.
4.30
Bb
Gm 7
#
b
n
&b c
4.31
Cm 7
F7
Triadic generalization
b
&b c
Cm7
F7
j
#
Charlie Parker used a number of elaborative devices on an F major triad in the following excerpt. At a.,
Parker used a lower neighbor tone which is mirrored at b. with the use of an upper neighbor tone. The
primary pitches at c. and d. are the leap from C up to A. At c., the Cn was approached from its leading
tone Bn. The leap took the line past the target A, and sounded the Bb and G#, encircled the A with its upper and lower neighbor tones. Passing tones were played at e. between the descending chord tones.
4.32
e.
& b c n j # n j
n
82
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
Kenny Dorham began this phrase using the Bb triad pitches to generalize the harmony. In a subsequent
phrase, Dorham began with the identical pitches, but as the line continued, addressed more of the specific chord tones from the progression. It is important to note that there is rarely one single approach
used by any individual throughout an improvisation.
4.33
b
b
&b c
B
4.34
b
&b
b
&b
Harmonic Generalization
G7
Cm7
F7
Dm7
n #
G7
j .
Cm 7
F7
Harmonic Specificity
Bb
G7
Cm7
F7
Dm7
G7 b
F7
Cm7
c
n
B b7
Eb
E7
Bb
Cm 7
F7
3
b
# n
b
#
At the core of this line from a blues improvisation by Tete Montoliu is a simple line shown in the staff
below the excerpt. Montoliu used F as a pivot tone in the first measure. The D is an upper neighbor to
the C which was octave displacement in the second measure. The A in m.3 was preceded by its upper
and lower neighbor tone. The A in m.4 was approached from above and below finally through the G#.
4.35
F triadic Generalization
n
&b c
C7
b
#
# J
3
&b c
Tete Montoliu encircled the primary pitches of the F triad in ex. 4.36 from a blues improvisation. In ex.
4.37 Montoliu ignored the specific implications of the C7 chord and concentrated on chord tones from
the F triad. The A was chromatically approached from below, and after a descending F arpeggio, the A
was preceded by its upper and lower neighbor tone, followed by the chromatic encircling of the C.
4.36
F triadic Generalization
& b c # n
F
Chapter 4
4.37
&b c
Triadic Generalization
83
F triadic Generalization
C7 3
j
#
# n
.
Examining this next example may lead one to conclude that anything goes since all twelve pitches are
present in the line. All twelve pitches are used, but the chromaticism is not random. Each group of
chromatic tones points to a chord tone of the C triad. Each chord tone of the C triad occurs in strong
metric positions. The chromatic clusters create tension on the weaker beats which is resolved before
moving to the next chromatic cluster. Clarity exists from the metric placement of the triad pitches and
from the symmetry of the bracketed notes. The first two bracketed groups have identical intervals and
the third is an exact inversion.
4.38
C
&c
j
n
n #
#
84
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
The triad shape by itself may produce interesting melodic lines, but imaginative manipulation of the
triad may make the melodic lines more interesting.
The simple arpeggio below is hardly enough to make an interesting theme. With the addition of simple
developmental devices, Bach used this basic structure to create a memorable and workable theme for
the Two-part Invention No. 8. The ascending arpeggio is transformed into a broken chord with the
addition of the F as a pivot or pedal tone giving the first measure interesting angularity. The descending
arpeggio is transformed into a smoother line with the use of passing and upper neighbor tones. The
angular and smooth parts of the theme provide a contrast of musical ideas for development.
4.39
& b 34
The last nine pitches of the Bach theme can be changed to eighth note values and would be useful to
any jazz improviser:
4.40
&b c
Listen to what happens when the direction is changed. Upper neighbor tones are changed to lower
neighbor tones. The line is still clear and musical, and works in major or when transposed to the
parallel minor.
4.41
& c b
In minor
b b
Arpeggio tones could be inserted in place of the UNT tones, and the motive remains musical. This idea
is found in a John Coltrane improvisation.
4.42
Bach theme with arpeggio tones:
& b 34
&c
If the idea works in major will it work in minor? Below are three more variations of the idea: the
Coltrane line in minor, inverted in minor and in major. Listen to the Coltrane/Bach idea inverted and
in a major key: it begins to sound like the Shaker tune Simple Gifts.
Chapter 4
4.43
in minor
& c b
inverted in minor
b b
Triadic Generalization
85
inverted in major
Parker (a.) used chromatic passing tones to outline the F major triad in this excerpt from a blues improvisation. The F major triad pitches occurred on the strong beats. Lou Donaldson (b.) used almost the exact Parker line, adding only arpeggio tones. With the arpeggiated tones added to the Donaldson idea,
the result is a jazzy version of Simple Gifts.
4.44
a.
b.
b n b
& c # b n b
Shapes related to the Bach theme can be found in these Cannonball Adderley improvisation excerpts:
4.45
D7
& c #
j
4.46
Gm 7
& b c #
The previous line echoes this familiar melody:
4.47
b
& b c # J J
J J
J J
The following pages illustrate several of the many possible elaborations of the basic triad pitches
referenced to the C major and C minor tonic triads.
86
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
&
Mediant
Dominant
Leading tones (LT) and Lower Neighbor Tones (LNT) & Chord Tone (CT)
&
j
#
j
#
&
&
&
&
Chromatic Approach from UNT or LNT through a Chromatic Passing Tone (PT)
&
n #
&
n b
# b
n #
# n b
Approached with arpeggio leaping from other chord tones above or below
&
&
Leaping from one chord tone to a note above or below another, resolving in opposite direction of leap.
&
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
87
&
Mediant
Dominant
bw
Leading tones (LT) and Lower Neighbor Tones (LNT) & Chord Tone (CT)
j
n
&
j
b
j
b
j
#
j
b
&
&
n
b #
&
n
n b
b b
b #
b #
&
b b
b n b
Chromatic Approach from UNT or LNT through a Chromatic Passing Tone (PT)
&
b n
n b
&
n b
n b
b n n b
b #
# n n b
b n #
Approached with arpeggio leaping from other chord tones above or below
& b
b b
&
n n
Leaping from one chord tone to a note above or below another, resolving in opposite direction of leap.
&
88
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
PENTATONIC SCALE
One of the most common groups of notes or scales in universal music is the pentatonic scale. As the
name implies, a pentatonic scale is a five tone scale. The most typical pentatonic scale is really nothing
more than a major triad with two auxiliary tones. Pentatonic melodies are often merely triadic melodies
using only the two additional pitches for elaboration. Amazing Grace contains only these five pitches:
the tonic triad (primary pitches) and two additional tones (the second and sixth degrees). The major
pentatonic scale is two notes shy of the major scale; the missing notes being the fourth and seventh degrees. With the absence of those two most dissonant notes of the major scale, the tritone, the remaining
five notes are quite consonant. The relative consonance of the pentatonic scale may help to explain its
ubiquitous melodic use.
In the same way that major scales are related to minor scales, the major and minor pentatonic scales
are related. An F major pentatonic shares the pitches with D minor pentatonic.
4.48
F Major Pentatonic
&b c
D Minor Pentatonic
There are many modes and applications of pentatonic scales that go beyond triadic generalization that
are discussed in chapter 16.
BLUES SCALES
Is there really a blues scale? They, like many aspects of music theory may be the result of academic labeling and codification. There is a certain grain of truth to the existence of blues scales. A blues improvisation by Parker, Clifford Brown or Wynton Kelly may contain elements of what could be labeled a
blues scale, but the improvisations also draw on many other elements in the course of the improvisations. Also, many phrases that we would without a doubt call a blues lick may not be constructed strictly
using notes from the labeled blues scale. These blues licks would probably have elements found in blues
scales and triadic generalization. Blues scales are another form of triadic generalization.
What is commonly called the blues scale would be better labeled the minor blues scale. The example
below shows that an F minor blues scale is constructed from an F minor pentatonic scale with one
added chromatic tone. This means the minor blues scale is just as useful as the minor pentatonic for use
as triadic generalization material.
4.49
F Minor Pentatonic
b
& b bb c
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
89
Every high school jazz band member seems to know the minor blues scale. This may be because many
of their band directors know little else to teach them about jazz improvisation. Students are usually instructed to use this scale to improvise over Blues in F major. Up to a point, students will have fun playing this over a major blues, but after a while, the students intuitively begin to realize there is more to jazz
than just the minor blues scale. They also begin to sense the missing major third. After playing the minor third and fourth over and over they are ready to hear it resolve to the major third, but alas, it is not
in the scale given to them by their teacher. Knowing a major blues scale would help them play over F
major blues.
The major blues scale is nothing more than a major pentatonic with a chromatic tone added. The
chromatic tone will sound like a chromatic approach tone to the major third, or in another context, will
sound like a minor third. The two blues scales are related in the same way major and minor are related.
An F major blues scale has the same notes as an D minor blues scale. An F minor blues scale is related
to an Ab major blues scale. F major and F minor are parallel.
4.50
F Major Pentatonic
&b c
4.51
4.53
A b Major Pentatonic
b
& b bb c
F Minor Pentatonic
b
& b bb c
D Minor Pentatonic
&b c
4.52
Jazz artists will use the major and minor blues scales as colors but will mix them in with other concepts
and sounds.
Aside from the obvious application (minor blues for minor tunes, major blues for major tunes) a minor
blues scale can often be used in a major key, but it would be hard to find an example of major blues
played in a minor key setting. In a major context both blues scales are often called upon, so that in an F
major tune, F major or F minor blues scale may be heard. The imposition of the flatted third, flatted
fifth and flatted seventh from the minor blues scale, notes often labeled blue notes, creates a nice tension over the major harmony, which is often resolved to the major triad notes. One can tell quite a
good story just going back and forth between the woeful, gritty minor blues scale and the major blues
scale with the pretty notes, and still be relying on the basic triads for the underlying structure of the
improvisation.
90
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
BLUE NOTES
Blue notes can be more than just chromatic altered tones; they may be bent tones finding the in-between pitches not available in European equal tempered twelve tone chromatic scales. The easiest and
most common definition for blue notes includes the flatted third, seventh and fifth tones of a major
scale. You must listen to singers to understand the elastic quality of these pitches. Singers, guitarist, string
players, and many horn players can find the blue notes more easily than a pianist who is stuck with the
twelve keys on the piano. A blue note will not necessarily be a constant pitch: it may be approached and
departed by a slide and when held, the intonation may vary by a few cents for expression. There are
some outstanding R&B recordings that, depending on your perspective, are in either major or minor
keys. One guitarist may have played a dominant seventh chord with a major third in the left channel; in
the right channel another guitarist played a C minor seventh chord with a minor third; and the singer
sang a blue note third that was in between the major and minor third. Limited by the notation system,
the blue notes in the following examples will be labeled as b3, b7, and #4 or b5.
A blue third may occur in place of a major third. The occurrence of a blue flatted third over the major
chord creates a conflict with the major third that allows the expression of things not available with
equal tempered scales.
4.54
3-1
&b c
b .
3-2-1
These same pitches occur in D minor, the relative minor to F major. The Ab is now the flatted fifth.
4.55
5-3
Dm
Dm
&b c
b .
5-4-3
Dm
Dm
5-3
Fm
Fm
b
& b bb c
b .
5-4-3
Fm
Fm
b X
The flat seventh may be used over a major chord. It often mirrors the kinds of motion of the blue third.
The blue seventh and the blue third often point to the primary pitches tonic and dominant.
4.57
& b c b .
b .
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
91
The flatted fifth can point down the third or as a raised fourth up to the fifth. In this way they behave as
chromatic passing or leading tones, but in performance with vocal inflections may be appropriately detuned.
4.58
X
X >
> . b > .
b
.
b
c
b
b J
&
J
J
3
b n
Pianist may use grace notes to compensate for the inability of the piano to bend notes.
4.59
&b c
n b b
j
#
b
&b b c
4.61
J b j
J b j
b
&b c
4.62
J #
&b c
92
Chapter 4
4.63
Triadic Generalization
Major Blues Scale
b
J
3
# j
&b c
n
n
b
& b c J
n 3b
b
n b
&b
b b 3 b
b b
b
bb
J
B 7
J
b
b b 3
n b
b
J
Adderley also made the minor blues scale work over the Bb major blues progression.
4.65
b J b b j n b
b b b b
&c
Carl Fontana ignored the indicated chord progression and drove this minor blues scale through to an
exciting conclusion in this improvisation. Notice that at the end, the minor third is finally resolved to a
major third. It would be foolish to analyze each note in relationship to the chords above them. It would
be better to recognize the strength of the melodic line through the use of the minor blues scale as a
generalization, and the use of a repeated sequential idea that led to a logical conclusion.
4.66
b b b b b b
n
?c
D9
A7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
& c j b b n j
Jazz Theory Resources
Chapter 4
4.68
Triadic Generalization
93
b b
#
&c
b
3
Cm7
F7
b
& b c # n n # n
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The primary pitches in this line are the root, third and fifth of the Bb triad: Bb - D - F.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The same triadic generalization principles are can be effectivly applied when the progression is in a
minor key. The line below corresponds directly to the Bb major line above transposed to its relative minor. The progression in G minor is A7 - D7 - Gm (ii7 - V7 - i). The line is created generalizing the G
minor triad. As before, any vertical dissonances should be analyzed and by their linear relationships to
the basic G minor triad pitches.
94
Chapter 4
Triadic Generalization
4.70
#
b
# n b #
&b c
A7
1.
D7
2.
3.
Gm
4.
5.
The primary pitches in this line are the root, third and fifth of the G minor triad: G - Bb - D.
Bb is approached through its leading tone A
G is preceded by its lower and upper neighbor tones (F# & A)
D is sounded, then its upper and lower neighbor tones (Eb & C#), then D returns
Bb is approached by its lower neighbor tone (A) and from above through the chromatic
passing tone Bn . The chromatic approach is different here than in the preceding
example. (This approach is to a minor third, the previous was to a major third, so the
shapes must be inverted.)
G is preceded by its lower and upper neighbor tones (F# & A)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Sometimes the linear and vertical analysis will agree. Most of the notes in the second measure above
could be labeled as chord tones of the D7 chord: Root - 5th - 7th - PT or n13 - b13 - 3rd - 5th. But when
examining the melodic line as a whole, the analysis as tones related to the G minor triad proves more
significant.
It seems an impossible task to improvise melodic lines at any tempo by thinking of each individual
pitch. Successful lines would be difficult to achieve. This would be analogous to conceiving of a sentence
thinking of individual syllables. It would probably lead to incomprehensible results. A better strategy
would be to conceive melodic shapes of single pitches with larger rhythmic units (basic triad pitches)
and the tones that surround and point to those pitches (neighbor tones). This would mirror the creation
of sentences out of noun and verb groups and their modifiers. In your analysis of melodic material, be
prepared to encounter many types of melodic lines. Be careful not to lose sight of the larger picture: if
one looks too closely at the vertical structures, the larger linear dimensions may be missed.
Triadic generalization as a tool for melodic invention requires the ability to recognize larger key areas
aurally and by written chord symbols. Many tunes used for improvisation by jazz musicians stay close
enough to the tonic key area that very large sections may be generalized. Other tunes shift and modulate
rapidly to remote keys areas before returning to the original key thus making generalization with a single
triad impossible, but may be possible to generalize within each of the remote keys. A study of harmonic
progressions is necessary to understand its impact on harmonically specific melodic develop
ment.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
Return the simple triadic forms in Chapter 3 and create new melodies incorporating
non-harmonic tones as illustrated in this chapter.
Practice exercises and study examples found in Comprehensive Technique for Jazz
Musicians, Chapter 3, Triads & Generalization.
Chapter 5
Diatonic Harmony
95
V. DIATONIC HARMONY
DIATONIC HARMONY: MAJOR
There are only seven basic spellings for all tertian triads. The seven pitches may be altered chromatically depending on the key signature. The basic triad spellings are created using every other letter in the
seven letter musical alphabet. It is important to memorize them to correctly identify and notate the triads. In jazz and modern music, the chord is usually extended beyond the triad by adding intervals of a
third. A tertian triad is spelled 1-3-5; a seventh chord adds a third beyond the fifth and is spelled 1-3-5-7;
a ninth chord is spelled 1-3-5-7-9; extended to the limit using seven diatonic pitches: 1-3-5-7-9-11-13. All
of these chords can theoretically be built on any degree of any scale, although some, as will be discovered, will be impractical.
ALL TERTIAN CHORD SPELLINGS
TRIAD
1 3 5
A C E
B D F
C E G
D F A
E G B
F A C
G B D
SEVENTH CHORD
1 3 5 7
A C E G
B D F A
C E G B
D F A C
E G B D
F A C E
G B D F
1
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
EXTENDED
3 5 7
C E G
D F A
E G B
F A C
G B D
A C E
B D F
TERTIAN
9 11 13
B D F
C E G
D F A
E G B
F A C
G B D
A C E
INVERSIONS
To determine the root of a tertian triad, the notes should be arranged as shown above. If the pitches C,
A and F are found, rearrange them in the order of thirds to produce FAC, an F triad. Often the triads will
not have the root as the lowest tone. When arranged with the third or fifth in the bass, the triads are said
to be inverted. With the third in the bass, the triad is in first inversion; with the fifth in the bass, the triad
is in second inversion.
5.1
C
&
Root
1st
2nd
1st
2nd
Cm
b
Root
b
1st
2nd
b
1st
2nd
96
Chapter 5
Diatonic Harmony
Seventh chords may be in third inversion where the seventh is in the bass.
5.2
&
Root
1st
2nd
3rd
It is extremely important to spell the triads correctly. A misspelled chord in a melody line or harmony
part will be harder to read and understand. It might sound exactly the same with alternate spellings, but
proper spellings should be adhered to. I call this the Ghoti principle. It is doubtful that any two people would pronounce Ghoti the same way, yet the sounds are commonly found in the English language. Pronounce Ghoti using the gh sound from enough, the o sound from women, and the ti
sound from motion. Ghoti would be more easily read if written as Fish. The triads below may sound
like C minor chords, but they are confusing to read as they are misspelled. A C triad must contain the
letters C, E and G. A C minor triad should be spelled C - Eb - G, not C - D# - G.
5.3
Cm ?
&
FUNCTIONAL HARMONY
From the definition of tonal music, it is understood that melodic pitches tend to gravitate towards a single pitch, the tonic, which is the center of the musical organization. If chords built from major and minor scales are combined in harmonic progressions, they typically progress towards the chord built on
the tonic. When progression of this kind are present, the harmony is said to function. Functional harmony is the chords working together in a progression pointing towards the tonic.
Most European music since the early Baroque has been based on a concept called the major/minor
system. This system depends on the tertian chords built on pitches from the major and harmonic minor scales in progressions of functional harmony. Roman numerals are associated with the seven different chords found in each key. This author prefers the custom of using upper case for chords with major
thirds, and lower case for chords with minor thirds. The series of available seventh chords diatonic to
the key of C major is shown below.
5.4
&
?
I(maj7)
ii7
iii7
IV(maj7)
V7
vi7
vii7
Chapter 5
Diatonic Harmony
97
The common shorthand method for labeling the chords from the key of C are shown below.
Cmaj7
I (maj7)
Dm7
ii7
Em7
iii7
Fmaj7
IV (maj7)
G7
V7
Am7
vi7
B7
vii7
If the music is in the key of C, then the chords are spelled and sound as shown above. Just as the intervals of major scales, the chords and their roman numerals remain constant when transposing to new
keys. A chord built on the first degree of any major scale is a major seventh chord; a chord built on the
second degree is always a minor seventh chord, and so on. If other chords occur on the same C major
scale degrees, but are different than what is shown above, then they are not in the key of C. A dominant
seventh chord could be built on the second degree of the C major scale: D - F# - A - C. This cannot be a
II7 chord in the key of C, as it contradicts the no sharps or flats definition of C major. Chords on the
second degree must be minor seventh chords (ii7). This D7 chord would be from the key of G major.
This can be determined by examining the chart above where the only scale degree that yields a dominant seventh chord is the fifth degree. The fifth degree of G is D, so a dominant chord built on D must
be from the key of G. The key can also be deduced by the F# from the key signature of G major. A minor
seventh chord could be built on the fifth note of a C major scale, but this Gm7 chord could not be in
the key of C as its third, Bb, contradicts the no sharps or flats definition C major. The Gm7 could be a ii7
chord in F, a iii7 chord in Eb, or a vi7 chord in the key of Bb.
Fill in the chart below in order to become more familiar with the specific chords in the thirteen major
keys. There are only twelve pitches in the chromatic scale, but the enharmonic equivalents Gb (6bs) and
F# (6#s) are listed below. The keys of Cb major (7bs) and C# major (7#s) have been omitted in favor of the
enharmonic equivalents of B major (5# s) and Db major (5b s). Be sure that the chords are spelled
correctly, and not with an incorrect enharmonic spelling. The V7 chord in Db major will be Ab7, not G#7.
The V7 chord of Gb and F# should be spelled with different roots even though they sound the same. After
filling out the chart, write out each of these chords in the thirteen major keys on staff paper. Do not
write the key signatures at the beginning of each line, instead, place each accidental in front of notes to
gain familiarity with the spelling of each chord.
KEY
C
F
Bb
Eb
Ab
Db
Gb
F#
B
E
A
D
G
Imaj7
Cmaj7
ii7
Dm7
iii7
Em7
IVmaj7
Fmaj7
V7
G7
vi7
Am7
vii7
B7
Looking at the chart above, you will notice that several chords function differently depending on their
key origins. A C major seventh chord may function as the I chord in C major, but also functions as the
IV chord in the key of G. Minor seventh chords occur as ii7, iii7 or vi7 chords. Dominant seventh
chords can only be found on the dominant (V7) pitch in each key. These are the most important
pointer chords to the key area and the tonic chord. This makes perfect sense as the dominant pitch
points to tonic, and the other pitches of a dominant seventh chord point to the other pitches of a tonic
triad.
98
Chapter 5
Diatonic Harmony
The half-diminished chord occurs only on the seventh degree of major keys. It is called half-diminished
because the basic triad is diminished (m3-m3) but the seventh is the interval of a minor seventh and
not a diminished seventh. This chord is sometimes called a minor 7 b5. This is a terribly ambiguous designation. A minor chord must have a perfect fifth in order to be minor, so it cannot be minor with a b5.
The b5 also implies that this chord is somehow altered from its natural state, yet it is found quite naturally on the seventh degree of every major scale. The symbol, meaning half-diminished, suggests the
chord has a 7th, so using 7 is redundant, but common.
INTERVAL
M3
m3
M3
M3
CONSTRUCTION
- m3 - M3
- M3 - m3
- m3 - M3
- m3 - M3
This chart can be used to identify the key when examining a set of chords from music. If the chord is a
V7 or vii7, the key will be easy to identify as they only occur on one degree of the scale. If a chord is a
major 7th, it could be the I or IV from two possible keys. If it is a minor seventh, it is from one of three
possible keys as a ii7, iii7 or vi7. The key can be determined when encountering major seventh or minor
seventh chords by examining the chords that surround them.
A Dm7 chord can be found as the ii7 chord of C major, the iii7 of Bb major and the vi7 of F major.
Chords occur by themselves only in theory classes; in a harmonic progression, there will be other
chords that will help identify the function and the indicated tonic. The dominant chord is the most useful for identification as there is only one per key. To determine the function of the Dm7 chord, look first
for the V7 of C (G7), the V7 of Bb (F7), and the V7 of F (C7) as they will clearly identify the key. If they
are not present, the other surrounding chords will help. Contrast the three types of chords built on E in
these three keys. In C = Em7 (iii7); in F = E7 (vii7); and in Bb = Ebmaj7 (IV). All are distinctly different
quality chords. The key should be easily determined by the combination of the Dm7 and whatever E
chord is present in the surrounding musical context.
An F major 7 chord could be the I of F or the IV of C. Dm7 chord could be the ii7 of C major, the iii7
of Bb major or the vi7 of F major. An Am7 chord might be the ii7 of G major, the iii7 of F major or the
vi7 of C major. What if they are all in one progression? Which of these four keys (F, C, Bb and G) is implied?
The Fmaj7 and Dm7 chords rule out the key of G. The Am7 and Fmaj7 rule out the key of Bb. That leaves
the keys of C and F. Without further chords, a single key cannot be determined. It could be either key as
shown below.
Key of C:
Am7
vi7
Fmaj7
IV
Dm7
ii7
Key of F:
iii7
vi7
Chapter 5
Diatonic Harmony
99
At least one more chord is needed in the progression to narrow the choice to just one key. What chords
are different between the two keys of F and C major? The difference between the two keys is the Bn in the
key of C, and the Bb in the key of F. One of the four seventh chords that contain a B is needed to make
the determination: BDFA, GBDF, EGBD or CEGB. In the key of F those chords would be Bbmaj7 (IV),
Gm7 (ii7), E7 (vii7), and C7 (V7). In C they would be B7 (vii7), G7 (V7), Em7 (iii), and Cmaj7 (I).
Anyone of these chords in combination with the three shown above would narrow the choice to only
one key.
I.
Practice the identification of chords by their relationship to home keys by quickly filling in the
blanks in the following exercises. (solutions shown on pages 114-115)
CHORD
C #7
b
E maj7
E7
Fm7
B b7
Fmaj7
A bm7
Cm7
CHORD
D bmaj7
D7
A7
Fmaj7
F#7
Am7
Cmaj7
C7
FUNCTION
ii7
V7
vii7
V7
IVmaj7
iii7
Imaj7
vi7
FUNCTION
ii7
KEY
F
Bb
CHORD
Dmaj7
A b7
G
Db
Eb
G
Gb
A
Dm7
ii7
iii7
V7
Gm7
B bmaj7
C #7
b
D maj7
IVmaj7
V7
ii7
KEY
Bb
Ab
CHORD
F7
b
A ma7
FUNCTION
V7
Imaj7
ii7
F
D
Ab
C
IVmaj7
V7
V7
iii7
Dm7
vii7
V7
iii7
vi7
vii7
FUNCTION
C
Db
E7
Bm7
C7
Gmaj7
Bm7
Fm7
KEY
D
C
F
Db
Gb
Bb
Db
Ab
KEY
Eb
Ab
G
A
vi7
ii7
IVmaj7
F
C
A
ii7
iii7
Ab
100
Chapter 5
CHORD
Cmaj7
Diatonic Harmony
FUNCTION
Imaj7
V7
Em7
E bmaj7
Gm7
Fm7
B bmaj7
G bmaj7
F#m7
II.
ii7
Imaj7
vi7
I
ii7
iii7
KEY
Ab
G
F#
Eb
CHORD
Em7
FUNCTION
Am7
C7
G7
D7
Ab
A
Db
vi7
V7
ii7
F
V7
ii7
V7
ii7
Dm7
Gmaj7
Dmaj7
KEY
D
Bb
V7
Imaj7
F
Bb
C
D
A
Identify the key that is home to the following combination of chords. Some combinations are
written more than once because they could be from more than one key.
CHORDS
Dm7 - Em7
F#m7 - G#m7
Am7 - Bbmaj7
Gmaj7 - A7
Dm7 - B7
Ebmaj7 - Gm7
Ebmaj7 - Gm7
FUNCTION
ii7 - iii7
KEY
C
CHORDS
Amaj7 - Dmaj7
D bmaj7 - Bbm7
D bmaj7 - Bbm7
Ebmaj7 - Dm7
Ebmaj7 - D7
Cm7 - F7
Gm7 - C7
FUNCTION
KEY
Chapter 5
Diatonic Harmony
101
&
?
b
b
Harmonic Minor
b b
b b
A2
&
?
b
b
A2
These chords are created from the C harmonic minor scale and are shown with the appropriate Roman
numerals. The chord built on the third degree of the scale is shown in parentheses as it is not a functional chord.
5.6
b
&b b
i(maj7)
? b
bb
ii7
n
( bIIImaj7 #5)
iv7
bVI(maj7)
vii7
V7
The common shorthand method for labeling the chords from the key of C minor is shown below. These
listed chords are derived from the harmonic minor scale only. The chord built on the third degree of
the harmonic minor scale is not functional and is not used in the major/minor system. It does occur a
great deal in contemporary compositions. Remember that functional chords point towards the tonic.
This chord and many others may be ambiguous, and therefore they cannot point to the tonic. This does
not mean that they are not musically useful, in fact they are useful for the purpose of ambiguity.
Cm maj7
i (maj7)
D7
ii7
(Ebmaj7#5)
(bIIImaj7#5)
Fm7
iv7
G7
V7
A bmaj7
bVImaj7
B7
vii7
Some theory books may list up to fifteen possible chords using the natural, harmonic and melodic minor scales as sources. All of those chords do not function in the sense that they all do not point to the
tonic minor. Without the leading tone, all of the chords would be identical to the chords in the relative
key of Eb major. The chords on the third, fifth and seventh degrees of the scale would be: Ebmaj7, Gm7,
and Bb7. These chords no longer would function to point to the tonic C minor. The Gm7 is not a dominant seventh chord and therefore points away from rather than towards C minor. The Bb7 and Eb chords
102
Chapter 5
Diatonic Harmony
will be heard as the dominant and tonic in the key of Eb. These chords point away from and so cannot
function as pointers to C minor.
The other chord affected by the raised leading tone is the tonic chord. In traditional music, a tonic
chord cannot have a seventh. In jazz, where unresolved dissonance is more common, a seventh can be
accepted. The minor/major seventh chord can be found in minor jazz progressions, but more often,
when the resolution to the tonic minor occurs, it is either a simple triad with no seventh, or has a minor
seventh. When a minor progression resolves to a minor seventh chord, it will sound less like a tonic
chord and more like a ii7 or vi7 chord that signals a modulation to a new key. There will be more examples of this when harmonic progressions and modulations are discussed. It could be argued that
within the major/minor system, only major tonality is stable, as the major third is found in the harmonic series and not the minor third. This may explain the tierce de Picardie, or Picardy third, the
Renaissance and Baroque practice of ending pieces in minor with a major third.
There are fewer stable chords in minor keys than in major. In major, I, ii, iii, IV, V and vi are stable, with
vii7 being unstable. The instability of the tonic minor chord was discussed above. The ii7 and the
vii7 chords are not stable because of their diminished fifth and the III chord from harmonic minor is
unstable because of its augmented fifth. A iv7 chord is stable and often becomes a pivot chord in
modulating to the relative major. A pivot chord is shared by two keys signatures and may function
relative to each in a modulation A iv7 chord in C minor, Fm7, is also the ii7 of Eb, the relative major key
to C minor. The iv chord often begins a modulation to the relative major as in: Fm7 - Bb7 - Eb. The bVI
chord is stable and often acts as a pivot chord between a minor key and its relative major. A bVI chord
in minor becomes the IV chord in the relative major.
For the purposes of discussing functional harmony in minor, only six chords will be discussed:
5.7
b
&b b
ii7
iv7
V7
bVI(maj7)
vii7
Three chords shown above do not include the leading tone: the supertonic, subdominant and submediant. Melodically these chords are often treated using the notes of pure or natural minor to avoid the
awkward augmented second degree. Since the tonic chord in minor is often a pivot chord to other keys,
it too will often be treated with natural or pure minor, and in some instances with melodic minor. Other
melodic substitutions will be discussed in chapter 14.
Chapter 5
Diatonic Harmony
103
Fill in the chart below in order to become more familiar with the specific chords in the thirteen minor
keys. After filling out the chart, write out each of these chords on staff paper. These are listed in the same
order of key signatures as the chart shown for major keys. This chart lists thirteen keys again using the
equivalents of Eb minor (6bs) and D# minor (6#s). The keys of Ab minor (7bs) and A# minor (7#s) have
been omitted in favor of the enharmonic equivalents of G# minor (5#s) and Bb minor (5bs). Be sure to
use the correct spelling and not mix accidentals.
KEY
A minor
D minor
G minor
C minor
F minor
B b minor
E b minor
D # minor
G # minor
C # minor
F# minor
B minor
E minor
i
Am
ii7
B7
bIII maj 7 #5
Cmaj7 #5
iv7
Dm7
V7
E7
bVImaj7
Fmaj7
vii7
G#7
There were four types of seventh chords derived from the major scale: major/major seventh, minor/minor seventh, major/minor, and half diminished seventh. All four of these chords found in major
keys have a place in minor keys. The harmonic minor scale adds three new seventh chords to the list:
the minor/major seventh and the fully diminished seventh.
Chords available from the Major and Harmonic Minor Scales
CHORD TYPE
Major 7th
Minor 7th
Dominant 7th
Half-diminished 7th
Minor Major 7th
Major 7th # 5
Diminished 7th
It cannot be assumed that a major seventh chord is always a I chord (it could be a I, IV or bVI) or that a
minor seventh chord is always a ii7 chord (it could be a ii, iii, vi, or iv). These assumptions get many
beginning improvisers into trouble. Groups of chords within the progression must be analyzed in order
to determine the key for a particular passage.
The chart above shows that the only occurrence of a major/minor seventh chord in major or minor
keys, is on the dominant pitch. This is why a major/minor seventh chord is called the dominant seventh
chord. That means that for now in this discussion, all dominant chord symbols are, in fact, dominant
chords: a G7 is the V7 of C major or C minor, a D7 is the dominant of G major or G minor. In later
chapters dealing with substitutions, chords that sound like dominant chords but do not function as dominant chords will be discussed. But for now a V7 is a V7 of major or minor.
104
Chapter 5
Diatonic Harmony
Chapter 5
Diatonic Harmony
105
C7)
V7)
106
Chapter 5
Diatonic Harmony
FUNCTION
ii7
V7
IV
vii7
V7
iii7
V7
IVmaj7
iii7
ii7
Imaj7
vi7
KEY
F
F#
Bb
F
G
Db
Eb
C
G
Gb
A
Eb
CHORD
F7
A bma7
A bma7
Am7
E7
Bm7
C7
Dm7
Gmaj7
Bm7
Fm7
Cm7
FUNCTION
V7
IV
I
ii7
V7
vi7
V7
ii7
IV
ii7
ii7
iii7
KEY
Bb
Eb
Ab
G
A
D
F
C
D
A
Eb
Ab
CHORD
Cm7
D bmaj7
D7
A7
Fmaj7
F#m7
Fm7
F#7
Am7
Cmaj7
G7
C7
FUNCTION
ii7
IV
vii7
V7
I
iii7
vi7
vii7
vi7
IVmaj7
V7
vii7
KEY
Bb
Ab
Eb
D
F
D
Ab
G
C
G
C
Db
CHORD
Cmaj7
E b7
Em7
G#m7
E bmaj7
Gm7
Fm7
B bmaj7
B bm7
C #m7
G bmaj7
F#m7
FUNCTION
I
V7
vi7
ii7
I
iii7
vi7
I
ii7
iii7
IV
vi7
KEY
C
Ab
G
F#
Eb
Eb
Ab
Bb
Ab
A
Db
A
CHORD
Dmaj7
A b7
Em7
Dm7
Ebm7
Dm7
D b7
Gm7
B bmaj7
C #7
b
D maj7
B bm7
FUNCTION
I
V7
iii7
vi7
ii7
iii7
V7
vi7
IV
V7
I
ii7
KEY
D
Db
C
F
Db
Bb
Gb
Bb
F
F#
Db
Ab
CHORD
Em7
F7
Am7
C7
G7
Gm7
D7
Cm7
Dm7
A7
Gmaj7
Dmaj7
FUNCTION
ii7
V7
ii7
V7
V7
ii7
V7
ii7
ii7
V7
I
IV
KEY
D
Bb
G
F
C
F
G
Bb
C
D
G
A
Chapter 5
CHORDS
Dm7 - Em7
F#m7 - G#m7
Am7 - Bbmaj7
Gmaj7 - A7
Dm7 - B7
b
E maj7 - Gm7
Ebmaj7 - Gm7
FUNCTION
ii7 - iii7
ii7 - iii7
iii7 - IV
IV - V7
ii7 - vii7
I - iii7
IV - vi7
KEY
C
E
F
D
C
Eb
Bb
CHORDS
Amaj7 - Dmaj7
D bmaj7 - Bbm7
D bmaj7 - Bbm7
Ebmaj7 - Dm7
Ebmaj7 - D7
Cm7 - F7
Gm7 - C7
Diatonic Harmony
FUNCTION
I - IV
I - vi7
IV - ii7
IV - iii7
I - vii7
ii7 - V7
ii7 - V7
107
KEY
A
Db
Ab
Bb
Eb
Bb
F
108
VI.
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
HARMONIC PROGRESSIONS
ii7
Dm7
V7
G7
Imaj7
Cmaj7
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
109
ii7
B7
V7
E7
i
Am
A harmonic progression will not always follow one type of root movement and is usually a mixture of
several types. Root movement by seconds and thirds is used as a contrast before eventually returning to
the strong, more common downward fifth movement. The following progression begins with type 3 root
movement of downward thirds, followed by type 2 movement up in seconds and then the final movement to the tonic is type 1 movement of a downward fifth.
C
I
Type 1 movement can be inserted sooner using the ii7 chord in place of the IV chord. The roots move
down a third, down a fifth, down a fifth, and down a fifth. This progression is stronger because of the
more frequent downward fifth movement.
C
I
This common progression is often repeated to make longer phrases. When repeated, the second tonic
chord is often replaced with a iii7 chord. This removes the downward fifth movement (V7 - I) and replaces it with a downward third movement (V7 - iii7), but the continuation of the line (iii7 - vi7 - ii7 - V7
- I) is all type 1 downward fifth movement. Another possibility is using the tonic chord in first inversion
in place of the I or iii7 chord. The tonic inversion and the iii7 chord are often interchangeable and indistinguishable from each other.
|C
Am7
| Dm7
G7
|C
Am7
| Dm7
G7
|C
Am7
| Dm7
G7
|C
Am7
| Dm7
G7
|C
| Em7 Am7
| Dm7
G7
|C
| C/E
| Dm7
G7
|C
Am7
110
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
These same progressions are logical and musical in the parallel minor key.
Cm
i
A bmaj7
bVI7
| Fm7
iv7
G7
V7
| Cm . . .
i
Cm
I
A bmaj7
bVI7
| D7
ii7
G7
V7
| Cm . . .
i
The progression is often inverted, aiming for, rather than beginning with the tonic chord.
| Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
|C
I
Am7
vi7
| Dm7 . . .
ii7
| D7
ii7
G7
V7
| Cm
i
A bmaj7
bVI7
| D7 . . .
ii7
| Am7
| Dm7
| G7
| Cmaj7 | Fmaj7 . . .
vi7
ii7
V7
I
IV7
Implications:
(1)
C major scale works for melodic generalization . . .
(2)
C major triad works for melodic generalization . . .
HIERARCHY of CHORDS
The harmonic progressions ii7 - V7 - I in major keys and ii7 - V7 - i in minor keys also illustrate the hierarchy of chords. The tonic chord, as the tonic pitch, is by definition where all progressions point.
When preceded by its dominant, the strongest cadence or conclusion is perceived. The ii7 chord is the
most common of several chords that precede the dominant. The chart below classifies the most common pre-dominant., dominant, and tonic chords available from the major and harmonic minor scales.
PRE-DOMINANT CHORDS
IV
ii7
ii7
iv7
bVImaj7*
DOMINANT CHORDS
V7
vii7 (rare)
vii7
TONIC CHORDS
I
i
I6 or iii as substitute for I
(sometimes vi7 as substitute for I)
*bVI can be a predominant chord because of its similarity to ii7 and iv7 and it can point to V7.
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
111
From the chart, it is clear that a ii7 and ii7 chords both function as pre-dominant chords. This concept
can lead to modal mixture where chords from the parallel minor key are used in place of the corresponding diatonic chords from the major key. The progression may point to the same tonic, but will
suggest a minor modality. These chords are said to be borrowed from the parallel minor key.
| Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
|C
I
G7
V7
|C
I
Am7
vi7
| Dm7
ii7
&
| C
I
G7
V7
|C
I
n9
n 13
bbb
bbb
&
G7
G9
G913
b9
G7
b
n
b
G7 9
13
b
b
n
b9
G7b 13
112
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
Modal mixture and substituting more common root progressions can energize this simple progression.
| F
IV
| Em7
iii7
| Dm7
ii7
|C
I
The first stepwise progression has more forward motion when chords are added between the original
chords which change the root movement to downward fifths.
| F
IV
| Em7
iii7
Am7
vi7
| Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
|C
I
Adding three chords (iv7, ii7 and G7b9) from the parallel minor add another colorful dimension.
| F
IV
Fm7
iv7
| Em7
iii7
Am7
vi7
| D7
ii7
G7b9
V7
|C
I
0 #/0 b
1#
(home key)
D
minor
A
minor
E
minor
If these related keys are lined up alphabetically, it is apparent that the closely related keys are also the
five other stable diatonic chords in the key of C major: (The chord on the seventh degree of major is an
unstable chord because of its diminished fifth, and there is no diminished key.) The closely related keys
have a Roman numeral listed below indicating their relationship to the original key. D minor is the key
of ii, and so on.
Home:
C major
I
D minor
ii
A minor
vi
Borrowed chords were discussed before as a way to get from a major key area to its parallel minor key.
Jumping from the key of C with no sharps or flats to the key of three flats may appear to be remote, but
considering that C major and C minor are parallel and they share the same dominant chord, then the
jump is not so far. The closely related keys to parallel key of C minor (three flats) would be the keys of
two flats and four flats. From the parallel move to C minor, the keys of Eb major, F minor, G minor, Ab
major, and Bb major become available.
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
113
3b
2b
F
minor
C
minor
G
minor
(parallel
home key)
Ab
major
Eb
major
Bb
major
C minor is parallel to the home key of C major. F minor and G minor are parallel to the primary
closely related keys of F and G major.
The secondary closely related are shown with a Roman numeral listed below indicating their relationship to the original key. These Roman numerals do not indicate a chord function.
Parallel Home:
C minor
i
B b major
bVII
A third level of closely related keys are available through another modal mixture. C minor and C major
are related as a parallel tonal centers but one is minor and the other major. The three primary closely
related minor keys to C major are D minor, E minor and A minor; the keys of ii, iii and vi. Each of these
primary closely related keys has a parallel major so that D major (II), E major (III), and A major (VI)
are available from the key of C major through modal mixture of close diatonic chords.
This chart illustrates several possible levels of modulation from the primary key of C major.
Tertiary Keys from modal mixture
D major (II)
A major (VI)
E major (III)
PRIMARY KEYS
D minor (ii)
F major (IV)
A minor (vi)
C major (I)
(home key)
E minor (iii)
G major (V)
F minor (iv)
A b major (bVI)
C minor (i)
Eb major (bIII)
G minor (v)
B b major (bVII)
The combined keys available for smooth modulation from the home key of C major are illustrated in
the chart below. The keys are shown by the three levels: closely related diatonic keys with one accidental
difference; keys closely related to the parallel minor; and keys available using modal mixture with the
keys of second, third and sixth degrees of the home key. The Roman numerals in this case do not refer
to chords, but to the new key in relationship to the home key. For example, the key of Bb is the major key
on the bVII related to the key of C; does not refer to a chord built on the seventh degree of the C major
scale.
Closely Related Diatonic
From Parallel Minor
Using Modal Mixture
I
i
ii
II
bIII
iii
III
IV
iv
V
v
bVI
vi
bVII
VI
114
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
SECONDARY DOMINANTS
The primary chords are built without alterations on diatonic scale degrees. There is only one dominant
and its function is to point out the tonic chord. If other dominants occur in a progression other than
the primary dominant, then some chord has been chromatically altered to create the new dominant
and this new dominant will point to a key other than tonic. This new key is a secondary key from the
original making the dominant chord a secondary dominant. The dominant chord is the most identifiable indicator in the harmonic progression because it occurs only on the dominant pitch in major and
minor. Minor seventh chords that can occur as ii7, iii7, vi7 or iv7 do not point as conclusively.
Modulations to the closely related and remote keys are usually accomplished with the use of a secondary dominant.
In the key of C, expect modulations or temporary tonicizations, and look for the dominants of the
closely related keys. If any dominant other than the primary dominant G7 is encountered, it is a secondary dominant pointing away from the primary key and to a secondary key. Look for the dominants
pointing to the closely related keys of D, E and A minor and F and G major.
An A7 points to the key of D minor. It cannot be considered a VI chord in the key of C: there is no C#
available in the key of C; it must be a secondary dominant. The RNA for this chord is V7/ii. The V7
defines its relationship to D minor; the ii defines the relationship of the secondary key to the home
key of C. This symbol, V7/ii, means A7 is the dominant (V7) of the D minor, the minor key on the
second degree (ii) of C major. It also suggests that individual pitches have been changed. The key of D
minor has to have a C# leading tone in order to create the A7 chord, and a Bb by its key signature definition. These pitches are necessary in order to modulate from C major to D minor and define the difference between the two keys. The chromatically altered pitches want to resolve in the direction in which
they have been altered. The C# points up to D and the Bb down to A. With D and A as targets, it is easy
to see and hear how D minor is temporarily tonicized by the A7.
The dominant for E minor is B7 and is shown with the symbol V7/iii. The key signature for E minor is
one sharp plus the leading tone D# needed to create the dominant chord. The F# and D# are the pitches
necessary to modulate from the key of C to the key of E minor. Both the F# and D# resolve up in the direction in which they have been altered to E and G, two primary pitches in the key of E minor.
The dominant for F major, the key of IV, is a C7 chord. This is often erroneously labeled as I7. There
cannot be a dominant chord on a pitch other than the dominant pitch and since there is no Bb in the
key of C, this chord must be the V7/IV. The Bb is the defining difference between the keys of C and F
major. The Bb wants to resolve down to the A, the note that defines the major quality in the key of F.
D7 is the V7/V. The F# that is needed to create the D7 chord is the one sharp from the key signature of
G. The Fn in the key of C usually points down to the En. The F# points up to G.
C major and A minor share the same key signature but there must be a leading tone in the key of A minor in order to create a dominant chord. E7 is the V7/vi. The pitch G# distinguishes the keys of C major
and A minor and creates the E7 dominant chord.
The following chart reviews the closely related keys to the key of C major, their secondary dominants,
RNA and lists the necessary accidentals needed to tonicize or modulate to the secondary keys.
NEW KEY AREA TO TONICIZE
ii: D minor
iii: E minor
IV: F major
V: G major
vi: A minor
SECONDARY DOMINANT
A7 (V7/ii)
B7 (V7/iii)
C7 (V7/IV)
D7 (V7/V)
E7 (V7/vi)
NECESSARY ACCIDENTALS
Bb and C#
F# and D#
Bb
F#
G#
Note that all twelve pitches are used in the chart above. The are seven pitches in the C major scale and
the accidentals needed for modulation comprise the remaining five.
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
115
Secondary dominants create more forward motion in a harmonic progression. The introduction of
chromatic notes shifts the focus away from the tonic to secondary chords. The secondary chords then
progress back to the tonic. Some of the basic progressions that were shown before using only chords
from one key area can be enhanced using secondary dominants to point to diatonic chords.
A tonic chord can move to any diatonic chord but this progression may be strengthened with the
addition of the secondary dominant. The downward fifth motion and the addition of chromatic pitches
temporarily removes the focus from the original key making the resolution to the diatonic chord
stronger.
C
I
A7
V7/ii
Dm7
ii
C
I
B7
V7/iii
Em7
iii
C
I
C7
V7/IV
F
IV
C
I
D7
V7/V
G
V
C
I
E7
V7/vi
Am7
vi
The following progression to the ii7 chord includes just chords from the key of C major:
C
I
Em7
iii7
Am7
vi7
Dm7
ii7
A secondary dominant can be added to both emphasize the pull away from the tonic and point towards
other chords. A7 as the secondary dominant for D minor can replace Am7. Dm7 is still ii7, it has just
been tonicized with its dominant. Em7 is still the iii7 chord in the key of C, not the ii7 chord in the key
of D minor. E7 is the ii7 chord in D minor. The basic melodic resources would come from the key of
C major except for the A7 chord. The A7 chord, as the RNA implies, uses the D harmonic minor scale,
with C# and Bb being the important distinguishing tones.
C
I
Em7
iii7
A7
V7/ii
Dm7
ii7
The progression to the A could be strengthened by using its dominant instead of the iii7 chord. The E7,
V7/vi, points to A minor, but at the resolution, A minor is a dominant chord pointing to the key of D
minor. When the progression arrives at Dm7, it is not actually in the key of D minor, as Dm7 is a ii7
chord in the original key of C major. The C and Dm7 chords are still derived from the C major scale,
and the notes from that scale can be used as a melodic resource. The E7 is derived from the A harmonic minor scale and would use that scale as a melodic resource.
C
I
E7
V7/vi
A7
V7/ii
Dm7
ii7
A7 is V7/ii only in the key of C. D minor may be the ii, iii, vi in major keys, or i and iv in minor keys, so
its dominant can also be shown in relationship to other keys. For example, if A7 occurs in a passage in
the key of Bb pointing to the iii7 chord, Dm7, the A7 would be the V7/iii. If A7 occurs in a passage in the
key of F major, then A7 would be V7/vi. In the key of A minor, A7 points to the iv chord and would be
116
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
labeled V7/iv. Everything is labeled relative to the tonic key. But in all of those cases, the melodic resource for the A7 chord is still the D harmonic minor scale.
One of the most common progressions is I - vi7 - ii7 - V7. Secondary dominants are often used to increase the level of tension and forward motion. The most common substitution replaces the vi7 chord
with a V7/ii. In the key of Bb, the original progression would be Bb - Gm7 - Cm7 - F7, often returning to
the tonic chord. With the secondary dominant of Cm (G7 = V7/ii) in place of the Gm7, the progression
would be Bb - G7 - Cm7 - F7. The pull away from the key of Bb is intensified by the G7 chord, as it has a
Bn and an implied Ab from the C minor key signature. These two notes that changed the key from Bb to
the key of C minor and are often the first notes played by experienced jazz musicians. Below are two examples from improvisations by Charlie Parker. In both of these examples Parker addressed the secondary dominant chords by immediately playing the pitches necessary to modulate or tonicize the secondary key. To tonicize C minor from the key of Bb, a Bn and Ab must be heard, and they are the first two
notes Parker played over the G7 (V7/ii) in the first example. To get from the key of Ab ( four flats) to the
key of ii, Bb minor, two accidentals are needed: the fifth flat (Gb) and the leading tone (An). These were
also the first two pitches played by Parker in the second example. The examples are identical except for
the octave displacement in the first one, which suggests that Parker had practiced these lines in all keys.
6.2
Bb
I - V7/ii - ii7
b
G7 9
I - V7/ii - ii7
b
b
F7 9
B bm7
b
& b b b c n b j
Cm 7
b
& b c b j
n
Clifford Brown played exactly the same melodic figure in ex. 6.3 as Parker did in ex. 6.2. Brown began in
G major. To modulate from G (1#) to the key of A minor (0#, 0b), the F# must become Fn, and the leading
tone G# is needed. These were the first pitches sounded by Brown at the E7. Red Garland used many
chromatic embellishments and approaches, but at the point of the G7, he played the Bn and Ab called
for by the secondary dominant below.
6.3
I - V7/ii - ii7
E7 9
Gmaj7
I - V7/ii - ii7
Am 7
#
~
& c # n j
~
G7 9
Cm
b
b # n
& b c # n
n
In this Jimmy Guiffre example, the iii7 chord follows the V7, substituting for the I chord. This keeps the
progression moving in downward fifths from the Em7 to the A7 (iii7 - V7/ii). As in examples above,
Guiffre knows the tones necessary for modulation (Bb from the key signature of D minor and the leading
tone, C#) and plays them immediately at the occurrence of the secondary dominant A7.
6.4
Dm 7
Em 7
A7 9
Dm7
& c # b
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
117
Since a V7 chord is often preceded by the ii7 or ii7, secondary ii7 and ii7 chords may precede secondary dominant chords. The roots of the chords on the top line move in descending thirds. Before
each new chord, a secondary dominant may be inserted with its corresponding ii7 or ii7 chord. The
cadences to Gm7, Ebmaj7 and Cm7 are strengthened by their preceding ii7 - V7 or ii7 - V7 chords.
Bb
I
Bb
I
E bmaj7
IV
Gm7
vi7
[ A7 - D7 ]
ii7 - V7
vi
Gm7
vi7
[ Fm7 - Bb7 ]
ii7 - V7
IV
E bmaj7
IV
Cm7
vi7
[ D7 - G7 ]
ii7 - V7
ii
Cm7
vi7
Review what each RNA symbol actually means to the sound. The A7 - D7 indicates a temporary modulation to the key of G minor with the necessary leading tone F#. The F# is the most important identifying
note for the D7 chord. The Fm7 - Bb7 indicates a modulation to the key of Eb major and necessitates the
addition of an Ab. The Ab is the most important identifying note for the Fm7 chord, and is the seventh
of the Bb7 chord. The Ab resolves down to a Gn, the most important identifying note for the Eb major
chord. The D7 - G7 indicates a modulation to the key of C minor, which demands an Ab and a Bn. The
Bn is the most important identifying note for the G7 chord which points to C minor. RNA can help identify the most important tones that indicate the harmonic direction. If those tones are emphasized for
melodic direction, then linear harmony, lines with strong harmonic implications, will be the result.
In the following progression of roots moving upward in seconds, three possible sets of secondary
chords are shown. All are possible and often occur interchangeably in jazz performances. The D7, F#7,
or A7 - D7 indicate the key change from F major to G minor, requiring an F# and an Eb. The E7, G#7,
or B7 - E7 chords indicate a key change to A minor, requiring an G# and an Bn. Notice how important
those pitches are to the identification of the corresponding chords.
F
I
Gm7
ii7
Am7
iii7
F
I
D7
V7/ii
Gm7
ii7
E7
V7/iii
Am7
iii7
F
I
F#7
vii7/ii
Gm7
ii7
G#7
vii7/iii
Am7
iii7
F
I
A7 - D7
ii7 V7
ii
Gm7
ii7
B7 - E7
ii7 V7
iii
Am7
iii7
The very simple progression shown below moves down in diatonic seconds and can be altered using
secondary dominants.
6.5
Fm aj7
& c
IV
?c
Diatonic chords
Em7
Dm7
Cmaj7
iii7
ii7
118
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
Preceding each diatonic chord with its dominant adds momentum to this progression. The root progression is made stronger moving down in fifths than in seconds.
6.6
Fmaj7
&
IV
V7/iii
Em7
A7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
b
#
ii7
V7
iii7
V7/ii
The progression initially began on the diatonic IV chord. By substituting the F# 7, a secondary ii7
chord from the key of Em, all the root movement is by descending perfect fifths. The G7 chord is borrowed from the parallel key C minor which yields the Ab, the b9 of G7.
6.7
F #7
&
ii7/iii
? #
V7/iii
Em7
A7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
b
#
V7/i
iii7
V7/ii
ii7
There are many tunes that stay within one key signature for almost the entire form. The contrast between
the two keys, major and relative minor, and their corresponding progressions provides enough interesting diversions. The following progression, shown in the key of no sharps or flats, is found in thousands
of compositions from the Baroque era to current popular music and has been used by several jazz
composers from Antonio Carlos Jobim to Chick Corea.
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am7
Is this passage in the key of C major or A minor? The first few measures sound like the key of C major.
The key of A minor is not heard or anticipated until at least the B7 chord. While the B7 chord is the
vii7 of C, it is more often heard as the ii7 in minor. The E7 definitely points the progression to A minor. Is it in the key of C (I) and then modulates to A minor (vi), or in the key of A minor (i) and modulates from the Dm7 chord (iv7) to the relative key of C (I/bIII) and back again to A minor. How this is
analyzed may depend on the larger context. Initially, most would hear the Dm7 as the ii7 in the key of C
major, and not expect A minor until the more definitive pointers B7 and E7. Here is one analysis with
the progression based in C major. The E7 is shown as the secondary dominant to A minor. It is possible
to tonicize the Dm7 (ii7) with its dominant so that an A7 chord is inserted after the Am7 and before repeating the progression.
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
Cmaj7
I
Fmaj7
IV
B7
ii7/vi
E7
V7/vi
Am7
vi7
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
119
The progression could be analyzed relating to the key of A minor. The major area is so strong that it
feels less like a departure than the A minor area. Note that ending the progression with an A minor
chord without a seventh makes it feel more like A minor is the ultimate destination of the progression.
When it ends with an Am7, the Am7 feels like a vi7 chord even when preceded by its dominant, E7.
Dm7
iv7
G7
V7/bIII
Cmaj7
I/bIII
Fmaj7
bVI
B7
ii7
E7
V7
Am
i
Could the G be labeled bVII and the C bIII in the key of A minor? These would be diatonic chords derived from A natural minor. Remember that minor harmony is derived from the harmonic minor
scales in order to get the leading tone G#. G7 to C so convincingly suggests C as tonic that it is almost
impossible to hear these chords as related to A minor.
Here is another progression with roots descending in downward fifths. Even though the following progression starts with an Am7, it sounds more like a progression in the key of C major starting on the vi7.
Am7
vi7
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
Cmaj7
I
Fmaj7
IV
B7
ii7/vi
E7
V7/vi
Am7
vi7
These two cycles will help aural recognition of the secondary dominant related to diatonic chords.
Practice them at a keyboard in this key and others.
Secondary Dominant Cycle No. 1: DEVELOPING AURAL HARMONIC RECOGNITION
Descending diatonic chords with secondary dominants:
I - V7/vi - vi - V7/V - V - V7/IV - IV - V7/iii - iii - V7/ii - ii - V7 - I
Play at the keyboard:
& c #
? c # #
# #
www
w
#
w
& c # n#
? c
b #n b w
#
n
ww
120
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
& c #
? c # #
# #
& c . # b . # n b . # # n #
.
b
? c
It is useful to fill out a chart for each of the thirteen major keys (including F3 and Gb) like the one shown
below for the key of C. The charts will reinforce the memorization of secondary dominant relationships,
the necessary accidentals for modulations, and the proper chord spelling.
HOME KEY: C major
NEW KEY AREA TO
TONICIZE
ii: D minor (1b)
iii: E minor (1#)
IV: F major (1b)
V: G major (1#)
vi: A minor
NECESSARY
ACCIDENTALS
Bb and (LT) C#
F# and (LT) D#
Bb
F#
(LT) G#
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
121
DECEPTIVE RESOLUTIONS
The definition of functional harmony submits that dominant chords point towards tonic and that other
chords progress to particular places that ultimately lead back to tonic. Composers use the natural tendencies of these harmonic progressions to manipulate a listeners expectations. It is important to understand that while certain chords point clearly to a specific chord, in musical situations, they do not always resolve as expected. If each chord always resolved as expected, music would be unbearably boring.
On the other hand, if these chords were not expected to resolve certain ways, and if listeners universally
did not anticipate these resolutions, then the deceptive resolutions would have little emotional or dramatic impact on the music. Fortunately for composers, listeners do react to the unexpected, which implies they do listen and listen with certain expectations. Deception is the device that comedians, magicians, storytellers and musicians count on to work their craft. For a joke to work, a certain possibility is
anticipated, and then a surprise turn triggers the laugh. The magician with one hand draws your attention away then pulls the coin out of your ear with his other hand. The playwright uses our sense of expectation to elicit a response to a unexpected dramatic turn. The fact that deceptive resolutions are effective in music is proof of the functional harmony system. If the deceptions did not surprise to a degree, then the listeners had no expectations.
Try this on a group of students of any age. Play the first measure and stop before resolving to the tonic
chord. Everyone, musicians with training and even those without, anticipate the tonic chord. Play the
second or third example when the G chord resolves to the A minor or Ab major and the reaction will be
laughs and raised eyebrows. No one is reacting because from years of music theory study, reacting to
some technical concept. They are reacting instinctively to the unexpected resolutions, proving that what
was expected was the tonic chord.
6.8
a. Expected Resolution
b. Unexpected
& c www
IV
?c
c. More Unexpected
www
IV
vi
b b www
IV
b VI
bw
All would agree that the G chord is a V chord in the first example above as it functions properly resolving to the I chord. Is it still the V chord when it resolves to the vi or the bVI chords? A V chord means
that it points in a specific direction, it does not insist on a particular resolution. In all three cases the
expectation was for the V chord to resolve to I: that is what makes it a V chord. In the two cases where
the V chord resolved unexpectedly, the surprise is precisely because the G chord is the V of C and is
expected to resolve accordingly. Route 66 winds from Chicago to LA, but one could stop or turn off
anywhere along the road (Flagstaff, Arizona, dont forget Winona), without changing the fact that Route
66 still points from Chicago to LA. Chords function to point to specific tonic chords whether they actually arrive where expected. (I often call this the Route 66 principle.)
In the following progression the G7 (V7 of C) resolves to Em7 once and to C later. G7 is the V7 in both
instances. The resolution to Em7 is not a very deceptive resolution as Em7 can be a substitute for C or
for C/E in first inversion.
|
Am7
| Dm7 G7
V7
| Em7*
iii7
Am7
| Dm7 G7
V7
|C
I
122
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
b.
G7
V7
Am7
vi7
D7
ii7
G7
V7
A bmaj7
bVI
c.
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
A bmaj7
bVI
6.10
vii7 - bVI6
vii7 - i
&
#
6.11
vii65 - bVI64
vii65 - i6
vii65 - bVI
vii65 - i64
Why is it important to name and spell the chords correctly? Ab7, B7, D7, F7 or G#7 may sound the
sound the same, but will have completely different implications. Each of the G#7 chords in ex. 6.9-6.11
are derived from the same scale (A harmonic minor), and spelling the chord correctly as a G#7 makes
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
123
it easier to comprehend. Any other spelling invites confusion. It takes no more effort and time to correctly label a chord and it saves time on the interpretation of its function. However, be prepared to see
any number of enharmonic spellings in published and unpublished music.
The key of bVI is a closely related key in minor. A progression in A minor may move to the key of F
using the secondary ii7 and V7 chords. A minor may be tonicized by it own dominant.
Am
i
E7
V7
Am
i
Gm7
ii7
bVI
C7
V7
F
I
It is easy to see that E7 is the V7 of Am in the example above. Confusion arises when the E7 progresses
directly to the G minor (ii7/bVI). How can it be the V7 of Am if it does not resolve to A minor? It is the
same with all deceptive resolutions, it illustrates the Route 66 principle in action. Even more confusion
is produced when the vii7 (G#7) chord is used in the place of the V7 chord. The bass line from A to
the G# to the G is very smooth. The principle of chromatics suggests the bass line should be written A Ab - G, and this is the reason this diminished chord is often spelled Ab7. But no matter the enharmonic
spelling, the function of the diminished chord remains vii7 of A minor. Some call this a passing diminished, and it does pass between the A minor and G minor chords, but it is vii7 of A minor in both the
first and third measure of ex. 6.12 below.
6.12
&
vii7
? c #
ww
w
vii7
V7
ii7/bVI V7/bVI
ww
w
I/bVI
If these diminished seventh chords and their deceptive resolutions were isolated instances or always
confined to small rhythmic units, understanding their function would be less important. These diminished chords last for several beats in many settings and an improviser must understand their function in
order to effectively create melodies over the harmonic passages. If the diminished chord lasts for two
entire measures, it cannot be ignored. A strategy should be available for addressing these diminished
chords. Labeling the chords passing diminished offers nothing in the way of melodic resources for
dealing with the progression. Consider the following progression from a standard jazz bossa nova. The
first version is how it appears in many printed versions. The Ab7 and the F7 spellings reflect the bass
lines, but how and what should be played over the chords? Some have explained the Ab7 is a passing
chord and that the F7 is really just non-harmonic tones that resolve to the F major chord. Both assessments are correct and yet neither offer a strategy for playing through the passage. The second passage spells both diminished chords as G#7 which facilitates the understanding of its function in both
places as the vii7 of A minor. It functions as vii7 in both places even though resolving deceptively. If
the diminished chords are both derived from the A harmonic minor scale, then the A harmonic minor
scale is a source for melodic material.
6.13a
Am7
6.13b
Am7
Gm7
C7
F7
C7
G#7/F
G#7
Gm7
Fmaj7
Fmaj7
124
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
Transposing this progression to other keys may make it easier to understand. In Cm, which would you
rather see: Cm - Cb7 - Bbm7 or Cm - B7 - Bbm7? The B7 is related to the Cm and not to the Bbm 7
chord that follows, just as the G#7 is related to the Am.
6.13c
Transposed to Cm:
Cm7
B bm7
B7
E b7
B7/A b Abmaj7
A vii7 chord is useful as a secondary leading tone chord to modulate from I to the key of iii. In G, that
would be an A#7 pointing to B minor. In ex. 6.14a, the A#7 resolves deceptively back to the G. This
means the A# and C# act as leading tones or lower neighbor tones to the pitches from the G triad: B and
D. The A#7 chord could have easily resolved to a B minor chord. This resolution is exactly the same
kind as seen in sixth measure of ex. 6.13a-c. Chord symbols for this passage might have read G7 - G,
which would have been incorrect and misleading. A similar example of non-harmonic tones creating a
deceptive diminished chord resolving to I is often used in the beginning to Misty. It could be argued
that these chords are not actually deceptive in that many would not expect them to resolve in these contexts to the minor key from which these chords were derived. But understanding their relationship to the
harmonic minor source is important for identifying melodic material.
6.14
a
Mozart: Piano Sonata, K. 545, Andante
b.
Popular Cadence
& 24
# #
&
? 24
# #
R
# #
# # #
Consider the enharmonic spellings carefully when labeling diminished chords. It may be sensible to label certain chords dictated by the logic of the bass line, but this also may cause confusion. Diminished
chords often occur that are misspelled vii7 chords. Determining the functional relationship of the enharmonically spelled diminished chords will unlock melodic resources.
The following harmonic passage is found in many jazz standards. The Eb7 spelling correctly reflects the
downward chromatic root movement and the internal line (G - Gb - F), but offers no clue to available
melodic resources. Spelling it as a vii7 in the key of E minor suggests the E harmonic minor scale as a
melodic resource. How can it be vii7/iii if there is no E minor around? The D#7 is derived from the E
harmonic minor scale regardless of the resolution.
6.15
Typical incorrect spelling
I6
???
C/E
&
ww
w
? c ww
ii7
E b7
Dm7
C/E
D #7
Dm7
b ww
ww
ww
# ww
n ww
b www
ww
w
ww
w
# www
n www
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
125
The diminished chord in the second measure of ex. 6.15 can be proven to be the vii7/iii by examining
it in context from different perspectives. Take the chord tones (D# - F# - A - C) and add the Bn found in
the melody. These together suggests a B7 in first inversion. If it were notated as a B7 it is doubtful anyone would question it being the V7 of E minor. The five pitches suggested by the melody and the chord
symbol are two notes short of a scale: B - C - D# - ? - F# - ? - A. What kind of an E and G would fit with
the given five notes? Examining the surrounding chords leaves no doubt they should be E and Gn. The
resulting scale? B - C - D# - E - F# - G - A, all the notes of E harmonic minor.
The vii7/iii chord may follow or precede the iii chord. When it follows the iii7 chord it may deceptively resolve to the ii7 chord in progressions like the following: In the first progression, the D#7 seems
to clearly be the vii7/iii as it resolves up to the Em7 chord. When ascending the D#7 is the vii7/iii, so
it is rational to conclude that it is the same chord when descending, regardless of its resolution. If a G7
that resolves deceptively to Am is still the V7 of C, then a D#7 can be the vii7/iii even when resolving
to Dm7.
6.16a
Cmaj7
I
6.17b
Em7 D#7
iii7 vii7/iii
Dm7 G7
ii7 V7
Cmaj7
I
Cmaj7 Dm7
I ii7
Em7 D#7
iii7 vii7/iii
Dm7 G7
ii7 V7
Cmaj7
I
The vii7/iii is used in place of the V7 chord in this progression, but it is not the V7 of I. When the ii7 V7 points back to the I chord and the iii7 chord is used in its place, the iii7 chord can then be preceded
by its dominant or dominant substitute. E7 (V7/iii) is the dominant of Am7 and G# 7 (vii7/ii)i is a
dominant substitute.
6.18
Fmaj7
I
Gm7 C7
ii7 V7
Am7
iii7
OR
Fmaj7
I
Gm7 G#7
ii7 vii7/iii
Am7
iii7
This imposition of a vii7/iii can be used whether or not the progression actually goes to the iii7 chord.
In this excerpt from a Charlie Parker improvisation, the G#7 was used to progress to the I chord and not
the iii7 chord. Is it a vii7/iii? If it is, then the notes necessary for modulation or tonicization would be
the Bn to change the key signature to no sharps or flats, and the leading tone G#. Parker plays those necessary tones clearly and unambiguously.
6.19
F
Gm7
G 7
& b # n
126
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
Incorrect RNA:
F#7 B7
#iv7 VII7
Em7 A7
iii7 VI7
Dm7 G7
ii7 V7
Cmaj7
I
The symbols below disclose more useful information. The F#7 - B7 is identified as being from the key
of iii, E minor. D# and a F# then can be identified as the necessary tones needed to clarify this part of
the progression. Knowing that the A7 chord is not just a dominant chord built on the sixth degree of the
C major scale, but is the dominant of D minor, the key of ii, yields the necessary pitches C#, the leading
tone, and Bb from the key signature.
Chapter 6
6.21
Harmonic Progressions
127
Correct RNA:
F#7 B7
ii7 V7
iii
Cmaj7
I
Em7 A7
iii7 V7/ii
Dm7 G7
ii7 V7
Cmaj7
I
RNA is a tool used to explain the aural experience of harmony. Anyone listening to the progression
above would know, upon hearing the F#7, B7 and A7 chords, that the key of C had been left behind.
Leaving the home key is what makes the music interesting, and listeners respond accordingly. RNA can
facilitate the understanding of these harmonic diversions. The most important part of understanding is
being able to hear these progressions, the pitches that determine the tonic key and the pitches that create modulations to remote keys.
TRITONE SUBSTITUTION
The dissonant augmented fourth interval between the fourth and seventh scale tones of a major or a
harmonic minor scale is called a tritone (from the three whole steps between the pitches). The tritone is
the major third and minor seventh of the dominant chord, and the active tones of the chord. The tritone dissonance wants to resolve in contrary stepwise motion. At (a), the B pulls up to the tonic pitch C
and the F resolves down to the major or minor third.
6.22
G7
(a)
G7
Cm
&
Two dominant chords a tritone apart share the same tritone (b). A G7 and a Db7 have the same third
and seventh, although inverted and with an enharmonic spelling. The F is the third of Db7 and the seventh of G7; the Bn is the third of G7 and Cb is the seventh of Db7. If the Cb is spelled as a Bn, an interval
of an augmented sixth in created between the Db and the Bn. In jazz chord notation practice, this chord
is labeled a dominant seventh, as it sounds, rather than an augmented sixth chord as it may be spelled.
Since these two dominants share the same tritone, and the tritone still wants to resolve in contrary stepwise motion, the Db7 chord can substitute for the G7 chord.
128
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
(b) G7 and a Db7 share the same tritone.
6.22
D b7
G7
&
?
3
7
D b7
D b7
D b7
Cm
7
3
A6
Any dominant chord may be replaced in a progression by the dominant chord a tritone away if its resolution is down a half step to the tonic chord. (It is not used in the progression where the dominant
moves to chords other than tonic). This is called tritone substitution.
6.22
Dm7
D b7
&
w
w
w
w
Dm 7
The tritone substitute dominant chord will often contain the actual dominant pitch. The dominant pitch
is critical in melodies as it helps extablish the tonality and its occurrence over the tritone substitute
dominant supports this melodic function. The inclusion of the dominant tone in a tritone substitute
dominant explains why it does not sound or function like a typical dominant. The tritone substitute
dominant does not want to resolve down a perfect fifth. The Db7 in the example below contains the
pitch G, which confirms its identity as the tritone substitute for the G7 chord. It is doubtful that anyone
listening to the passage would expect the Db7 to resolve to Gb major. It could be argued that the Db7
chord is actually an inverted G7 chord evidenced by the enharmonic spelling: G - B - Db - F.
6.23
Em7
A7
G7
& # n
Cm aj7
Em 7
E b7
Dm 7
D b7
Cm aj7
ww
w
ww
w
A4
There is no traditional agreed upon RNA notation for a tritone substitution. There are symbols for
augmented sixth chords, but tritone substitute dominants do not behave as augmented sixth chords.
Augmented sixth chords commonly substitute for a ii7 or a IV chord and resolve to a dominant chord
so using the augmented sixth chord symbols here would be misleading. For the purposes of this book,
the symbol TT7 will be used to indicate a tritone substitute dominant chord. The two progressions at
(c) above would then be: ii7 - V7 - I, and ii7 - TT7 - I.
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
129
Knowing that dominant chords a tritone apart function in similar ways complicates the harmonic
analysis process by only a small degree. Until now in this discussion, a dominant chord was always a V7
pointing down a fifth to a tonic chord. Dominant chords substituting for V7 point down a half step to
the chord of resolution. It will be easy to determine the type of dominant by examining the context.
SECONDARY DOMINANTS & TRITONE SUBSTITUTION
A piece of music may modulate to closely related keys using secondary dominants. Any dominant
chord may have a tritone substitution. The tritone substitution chord is usually spelled in the easiest to
read enharmonic form, commonly avoiding chords like Fb7 and Bbb7. An example from the key of C
major is shown below.
TONIC KEY
SECONDARY
DOMINANT
C
C
C
C
C
A7
B7
C7
D7
E7
TRITONE
SUBSTITUTE
DOMINANT
E b7
F7
Gb7
A b7
B b7
NEW KEY
D
E
F
G
A
minor
minor
major
major
minor
Learn to recognize dominant chord paired with their tritone substitute chord and the home key to which
they point.
DOMINANT CHORD
(V7)
G7
C7
F7
B b7
E b7
D #7
A b7
G#7
D b7
C #7
F#7
B7
E7
A7
D7
TRITONE SUBSTITUTE
DOMINANT
(TT7)
D b7
Gb7
B7
E7
A7
A7
D7
D7
G7
G7
C7
F7
B b7
E b7
A b7
TONIC KEY
C
F
Bb
Eb
F#
B
E
A
D
G
(I or i)
major & C minor
major & F minor
major & Bb minor
major & Eb minor
A b major
G # minor
D b major
C # minor
G b major
major & F# minor
major & B minor
major & E minor
major & A minor
major & D minor
major & G minor
130
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
Historically, the entire concept of harmony came about as a result of melodic lines. The convergence of
linear materials evolved into the recognition of certain vertical sonorities, chords and finally harmonic
progressions. As certain sonorities occurred with more frequency, they became easier and necessary to
name. The dominant seventh was not considered a chord at one time, but the voice leading
circumstance of a dissonant passing tone (seventh) resolving to the third of the subsequent tonic triad.
As composers used the chord with more frequency and for longer durations, the vertical sonority
became the dominant seventh chord. Similar histories are true for most chords including the
augmented sixth chord. The augmented sixth chord was originally considered a circumstance of
chromatic voice leading between the IV or iv chords and the V7 chord and not an independent chord.
When the IV chord (a) is in first inversion, the fourth scale degree may move up chromatically while the
sixth degree moves chromatically down to the fifth degree, resolving to an octave. The interval between
the two chromatic passing tones is an augmented sixth (as shown between the Ab and F#). Though the
actual tertian spelling of the chord at (a) is F# - Ab - C, it sounds like an Ab7 chord without the fifth (Ab C - Gb). This type of augmented sixth chord is commonly labeled the Italian sixth. The French sixth
at (b) is often preceded by a ii7 chord in second inversion. The fourth scale degree moves through a
chromatic passing tone to the fifth, creating the augmented sixth interval between the Ab and F#. The
tertian spelling of the chord is D - F# - Ab - C, but with the Ab in the bass, to a jazz musicians, it sounds
like an Ab 7 chord with a b 5 or a # 11. The German sixth is often preceded by a iv7 chord in first
inversion. The fourth scale degree again progresses through a chromatic passing tone to the fifth,
creating the augmented sixth interval. The resulting chord is spelled F# - Ab - C - Eb, but with the Ab in the
bass, sounds like an Ab7 chord (Ab - C - Eb - Gb). An augmented sixth chord can occur following its
sound-alike dominant seventh chord as in the modulation from C major to E minor shown at (d). The C
moves to C7, the V7/IV, but with the enharmonic change of the Bb to A#, the chord becomes a German
sixth leading to the cadence to E minor. The international labels are meaningless. There are many
examples in literature where all three of the defining notes are present melodically over the augmented
sixth chord. Example (e) is a virtual Tour of Europe Sixth chord.
6.24
(a) Italian Sixth
& c
?c
(a)
ww
IV 6
A6
V7
A6
b
& b b c
? b c
bb
A6
b b b
bbb
(b)
ii 3
A6
A6
n
6
V4
V7
w
w
wi
w
w
w
n n n b #
ww
w
w
nnn
ww
A6
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
131
b
6
J
&8
... #Gr/Fr/It
..
b
.
? 68
.
.
..
The augmented sixth chord is relevant to jazz and occurs often in compositions in minor keys. Jazz
musicians, with the chord symbol shorthand notation, label the chord as it sounds, not as it may be
spelled in 17th and 18th century part writing. This chord is used in place of other pre-dominant chords
like the IV, iv7, ii7 and ii7 as any augmented sixth chord. The sound of a dominant chord resolving
down a half step is related to the half step resolution of the tritone substitute dominant chord which also
has the augmented sixth interval. The concept of chord symbol notation is to aid musicians in quick
reading of the chord symbols. For this reason, this augmented sixth chord and the tritone dominant
substitute are often identified with the easiest enharmonic spelling, usually avoiding chords like Bbb7 in
favor of A7. The traditional notation of A6 for augmented sixth, or some symbol indicating the
international names (#iv It, ii7Fr , #ivGr ) are not used by jazz musicians. These symbols would only cause
confusion in a jazz world. The A6 might be confused with the A triad with an added F#. Since this
chord behaves as a tritone substitute dominant resolving down a half step, for analysis the symbol
TT7 will be used for this book. For jazz shorthand chord notation, all of the augmented sixth chords
above (a-e) would be labeled as they sound: as Ab7 chords.
The augmented sixth chord could have presented simply as a dominant seventh chord that may resolve
down a half step to the dominant chord, but it is important to understand the historical background and
relationship of jazz music styles to those of other eras.
Complete the table below showing the typical pre-dominant - dominant resolving to minor progression.
Augmented
6th chord
sounding like
a dominant
chord on bVI
F7
A b7
V7
E7
A minor
D minor
G minor
C minor
F minor
B b minor
E b minor
G7
Augmented
6th chord
sounding like
a dominant
chord on bVI
A7
V7
G#7
i
D # minor
G # minor
C # minor
F# minor
B minor
E minor
132
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
BACKDOOR DOMINANTS
A backdoor dominant is a dominant chord that deceptively resolves up a whole step to major keys. It is
often preceded by the IV chord. It may resolve to the iii7 or the I6 chords which often substitute for the I
chord in the middle of a progression.
A plagal cadence occurs when IV resolves to I as in amen shown at (a). Another plagal cadence is the
progression iv - I, or IV - iv - I at (b). The natural tendency for roots to descend in fifths suggests the
natural evolution of the IV chord resolving to a chord on the lowered seventh degree at (c) in place of
the iv chord. This chord then seems to resolve to the I chord from the backdoor.
6.25
(a)
Plagal Cadences
(b)
(c)
Fm
B b9
&
IV
?
IV
iv
Cmaj7
The backdoor dominant chord may also contain the interval of an augmented fourth above the root.
The major seventh of the IV chord is often retained in the backdoor dominant and anticipates the
major third of the tonic chord. This note is why the backdoor dominant typically resolves to major and
not minor. The Bb7 shown below will not sound like a V7 in the key of Eb because of the surrounding
context of C major and the En occurring in the chord. The chords below are shown with more extended
voicings. The F chord includes the major seventh and ninth. The Bb7 chord includes the 9 - #11 - 13. The
9 - #11 - 13 (C - E - G) of the Bb7 chord are the primary pitches of the upcoming tonic chord C. For
the purposes of this book, the symbol BD7 will refer to this type of dominant chord. The Bb7 chord in
the second example is not a backdoor dominant. Backdoor dominants point to major keys and not
minor keys. In this typical deceptive cadence, the Bb7 would be heard as the V7 or Eb and the Cm7 as
vi7.
6.26
Backdoor Dominant with Extended Voicings
Fm aj7
&
#
B b9 11
b
b
Cmaj7
A4
& b
? b
B b13
Cm9
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
133
Simple harmonic passages can be energized by the addition of tritone substitutions and backdoor
dominants.
6.27
Basic step progression: IV - iii7 - ii7 - Imaj7.
Fmaj7
Em7
Dm7
Cm aj7
& www
ww
w
ww
w
w
ww
?w
iii7
ii7
Imaj7
IVmaj7
A iv7 chord (Fm7) can be borrowed from the parallel minor. The ii7 (Dm7) chord can be preceded by
its secondary dominant (A7 = V7/ii) and the tonic chord by the primary dominant (G7 = V7).
6.28
Fmaj7
Fm 7
&
b b
IVmaj7
iv7
Em7
A7
Dm7
G7
Cm aj7
b
#
ww
w
iii7
V7/ii
ii7
V7
I maj7
The backdoor dominant (Bb7) can replace the borrowed iv7 chord. This backdoor dominant did not
resolve to the I chord, but moves to the substituting iii7 chord. The Eb7 is the tritone substitution for the
A7 and the Db7 for the G7.
6.29
Fmaj7
&
IVmaj7
B b7
b
BD7
Em7
E b7
Dm7
D b7
iii7
TT7/ii
ii7
TT7
Cm aj7
ww
w
w
I maj7
134
Chapter 6
Harmonic Progressions
The addition of these special dominant chords allows for several possible cadences to the tonic major
or minor chord. This is a list of possible chords. Not all pre-dominant chords lead to all dominant
chords. The backdoor dominant is usually preceded by the IV or iv7 chord. A partial list of
combinations follows this chart.
PRE-DOMINANT CHORDS
IV
ii7
ii7
iv7
V7/V
DOMINANT CHORDS
V7
vii7 (rare)
vii7
Augmented 6th chord on bII as
tritone substitute dominant
(TT7)
Backdoor dominant on bVII
as plagal cadence (BD7)
TONIC CHORDS
I
i
I6 or iii as substitute for I
(sometimes vi7 as deceptive
resolution)
vii7/v
6
vii 5 /iii
bVImaj7
Augmented 6th chord sounding
like a dominant chord on bVI
PARTIAL LIST of CADENTIAL COMBINATIONS
Diatonic Chords:
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
Cmaj7
I
D7
ii7
G7
V7
Cm
i
G7
V7
Cmaj7
I
D b7
TT7
Cmaj7
I
D b7
TT7
Cm
i
D b7
TT7
Cmaj7
I
B b7
BD7
Cmaj7
I
G7
V7
Cmaj7
I
D7
V7/V
D b7
TT7
Cmaj7
I
G7
V7
Cmaj7
I
A b7
TT7/V
G7
V7
Cm
i
D b7
TT7
Cmaj7
I
A b7
TT7/V
D b7
TT7
Cm
i
Chapter 7
VII.
Harmonic Analysis
135
HARMONIC ANALYSIS:
Progression no. 1
Am7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am7 A7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
A7
Dm7
G7
Fm C
E7
Am7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am7 A7
Dm7
G7
E7
A7
Dm7
G7
Progression no. 2
C
E7
A7
Dm7
B7
E7
Am7
D7
Dm7
G7
E7
A7
Dm7
Fm
Em7
A7
Dm7
G7
136
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
Progression no. 5
Bb
D7
Eb
G7
Cm7
G7
Cm7
F7
Dm7
C#7
Cm7
F7
Dm7
C#7
Cm7
F7
Bb
D7
Eb
G7
Cm7
G7
Cm7
F7
Fm7
B b7
Eb
C #7/E
B b/F
G7
Cm7
F7
TURNAROUND TUNES
Progression no. 7
F
D7
Gm7
C7
Am7
Dm7
Gm7
C7
D7
Gm7
C7
Am7
Dm7
Cm7
F7
B bmaj7
Abm7 - Db7
G bmaj7
Em7 - A7
Dmaj7
Abm7 - Db7
G bmaj7
Gm7 - C7
D7
Gm7
C7 - Bb7
Am7 - D7
Gm7 - C7
Progression no. 8
C - Am7
Dm7 - G7
C - Am7
Dm7 - G7
Em7 - Am7
Dm7 - G7
C - Am7
Dm7 - G7
C - Am7
Dm7 - G7
C - Am7
Dm7 - G7
Em7 - Am7
Dm7 - G7
Gm7 - C7
Fmaj7 - E7
A7 - D7
G7 - C7
B7 - E7
Fmaj7 - E7
A7 - D7
G7 - C7
D7 - G7
C - Am7
Dm7 - G7
C - Am7
Dm7 - G7
Em7 - Am7
Dm7 - G7
The harmonic progression from the Gershwins I Got Rhythm is used for hundreds of jazz compositions
including Oleo, Moose the Mooche, Cottontail, Anthropology and many others, is also based on a
turnaround progression. Several versions of the harmonic possibilities for rhythm changes will be
considered in chapter 8.
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
137
E bmaj7
Bbm7 - Eb7
A bmaj7
Abm7 - Db7
Gm7 - Cm7
Fm7 - Bb7
Gm7 - Cm7
Fm7 - Bb7
E bmaj7
Bbm7 - Eb7
A bmaj7
Abm7 - Db7
Gm7 - Cm7
Fm7 - Bb7
Eb - Db7
Eb
B bm7
E b7
A bmaj7
A bmaj7
A7
D7
Gm7 - Cm7
Fm7 - Bb7
E bmaj7
Bbm7 - Eb7
A bmaj7
Abm7 - Db7
Gm7 - Cm7
Fm7 - Bb7
Eb - Db7
Eb
E7 - A7
Dm7 - G7
Cm7 - F7
Fm7 - Bb7
A7 - D7
G7
G7 - C7
Fmaj7
E7 - A7
Dm7 - G7
Cm7 - F7
Fm7 - Bb7
A7 - D7
Gm7 - C7
Fmaj7
Cm7
F7
B bmaj7
B bmaj7
Ebm7
A b7
D bmaj7
G7 - C7
Fmaj7
E7 - A7
Dm7 - G7
Cm7 - F7
Fm7 - Bb7
A7 - D7
Gm7 - C7
Fmaj7
Progression no. 12
Fmaj7
E7 - A7
Dm7 - G7
Cm7 - F7
Gm7
C7
F - Dm7
Gm7 - C7
B bmaj7
Bbm7 - Eb7
Am7 - D7
Abm7 - Db7
Progression no. 13
E bmaj7
D7
G7
Cm7
(F7)
B bm7
E b7
A bmaj7
D b7
E bmaj7
Cm7
F7
Fm7
B b7
E bmaj7
D7
G7
Cm7
(F7)
B bm7
E b7
A bmaj7
D b7
E bmaj7
A7 - D7
E bmaj7
G7 - C7
Fm7 - Bb7
E bmaj7
138
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
F - F#7
Gm7 - G#7
Am7 - F7
Bbmaj7 - Eb7
Am7 - D7
Gm7 - C7
F - F#7
Gm7 - G#7
Am7 - F7
Bbmaj7 - Eb7
Am7 - D7
D bmaj7 -
Ebm7 - Ab7
Fm7 - Bbm7
Ebm7 - Ab7
D bmaj7
B bm7
Gm7
C7
F - F#7
Gm7 - G#7
Am7 - F7
Bbmaj7 - Eb7
Am7 - D7
Gm7 - C7
Fmaj7
B bm7
Progression no. 15
A7 - D7
G7 - C7
Ebm7 A b7
F#7
Gm7
G#7
B bmaj7
A7
D7
Gm7
E b7
E7 - A7
Dm7
G7
Gm7
C7
A7 - D7
Gm7
B7 - E7
B bmaj7
A7
D7
Gm7
E b7
Am7 - D7
Gm7
C7
C7
F7
Bb
Cm7 - F7
Bb
A7 - D7
G7
C7
D7
Gm
A7 - D7
Gm
A7 - D7
Bb
G7
C7 - F7
Bb
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
139
Progression no. 17
D7 - G7
C - Fmaj7
B7 - E7
A7 - Dm7
Dm7 G7
Am7 - D7
Dm7 - G7
C - A7
D7 - G7
C - Fmaj7
B7 - E7
A7 - Dm7
Dm7 G7
Am7 - D7
Dm7 - G7
C - F#7-B7
E - C#m7
F#7 - B7
G#m7- F7
F#m7 - B7
E - C#m7
F#7 - B7
E7 - A7
Dm7 - Ebm7
- Em7 - E b7
D7 - G7
C - Fmaj7
Progression no. 18
D7
B7 - E7
A7 - Dm7
Dm7 G7
Am7 - D7
Dm7 - G7
F7
C7
C7
Fm
D7
G7
G7
C7
Fm
D7
G7
Cm7
F7
B bmaj7
A b7
G7
G7
C7
Fm
D7
G7
Progression no. 20
G7
C7
Fmaj7
D7
Gm7
C7
Fmaj7
Fmaj7
G7
C7
Fmaj7
B7 - E7
Amaj7
Bm7 - E7
Amaj7
Gm7
C7
Fmaj7
A7
D7
G7
C7
G7
C7
Am7
D7
Gm7
C7
Fmaj7
140
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
D7
Dm7
G7
A7
D7
Gm7
C7
Fm7
B b7
E bmaj7
Ebm7
A b7
D bmaj7
C #m7
F#7
Bmaj7
C7
F7
Dm7
D b7
Cm7
F7
Progression no. 10
B bmaj7
(F7)
Fm7
B b7
E bmaj7
A b7
B bmaj7
C7
Cm7
G7
Cm7
F7
B bmaj7
(F7)
Fm7
B b7
E bmaj7
A b7
B bmaj7
C7
Cm7
F7
B bmaj7
C #m7
F#7
Bmaj7
Bm7
E7
Amaj7
Am7
D7
Gmaj7
Gm7
C7
Cm7
F7
B bmaj7
(F7)
Fm7
B b7
E bmaj7
A b7
B bmaj7
C7
Cm7
F7
B bmaj7
Chapter 7
Progression no. 23
Harmonic Analysis
Fm7
B bm7
E b7
A bmaj7
D bmaj7
D7 - G7
Cmaj7
Cm7
Fm7
B b7
E bmaj7
A bmaj7
A7 - D7
Gmaj7
Am7
D7
Gmaj7
F#7
B7
Emaj7
C7
Fm7
B bm7
E b7
A bmaj7
D bmaj7
Gb7
A b/ C
B7
B bm7
E b7
A bmaj7
(G7 - C7)
141
Progression no. 1
Am7
vi7
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
Cmaj7
I
Fmaj7
IV
B7
ii7/vi
E7
V7/vi
Am7 A7
vi7 V7/ii
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
Cmaj7
I
A7
V7/ii
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
Fm C
iv - I
E7
V7/vi
Am7
vi7
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
Cmaj7
I
Fmaj7
IV
B7
ii7/vi
E7
V7/vi
Am7 A7
vi7 V7/ii
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
E7
ii7/ii
A7
V7/ii
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
C
I
142
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
7.1
&c
vi7
?c
ii7
&
V7
ii7/vi
V7/vi
IV
vi7
ii
The E7 in m.3 of progression no. 2 points to A minor and needs the G# , the leading tone of A minor. It
does not resolve to the A minor, but to an A7, the V7 of D minor. The A7 requires a Bb from the key
signature and C# leading tone. The D7 in m.13 is the V7 of G, needing an F#, although it never resolves
to G, instead changes to a minor 7 chord becoming the ii7. The A7 chord in m.28 would normally be
labeled V7/ii, which is where it actually resolves. However, the melody note at this point in the piece is a
Bn, suggesting A7 is the dominant of D major and not D minor. The form is ABAC.
Progression no. 2
E7
V7/vi (G # )
A7
V7/ii
Dm7
ii7
(Bb , C# )
B7
E7
Am7
ii7/vi
V7/vi (G# )
vi
E7
D7
V7/V (F # )
V7/vi
A7
V7/ii
Dm7
G7
ii7
V7
Dm7
ii7
(Bb , C# )
Fm
Em7
A7
Dm7
G7
IV
iv
iii7
V7/II*
ii7
V7
(F# , C# )
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
143
a key signature of thirteen flats! Some argue that this chord is a passing diminished chord and does not
function as a leading tone chord in D minor since it does not resolve to D minor. It does pass between
Dm and Cm, but labeling it a passing diminished gives no information about its harmonic function,
necessary alterations, or any suggestions for melodic resources. The functional relationship of C#7 to
the Dm7 suggests the altered En and C# tones. This is the Route 66 principle again: a chord may resolve somewhere other than where it points. A dominant chord usually points to, but may follow a tonic
chord. Dm moved to C#7 just as the Cm moved to its dominant G7 in mm.5-6. The F7 in m.12 is still
the dominant of Bb even though it resolves to Dm7. An An in the melody further illustrates the relationship of the C#7 to the key of D minor. The notes of the diminished chord added to the melody note
form the notes of an A7b9 chord (A - C# - En - G - Bb). These five notes are two notes shy of a scale, missing only some kind of a D and a F. The logical choices to fill out the scale are Dn and Fn, being in the
key of Bb major and following a D minor chord. Add the notes implied by the melody, the chord symbol and the context together and you have the D harmonic minor scale (A - Bb - C# - D - En - F - G - A).
Another deceptive resolution is rarely questioned. No one questions whether F7 is the V7 chord in the
key of Bb major even though in mm. 8-9 and mm. 11-12 the F7 resolves to a Dm7. For some, it is easier
to accept deceptive dominant than deceptive diminished resolutions.
The diminished chord in m. 28 is often spelled as E7. This makes the bass line easy to see, but may
cause confusion in the analysis. Recognizing it as C#7/E, a diminished chord in first inversion, reveals
its function as vii7/iii, a closely related secondary chord. E7 suggests vii7/v, and F minor, with four
flats is a very remote key and completely out of context. An E7 and a C#7 share the same enharmonic
pitches (E-G-Bb-Db/C#) but sound the same only when taken out of context. It is important to remember
that these chords occur in a musical contexts and must be analyzed accordingly. A C#7 is the vii7 of
Dm, a closely related key to Bb. The third in the bass puts the vii7 in first inversion, the most typical setting of a vii7 chord in traditional music.
Learn to recognize the possible functions of diminished chord no matter how they are spelled and no
matter where they resolve. The correct identification identifies the smoothest note choices. Every time a
diminished chord is encountered a process of elimination could be applied to determine the logical
melodic resources. Understanding the value of RNA can save time, realizing that in most cases a diminished chord, whether it occurs as a leading tone resolving traditionally, as a passing diminished, or a
diminished resolving deceptively, the chord is derived from the seventh degree of a harmonic minor
scale.
Progression no. 5
Bb
I
D7
V7/vi
E bmaj7
IV
Dm7
iii7
C#7
vii7/iii
Bb
I
D7
V7/vi
Fm7
ii7/IV
(F#)
(En, C#)
B b7
V7/IV
G7
V7/ii
Cm7
ii7
G7
V7/ii
Cm7
ii7
F7
V7
Cm7
ii7
F7
F7
Dm7
iii7
C#7
vii7/iii
Cm7
ii7
F7
F7
Eb
IV
G7
V7/ii
Cm7
ii7
G7
V7/ii
Cm7
ii7
F7
V7
G7
V7/ii
Cm7
ii7
F7
V7
Eb
IV
(Ab, B n)
C #7/E
vii7/iii
B b/F
I
144
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
TURNAROUND TUNES
These tunes are based on the common cycle progression I - vi7 - ii7 - V7, and its most common variation, I - V7/ii - ii7 - V7. This progression is often used at the end of a form to turnaround back to the top
of the form. This turnaround progression could be used in the last two measures of progression no. 7 to
avoid having eight beats of F then repeating to the top of the form for another F chord. The turnaround
progression is shown in mm. 31-32. Most of progression no. 7 stays in the key of F utilizing the
turnaround chords. The challenge to the progression is the bridge which goes to the close key of IV (Bb),
and then to the remote keys of Gb and D. The form is AABA.
Progression no. 7
F
I
D7
V7/ii
Gm7
ii7
C7
V7
Am7
iii7
Dm7
vi7
Gm7
ii7
C7
V7
F
I
D7
V7/ii
Gm7
ii7
C7
V7
Am7
iii7
Dm7
vi7
Cm7
ii7/IV
F7
V7/IV
Em7 - A7
ii7-V7
VI
Dmaj7
I/VI
B bmaj7
IV
Abm7 - Db7
ii7-V7
bII
G bmaj7
I/bII
F
I
D7
V7/ii
Gm7
ii7
C7 - Bb7
V7 TT7/iii
Am7 - D7
iii7 V7
ii
Abm7 - Db7
ii7-V7
bII
G bmaj7
I/bII
Gm7 - C7
ii7-V7
Gm7 - C7
ii7 - V7
F - (D7
I - (V7/ii
Gm7 - C7)
ii7-V7)
Progression no. 8 is the one that every child in America seems to know on the piano and plays with this
accompaniment.
7.2
&c
?c
j
j j j
Progression no. 8
C - Am7
I - vi7
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
C - Am7
I - vi7
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
Em7 - Am7
iii7 - vi7
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
C - Am7
I - vi7
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
C - Am7
I - vi7
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
C - Am7
I - vi7
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
Em7 - Am7
iii7 - vi7
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
C
I
Gm7 - C7
ii7 - V7
IV
Fmaj7 - E7
IV - V7/vi
A7 - D7
V7/ii V7/V
G7 - C7
V7 - V7/IV
B7 - E7
V7/iii V7/vi
Fmaj7 - E7
IV - V7/vi
A7 - D7
V7/ii V7/V
G7 - C7
V7 - V7/IV
D7 - G7
V7/V - V7
C - Am7
I - vi7
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
C - Am7
I - vi7
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
Em7 - Am7
iii7 - vi7
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
C
I
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
145
Every child knows the melody to the A section of progression no. 8, but few seem to know the bridge.
There is an interesting cycle of dominants in the bridge that point to different closely related keys without actually getting to those keys. Each dominant resolves to the correct root, but each chord quality is
changed to a dominant which propels the progression forward. There are two descending chromatic
lines a tritone apart suggested by this progression.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
7.3
E7
A7
& c # n #
1.
?c
D7
2.
G7
3.
C7
b
4.
B7
E7
n #
5.
6.
7.
E bmaj7
I
E bmaj7
I
B bm7
ii7/IV
Bbm7 - Eb7
ii7 - V7
IV
Bbm7 - Eb7
ii7 - V7
IV
E b7
V7/IV
A bmaj7
IV
Abm7 - Db7
iv7 - BD7
Gm7 - Cm7
Fm7 - Bb7
ii7 - V7
Gm7 - Cm7
iii7 - vi7
Fm7 - Bb7
ii7 - V7
A bmaj7
IV
Abm7 - Db7
iv7 - BD7
Gm7 - Cm7
iii7 - vi7
Fm7 - Bb7
ii7 - V7
Eb - Db7
I - BD7
Eb
I
A bmaj7
IV
A7
ii7/iii
D7
V7/iii
Gm7 - Cm7
Fm7 - Bb7
ii7 - V7
iii7 - vi7
E bmaj7
Bbm7 - Eb7
A bmaj7
Abm7 - Db7
Gm7 - Cm7
Fm7 - Bb7
ii7 - V7
IV
IV
iv7 - BD7
iii7 - vi7
ii7 - V7
iii7 - vi7
Eb - Db7
I - BD7
Eb
I
146
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
E7 - A7
ii7-V7
vi
Dm7 - G7
vi7 - V7
V
Cm7 - F7
ii7-V7
IV
Fmaj7
I
E7 - A7
ii7-V7
vi
Dm7 - G7
vi7 - V7
V
Cm7
ii7/IV
F7
V7/IV
B bmaj7
I/IV
Cm7 - F7
ii7-V7
IV
Fmaj7
I
E7 - A7
ii7-V7
vi
Dm7 - G7
vi7 - V7
V
B bmaj7
I/IV
Cm7 - F7
ii7-V7
IV
Fm7 - Bb7
ii7-V7
bVII
Fm7 - Bb7
ii7-V7
bVII
Ebm7
ii7/bVI
Fm7 - Bb7
ii7-V7
bVII
A7 - D7
ii7-V7
ii
G7
V7/V
G7 - C7
ii7-V7
i
A7 - D7
ii7-V7
ii
Gm7 - C7
ii7 - V7
Fmaj7
I
A b7
V7/ bVI
D bmaj7
I/bVI
G7 - C7
ii7-V7/i
A7 - D7
ii7-V7
ii
Gm7 - C7
ii7 - V7
Fmaj7
I
Fmaj7
I
E7 - A7
ii7-V7
vi
Dm7 - G7
vi7 - V7
V
Cm7 - F7
ii7-V7
IV
Gm7
ii7
C7
V7
F - Dm7
I - vi7
Gm7 - C7
ii7 - V7
D7
ii7/vi
G7
V7/vi
B bmaj7
IV
Bbm7 - Eb7
vi7 - V7
bIII
Am7 - D7
vi7 - V7/ii
Abm7 - Db7
vi7 - V7
bII
Cm7
vi7
(F7)
(V7/v)
B bm7
ii7/IV
E b7
V7/IV
Cm7
vi7
F7
V7/V
Fm7
ii7
Cm7
vi7
(F7)
vi7
E bmaj7
I
A bmaj7
IV
E bmaj7
I
A bmaj7
IV
D b7
BD7
D b7
BD7
E bmaj7
I
D7
ii7/vi
E bmaj7
I
G7
V7/vi
A7 - D7
ii7 - V7
iii
E bmaj7
I
G7 - C7
ii7 - V7
ii
B bm7
ii7/IV
Fm7 - Bb7
ii7 - V7
B b7
V7
E b7
V7/IV
E bmaj7
I
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
147
F - F#7
I - vii7/ii
F - F#7
I - vii7/ii
D bmaj7 B bm7
I - vi7
bVI
Bb - Eb7
IV - BD7
Am7 - D7
iii7 - V7/ii
Gm7 - C7
ii7 - V7
Bb - Eb7
IV - BD7
Am7 - D7
iii7 - V7/ii
Gm7 - C7
ii7 - V7
Fmaj7 Bb7
I - V7/bvii
Ebm7 - Ab7
ii7 - V7
bVI
Gm7
C7
A7 - D7
V7/vi V7/ii
G7 - C7
V7/V - V
Ebm7 - Ab7
Fm7 -
Ebm7 - Ab7
D bmaj7
B bm7
ii7 - V7
bVI
iii7 - vi7
bVI
ii7 - V7
bVI
bVI
vi7
bVI
ii7
V7
Gm7 - C7
Fmaj7
iii7 - V7/IV
E b7
IV - BD7
Am7 - D7
iii7 - V7/ii
ii7 - V7
Gm7
ii7
G#7
vii7/iii
F
I
B bmaj7
IV
A7
ii7/ii
D7
V7/ii
F - F#7
Gm7 - G#7
I - vii7/ii
ii7 vii7/iii
B bm7
Am7 - F7
B bmaj7 -
F#7
vii7/ii
E b7
BD7
A7 - D7
ii7 - V7
ii
E b7
BD7
F
I
E7 - A7
ii7 - V7
vi
Dm7
vi7
G7
V7/V
Gm7
ii7
C7
V7
Gm7
ii7
B7 - E7
ii7 - V7
iii
F
I
B bmaj7
IV
A7
ii7/ii
D7
V7/ii
F
I
Am7 - D7
iii7 - V7/ii
Gm7
ii7
C7
V7
F
I
148
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
A7 - D7
ii7-V7
vi
Gm
vi
A7 - D7
ii7-V7
vi
G7
V7/II
F7
V7
G7
V7/II
Gm
vi
Cm7 - F7
ii7 - V7
Bb
I
G7
V7/ii
C7 - F7
V7/V - V7
C7
V7/V
Bb
I
C7
V7/V
Bb
I
A7 - D7
ii7-V7
vi
D7
V7/vi
Bb
I
The form is AABA The end of the second A section points to the closely related key of E minor, but the
B section is in E major.
Progression no. 17
D7 - G7
V7/V - V7
C - Fmaj7
I - IV
B7 - E7
V7/iii V7/vi
A7 - Dm7
V7/ii - ii7
Dm7 G7
ii7 - V7
Am7 - D7
vi7 - V7/V
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
C - A7
I - V7/ii
D7 - G7
V7
C - Fmaj7
V7
B7 - E7
V7
A7 - Dm7
V7
Dm7 G7
I
Am7 - D7
ii7 - V7
Dm7 - G7
I
E - C#m7
F#7 - B7
G#m7- F7
F#m7 - B7
E - C#m7
F#7 - B7
C - F#7-B7
I - ii7-V7
iii
E7 - A7
Dm7 -
Ebm7 -
I-vi7
III
ii7-V7
iii
iii/III vii7/#v
ii7-V7/III
I-vi7
III
ii7-V7
iii
V7/vi V7/ii
Em7 - Eb7
ii7 - ii7/bII iii7 - TT7/ii
D7 - G7
V7/V - V7
C - Fmaj7
I - IV
B7 - E7
V7/iii V7/vi
A7 - Dm7
V7/ii - ii7
Dm7 G7
ii7 - V7
Am7 - D7
vi7 - V7/V
Dm7 - G7
ii7 - V7
C
I
Progression no. 18
D7
V7/VI
C7
V7/V
F7
V7
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
149
C7
V7/iv
Fm
iv
G7
ii7
C7
V7/iv
Fm
iv
Cm7
ii7/bVII
F7
V7/bVII
Bb
I/bVII
G7
ii7
C7
V7/iv
Fm
iv
D7
ii7/i
G7
V7/i
C
I
D7
ii7/i
G7
V7/i
C
I
A b7
TT7/V
D7
ii7/i
G7
V7/i
G7
V7/i
C
I
The form is ABCD. The B and D sections could be labeled variations of the A section.
Progression no. 20
G7
ii7/i
C7
V7/i
Fmaj7
I
D7
V7/ii
Gm7
ii7
C7
V7
Fmaj7
I
G7
ii7/i
C7
V7/i
Fmaj7
I
B7 - E7
ii7-V7
iii
Amaj7
I/III
Bm7 - E7
ii7-V7
III
Amaj7
I/III
Gm7
ii7
C7
V7
Fmaj7
I
A7
ii7/ii
D7
V7/ii
G7
V7/V
G7
ii7/i
C7
V7/i
Am7
iii7
Gm7
ii7
C7
V7
Fmaj7
I
G7
V7
C
I
D7
V7/ii
C7
V7
SIMILAR A SECTION
Progression no. 21
C
I
Common A section
D7
V7/V
Dm7
ii7
E bmaj7
IV
Bmaj7
I/bII
A7
ii7/vi
D7
V7/vi
Gm7
vi7
Ebm7
ii7/bIII
A b7
V7/bIII
D bmaj7
I/bIII
C7
ii7/i
F7
V7
Dm7
iii7
C7
V7/V
D b7
TT7/ii
Fm7
ii7/IV
B b7
V7/IV
C #m7
ii7/bII
F#7
V7/bII
Cm7
ii7
F7
V7
150
Chapter 7
Harmonic Analysis
B bmaj7
I
B bmaj7
I
B bmaj7
I
B bmaj7
I
(F7)
(V7)
(F7)
(V7)
Fm7
ii7/IV
C7
V7/V
Fm7
ii7/IV
C7
V7/V
C #m7
ii7/bII
F#7
V7/bII
Bmaj7
I/bII
Am7
ii7/VI
D7
V7/VI
Gmaj7
I/VI
(F7)
(V7)
Fm7
ii7/IV
B bmaj7
I
B bmaj7
I
C7
V7/V
B b7
V7/IV
B b7
V7/IV
B b7
V7/IV
E bmaj7
IV
A b7
BD7
Cm7
ii7
G7
V7/ii
Cm7
ii7
F7
V7
E bmaj7
IV
A b7
BD7
Cm7
ii7
F7
V7
B bmaj7
I
Bm7
ii7/VII
E7
V7/VII
Amaj7
I/VII
Gm7
ii7/V
C7
V7/V
Cm7
ii7
E bmaj7
IV
Cm7
ii7
F7
V7
A b7
BD7
B bmaj7
I
F7
V7
The form is AABA. The second A section is in a different key and the last A section is extended by four
measures.
Progression no. 23
Fm7
vi7
B bm7
ii7
E b7
V7
A bmaj7
I
D bmaj7
IV
Cm7
vi7/V
Fm7
ii7/V
B b7
V7/V
E bmaj7
I/V
A bmaj7
IV/V
Am7
ii7/VII
D7
V7/VII
Gmaj7
I/VII
F#7
ii7/ bVI
Fm7
vi7
B bm7
ii7
B bm7
ii7
E b7
V7
E b7
V7
A bmaj7
I
A bmaj7
I
(G7 - C7)
ii7 - V7
vi
D bmaj7
IV
D7 - G7
ii7 - V7
vi
Cmaj7
I/VI
A7 - D7
ii7 - V7
vii
Gmaj7
I/VII
B7
V7/ bVI
Emaj7
I/bVI
Gb7
BD7
A b/ C
I
C7
V7/vi
B7
vii7/iii
Chapter 8
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152
Chapter 8
TURNAROUND PROGRESSIONS
I . Turnarounds to Tonic (I)
Many progressions end with two measures of the tonic chord and begin again on the same
tonic chord. This creates twelve or more beats of the same static sound. Several other
chords may be placed in this area which create motion to replace the static harmony. The
new progressions are called turnarounds as they turn the piece around the top of the
form. There are many tunes that are based on a variation of these turnaround progressions.
Try to determine the accidentals necessary in these turnarounds.
Static harmony: the last two measures of the form and the first measure all on the tonic chord begs for
harmonic motion to replace the static harmony.
C
I
C
I
Additional harmony is inserted in a passage by working backwards from the targeted resolution. The
tonic chord (C) at the top of the chart can be preceded with its diatonic ii7 and V7 (Dm7 - G7) in the
final measure. The root motion of downward fifths is strong.
C
I
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
C
I
Backing up one more place in the progression allows the insertion of vi7 which creates a longer passage
of downward fifth root motion: vi7 - ii7 - V7 - I.
C
I
Am7
vi7
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
C
I
Secondary dominant chords can replace diatonic chords. The vi7 chord can be replaced by a V7/ii; the
ii7 chord can be replaced by the V7/V. Secondary dominants produce more forward motion by introducing chromatic voices that briefly point away from the primary tonal center.
C
I
A7
V7/ii
D7
V7/V
G7
V7
C
I
A secondary leading tone chord can be used in place of a secondary dominant chord. The C#7, the
vii7/ii, creates a chromatically ascending bass line which returns to the downward fifth motion with the
ii7 - V7 - I.
C
I
C#7
vii7/ii
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
C
I
A dominant chord may be replaced by its tritone substitute dominant when the dominant chord is resolving down a fifth. If the dominant chord is resolving deceptively, as ii - V7 - vi, a tritone substitute
dominant would not appropriate. The roots of a sequence of tritone substitutions may progress in
downward fifths The bass line and the chromatic harmony create motion which points away and ultimately resolves back to the tonic chord.
C
I
E b7
TT sub for V7/ii
A b7
TT sub for V7/V
D b7
TT sub for V7
C
I
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153
Progression in countless thirty-two measure forms and the blues resolve back to the tonic chord in the
last two measures and begin again on the same tonic chord. The resolution to the tonic chord in those
final two measures can be avoided by using the iii7 chord or the I6 chord as a substitute for I. The iii7
chord leads well to the vi7 or V7/ii7 chords with descending fifth root motion. The iii7 chord leads
chromatically to the tritone substitute for V7/ii. A descending chromatic bass line can be created by
substituting iii7 for I, and using the tritone substitutes for V7/ii and V7 as shown below.
Em7
iii7
E b7
TT sub for V7/ii
Dm7
ii7
D b7
TT sub for V7
C
I
E7 is the V7/vi and can also be inserted in the progression to avoid the tonic chord. If the tonic chord
tones are sounded over the E7, they create colorful upper extensions (C= b13, E = Root, G = #9 of E7). A
descending chromatic bass line is shown below using all dominant chords.
E7
V7/vi
E b7
TT sub for V7/ii
D7
V7/V
D b7
TT sub for V7
C
I
E7 can also have a tritone substitution. Bb7 may be a long way from the tonic chord, but it may sound
interesting as the C triad over the Bb7 chord yields other colorful upper extensions (C = 9, E = #11, G =
13 of Bb7). The progression below has a bass line of descending fifths using all tritone substitute dominants.
B b7
TT sub for V7/vi
E b7
TT sub for V7/ii
A b7
TT sub for V7/V
D b7
TT sub for V7
C
I
A chromatic bass line can be created using a combination of tritone substitution, secondary dominants
and the dominant.
B b7
TT sub for V7/vi
A7
V7/ii
A b7
TT sub for V7/V
G7
V7
C
I
G7
V7
C
I
D#7
vii7/iii
Dm7
ii7
Chords from the parallel minor can be used for a color change. The diatonic major chords, vi7 - ii7 V7, are replaced by corresponding chords from the parallel minor. The fundamental G7 chord will
sound the same but would have different upper extensions. The lowered third and sixth degrees of the C
minor scale yield the b13 and b9 over the G7.
Cmaj7
I
A bmaj7
bVI/i
D7
ii7/i
G7 (b13 b9)
V7/i
C
I
This is not a commonly used turnaround, but is possible and may inspire an arrangement or composition.
Cmaj7
I
Am7
vi7
Fmaj7 or Fm7
IV or iv/i
B b7
Backdoor deceptive
resolution
C
I
An artist may use a different turnaround progression within the performance of a tune. Different
turnarounds may be chosen for different emotional or structural moments in the solo. In a four chorus
improvisation on a jazz standard progression in Bb major, Keith Jarrett used three different turnarounds.
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Chapter 8
At the end of the first chorus Jarrett played only two chords over the dominant pedal note F. This restrained the forward motion for a moment before releasing it at the top of the second form.
B bmaj7/F
Over dominant
pedal
C bmaj7/F
Bb
I
Gm7
vi7
Cm7
ii7
F7
V7
Bb
I
As the solo built to the more climactic third chorus, Jarrett changed only the second chord. Jarretts
melodic material over this turnaround was a flurry of sixteenth notes.
B bmaj7
I
G7
V7/ii
Cm7
ii7
F7
V7
Bb
I
The last turnaround set up the end of the solo and Jarrett returned to the diatonic progression and
slowed the rhythmic activity of the melodic material to help the improvisation come to a close.
B bmaj7
I
Gm7
vi7
Cm7
ii7
F7
V7
Bb
I
E7
ii7/ii
A7
V7/ii
Dm
ii
The strong downward fifth root movement from I to IV can precede the ii7/ii - V7/ii - ii7 progression.
The half-step resolution from IV to ii7/ii is strong. The F chord is a common chord between the key of
C (as IV) and the key of D minor (as bVI).
Cmaj7
I
Fmaj7
IV
E7
ii7/ii
A7
V7/ii
Dm
ii
A diatonic iii7 chord can be used instead of the ii7/ii. This delays pointing to the ii7 chord (V7/ii) until the last moment in this progression. The iii7 chord may be preceded by its dominant.
Cmaj7
I
B7
V7/iii
Em7
iii7
A7
V7/ii
Dm
ii
A chromatic bass line can be created by using a series of secondary tritone substitute dominants.
Cmaj7
I
B7
V7/iii
B b9
TT sub for V7/vi
A7
V7/ii
Dm
ii
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155
A strong downward fifth bass line through a series of tritone substitutions finally resolves to the ii7
chord in the following turnaround progression.
Cmaj7
I
III.
F9
TT sub for V7/iii
B b9
TT sub for V7/vi
E b9
TT sub for V7/ii
Dm
ii
Pieces may end with a tonic chord in the last two measures of the form and may begin on
the vi7 chord. There are several tunes whose bridge or middle sections modulate to the key
of vi. The following progressions modulate from the key of I to the key of vi.
The most common approach is to precede the vi7 chord with its ii7 and V7.
Cmaj7
I
B7
ii7/vi
E7
V7/vi
Am
vi
The strong downward fifth movement from I to IV often precedes the ii7/vi - V7/vi. The downward fifth
motion continues from IV to ii7/vi and is still strong even though F to Bn is a diminished fifth.
Cmaj7
I
Fmaj7
IV
B7
ii7/vi
E7
V7/vi
Am
vi
The IV chord can be made into a dominant chord, which makes it a tritone substitute for the V7/iii. This
chord occurs countless times in traditional music and might then be labeled an augmented sixth chord
with any number of international titles (French, Italian, German).
Cmaj7
I
F9
TT sub for V7/iii
E7
V7/vi
Am
vi
By using the tritone substitute for the V7/vi, a bass line of descending fifths can be created that resolves
down a half-step to the vi chord.
Cmaj7
I
IV.
F9
TT sub for V7/iii
B b9
TT sub for V7/vi
Am
vi
Gm7
ii7/IV
C7
V7/IV
F
IV
Sliding chromatically to the ii7/IV. The chromatic Ab m7 chord is not as much functional as it is a
chromatic passing chord, but would probably sound like the ii7/bV.
Cmaj7
I
Am7 - (Abm7)
vi - (ii7/bV)
Gm7
ii7/IV
C7
V7/IV
F
IV
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Chapter 8
A chromatic bass line can be created using tritone substitute and secondary dominants.
Cmaj7
I
A b7
TT sub for V7/v
Cmaj7
I
IV.
G7
V7/IV
Gb7
TT sub for V7/IV
F
IV
D b7
TT sub for V7/IV
C7
V7/IV
F
IV
Turnarounds to mediant
Tunes rarely begin on a iii chord, but many tunes modulate to the key of iii at the bridge or
other sections. The following progressions modulate from the key of I to the key of iii.
Root movement down in thirds produces a smooth transition as adjacent chords share three pitches.
The simple triad (1-3-5) becomes the 3-5-7 of the next, so that the C triad (C-E-G) becomes the 3-5-7 of
the Am7 chord; the A minor triad (A-C-E) becomes the 3-5-7 of the F# 7 chord. The ii7/iii - V7/iii
points the iii chord.
Cmaj7
I
Am7
vi
F#7
ii7/iii
B7
V7/iii
Em
iii
The tonic chord could change to a dominant quality and then progress to the V7/iii as shown below. In
this instance, the C7 does not function as the V7/IV, but as an augmented sixth chord or a tritone substitute for the V7/vii.
Cmaj7
I
C7
Augmented 6th
chord or TT sub
for V/vii
B7
V7/iii
Em
iii
The harmony supports the melody. Do not force harmony onto a piece that does not serve
the melody. I witnessed a pianist trying to get a singer to change the melody notes of an old
standard to fit a reharmonization. There is no good reason to impose incompatible harmony onto a melody, no matter how interesting the progression.
Certain additions or deductions of harmony will alter the mood. Keep in mind what the focus should be at any given moment in the piece before altering the harmony.
There are certain significant junctures that may be expected within the form of a standard
tune. For instance, some kind of chord built on the fourth degree is expected in m.5 of the
blues. Figure out what can and cannot change within a tune before getting carried away with
substitutions.
The standard progression is shown below with four different harmonic settings. The top line is straight
from very old lead sheet. The second and third lines are from different recently published versions. The
last line is how I personally might play it.
The passing Gm chord, which was probably in first inversion with Bb in the bass in the original sheet
music, does not show at all in the recent versions. I have added the Bb7 chord (acting as a TT7/vi),
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157
which enhances the bass motion down to the A7. None of the recent versions use the V7/V in m.2 relying on the unaltered ii7 chord. All of the modern versions feature some kind of a turnaround to get to
the ii7 chord coming up in m.5. The Fmaj7 and the Dm7 chords in m.3 are similar sounding and work
to progress to the iii7 chord in m.4.
Progression no. 31
Cmaj7 Gm A7
Cmaj7
A7
A7
Cmaj7 Bb7 A7
Cmaj7
D7
G7
Dm7
G7
Fmaj7
Em7
A7
Dm7
G7
Dm7
Em7
A7
Dm7
G7
Fmaj7
Em7
C dim.
A7
(or D#7)
The F chord in the original lead sheet at m.5 was probably a Dm7 chord with a D in the bass of the piano arrangement, but that part was cut off to make the fake books. The tonic chord has been replaced by
the iii7 chord in two versions. In the bottom line there is a descending bass line to the root of the iii7
chord. All versions used typical turnaround progressions to get back to the tonic chord that begins the
repeat of the A section in m.9.
Progression no. 31
Fmaj7
G7
A7
G7
A7
Dm7
G7
A7
Dm7
G7
A7
Dm7
Dm7
G7
Em7
Dm7
G7
Dm7
G7
G/F
Em7
G7
The biggest harmonic differences between the versions occur in the bridge of the tune. The F chord in
m.17 is commonly replaced by Dm7. The D#7 is labeled by two other names: C dim. and Eb7. D#7, the
vii7 of iii, is the most logical label. The three modern versions use Dm7 in place of the F at the beginning of the next phrase and prepare for it with the secondary dominant, A7 (V7/ii).
Progression no. 31
F
G7
C dim.
Eb7
Dm7
G7
Em7
Dm7
G7
Em7
Eb7
Dm7
G7 G/F
Em7
D#7
G7
Dm7
G7
A7
Dm7
G7
A7
Dm7
A7
G7
17
158
Chapter 8
The modern versions use a Dm7 in place of the F at m.21. There are three choices for arriving at the
Am7. The first and third versions use the deceptive V7 - vi7 cadence with no preparation for the A minor area. The second version uses the ii7/vi7 - V7/vi, strong because of the descending fifths in the
bass line. The bottom version uses a chromatic bass line moving from the G7 (V7) to the G#7 (vii7/vi).
Progression no. 31
F
G7
Am
Dm7
B7 E7
Dm7
G7
Dm7
G7
G#7
B7
B7
Am7
Am/G
F#m7
Am7
Am/G
F#m7
Am7
Am/G
F#7
G7
Emaj7 C#m7 Dm7 G7
B7
G7
Emaj7
B7
Emaj7
Dm7 G7
21
The following compares the bridge from a sheet music version to a possible reharmonization. Both versions begin on F and land on the Dm7 chord in m.3. The reharmonization approaches the Dm7 by descending fifths. A7 is the secondary dominant (V7/ii) which suggests using Em7 (iii7) or I in first inversion instead of the I chord. If Em7 is used in place of I, then it can be tonicized by the ii7/iii - V7/iii
progression. The F chord, as IV in the key of C, shares the same third, fifth and seventh with the F#7 so
the only change between those chords is in the bass line.
Progression no. 32 chords from sheet music
F
C
C#7
1
F#7 B7
Em7
A7
Dm7
G7
Dm7
G7
B7 E7
Listen to the descending bass line in m.5 in the lower staff. Both versions agree at the Am7, Em7, D7, G7
and the C in the second phrase. The lower version has more motion with the added ii7/iii - V7/iii, the
V7/ii, the vii7/iii, and the iii7 - V7/ii - ii7 - V7 leading back to the tonic chord.
Progression no. 32 chords from sheet music
Am
Em
5
Am
Am/G
F#7
B7 Em7
A7
D7
D7
D#7
G7
Em7
A7
Dm7 G7 C
A common substitution in jazz performance is to use a ii7 - V7 or a ii7 - V7 in place of the vii7 from
old published versions. Many performers considered the diminished seventh chord to be old fashioned
compared with the new and improved bebop ii7 - V7 progression. In progression no. 33, neither the
G#7 nor the Bm7 - E7 point to the Gm7. The Bm7 - E7 functions the same a G#7, pointing to the key of
A or A minor. This G#7, the vii7/iii, is often found resolving to a ii7 chord. The Bbmaj7 keeps the bass
moving down in fifths.
Progression no. 33
G#7
Gm7
C7
Fmaj7
E7
A7
Dmaj7
E7
Gm7
same root and third, but have different qualities because of the difference between the perfect fifth of
the Abm7 and the diminished fifth of the G#7. The Abm7 - Db7 does not point the same place as the
G #7, but creates a chromatic side-slipping passage from the Am7 to Abm7 and finally the Gm7. The
chords slip down by half step, but the Abm7 and Db7 chords are from the key of Gb, a half step above F.
Chapter 8
Progression no. 34
B bmaj7
B bm7
E b7
Fmaj7
G#7
B bmaj7
B bm7
E b7
Am7
A bm7
159
Gm7
D b7
Gm7
A diminished seventh chord and a ii7 - V7 point to a minor key and can be used interchangeably. In
an actual performance there may be no way to tell the difference. The soloist may be thinking one progression and the bass player another as both sets of chords share the same pitches and those pitches
point to the same minor key. This common passage may be thought of in either of the two ways shown
or both ways simultaneously. The G#7 or the B7 - E7 point to the ii7 chord Am7. The A#7 or the C#7
- F#7 point to the iii7 chord Bm7. Sometimes, instead of resolving to the iii7 chord Bm7, the I chord G
major in first inversion may occur in this passage as a deceptive resolution of the F#7.
Progression no. 15
Gmaj7 G#7
Am7
A#7
Bm7
Gmaj7
Am7
C#7
F#7
Bm7
B7
E7
Jazz performers often reharmonize simple passages from the original published versions of jazz standards. These extra chords create more motion and add color. The original version of progression no.
35 has the tonic chord lasting for two measures before moving to the ii7 chord. A more commonly performed version utilizes a turnaround progression to the ii7 chord: I - IV - iii7 - V7/ii - ii7. Instead of the
ambiguous A diminished, the ii7/iii - V7/iii chords are commonly used in the fourth measure and
point to a Dm7 (iii7) chord in m.5.
Progression no. 35
Bb
Bbmaj7
1
Ebmaj7
Dm7
Cm7
G7
Cm7
G7
A dim.
Cm/Bb
E7/A
A7
In order to keep the progression moving and sustain the dissonance, the I chord is often avoided in the
middle of a progression. If the progression leads back to the tonic chord too soon or too often, it becomes commonplace. If the return to tonic has been averted by using other chords, tonicizations and
substitutions, then when the music finally returns to tonic it will be all the more potent. It retains more
of its strength from not being overused. Imagine a trip around the block: how much would you miss
home if gone only a few minutes? Weeks on the road will make someone long for home again. You must
depart in order to return. If the I chord is heard in the first measure, again in the fifth, and again at the
repeat of the first section at m.9, the impact of the tonic chord will be lessened.
At m.5 of progression no. 35, the original sheet music called for a return to the tonic chord. The use of
the iii7 (or a I chord in inversion) saves the return to tonic for the next phrase. The D7 is a secondary
dominant which points to the vi7 chord. The Db9 chord is a tritone substitute to for the V7/ii (G7) and
points to the Cm7 chord. The C7 is a borrowed chord from the parallel key of Bb minor and adds another dimension of color to the progression. Setting up a cadence to Bb minor is another way of
strengthening the resolution to major in the second eight measure phrase. The lowered pitches suggested by the borrowed ii7/i chord create a darker sound which will make the ultimate resolution to
major sound brighter than it would have coming from the diatonic ii7 - V7 chords Cm7 - F7.
Progression no. 35
Bb
5
Dm7
D7
Gm7
Gm7
Db9
Cm7
F7
Cm7
C7/Gb
F7
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Chapter 8
Many passages lend themselves to multiple reharmonizations. Four versions are shown below for
mm.13-16 of progression no. 35. This is the end of the B section that leads back to the A section and the
tonic Bb chord. The top line is from an old lead sheet version; the other three are from published or
performance variations. All four begin with Gm and end with F7, but are quite different in between.
The second line reinforces the Gm7 in m.13 by using its dominant D7. The V7/V, C7 never resolves to F,
but instead changes chord quality from a dominant to a minor 7 and becomes the diatonic ii7 chord,
Cm7. The Cm7 - G7 - Cm7 in mm.15-16 mirrors the earlier passage Gm7 - D7 - Gm7. The ii7 chord,
Cm7, is then followed by the F7, the dominant which prepares the return to tonic.
The third line path is the same as the second line until the C7, the V7/V. The C7 moves to a C#7, the
vii7/iii, setting up the last two measure turnaround iii7 - V7/ii - ii7 - V7. The C7 and the C#7 share the
same third, fifth and seventh so only the bass note changes. The C7 points to the key of F (1b) and then
the C#7 points to the key of D minor (1b plus the leading tone C#).
The fourth line begins with a descending bass line to the E7. The last three measures utilizes a circle of
fifth root progression with ii7 - V7 of iii, iii - V7/ii and then the ii7 - V7 leading back to the I chord. In
the second measure, the Dm7 (iii) is tonicized sooner by the E7 and A7 than it was in the third line.
Progression no. 35
Gm
13
C7
Gm
D7
Gm7
C7
Gm
D7
Gm7
Gm
Gm/F
E7
F7
F7
Cm7
G7
Cm7
F7
C7
C#7
Dm7
G7
Cm7
F7
A7
Dm7
G7
Cm7
F7
Sometimes an old lead sheet version is so simple it not only allows, it demands reharmonization. The I
chord in progression 36 below lasts four measures and then the vi7 chord appears suddenly without
preparation. While there is nothing wrong with this, at slow and medium tempos the lack of motion can
impair the momentum of the piece (and may be interpreted by some to be a bad musical joke at the
expense of a beautiful composition). A few moving chords can create motion to keep the progression
alive. Working backwards, the E7, V7/vi prepares the Am7 chord. The diatonic ii7 - V7 chords can anticipate the short return of tonic in the fourth measure. To prepare the ii7 chord a typical I - IV - iii7 V7/ii could be considered. Why then is the D#7 used instead of the A7, the V7/ii? The melody must always be considered when reharmonizing. There is a Bn in the melody in the second half of m.2 that contraindicates the use of an A7. The A7, as the V7 in the key of D minor suggests the key of one flat (Bb).
The vii7/iii resolving deceptively, as it often does, to the ii7 chord provides chromatic color and satisfies the Bn in the melody. With Bn in the melody over the D#7, it will sound like a B7b9 in first inversion.
How can that point to Dm7? It does not point to Dm7, but is logical as a chord following the Em.
Progression no. 36
C
1
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
Em7
D#7
Dm7
G7
E7
Am
Am
(Dm7)
The melody is the most important factor when consideration any harmonic setting. The second concern should be with the bass line and its relationship to the melody. Most of the progressions dealt with
so far have had chords only in root position. The bass lines have been considered with emphasis on the
typical downward fifth progressions like V7 - I and ii7 - V7 - I. There are times when the use of an inversion can create interest in a harmonic progression that supports the melody. The commonly played
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161
version on the top line of progression no. 6 serves the melody and is itself interesting enough. The
lower version has a descending step line in the bass: F - E - (A) - D - Db - C - B - Bb - A. Both progressions arrive at the A7 but by different paths. The lower version uses two chords over a pedal F, the
dominant of Bb in m.9. The F bass note easily moves down a step to the E7. The A7 chord interrupts
the step line briefly but resolves to Dm7, the next note in the descending line. The Dm7 moves to
Dbmaj7, to keep the bass line moving down in steps. The Dbmaj7 is related to the Bbm7 chord (and may
be heard as a Bbm in first inversion) and moves easily to the F chord in second inversion. The F/C mirrors the Bb/F chord in m.9 and continues the step line. The C bass note moves to the Bn and Bb, creating
two different quality G chords (G major and G7) and then steps down chromatically to the A7.
Progression no. 6
Bb
9
Cb/F Bb/F
Fmaj7
Gb/C F/C
A7
Dm7
Bbm7
E7
A7
Dm7
Dbmaj7
Gm7 C7 C/Bb
(E7 A7
)
G/B G7/Bb
13
E7
Eb7
A7
D7
G7
A7
D7
G7
Not all harmonic substitutions are interchangeable. A pianist cannot assume the bass player will imagine
all of his inventive substitutions and the soloist cannot assume the piano player will know or hear what
unusual substitutions he has practiced. Many basic substitutions will cause little conflict, and if so, only
for short episodes. For example, there is no real difference between a V7/ii and a vii7/ii. If there are to
be major departures from the normal progressions, then some consultation should occur before the
performance. However, the band as a unit should be listening to each other for subtle changes and alterations, being sensitive to each role and the overall character of the music.
There are times when the soloist will impose substitute harmony over a progression with or without the
rhythm section. These work as linear substitutions. The chords and lines are working on different levels
to point to a particular place. Things may not always agree vertically between the improvised line and
the rhythm section, but dissonances will resolve in a linear manner.
This is a typical turnaround progression found in blues, rhythm changes, and many other tunes. The
Am7 could be a substitute for the I chord in the middle of repeating the progression.
F
D7
Gm7
C7
Am7
With Am7 as the goal, the C7 (V7) could be replaced by G#7 (vii7 of iii).
F
D7
Gm7
G#7
Am7
The progression could return to the F in first inversion instead of the Am7 and would still sound good.
The two chromatic tones suggested by the G#7, the G# and the Bn, will resolve to the A and C whether
chord is an F or Am7.
F
D7
Gm7
G#7
F/A
Charlie Parker used the harmonic substitution from above in the following excerpt from a blues improvisation. The rhythm section may not have had time to adjust or predict the G#7 chord. The bass player
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Chapter 8
could have played a C7 and resolved to Am7 and the lines still work. There are two chromatic voices
suggested by this passage which are shown below the melodic line.
Gm7
G #7
& b # n
& b ww
ww
# n
A similar linear substitution occurs in this example from Dexter Gordon. Is the last part of this progression V7 - I (F7 to Bb) or is it A7 or C#7 pointing to Dm7 or pointing to Bb in first inversion?
b
&b c
Bb
Gm7
Bb 3
F7
Cm 7
# n
Adding more harmonic movement can add life to static passages. The relation of the bass note to the
melody is an important consideration, but remember that inner voices can create motion, too. The passage below is a common I - ii7/IV - V7/IV - IV progression.
Progression no. 37
Ebmaj7
Bbm7
Eb7
Abmaj7
The passage is transformed with the additions below. The chord symbols on the top line below do not
tell the whole story. The diatonic ii7, iii7, and IV chords have been added in the first two measures. In
the last beat of m.2 the vii7/v prepares for the change to Bbm7, which as ii7/IV signals the change to
the key of IV. Preceding the Eb 7 and the Ab maj7 chords are tritone substitutions dominants. These
chords alone satisfactorily ornament the original simple progression. The chromatic inner voice in the
first two measures changes the focus from plodding chords to dramatic linear motion.
&
E bmaj7
Fm7
bbb
? b
b b n #
Gm7
A bmaj7 A7
bn
B bm9
E13
# #n
#n
E b13
A13
A bmaj7
w
bw
n bn # #n
n bn www
Tempo and the overall mood and character of the piece should be considered when adding or subtracting harmonic content. The above passage works well in slow settings. The subtleties may be lost at faster
tempos. Do not assume that slow passages must have added harmony to be interesting. Even very slow
ballads can benefit from the simplification of harmonic motion.
Chapter 8
163
After a passage with half-note harmonic rhythm, it might be effective to slow the motion down rather
than add more. There are two ways to achieve less motion. One device is to use fewer chords in the progression; the other is to use a pedal point in the bass while the chords continue moving. The dominant
pitch holding in the bass creates a restlessness after the moving passages, and when the bass releases the
pedal, gives a forward thrust to the next section. The progression below is an A section to a beautiful ballad. The harmonic motion is constant with chords changing every two beats and then every beat.
E bmaj7
C7
Fm7
B b7
E bmaj7
A b7
D bmaj7
G7 C7
F7
C b7
F7
C b 7 Bb 7
Fm7/B b
B b7
After the active A section, the B section continues with more half note harmonic rhythm using the I - vi7
- ii7 - V7 progression below.
E bmaj7
Cm7
Fm7
B b7
Using two devices in conjunction slows the pace. The vi7 and V7 chords have been removed and the I
and ii7 chords are placed over a Bb pedal below. The break in the harmonic rhythm allows the soloist
or singer some freedom and will give the music a boost when the pedal is released.
E bmaj7/B b
Fm7/B b
Pedals can be effective at any tempo. They can save a long performance of an up tempo piece by giving
the listener (and the bass player) a reprieve from the constant four beat swing feel. After a few choruses
of the following progression, dominant pedals through the B section might be welcome.
Progression no. 23.
B bm7
E b7
A bmaj7
D bmaj7
D7 - G7
B b7
E bmaj7
A bmaj7
A7 - D7
Fm7
Cmaj7
Cm7
Fm7
Gmaj7
(D pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ) (B pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . )
F#7/B
B7
Emaj7/B
C7
Am7/D
D7
Gmaj7/D
B bm7
E b7
A bmaj7
B bm7
E b7
A bmaj7
(G7 - C7)
D bmaj7
Gb7
A b/ C
B7
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Chapter 8
The backdoor dominant chord is a variation of a plagal IV - iv - I resolution. In the second phrase of
progression no. 38, the IV chord (Bb) is followed by the iv (Bbm7) then the backdoor dominant Eb7 resolves to the I chord, F. To avoid an anticlimactic return to the home tonic chord too soon, the iii7
chord, Am7 can replace the I chord as shown in the second line.
Cannonball Adderley recorded a tune with this progression and replaced the iii chord with a major
chord on the bIII. In another context anyone would have expected the Abmaj7 to follow Bbm7 and Eb7,
but in the context of F major, the characteristic resolution of Eb7 would have been to the F or Am7. The
use of the bIII chord creates a situation where the Eb7 to Abmaj7 is a surprise deceptive cadence! The
A bmaj7 chord is not far removed from the parallel key of F minor, and in this case, the melody note C
fits all of the possible chords m.7: F, Am7 and Abmaj7.
Progression no. 38
F
1
Fmaj7
Bbmaj7
5
Bbmaj7
E7
Bm7
E7
Bbm7
Eb7
Bbm7
Eb7
Fmaj7
F
Am7
Dm7
b
(A maj7
Cm7
F7
Cm7
F7
Gm7
C7
Gm7
C7
Two progressions are played more often than any others in jazz performances: the twelve measure blues
and Rhythm Changes. The forms for these two tunes allow for much freedom of expression with
tempo and style. They both lend themselves to numerous harmonic possibilities. The variety of progressions can fit any number of moods, tempos and rhythmic settings. Blues may occur in all major and
minor keys and Rhythm Changes may occur in any major key. The most prevalent keys for both are Bb
and F major. Here are the some basic harmonic progressions for blues in F major and minor and for
Rhythm Changes in Bb major with common substitutions. These progressions should be transposed and
studied for other commonly performed keys.
Usually begins on some chord built on tonic degree. It may be a modal chord and not necessarily a I chord in the major/minor traditional sense
m.5 almost always includes a chord built on the fourth scale degree
m.9-10 is a dominant area with either a V - IV (country, rock, simple jazz versions), ii7 - V7,
or V7/V - V7 or other variations
MM.11-12 may have some kind of a turnaround to return to I at the top of the form. The
tonic chord will not necessarily be a part of that turnaround as iii7 and other chords may
substitute for I.
Chapter 8
165
Gm7
C7
F7
The progression below is a more common version for improvisation in jazz performance. There is typically a departure in m.2 to some chord built on the fourth degree. A secondary V7/IV may occur in m.4
setting up the chord in m.5. A G#7 in first inversion moves the bass note from Bb to Bn and then to the
C with the F chord in inversion in m.7. The diminished chord in m.6 is often labeled a B7. In m.8, a
secondary dominant chord D7 (V7/ii) prepares the coming ii7 chord. The most common turnaround
occurs in the last two measures: I - V7/ii - ii7 - V7 returning to the top of the form.
Gm7
G#7/B
Bb7
C7
F/C
F7
D7
D7
Gm7
C7
F7
Measures 1-4
A common addition is the ii7/IV - V7/IV in m.4:
F7
Bb7
F7
Cm7
B b7
5
A ii7 - V7 in m.2 provides another variation of the slight departure from the I chord:
F7
Gm7
C7
F7
Cm7
F7
B b7
5
Sometimes the tritone substitute dominant can occur in m.2. A tritone substitute dominant may also occur in m.4:
F7
Gb7
F7
Cm7
Cb7
B b7
5
Here is a progression that Charlie Parker suggested in a example shown earlier. The Gm7 - G#7 - Am7
elaborates the tonic F area.
F7
1
Gm7
G#7
Am7
Cm7
F7
B b7
5
Sometimes a logical progression can be created by backing up from the destination. The destination of
all harmonic activity in the first four measures points to a chord built on the fourth degree occurring in
m.5. The ii7/IV - V7/IV (Cm7 - F7) in m.4 prepare the Bb in m.5. The Cm7 is tonicized by its dominant
G7, and the G7 can be preceded by the iii7 chord, Dm7 in m.3. The Dm7 chord is set up by the ii7/vi -
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Chapter 8
V7/vi, E7 - A7 in m.2. The strong bass line of descending fifths begins the progression with the I - IV in
m.1. As with all harmonic possibilities, consider the desired results and context. These changes are considered pretty chords and would not be the best choice if trying to create down n dirty blues.
F
(Bbmaj7)
E7
A7
Dm7
G7
Cm7
F7
B b7
5
The concept of backing up from a destination is taken to the extreme in this example. Each dominant
chord points down a fifth to the next and ultimately resolves to the expected Bb chord in m.5. This set of
changes creates a great deal of melodic and harmonic tension, and may not be a good choice for a first
or second chorus. After a few choruses, this idea can wake up the entire band. The first dominant chord
is a half-step above the expected F7.
F#7
B7
E7
A7
D7
G7
C7
F7
B b7
Measures 5-8
This common version of the second phrase suggests an ascending bass line: Bb - Bn - C - D then resolves
down a fifth to the ii7 chord. Why not call the G#7/B a B7? The G#7 is the vii7 of Am, a key that is
closely related to the key of F. The B7 is the vii7 of C minor, a much more remote key to the key of F.
Labeling the chord as G#7/B makes the distinction. (It would be possible to use B7 in this context or
other colorations, but vii7/iii is the path of least resistance.)
Bb7
G#7/B
F7/C
D7
Gm7
9
G#7/B
F7/C
A7
D7
Gm7
9
The ii7/ii, A7, can occur in m.7 before the V7/ii, D7 in m.8. It might be hard to distinguish the A7
from an F9 chord as they share four pitches, and if the bass player chooses to play the F chord in first
inversion, it will sound like an A7.
Bb7
A7
D7
Gm7
9
The secondary dominant A7, the V7/vi, can be used to set up the D chord. The A7 points to D minor,
which becomes D7 in m.8. The A7 chord in first inversion continues the ascending step progression as
shown before by adding the chromatic C#. The A7 chord is more common in slower gospel style blues.
Bb7
G#7/B
F/C
A7/C#
D7
Gm7
9
A more bebop style setting may include a series of chromatic ii7 - V7 chords often inserted in mm.6-8.
Bb
Bbm7
Eb7
Am7
D7
Abm7
Db7
Gm7
9
A series of descending dominant chords may be used in mm.7-8. The D7 is the V7/ii. The Eb7 is a tritone substitute for the A7, the V7 of D. The E7 points to the A chord which could have been used in
place of the Eb7. This cycle is similar to the cycle that began on F#7 shown for the first four measures.
Chapter 8
167
Instead of the dominants progressing in downward fifths, they progress to their destination in downward
half steps by using tritone substitutions.
Bb7
F7
E7
Eb7
D7
Gm7
9
Measures 9-10
The most typical progression in mm.9-10 is the ii7 - V7:
Gm7
C7
F
11
G7
C7
F
11
Chords may be borrowed from the parallel minor key of F minor. A ii7/i and V7/I suggest the key of
four flats:
G7
C7
F
11
A Db7 chord is the tritone substitute for the G7, the V7/V:
Db7
C7
F
11
Gm7
Gb7
F
11
D7
Gm7
C7
11
F
1
D7
Gm7
C7
11
F
1
The ii7/ii can precede the V7/ii and replace the I or iii7 chord. The A7 chord is very similar to the
F9 chord and is indistinguishable from an F7 chord in first inversion.
A7
11
D7
Gm7
C7
F
1
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Chapter 8
An A7 can be used to point to the D7. The Ab7 and Gb7 chords are tritone substitutes for the D7 and C7.
This creates a descending chromatic line in the bass.
Ab7
A7
Gm7
Gb7
11
Eb7 and Db7 are tritone substitutes for the A7 and G7. This creates another descending chromatic line in
the bass.
Eb7
D7
Db7
C7
11
Using the tritone substitutes for D7, G7 and C7 creates a cycle of tritone substitute dominants and a bass
line of descending fifths that finally resolves down a half step to the F.
F7
Ab7
Db7
Gb7
11
F
1
& b ..
Gm7
?b
C7
b ..
n
D b7
n n
b
b
b b
A7 E 7 D7 A 7
# n
10
G7 D 7 C7 G 7
F7
b b
11
12
13
Gm7
(Bbmaj7)
E7
A7
Bbm7
Eb7
C7
Am7
Dm7
F7
G7
D7
D7
Cm7
F7
Abm7
Db7
Gm7
C7
Chapter 8
169
Bbm7
G7
Bbm7
C7
Fm
Fm
Fm
(C7)
F7
G7
C7
This minor blues progression includes ii7 - V7 departure in m.2 instead of the iv7 chord. The Gb7 in
m.6 is a tritone substitute dominant preparing the return of the Fm chord in m.7. Db7 is a tritone substitute dominant functioning in the traditional sense, as an augmented sixth chord pointing to the V7. The
V7 sets up the return of the Fm chord in m.11. The turnaround includes the tritone substitute dominants
Ab7 and Db7.
Fm
G7
C7
Bbm7
Bbm7
Gb7
Db9
C7
Fm
Fm
Fm
Ab9
(C7)
F7
Db9
C7
This minor blues progression remains on the tonic pitch for the first few measures and suggests an inner
chromatic voice: C Db D Eb. The chord in m.2 sounds like a VI chord in first inversion, but is often
notated as Fm#5. Obviously, a minor chord by definition has a perfect and not an augmented fifth, but
the Fm#5 shorthand in this context may help suggest the chromatic moving voice. The F7 in m.4 prepares the iv7 chord in m.5. The iv7 is also the ii7 chord in the relative Ab major (bIII) and continues to
cycle in the key of Ab, through the V7/bIII - I/bIII - IV/bIII. The G7, even though shared by the two keys of
F minor and Ab major signals the return to F minor.
Fm
Db/F
Bbm7
Eb7
G7
C7
Fm6
(D7/F)
Abmaj7
Fm
Ab9
F7
Dbmaj7
Db9
C7
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Chapter 8
The boundaries of the blues have been stretched very far as evidenced by these next two examples.
These harmonic progressions are for specific tunes and not standard blues substitutions.
This first progression could be considered a blues progression that wanders to remote keys and back in
the short twelve measure form. Some may argue this is not a blues progression, but it is a twelve measure
form that moves to a chord built on the fourth degree in m.5. In performances of this piece, improvisers
use only this progression, never inserting traditional blues progressions.
Cmmaj7
1
Fmaj7
Ebmaj7
5
Ebm7
Gm7
Fm7
Ab7
Dbmaj7
C7
Bb7
D7
G7
The first five measures of the following blues progression behave as a typical blues, establishing the
tonic key area first and then moving towards the iv7 chord in m.5. Things change quickly from m.6. The
Abm7 - Bb7 - Cbmaj7 are the iv7 - V7 - and VImaj7 chords from the remote key of Ebm. The Bbm7 and A7
act as a ii7 and tritone substitute V7 to the key of Ab, but the Ab chord is a suspended dominant in the
key of Db. Order seems restored with the F7 - Bb7, the ii7 - V7 to Eb minor, but wait, isnt this blues is in
C minor? The last measure brings it back around to the top and the tonic key with the V7/V - V7. In a
performance of the piece from which this progression was extracted, the improvisers use these changes
for the melody and only the last few choruses of each improvisation. Other improvised choruses use
one of the standard minor blues progressions.
Cm7
1
Fm9
Absus7
5
D7
Abm7
F7
Bb7
G7
Bb7
Cm7
Cbmaj7
Ebm7
C7
Bbm7
D7
A7
G7
A SECTION
Measures 1-4
This basic pattern for the first four measures uses the diatonic vi7 chord Gm7 in m.1, and substitutes the
secondary V7/ii chord G7 in m.3. All the chords cycle back to the tonic chord Bb.
Bb
Gm7
Cm7
F7
Bb
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
Chapter 8
171
A strong cadence to the tonic chord is avoided in m.3 by using the tonic chord in first inversion.
Because of the inversion, the roots descend in fifths in mm.3-5.
Bb
G7
Cm7
F7
B b/ D
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
The iii7 chord functions in the same way the first inversion tonic chord did in the previous example. It
avoids the strong immediate return to tonic and keeps the root progression in fifths.
Bb
G7
C7
F7
Dm7
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
Occasionally, the iii7 chord will chromatically pass through a C#m7 chord resolving to Cm7. This chord
happens quickly and may sound like a brief allusion to B major as C# m7 is the ii7 of B. Even if the
rhythm section plays the G7 the dissonant notes will resolve themselves in a linear fashion. The C#m7
pitches, C#, E, G# and B may sound like the #11, 13, b9 and major third of the G7 chord whose place it
takes.
Bb
G7
Cm7
F7
Dm7
C #m7
Cm7
F7
Bb
An interesting bass line can be created using secondary dominants in inversion. The G7 is V7/ii. The A7
is the V7/iii and points to the Dm7 chord standing in place of the original tonic chord Bb. After the ascending chromatic line Bb-Bn-C-C#, the roots again move in descending fifths back to the tonic chord.
Bb
G7/B
Cm7
A7/C #
Dm7
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
There is little difference between the use of secondary dominants or secondary vii7 chords when pointing to minor keys. A G7 or B7 points to Cm7, and an A7 or C#7 points to Dm7. The secondary vii7
chords create the same ascending bass line as the example above with inverted secondary dominants.
Bb
B7
Cm7
C#7
Dm7
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
This passage contains secondary dominants and tritone substitutions. The Db7 stands in the place of G7.
The C7 is the V7/V and points to the F7 chord. The Cb7 is the tritone substitute for the F7 and points
back to Bb. The second two measures reverses the secondary dominants and the tritone substitutions.
The Gb7 substitutes for the C7 and points to the F7.
Bb
D b7
C7
C b7
Bb
G7
Gb7
F7
Bb
Clifford Brown used this progression for a composition. The Db7, Gb7 and Cb7 are tritone substitutes in
the first two measures. The second phrase features descending dominants.
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Chapter 8
Bb
D b7
Gb7
C b7
B b7
A b7
Gb7
F7
Bb
It is possible to work backwards from the Bb in m.5 and to find a cycle of dominants. This, like the similar example in the blues progressions, starts the progression on a chord very remote from the key signature. This can be effective later in an improvisation, but is usually not used in the first chorus.
F#7
B7
E7
A7
D7
G7
C7
F7
Bb
It is possible to impose a progression similar Coltranes Giant Steps harmonic cycle (progression no.
24). This progression points to remote rather than closely related keys. Closely related keys are one accidental removed from the home key. Coltrane modulated to keys that divided the octave into major
thirds. From the home key of Bb, the progression modulates to Gb and D.
Bb
D b7
Gb
A7
F7
Bb
Bb
Measures 5-8
There is usually a modulation in m.5 to the IV chord in m.6. The tonic chord changes quality and becomes the V7/IV which anticipates the Eb in m.6. The bass line ascends to En but the chord is labeled a
C #7 as the vii7/iii7. The Bb chord in m.7 could just as easily be a Dm7 which helps explain the C#7.
The basic turnaround figure returns in mm.7-8. The second chord in m.5 is often in first inversion creating the ascending bass line: Bb - D - Eb - En - F.
Bb
B b7/D
Eb
C #7/E
B b/F
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
B b7/A b
Eb/G
Ebm/G b
B b/F
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
A ii7/IV - V7/IV could be used in m.5 and Ab7, a backdoor dominant, can be used in m.6.
Fm7
B b7
Eb
A b7
B b/ D
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
Chapter 8
173
Measures 5-6
Any combination of chords which point to IV may be used in m.5: A tritone substitute dominant may be
preceded by a V7/IV:
B b7
E7
or the ii7/IV:
Eb
Fm7
E7
Eb
Measures 7-9
Any variation of the basic turnaround figure may occur in mm.7-9 to return the progression to the tonic
chord at the beginning of the second A section.
Diatonic chords:
Bb
Gm7
Cm7
F7
Bb
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
D b7
C7
C b7
Bb
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Chapter 8
Measures 15-17
The last two measures of the second A section, mm.15-17, are different than the end of the first A section. This part of the progression resolves back to the tonic chord in m.16 and before moving to the B
section.
F7
Bb
15
D7
17
B b/F
F7
Bb
15
D7
17
G7
C7
F7
C7
Cm7
F7
17
D7
Dm7
G7
Gm7
17
The G7 is replaced by the tritone substitute dominant Db7 and the F7 replace by the tritone substitute
dominant Cb7 creating a descending chromatic line in the bass in the example below.
D7
17
D b7
C7
C b7
Chapter 8
175
The D7 is replaced by the tritone substitute dominant Ab7 and the C7 replace by the tritone substitute
dominant Gb7 creating a different descending chromatic line in the bass in the following example .
A b7
G7
Gb7
F7
17
The cycle of dominants with tritone substitutions from the above example can be preceded by ii7
chords. This creates a descending chromatic progression in three keys (bIII, II, and bII) leading back to
the tonic key of I, Bb.
Ebm7
17 ii7/bIII
A b7
V7/bIII
Dm7
G7
ii7/II
V7/II
C #m7
ii7/bII
F#7
V7/bII
Cm7
F7
ii7
V7
Another set of chromatically descending dominants may be preceded by ii7 chords creating this descending chromatic progression. After descending through the keys of G, Gb, and F, the B7 can act as a
tritone substitute dominant pointing back to the tonic key of Bb.
Am7
17
D7
ii7/VI
V7/VI
A bm7
ii7/bVI
D b7
V7/ bVI
Gm7
ii7/V
C7
V7/V
F#m7
ii7/ b V
B7
V7/ bV
This is a less common, but possible B section progression that utilizes a series of descending chromatic
ii7 - V7 progressions. It begins in A, and goes through Ab, Gb, F, and E major. Again the B7 chord in m.24
acts as a tritone substitute dominant pointing back to the tonic key of Bb. The harmonic progression is
rhythmically compressed as the progression moves forward. The original B section changes were a reprieve from the crowded, fast harmonic rhythm of the A section. It is ironic how jam-packed chords the
progression in the B section can become.
Bm7
E7
B bm7
E b7
Am7 D7
Abm7 Db7
Gm7 C7
F#m7 B7
17
There are a few tunes that have a different sort of eight measure B section that begins with the V7/IV
and moves to the IV, the V7/V and V7 chord before returning to the tonic chord at the beginning of the
last A section.
B b7
Eb
C7
F7
17
176
Chapter 8
Bb
G7
Cm7
B b7/D
Eb
B7
Cm7
B b7
Eb
Bb
Fm7
F7
Dm7
A b7
Dm7
C#7
Dm7
C #7/E
B b/F
G7
Cm7
D b7
Cm7
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
F7
F7
F7
13
Am7
D7
Dm7
G7
17
Gm7
C7
Cm7
F7
21
Bb
G7
Cm7
E7
Eb
25
Fm7
29
F7
D7
C #7/E
B b/F
G7
C7
F7
Bb
F7
Chapter 8
177
________
Cm7
________* F7
________
Cm7
________* B b
________
________
________
________
________
Gm7
________
Cm7
________*
Bb
Cm7
________*
F7
________
________
________
________
________
17
178
Chapter 8
Cm7
IV
G b 9*
ii7/ii
F7
Gm7
Cm7
G b 9*
F7
17
V7/ii
C b 9*
Cm7
Bb
C#7
Cm7
C b 9*
Bb
D7
E bmaj7
ii7/ii
A7
IV
ii7/vi
D7
G7
ii7/ii
Cm7
V7/ii
ii7
G7
V7/ii
D7
V7/vi
G7
V7/ii
F7
V7
SUGGESTED EXERCISES
Augment other common harmonic progressions using secondary dominants, working back from a specific harmonic point.
Find recordings and compare the harmonic structures with other recordings of the
same music
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
179
Bb
b
&b c
Harmonic Generalization
F7
n
n
G7
Cm7
Dm7
G7
j .
Cm7
F7
This second line from the same improvisation specifically addressed individual chords in the progression. It began as exactly as the last line, ignoring the implications of the G7 and Cm7. Dorham shifted to
a more specific approach in the third measure. The two notes, Bn and Ab, suggested by the G7, the V7 of
C minor, were played. These notes were not available from the key of Bb. Dorham played a 3-5-7-b9
arpeggio over the G7 chord and came down the scale to the F, the seventh of G7. The F resolved in the
next measure to the third of Cm7 and the line continued down the scale landing on the third of F7 and
the third of Bb. These thirds occurred directly on the downbeat, were approached by the seventh of the
chords that preceded them; the melody line was directly related to the indicated harmony. Dorham
used a 3-5-7-9 arpeggio again in the fifth measure for the Bb7 chord, the V7/IV, and used the note Ab,
necessary for modulating to Eb. The Eb chord was arpeggiated, and the C#7 was clearly outlined. The line
180
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
ended with another 3-5-7-9 arpeggio over the Bbmaj7 chord. The use of both general and specific approaches is one of the elements that makes this an interesting improvisation.
9.2
Harmonic Specificity
b G7
Cm 7
F7
Dm7
G7
Cm 7
F7
b
3
3
3
n b n n
b c
&
arpeggio
B b7
Eb
C #7/E
Bb
3
arpeggio
arpeggio
3
b
b n
& b b
#
B
arpeggio
Harmonic specific melodies may incorporate all variety of embellishing tones while addressing the
pitches that identify the harmony.
GUIDE TONES
Guide tones are an underlying simple structure from which lines of greater complexity may be created.
They are tones that specifically identify the chords and the notes that point to those chord tones. The
guide tones are the dots in the dot-to-dot drawings and the melody connecting them reveals the whole
picture. For every chord there is often one single pitch that when sounded over a bass line in context
clarifies the quality of the chord. If a major chord can be distinguished from a minor chord it is because of one pitch: the mediant. If a major third is heard, the chord is major; a minor third indicates a
minor chord. The third can be used in a melodic line to clarify the chord quality. Sing the melody to
Three Blind Mice. If it sounds major, it is because of the major third in the melody. It is the minor third
in the melody line that makes Greensleeves sound minor. Harmonically specific lines clarify the major
and minor qualities of chords. If the quality of the chords can be identified when listening to a melody,
it is these significant guide tones that reveal those qualities. To use guide tones is to use the identifying
pitches of the harmonic progression. If one harmonic progression can be aurally distinguished from
another it is because of these tones. Guide tones are not just a theoretical discussion, they are the very
notes which guide the listener and the performer through a piece.
Great melodies can exist independent of harmonic implications, but melody and harmony are often are
inextricably related. Harmony, so often taught as strictly a vertical entity, is historically a result of
melodic lines. The premise of voice leading is that the individual voices lead somewhere: each voice
has a linear implication. As soon as a line begins or stresses a chord tone, there is a linear expectation
connected with that note. Melodies do not always have to continue to follow their expected harmonic
path, or all melodies would be so predictable that no one would listen. Composers and improvisers are
aware of the natural tendencies and expectations connected to voice leading. They are also aware that
the audience will respond to these principles intuitively whether or not the audience is musically educated. The composers and improvisers will give the listener at times what is expected and at other times
set them up for a surprise. The only way a musical surprise works is that the listener on some level has
an expectation about where notes should resolve. Musicians who understand the expectations can manipulate them for interesting improvisations or compositions. Most melodies create a balance between
a line that follows the expected resolutions dictated by voice leading principles and a line that departs
and is independent from those expectations. The ability to understand and hear the lines suggested by
individual notes of the harmony is a necessary skill in order to successfully negotiate the harmonic progressions in jazz literature.
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
181
Arrives on the roots of chords at the times signified by chord symbol placement in the music.
Fills in notes that adhere to the chord quality and key signature to take the line to the next root.
Plays chord tones typically on the stronger beats one and three.
Precedes the roots with notes that are usually a step away. It can be diatonic or chromatic from
above or below.
May slightly accent beats two and four which correspond with the hi-hat pattern played by the
drummer in a swing feel.
After addressing the first principles, other characteristic rhythmic elements may be added.
The role of the bass is to accompany. The primary goal should be rhythmic and harmonic clarity. Bass
lines can be found that stray from the clear harmonic path, but often quickly return providing a strong
foundation for the rest of the ensemble.
FUNDAMENTAL BASS LINE PATTERNS
The fundamental bass line patterns on the following page can be used to create bass lines with rhythmic
and harmonic clarity. These examples are shown over a ii7 - V7 in the key of Bb major.
1.
2.
The most basic pattern is the descending scale. No chromatic notes are needed.
Another basic pattern moves up the scale and may use a chromatic passing tone (CPT) to lead
to the root of the next chord.
3. The ascending scale pattern may leap over the goal note and step into it from its upper neighbor tone (UNT).
4. If the line does not move in steps, then it may move in leaps. The arpeggio allows for harmonic
clarity and some larger intervals than steps. After the ascending arpeggio, it may approach the
next root through a chromatic passing tone.
5. The arpeggio may be inverted. The leap down creates more interest following measures of just
step motion.
6. Descending arpeggios may be followed by a chromatic passing tone into the next root.
7. The arpeggio may also be inverted or broken, skipping over one tone to reach the next.
8. The constant stream of steps and leap may be interrupted by a pattern using the upper neighbor
tones. (From personal experience at faster tempos, this pattern can save a fatigued bassist.)
9. Repeated notes can also provide a reprieve from constant motion.
10. This simple pattern should not be avoided. It can prove very useful and effective musically.
Roots and fifths are the bass players primary tools. (OK, OK, heres the joke: How many bass
players does it take to change a light bulb? One . . . Five . . . One . . . Five . . . )
182
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
1.
Down Scale
? bb c
Cm7
3.
? bb c
Cm7
F7
? bb c n
9.
F7
Repeated Notes
Cm7
? bb c
Up Scale + CPT
Cm7
? bb c n
4.
F7
? bb c
7.
Up Scale + UNT
Cm7
5.
2.
F7
? bb c b
F7
? bb c n
Cm7
8.
6.
F7
F7
UNT
Cm7
? bb c
F7
? bb c
Cm7
F7
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
183
Bass players can add rhythmic and textural interest to a line by adding notes in between the downbeats.
This subdivision corresponds to the ride patterns played by the drums. These notes may be ghosted or
muffled in a way that makes them more percussive. These notes are shown as in the following examples.
9.3
9.4
Cm7
F7
Cm7
? bb c n
? bb
F7
Rapidly played arpeggios can add some interest to a bass line. These notes are not exactly articulated
and may be ghosted and played percussively.
9.5
? bb n
Cm7
F7
At least ten thousand different lines can be played over the common turnaround pattern below using
the ten fundamental bass patterns shown previously. (Each measure could have one of the ten patterns
so that 10 x 10 x 10 x 10, or 104 equals 10,000.) For practice, write out a few possibilities for the progression below. Avoid repeating the same pattern too many times in a row. Try occasionally substituting an
Em7 for the C chord Bass players should write and learn to play several versions for at least the common keys of C, F, Bb, and Eb. Here is possible solution:
9.6
Pattern nos.
Cmaj7
? c ..
A7
Dm7
G7
..
The progression can be inverted so that it starts on the ii7 chord. Write out a few possibilities for this
progression in C and other common keys. Here is possible solution:
9.7
Pattern nos.
Dm7
? c ..
G7
Cm aj7
10
A7
..
184
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
The previous examples were based on a harmonic rhythm of whole notes. When the harmonic rhythm
is half notes, the root is played then the line jumps to the note above or below the next root. The roots
for the following turnaround progression should be played on the downbeats as shown. There are up to
four pitches available in between each root: each root may be preceded from above or below with its
chromatic or diatonic neighbor. The G could be preceded by F, F#; A or Ab; a Bb; Bn, D or Db could lead
to the C; and F may be preceded by Eb, En, G or Gb.
9.8
Roots on Downbeats
Dm7
G7
? bb c
F7
Dm7
G7
Cm7
F7
? bb c
b n
There are progressions where the chords occur in a variety of rhythmic values. For chords that last for
two measures it is not necessary to land on the root in the second measure. Another chord tone can be
played on the downbeat of the second measure. Chords occur in the following progression with three
different rhythmic values. The C and D last for eight beats, the Dm7 and G7 for four beats, and the
turnaround chords change every two beats. The fifth of the chord is played in the second measure for
both the C and the D7 chords. Pattern no. 5 is used in m.5 and pattern no. 4 is used in m.6 for the
chords with a whole note harmonic rhythm. The last two measures have a half note harmonic rhythm
and the roots are preceded from above and then below by half step motion.
9.9
C
?c
R
Dm7
5
G7
D7
R
Em7
A7
b #
5
Dm7
G7
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.10
B b7
E b7
B b7
B b7
? b c #
b
? b b
b
? b b
b
? b b n
b
? b c n
b
? b b b b
b
? b n
b
? b b
b
? b c n
b
? b b b n
b
? b b b
b
? b b n
b
? b c b
b
? b b n
b
b
? b b
b
? b n n
b
? b
? b n b
b
? b b
b
? b c n
b
1
E b7
2
C #7/E
? b b
b
? b n
b
? b b
b
b
? b n
b
? b b b
b
? b n b
b
? b b
b
? b n
b
? b b
b
#
? b n
b
Fm7
3
B b7
? b n #
b
? b b
b
b
? b n
b
? b #
b
? b #
b
? b #
b
? b
b
7
B b7
G7
? b b b
b
? b n b
b
? b b n
b
8
? b n
b
? b #
b
? b b b
b
? b b
b
b
? b
b
? b # n
b
? b b
b
? b
b
b
? b b
b
? b
b
? b
b
? b b n
b
( D7 )
? b b
b
? b # b
b
? b
b
b
( D7 )
? b b n
b
b
? b b
b
Cm7
185
F7
10
G7
11
C7
F7
? b b
b
? b n
b
? b b
b
12
186
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.11
F7
B b7
F7
Cm7
F7
? c
b #
b
b b
?
b b
? b
n
b
? c n
b
? b
b b b
?
b n
? b
b
? c n
b
? b b n
b
? b b
b
?
b b n
? c b
b
? b n
b
? b b
b
?
b n n
?
b
? n b
b
? b
b
? c
b n
1
B b7
2
B7
3
F7
4
D7
b n
?
b n #
? # b
b
? b
b
? n b
b
b
?
b
? b
b
b
? b
b
b
? n
b
b
?
b
#
?
b
? b
b
? n
b
?
b
#
? b
b
? n #
b
? #
b
?
b # b
? b #
b
b b
5
Gm7
6
C7
7
F7
D7
?
b n
? #
b
? b
b
b
b b
? b
b
? #
b
#
? b
b
?
b
?
b
?
b
? # b
b
?
b
b
? b
b
#
( A7 )
?
b b
( A7 )
#
?
b b
10
11
8
Gm7
C7
? b
b
? n
b
? b b
b
?
b
b
? b b
b
12
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
187
Bb
? b b c ..
E b7
? bb
C #7/E
? bb n
F7
B b7
B b7
Cm7
Bb
E b7
b
#
G7
Fm7
b
G7 9
B b7
Cm7
F7
Bb
? bb
13
E b7
? bb
E b7
b b
E7
F7
Bb
17
Cm7
? bb
n #
B b7
B b7
#
G7
Fm7
b
G7 9
Cm7
B b7
F7
21
Bb
? bb
25
E b7
E b7
? bb b
n
E7
Bb
B b7
Fm7
B b7
b
G7 9
29
Cm7
? bb
F7
D7
G7
Cm7
F7
33
188
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
Bb
? bb
37
E b7
? bb b
41
? bb
Cm7
E b7
b n
n
F7
B b7
E7
Bb
B b7
G7
b
G7 9
b n
Cm7
B b7
Fm7
F7
45
Bb
? bb
49
E b7
? bb
E b7
Bb
b n
E7
B b7
53
Cm7
? bb #
F7
D7
G7
Fm7
B b7
b
G7 9
Cm7
n
F7
..
57
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
189
Assume a bass plays the root of a chord and an improviser plays one single melodic pitch over the bass
note. What single pitch will provide the most harmonic clarity? The five chromatic pitches not in the
present key can be eliminated first. Of the remaining seven, the root of the chord is covered by the bass,
so using the root in the melody would reveal nothing new. The chord tones are the obvious choice for
clarity. The fifth of the chord certainly helps to establish the tonality, but by itself over the root in the
bass, the fifth does nothing to reveal the quality of the chord. (The fifth would be heard as a result of the
physics of the harmonic series anyway). The third when played over the root in the bass provides an
immediately recognizable chord quality. Two pitches, the root and the third can convey a complete
sounding chord quality. It is for this reason that the thirds are the most important guide tones.
Harmonic clarity provided by a single pitch over a the root in the bass:
9.13
C
Cm
&cw
bw
?c w
When improvisers wish to be clear about the harmonic progression, they aim for the thirds over the
roots played in the bass lines. Hank Mobley aimed for thirds in the example below. Mobley landed on
the third of Gm (Bb ) and Cm7 (Eb ) without any preparation. The third of F (A) was approach by
ascending scale steps. The third of the Dm7 (F) was approached from an upper neighbor. The third of G
(Bn) was delayed until beat four, and the third of Cm (Eb) was delayed until beat three.
9.14
Bb
b
&b c
Gm7
j
F7
Dm7
G7
Cm 7
J n n J
Cm7
190
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.15
Dm 7 G7
&c
3
w
3
Dm7 G7
Dm7 G7
Dm7 G7
w
9
The ninths may be altered, so the n9, b9 or #9 (usually shown as its enharmonic equivalent)
may be used. Any of the three ninths would still resolve to the fifth of the subsequent chord
as shown below. The b9 and #9 pitches are associated with minor keys though they are freely
used in major keys to create more tension. The Ab and Bb pitches shown below could be
from the key of C minor, three flats.
The fifth of a dominant chord may be replaced by a n13 or a b13, the #11 or b5. Any of these
substitute pitches behave as a fifth and resolve to the ninth of the subsequent chord. The b13
is associated with a V7 in minor as the b13 is the minor third of the key. The Eb below could
be from the key of C minor, three flats.
9.16
Dominant Variants
#9 or b9 for n9
Dm 7 G7
& c b b w
n13 for n5
Dm7 G7
b13 for n5
C
Dm7 G7
#11/b5 for n5
C
Dm7 G7
Not all voices change between chords. When ninth chords are moving in a typical cycle of fifths progression, the roots in the bass change for each chord. Alternating pairs of voices resolve down stepwise.
The E and C of the Dm9 move to the D and B of the G9 chord while the A and F remain stationary.
Then the A and F of the G9 move to the G and E of the Cmaj9 while the D and B remain stationary.
Chapter 9
9.17
? c
191
Dm9
& c
Harmonic Specificity
G9
9 moves to 5
5 becomes 9
3 becomes 7
7 moves to 3
Cm aj9
5 becomes 9
9 moves to 5
7 moves to 3
3 becomes 9
ww
w
w
w
An experienced improviser need not depend on a rhythm section accompanist to supply the harmonic
foundation (or the time). Harmony can be supplied as counterpoint between the single note bass
against the single note melodic line. This can be accomplished by aiming for a consonant melodic
pitch, usually the major or minor third, that clarifies the chord quality and then moving to a dissonant
note that creates motion by wanting to resolve to the consonant pitch for the next chord. The chord
tone that most often generates the motion to the next chord is the seventh. The seventh needs to resolve down, and when it does and the bass moving down by fifths, then the seventh will resolve to the
third of the next chord.
In this ii7 - V7 - I progression, the consonant note F, the third of the D minor, becomes the dissonant
note over the G7, then resolves down to the consonant third of C major. This is a basic guide tone line.
9.18
Dm7
&cw
3
?c w
The more elaborate melodic line in ex. 9.19 follows the basic guide tone line shown from ex. 9.18. The F
is approached using scale tones. The high and low points of the Dm7 measure are chord tones with G as
a passing tone. The E and the G on beat four point to the F of the G7 measure. After a large leap from F
to E, which is a step disguised by octave displacement, the step motion continues down the scale. The
last four notes preceding the E are a broken arpeggio of a G7 chord. The F, the dissonant seventh, is
saved for last to propel the line towards the E, the third of C.
9.19
&c
G7
Cm aj7
To create a guide tone line with more motion, the third may move to the seventh of the D minor chord
which will resolve to the third of the G7 chord. The seventh of the G7 chord resolves to the third of the
C major. Each measure begins with a stable tone, moves to a dissonant tone and resolves over the measure line to a stable tone again.
192
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.20
Dm7
&c
G7
?c w
A bass line follows a guide tone line of roots in a fairly strict fashion: using quarter note rhythms and
landing on roots on the beat one of a measure. There is more freedom in the development of melodic
lines from their guide tones: the range of rhythmic variations is endless; the line can be embellished
with many more diatonic and chromatic notes; and the guide tones are not restricted to the downbeats
of measures. As long as the identifying pitches happen at significant places in the measure they will
serve their function in the melodic line.
The two lines below were improvised by Tom Harrell and followed the guide tones shown above. In ex.
9.21 the F did not occur on the downbeat and was approached from above. The Gb did not sound like an
F #, the major third of D; it sounded like a chromatic passing tone. The C, the dissonant seventh, occurred just before beat four, so to avoid reaching the Bn too early, Harrell approached the B from below
using a chromatic passing tone (A - A#). After playing notes borrowed from the parallel key of C minor
(Eb, Ab, and Bb), Harrell played the seventh of G7 which resolved to the E on the downbeat of the Cmaj7
measure. In ex. 9.22, Harrell approached the F from below using scale steps, the D was surrounded by its
upper and lower neighbors, followed by a leap past and then back to the dissonant C. The C resolved to
the B which Harrell placed on the strong first and third beats separated by chromatic and diatonic
passing tones. The line continued down the diatonic scale with the dissonant F resolving to the E over
the bar line. Both of these examples illustrate how flexible a line can be and still incorporate the guide
tones.
9.21
b
j
c
# b b b .
&
Dm 7
G7
Cm aj7
9.22
Dm 7
G7
Cm aj7
# n 3 # n
c
&
j
The necessary notes for modulation, which should be committed to memory, will now be helpful in determining guide tone lines and melodic pitches. The progression in ex. 9.23 is I - ii7/IV - V7/IV - IV. A
B b is needed to modulate from the key of C to the key of F major. What important pitch should be the
guide tone to lead to the key of F over these chords? Bb, the necessary accidental. What is the most consonant pitch that will identify the G minor chord? Bb, the third of Gm7. What pitch creates the most motion from the C7 chord which will point to the Fmaj7 chord? Bb, the seventh of C7 which points to the
A, the consonant third and identifying pitch of F major. If one can tell that a tune has modulated or
temporarily tonicized another key area, it is because somewhere in the music the accidentals necessary
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
193
for modulation have been used to point away from the tonic key. The guide tones lead the listener to the
new key area.
9.23
C
Gm7
&cw
?c w
C7
Fm aj7
If one can tell that a tune has modulated or temporarily tonicized another key area, it is
because somewhere in the music accidentals necessary for modulation have been used to
point away from the tonic key. The guide tones lead the listener to the new key area.
& b c .. w
bw
& b nw
nw
Gm7
F7
Bb
bw
C7
B b7
bw
9.25
..
& b c .. w
D7
# w
Cm 7
bw
& b w .
nw
bw
Gm7
Bb
F7
C7
G #7/B
#w
D7
Gm7
C7
w # w ..
194
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
Guide tone notes may occur before, on or after the beat. In the skeleton outlines shown in ex. 9.24 -25,
the guide tone line is shown with whole notes referring to harmonic rhythm and not necessarily a required rhythmic placement. Knowing that the third is a target note on the downbeat does not mean that
it must be played on the downbeat. Melodic notes may be anticipated and delayed. Below is an excerpt
from Sonny Rollins. Each of the guide tone notes are anticipated on the upbeat of four giving the line
more forward motion and rhythmic drive.
9.26
b
j
j
j
& b c J J b J J n J J
b
&b c
Bb
E b7
bw
Bb
nw
The guide tones in this line from Thelonious Monk are delayed: they land on the upbeat of two. Each is
approached using chromatic notes. The entire twelve measure line, from which this was extracted, includes eleven of the twelve chromatic pitches, but the peaks and important goals of the lines followed
the guide tone lines of thirds and sevenths.
9.27
& b c j # j n # b j # n
&b c
B b7
bw
nw
Clifford Brown placed the guide tones in a variety of rhythmic places in ex. 9.28. The guide tones arrived on the downbeat in the first two measures. The seventh of F (Eb) arrived a bit early in m.3. The Eb
finally resolved to the D on the upbeat of one in m.5. Brown clearly distinguished between the Ab in m.6
and the An in m.7 and both were approached in a similar way and occurred on the downbeat.
Chapter 9
9.28
Harmonic Specificity
195
j
& b c . J b b
B b7
&b c w
bw
F7
nw
bw
r
& b b b n
Bb
B b7
&b w
nw
bw
Ex. 9.29 is from mm.7-11 of the blues form. Charlie Parker suggested a more complex blues progression
by his choice of guide tone notes. Parker began this phrase with the identical notes that Brown played in
ex. 9.28. The notes necessary to modulate from F major to the key of ii, Gm, are Eb, from the key signature, and the leading tone F#. The secondary dominant D7 was suggested by the F# and the Eb. The F# - A
- C - Eb arpeggio is the 3-5-7-b9 of D7. The C, the dissonant seventh of the D7 chord, was sounded again
in the Gm7 measure and resolved to Bb, creating a 4-3 suspension. The Bb was reinforced over the C7,
and moved down the scale to the E, the third. Parker arpeggiated the C7 chord from the third, borrowed
the Db and Eb from the parallel F minor and finally moved down the scale to the target note A. Parker
clearly delineated the harmonic progression with his note choices, but the rhythmic character was as
important as the notes. There was a great variety of rhythmic activity within this short excerpt: the simple idea in the first measure, the triplet turns, displaced resolutions, thirty-second note pick-up notes,
and the syncopated ending.
9.29
b
bb
b
c
&
J J
& b c w .
D7
# w
Gm7
C7
The guide tones may occur in any register as shown in the following excerpts from a blues improvisation by Tete Montoliu. The non-chord tones always resolved back to chord tones. The two Bb pitches in
the first measure resolved back to the guide tone A. The D, Db and Bn in m.2 resolved to C, the fifth of
the F chord. The Ab, the guide tone for the Bb7 chord behaved as a G# leading back to the A in the final
measure.
196
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.30
&b c
j . j
b n
b
b #n
F7
& b c nw
bw
Bb
B b7
bw
w
5
nw
The Bb resolved back to the guide tone A. The guide tone Eb was followed by the chromatic C# which encircled and created more tension pointing to the guide tone D.
9.31
&b c
&b c
J j b j J b # J J
J
F
nw
Bb
F7
bw
w
5
Montoliu suggested additional chromatic motion in m.2 with the Dn moving to Db. The Db suggested that
the Bb major became Bb minor which created a traditional church sounding plagal cadence back to F: IV
- iv - I. The harmonic motion in this passage was clear and was created by the harmonically specific
melodic lines.
9.32
3
b b j #3 b 3b n
b
c
b
&
j
b
.
F
B b7
F
F7
Bb
b
(b )
n
&b c
bw
w
3
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
197
&b c
&b c
j # . j b # n b J b #
J
B b7
& b b
B b7
bw
nw
w.
#w
F7
# b
J b # n
G #7/B
&b w
bw
Cm7
D7
# w
& b b # j n
Gm7
& b w
C7
D7
Gm7
C7
198
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
to dissonant by the movement in the bass. The F is now the unstable seventh of G which resolves to the
third of Cm, Eb. The Db is the third of Bbm7 and is the logical choice for the continuation of the line as
it moves down a step from the Eb. The Db is chosen because it is the third of Bbm7, or since Bbm7 - Eb7
modulates to Ab, the Db is chosen as the required accidental to move from the key of Eb (3bs) to Ab (4bs).
The Db as the seventh of Eb7 resolves to the consonant pitch C over the Ab major which must become Cb
over the Db7 chord. The Db7 is a backdoor dominant and standing in for an Abm, the iv chord in a plagal cadence, and therefore must have a Cb. Any pitch tends to resolve in the direction in which it has
been altered, so Cb wants to resolve to Bb over the Eb chord. Bb is not the third or seventh of Eb, but is a
good choice for this chord in the middle of the progression for at least two reasons: (1), the Cb required
the downward resolution, and (2), the Bb can then move smoothly to the next guide tone, An. Why is An
the appropriate guide tone for the F7 chord? F7 is the V7 of Bb. Bb has the key signature of two flats, one
less than the key of Eb. The An is the note that must change and it is also the third of F7. The Fm7 - Bb7
signals the return to the key of Eb and that necessitates the addition of Ab. Ab is also the third of the Fm7
chord and the seventh of the Bb7 chord which resolves down to the G, the third of Eb and the cycle is
complete. The guide tone line is smooth, easy to hear and sing, harmonically very specific, and was
composed of mostly thirds and sevenths, with the one exception, the fifth of Eb. When the roots move
down in fifths, there is a secondary seventh to third guide tone line which may be suggested and is
shown below with smaller notes.
9.34
Progression no. 13
E bmaj7
b
& b b c .. w
D7
A bmaj7
&
bbb
D b9
bw
w
E bmaj7
b
G7 9
Cm7
B bm7
F9
nw
bw
E b7
Fm 7
bw
B b7
..
b
&b b c
B bm 7
E b7
D b9
n b b
b
3
Donaldson began the F7 measure with the An, went to the upper neighbor tone, descended the scale, and
after an arpeggio that suggested the 3-5-7-9 of Cm7, came back to the An surrounding it with its upper
and lower neighbor tones.
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
199
9.36
F9
b
& b b c n n #
3
Ex. 9.37 immediately followed 9.36 in the Donaldson improvisation. Donaldson changed the An to an Ab
to accommodate the Fm7 chord pointing back to the key of Eb. The Ab was approached by an arpeggiation of the F minor triad. There was a great deal of chromatic ambiguity over the Bb7 chord which created a desirable instability over the chord that leads to the tonic. Two chromatic lines were suggested
that pointed to the guide tone Dn : F-En -E b -D n from above and C- C #- D n from below. When the line
reached the Dn, the third of Bb, Donaldson used the 3-5-7-9 arpeggio principle that cleared up the harmonic ambiguity of the first half of the measure. The last three notes of the arpeggio were octave displaced. The line continued down to the guide tone note G, and then moved up, after encircling the Eb
with neighbor tones, to the G in the upper octave.
9.37
B b7
Fm 7
3-5-7-9 Arpeggio
E bm aj7
j
b
& b b c j b n b #
b
The guide tone thirds appeared on the downbeats for the Cm7 and Bbm7 chords. The Dn in the third
measure over the Eb7 chord is not an error. It would not be heard as the major seventh of the Eb7 chord
but as the chromatic lower neighbor to the Eb note that followed. Again, when arriving at the third of the
Abmaj7 chord, Donaldson used an arpeggio.
9.38
B bm7
Cm7
E b7
A bmaj7
Arpeggio
b
& b b c b
#
n
3
Donaldson began this phrase on the guide tone Db, then suggested the seventh to third guide tones Ab to
G between the Bbm7 and Eb7 chord. Another arpeggio occurred after arriving at the third of Abmaj7.
9.39
B bm7
E b7
A bm aj7
3
bb c b n b
b
&
# n
3-5-7-9 Arpeggio
7
3
3
Clifford Brown played a very similar line to the Donaldson above. Both lines began on the Db and encircled the Bb with neighbor tones. Brown used an Ab paired with Fn to Donaldsons Ab and F# to point to
the G. Brown used notes borrowed from the parallel enharmonic minor key of G# minor that created
more tension when pointing to the Abmaj7. When Brown reached the third of Abmaj7 he used the principle of arpeggiating the 3-5-7-9 of the chord, but octave displaced the last three notes.
200
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.40
B bm 7
E b7
A bm aj7
# n # b n
b
& b b c b n b
b
3-5-7-9 Arpeggio
Brown supplied the third of every chord on the downbeat in this progression. While C minor and Eb
major share the same key signature, the key of C minor needs a Bn, the leading tone, to create the dominant chord G7. Brown played it on the downbeat and followed it with an inverted 3-5-7-9 arpeggio.
9.41
b
G7 9
D7
Cm 7
n # n b
&b b c
3-5-7-9 Arpeggio
3
The use of a 3-5-7-9 arpeggio as a way of elaborating a guide tone line is a universal jazz device. The 3-57-9 arpeggio may be found in ascending form or inverted where the last three notes, 5-7-9, are octave
displaced. Tom Harrell sequenced this device in the following examples. The F7 arpeggio was inverted
and the arpeggio for the Bbm7 ascended in ex. 9.42.
9.42
B bm7
F7 9
Arpeggio
Arpeggio
b
& b b b b 34 n n
The guide tone notes are circled in this excerpt from Tom Harrell. They do not always occur on the
downbeat, but are always prepared and approached in a logical way. The 3-5-7-9 arpeggios are marked
with brackets. Harrell made the sequence work in the last two measures even with the meter change on
the Bbm7 chord.
9.43
G7
C7
Fm 7
B bm 7
3
bbb 3 .
&
4
n
n c
Contemporary improvisers are also aware of and use guide tones to identify and connect chords. John
Scofield aimed for the third and seventh of all the chords in the following progression. The Bb7 chord is
a secondary dominant chord and points away from the key of Db (5bs) to the key of Eb minor (6bs plus a
leading tone). The leading tone is Dn and the sixth flat is Cb. These are the first two pitches Scofield
played over the Bb7 chord. Scofield arpeggiated the Ebm7 chord 3-5-7, but stopped before reaching the
ninth, and let the seventh resolve to the third of Ab7. He almost used the 3-5-7-9 arpeggio over the Db
chord, using a Bb instead of the C.
Chapter 9
9.44
Harmonic Specificity
201
b
B b7 9
Db
& b b b b c . J J
n b
3
3
3
7
7
7
3
E bm 7 .
A b7
Db
.
b
.
b
n n b
&b b b
3
7
7 n 3
Standard jazz progressions are still attractive to contemporary jazz performers. Mike Stern used progression no. 7, from a tune published in 1947, to compose a new composition. This is a very common idea.
Many of the compositions from the early bop era were newly composed pieces based on established
harmonic progressions, usually borrowed from or similar to popular show tunes. There is something
that is still interesting and challenging about these traditional progressions. Sometimes they offer a contemporary player an opportunity to improvise lines that contradict the underlying harmonic implications, but here, Stern aimed for the coherent tones of each chord with at least one unexpected turn. The
F# in the second measure informed the listener that F major was left behind. The D7 chord was arpeggiated and its seventh, the restless dissonant tone C, resolved over the measure line to the consonant
third of Gm7. The Bb was encircled by upper and lower neighbor tones before continuing down the
scale. At the C7 measure, a listener might expect to hear the Fn, the seventh of Gm7 resolve to a En, the
third of C. Stern played an F#, this time as part of an encircling of the G before moving down to the Fn
which did finally resolve to E, not just anywhere, but on the strong third beat. The line continued down
the scale sounding the seventh of C7 before resolving smoothly over the measure line to the consonant
third of F.
9.45
Fmaj7
&b c
D7
Gm7
C7
Fmaj7
# # n
3
The idea that melody lines can implicate and outline the harmonic motion should not be difficult to
imagine. Historically, the entire concept of harmony came about as a result of melodic lines. The concepts of vertical sonorities, chords and harmonic progressions evolved from the convergence of linear
melodies. The melodies were implicating the harmony before harmony existed. Many years ago students asked me for book recommendations for melodic ideas. I always suggested Bach, Mozart, and
works of other time tested geniuses of melody. They always looked puzzled and sadly, few of them took
me seriously. Listen to the strength of the single line against another single line in two-part inventions.
There is no chordal accompaniments and yet the harmonic motion is crystal clear. This is because the
lines themselves incorporate the important chord tones as guide tones. The six suites for cello solo and
the solo sonatas and partitas for violin are excellent material for harmonically specific lines. What can
be learned from the study of Clifford Brown and Charlie Parker can be learned from even older masters
of melodic invention.
There are several melodic lines implied in this Menuet from Suite no. 1 for cello solo. No double stops
are used to indicate the harmonic motion, only the single note melody line implying up to three separate voices.
202
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.46
? b b 34
1
? bb #
7
#
n
#
#
.. ..
n
? bb
n b
.
#
13
? bb
..
19
The primary line in mm.1-4 suggests Bb - A - G - F#, a descending step line at the interval of a third and
an octave over the bass line G - F - Eb - D. The Bb over the G in the first measure left no doubt that the
piece is in a minor key. The F#, leading tone in m.4 and m.8 is the third of the implied D7 chord and is
approached from above and again made it clear that this piece is in G minor and not Bb major.
Brown, Parker and Harrell used arpeggios from the thirds of chords. What about Bach? Examine the
second part of the Menuet II. The chart below shows the implied harmonic progression and below details the melodic devices used to implicate the harmony.
Implied harmony for second part of Menuet II:
D7
Bb
11
12
Arpeggio
En points to
key of F
Encircled
3rd
Eb points to
key of B b
Gm
C7
10
Arpeggio
Encircled
3rd
F# and E b
point to Gm
Eb
F7 Bb F7
Bb
13
14
15
16
Arpeggio
Arpeggio
Thirds
Arpeggio
lack of F#
also points
to B b
Fn indicates
Bb and not
Gm
G7
Cm
F7
Bb
D7
Gm
A7 D7
Gm
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
3rds
Root
Arpeggio
3-5-7-9
arpeggio
with 7th -3rd
resolution
Bn and A b
point to Cm
Arpeggio
3-5-7-9
arpeggio
with 7th -3rd
resolution
Fn indicates
Bb and not
Gm
Arpeggio
3-5-7-9
arpeggio
with 7th -3rd
resolution
Return of F #
indicates G
minor, not
Bb major
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
203
STEP PROGRESSION
Many times the harmonic guide tones will suggest a simple step line over several chords. The first four
measures of the Menuet II followed a step progression. The example below. IV - iii - ii - I shows the bass
and the guide tone thirds following simple downward step progressions.
9.47
Step Progression
&cw
?c w
Mozart used this same step progression to create these longer florid lines. Mozart used ascending and
descending diatonic scales to accentuate the guide tone step progression line in two octaves.
9.48
& c
?c
Using some basic harmonic substitutions, the Mozart line can be transformed into a jazzy sounding line.
9.49
#9
B7b 13
b
A7 9
b
G7 9
b
# b
b
&
Fmaj7
Em 7
Dm7
Cmaj7
A step progression can be created using the primary guide tones over progression no. 13. This guide
tone line is a harmonically specific step progression that begins and eventually returns to G after sixteen
measures.
204
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.50
Progression no. 13
E bmaj7
b
& b b c .. w
D7
A bmaj7
&
bbb
D b9
Cm7
E bmaj7
bw
b
G7 9
n
F9
B bm7
nw
bw
E b7
Fm 7
bw
B b7
..
Clifford Brown used an extended step progression in this excerpt. The step line was interrupted with
neighbor tones, an inverted 3-5-7-9 arpeggio, and octave displacement. The line pointed to the third of
every chord in the progression and moved toward the seventh which resolved to the third of the subsequent chord. Some of the sevenths were delayed and resolved as 4 - 3 suspensions. This illustrates the
dual nature of some notes. The Eb over the F7 is the seventh and points to the Db, the third of Bbm. The
E b is both the seventh of F7 and the upper neighbor to the Eb. Not matter which analysis and term is
used, in both roles, the Eb is a dissonant note wanting to resolve to the Db. The simplified step progression is shown on the bottom line.
9.51
Cm7
F7
B bm 7
E b7
b
& b b b 34
3
j
n j b
n b
J
n n b
b
& b b b 34
A bmaj7
F7 3
b
B bm7
7 3
b
& b bb n b n
n
3
b
b
&b b
Ex. 9.52 is another step progression example from Clifford Brown. Browns line incorporated the harmonically clear thirds in almost every measure. All twelve of the chromatic pitches were used, but never
at random. All chromatic tones were resolved in predictable ways. The Db was a chromatic passing tone
between D and C in the pick-up measure. In m.3, the C# and the A# pointed up to the chord tones D and
B. The D# in m.5 indicated a shift to the key of E minor, and was the anticipated third of B7. The G# in
m.7 clarified the key of E major. The Gn in the last measure verifies the return to the key of G. The step
line was twice interrupted by octave displacement. In both cases of octave displacement, Brown leapt
from the harmonically clear third up to the ninth before descending again.
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
205
9.52
Am7
D7
Gmaj7
n
J b J b J # n n # j
#
3 9
b
# c
&
#
& c
F #m 7
B7
Emaj7
Am 7
D7
& # # # # n j n
3
9
#
&
#
#
n
3
This simple step progression framework may not seem like enough for an interesting piece of music, but
it is the basis for one of the most familiar melodies of the twentieth century. Judy Garland sang it in an
early disaster film about tornadoes. Play the simple framework below while singing the complete
melody. What devices were used to create this melody out of a simple descending scale?
9.53
&c
A step line is often suggested by any harmonic progression. Learning to hear progressions usually involves being able to hear the one voice that indicates the change. The root of the F chord may not at
first seem like the best choice to begin the step line below until examining the rest of the line. The Eb is
the note that points to the Bb chord and resolves to the harmonically clear third of Bb, the Dn. The Dn
must become the Db to accommodate the Eb7 chord. The C is the natural choice for the first inversion F
chord for two reasons: (1) it is the logical resolution of the Db, and (2) is a third above the bass note.
9.54
F
&b c
?b c
F7/A
Bb
E b7
F/A
D7
Gm7
C7
206
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
Ex. 9.55 is a embellished version of the simple framework in ex. 9.54. The notes on the downbeats of
mm.2-3 are anticipated giving a rhythmic push to the line. There is more angularity created using arpeggios over the D7 and Gm7 chords.
9.55
F
Bb
F7/A
E b7
F/A
D7
Gm7
C7
3
3
j
n # b b
& b c # #
Guide Tone Line No. 1: Progression no. 13 with line beginning on the third
E bmaj7
b
& b b c .. w
A bmaj7
&
bbb
D7
b
G7 9
Cm7
F7
B bm7
E b7
bw
w
D b9
E bmaj7
bw
F9
nw
3
Fm 7
B b7
bw
..
This etude follows guide tone line no. 1. In the first few measures, the guide tone is elaborated by movement up and down the diatonic scale returning to the guide tone. Many other notes are used in addition
to the guide tones, and some other guide tone linear implications may be found. 3-5-7-9 arpeggios are
found in mm, 9, 15 and 16.
Chapter 9
9.57
Harmonic Specificity
E bmaj7
b9
D7
G7
j
j
# n
b
& b b c ..
B bm 7
E b7
&
bbb
&
bbb
D 9
E maj7
j
n b b
b .
F9
&
bbb
Cm 7
207
F7
# .
j
b
J b
A bmaj7
j
B b7
Fm 7
b # ..
n j b
n n
Guide Tone Line No. 2: Progression no. 13 with line beginning on the seventh
E bmaj7
b
& b b c .. w
A bm aj7
&
bbb
b
G7 9
D7
D b9
E bmaj7
Cm 7
nw
3
F9
w
7
B bm7
F7
bw
nw
bw
7
E b7
w
3
Fm7
B b7
..
The etude shown in ex. 9.59 follows the above guide tone line no. 2. The third of F7 is preceded by its
upper neighbor, Bb, which is also the seventh of the Cm7 chord, and preceded by its lower neighbor, G#.
This idea is sequenced over Bbm7 - Eb7. There are two lines suggested in mm.9-11: the top of the line follows the G - G - F of the guide tone line above, the C - Cb - Bb suggests the parallel measures in guide
tone line no. 1.
208
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.59
b9
E bmaj7
D7
G7
n
.
& b b c ..
J
b
j
& b b # n .
Cm 7
F7
A bm aj7
B bm7
E b7
# .
J
D b9
E bmaj7
b
j
& b b b .
b
& b b j j
F9
B b7
j # .
Fm7
j
J
..
Guide Tone Line No. 3: Progression no. 13 with line beginning on the fifth
E bmaj7
b
& b b c .. w
A bm aj7
&
bbb
b
G7 9
D7
D b9
E bmaj7
Cm7
F9
(13)
F7
B bm7
E b7
w
5
. b
9
Fm7
B b7
. b ..
This etude follows guide tone line no. 3. The first line begins with and leads up to a Bb guide tone, but
emphasizes the third in the second measure which clarifies the major chord quality. In several measures,
after sounding the guide tone fifth, the line will reach towards the third for harmonic clarity.
Chapter 9
9.61
E bmaj7
b
& b b c .. j n b
&
bbb
&
bbb
&
bbb
Harmonic Specificity
D7
D b9
E b7
n j
b n
E bmaj7
j n b .
j #
j b
b n
F7
A bm aj7
b
G7 9
B bm7
Cm 7
n
n
B b7
J b .
F9
209
Fm7
..
Guide Tone Line No. 4: Progression no. 13 with line beginning on the seventh
E bmaj7
w
b
& b b c ..
A bm aj7
b
&b b w
9
w
D b9
13
D7
b
G7 9
13
E bmaj7
w
3
Cm7
F7
B bm7
E b7
13
13
F9
Fm7
B b7
13
..
This etude follows guide tone line no. 4. The melody line suggested a seventh to third resolution from
the D7 to the G7, as relief from the obscure harmonic information provided by the ninths and fifths.
210
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.63
E bmaj7
b b c ..
b
&
F7
A bm aj7
b
G7 9
B bm 7
b
&b b
Cm 7
D7
E b7
J b n b b .
b
D b9
E bmaj7
b
& b b j n b # n
b
& b b j # .
F9
B b7
Fm 7
# j b
..
w
b
& b b c .. ww
ww
w
D7
w
? b c .. w
bb
w
w
w
w
A bm aj7
b
& b b www
? b w
bb w
D b9
b
b ww
b
G7 9
ww
w
Cm7
ww
w
F7
B bm 7
bw
w
n ww
bw
w
n ww
E bm aj7
F9
w
ww
w
ww
ww
nw
w
w
b b
ww
nw
w
w
w
b ww
E b7
b
b b
ww
Fm7
ww
bw
B b7
w
w
ww
b b .
.
..
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
211
use the unexpected resolution. Here are a few possible guide tone lines which move against expectations.
Since most of the voice leading lines tend to fall (a seventh resolves down to a third; a ninth to a fifth; a
suspended fourth resolves down to the third) then it is not surprising that the unexpected lines move
upward. There is a great deal of tension created by the following ascending guide tone lines. The tension
that the ascending guide tone lines create can be an effective tool in constructing a dramatic improvisation or composition.
The line in ex. 9.65 begins on the fifth of Eb. Instead of the Bb resolving down to the fifth of D7 and
then becoming the ninth of G7 as it did in guide tone line no. 3 (9.60), the Bb moves up to the C, the
seventh of D7. The motion is still smooth, but contradictory to expectations. The C, as the seventh of
D7 points down the Bn, the third of G7. If it resolves up, the dissonance is compounded by the unexpected ascension and the resolution to the very dissonant #11 of the G7. The C# dissonance is appeased
somewhat by the resolution to the relatively less dissonant Dn, the ninth of Cm. The D moves up to the
Eb, a dissonant note to the Bbm7, but also the dominant of the new key of Ab. The Eb moves up to En, or
F b, the flat ninth of Eb, which begs to resolve back down to Eb, the fifth of the next chord, Ab. It defies
gravity again moving to the F over the Ab, a relatively calm dissonance. The G and Ab are comparatively
relaxed over the Db7 and seem to point up to the Bb. Instead, the unexpected An occurs before resolving
to the Bb. The Bb had previously at this point in the progression moved down to the An, but here moves
up to the Bn, the #11 of F7. The Bn moves up to the consonant fifth (Cn) of Fm7 and then to the #9 (C#) of
Bb. A guide tone line like this generates tension partly because of the unexpected resolutions. That most
step progressions and guide tone lines descend and the fact that this line ascends contributes to the
sense of mounting urgency.
9.65
E bmaj7
b
& b b c ..
&
A bm aj7
D b9
bbb
D7
b
G7 9
Cm7
F7
B bm7
E b7
#w
nw
E bm aj7
nw
F9
nw
nw
Fm7
B b7
#w
..
212
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.66
E bmaj7
b
& b b c .. .
D7
# n .
Cm 7
b
&b b
A bm aj7
j
# J .
3
E b7
b
E bmaj7
D b9
n
b J
n b
3
b
n
&b b
F9
B bm7
F7
b . n b
&b b
J
b
G7 9
n
J
B b7
Fm7
J b b b ..
The guide tone line in ex. 9.67 begins on F, the ninth of Eb. It resolves down to the ninth of D7, but to a
En rather than an Eb. An Eb would be the expected pitch in this context where D7 is either the vii7 of
Eb major or the ii7 of C minor. The En brightens the typically dark half-diminished chord. The En could
easily resolve down to an Eb, the b13 of the G7 chord, but instead moves up to the F, the seventh. The F
could resolve as expected to the Eb, the third of Cm, but moves up to the very dissonant F#. The F# points
to and finally resolves as a leading tone to the G. The G moves smoothly up to the Ab, the seventh of
B bm7, but does not resolve down to the expected third of Eb, resolving up instead to the dissonant An.
The An points to the Bb and finally moves to it over the Abmaj7. The Cb over the Db7 points back down
to the Bb, but in keeping with this example, moves up to the relatively consonant Cn over the Eb chord.
The Dn, the thirteenth of F7, is approached from a chromatic passing tone, C#. The Dn moves up to the
seventh of Fm7, Eb. The unexpected resolutions continue as the Eb moves to En rather than the anticipated Dn. The dissonant En points up to the F and brings the progression back to its starting point.
9.67
E bmaj7
b
& b b c .. w
A bm aj7
b
&b b w
D b9
bw
E bmaj7
D7
b
G7 9
nw
w
F9
. # w
Cm 7
F7
w
w
B bm7
Fm7
E b7
nw
B b7
nw
..
Chapter 9
9.68
E bmaj7
Harmonic Specificity
213
b
G7 9
& b b c .. j n n
D7
B bm 7
E b7
bb j 3
b
&
# n n b n
Cm 7
A bm aj7
F7
D b9
E bmaj7
b
j # # #
& b b j b b n
n
3
b
& b b n
F9
B b7
3 n .
Fm7
..
b
&b b c
b
&b b c
J. S. Bach: IV. Choral, Cantata No. 140, Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme (1731)
w
w
214
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
Bachs single line could have been easily adapted for two instruments as shown below.
9.70
b
&b b c
.
J
Here is a familiar line from Gershwin. The voice leading suggests the progression: IV - iv - I - V7/V - V7 I in the key of G. The bottom staff illustrates the two suggested step progression guide tone lines.
9.71
# c
&
b j
#
.
& c
J b
J
b # b n
b
#
w
w
(
Compound lines also have a home in folk music. The bottom staff in ex. 9.72 illustrates the two suggested
guide tone lines. The range between the two contrary step lines begins as sixth apart and moves to a unison.
9.72
# 6 j
& 8
#
& 68
. . . .
.
.
.
.
. .
.
.
.
Keith Jarrett played this long passage that suggested two independent lines. The top line was the more
active, but both were relatively simple as this was the beginning of an improvisation. The simplicity of
the individual lines prevented the entire melodic line from being cluttered.
Chapter 9
9.73
b j
b
j
& b c b .
J J
B b/D
Gm7
b
&b
Cm 7
F7
Bb
Harmonic Specificity
Gm7
Cm 7
215
F7
. j
Bb
Three lines may be suggested as shown in the following examples from Bach. The independent lines
cannot be too complicated or the clarity of the whole may be lost. The lines in the Menuet example are
separated by a sixth and a fifth which helps the listener discern the separate parts. The top line beginning on Bb is the primary line, with the line beginning on D as a secondary line. The third line on the
bottom suggests the bass movement.
9.74
? b b 34
? b b 34 ..
.
..
.
#
# J
# .
..
Each entrance of the compound melody from this Bourre is separated by a large interval to ease the
perception of the independent nature of the lines. Although played by the cello solo, the line could easily be orchestrated for three separate instruments grouped as shown.
9.75
? 22
2.
3.
2.
216
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.76
Dm9
& c
? c
G9
9 moves to 5
5 becomes 9
3 becomes 7
7 moves to 3
Cm aj9
5 becomes 9
9 moves to 5
7 moves to 3
3 becomes 9
ww
w
w
w
A single melodic line can be a compound melody by following two distinct guide tone lines implied
from the harmony. Guide tone lines that follow voice leading may begin on four possible notes (apart
from the root played by the bass): the third, seventh, fifth, and ninth. Compound melodies can be created by following two of these implicit lines in one single melodic line. Referring to the example above,
a voice pair may move parallel at the same time or in oblique motion where one voice is stationary and
the other moves. Two lines that move obliquely are easier to manipulate since they are active at opposite times in the progression. There are six possible pairing combinations. The pair of guide tone lines
could begin on the:
3rd
3rd
3rd
5th
5th
7th
&
&
&
&
&
&
5th
7th
9th
7th
9th
9th
parallel
oblique
oblique
oblique
oblique
parallel
motion
motion
motion
motion
motion
motion
Melodic frameworks based on the guide tone pairs and short melodic examples are illustrated below using each of the six pairs over an excerpt from progression no. 25. The repetition of the ii7 - V7 - I progression down a whole step lends itself to the use of sequences as a developmental tool.
The most harmonically specific pair of lines follows the third and seventh, and this may be why it is the
most commonly used pair. The third is stable and provides the harmonic clarity of chord quality
(major or minor). The seventh is the primary note of dissonance which moves one chord to the next:
the seventh usually resolves down to the next third. The top line begins on the third and suggests the
voice leading 3 - 7 - 3, while the second line suggests 7 - 3 - 7. The voices do not move at the same time
but alternate. The Eb is the third of Cm7, is the most consonant note and does not need to change for
the F7. The Bb, the seventh of Cm7 is the dissonant note that must change in order to arrive at the F7.
The Bb - An is the first voice that moves the line to the next chord. The motion is then answered in the
primary voice resolving the dissonant (over the F7) Eb to the Dn. A note that may be consonant over
one chord becomes dissonant over the next, as the Eb changed its classification from the Cm7 to the F7.
The lines are sequenced in the final two measures.
9.77
Guide tone line suggesting two independent lines beginning on the 3rd & 7th
Cm7
b b
&c
Bb
F7
B bm 7
E b7
ww
b b
Ab
ww
Chapter 9
9.78
Harmonic Specificity
217
Cm7
Bb
F7
B bm7
E b7
Ab
b b #
b b b w
&c
#
J
#
The pair that follows the third and fifth is also harmonically clear because of the presence of the third.
These two pitches should be separated by the interval of a sixth and not a third if the line is to be perceived as compound. If they are separated by only a third they will be too close to hear the separate
voice leading. This pair of voices wants to move at the same time. The Eb and the G are chord tones of
Cm7 and neither voice has to move anywhere for the F7, as G is the ninth of F7 and Eb is the 7th. Using
the Gb, the b9 of F7, suggests a chromatic line (G - Gb - F) and creates motion where there was none. The
lines are sequenced in the final two measures.
9.79
Guide tone line suggesting two independent lines beginning on the 3rd & 5th
Cm7
Bb
F7
b
&c
B bm 7
E b7
w
w
b9
5
9.80
w
bw
b9
Ab
Cm7
Bb
F7
b j .
&c
b
J
B bm 7
E b7
b b
Ab
The fifth of a chord by itself can be ambiguous. It does not reveal the chord quality. It can lead to a colorful line as it resolves to the ninth of the next chord. The voice pair in ex. 9.81 uses the ambiguous and
colorful line beginning on the fifth and the harmonically clear line that begins on the seventh. A good
compound line can be created using this pair of voices as they resolve at different rhythmic points in
the progression. The G as the fifth of Cm becomes the ninth of F7. As above, a Gb can be used to create
the chromatic line G - Gb - F. The independent lines are easier to hear when separated by the interval of
a sixth rather than separated by a third. The lines are sequenced in the final two measures.
9.81
Guide tone line suggesting two independent lines beginning on the 5th & 7th
Cm7
F7
c
b
&
b9
Bb
w
w
B bm7
E b7
b9
Ab
bw
w
7
218
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.82
B bm 7
E b7
Ab
b .
b w
b J
b
J
b
J
#
Cm 7
&c
F7
The voice pair that follows the third and the ninth must be separated by the interval of a seventh. No
sense of independence would be perceived if they were separated by only a step. These two voices alternate their motion. The line beginning on the third provides the stability and the line from the ninth
provides color. Instead of the fifth over the dominant chords, a b13th was used. Using the b13th creates
the chromatic line: D - Db - C over the Cm7 - F7 - Bb. The b13 of F7, Db, is often erroneously labeled a #5.
In this case it must be a b13 following the rule that an altered note wants to continue in the direction in
which it has been altered. If it was a #5, a C#, it would suggest the chromatic line C - C#, - D, which it does
not. To soften the harshness of the interval between the third and ninth, it may be filled in by an arpeggio, although the starkness of the large interval can be appealing.
9.83
Guide tone line suggesting two independent lines beginning on the 3rd & 9th
Cm7
Bb
F7
c
& b
b13( #5)
3
9.84
B bm 7
w
w
E b7
Ab
b13( #5)
bw
w
Cm7
Bb
F7
& c b b b
B bm 7
E b7
Ab
j b b b
b
b
b
The pair of lines following the ninth and fifth assumes the fundamental chord tones, the thirds and sevenths, will be supplied elsewhere in the accompaniment or inferred by the listener. These two voices alternate their motion. Both levels of the compound line will be colorful especially when using the possible alterations over the dominant chords. A b13 and a b9 are used over the dominant chords below, creating two chromatic lines: D - Db - C and G - Gb - F. The Gb (b9) and Db (b13) notes over the F7 chord are
obviously borrowed from the parallel key of Bb minor. There are several familiar jazz standards which
use this pairing in developing the melody.
9.85
Cm 7
& c
Guide tone line suggesting two independent lines beginning on the 9th & 5th
F7
b13( #5)
b
b
5
b9
Bb
B bm7
ww
E b7
b13( #5)
b b
5
b9
Ab
b b ww
5
Chapter 9
9.86
Harmonic Specificity
219
Bb
F7
& c b b j .
B bm 7
E b7
Ab
J b n n b b
This pairing is rarely if ever used with much success, but is possible. The lines must be separated by a
sixth and not a third to maintain their independence. This separation is part of why the pairing is weak,
as it puts the colorful ninth below the fundamental seventh. The line may sound like it is in the wrong
key. These pitches, rather than suggesting Cm7 - F7 - Bb, seem to suggest a compound line using the third
and seventh of Gm7 - C7 - F.
9.87
Cm7
& c b
Guide tone line suggesting two independent lines beginning on the 7th & 9th
b
9
9.88
Cm7
Bb
F7
b13( #5)
B bm 7
E b7
w
w
b
9
b13( #5)
Ab
w
bw
9
Bb
& c b b .
B bm7
E b7
Ab
b b .
220
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.89
Dm7
Gm 7
&b
&b
C7
Fm aj7
B bmaj7
E7
A7
Dm
#w
?b c w
Adding characteristic stylistic elements can make this framework swing. The bass line walks quarter notes
making sure each new root is approached stepwise. The melodic rhythms anticipate downbeats, putting
the guide tone notes on the upbeats. Only diatonic scale notes are used for elaboration. The lines are
rhythmically independent: when one moves the other is stationary creating dialog between the upper
voices. The two lines take turns moving the music forward.
9.90
Dm7
&b
&b
3
?b
&b
A7
Dm
w
7
E7
j .
&b
?b
Fm aj7
j j
B bmaj7
C7
j
# # w
7 3
w
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
221
AVOID NOTES?
The guide tones have all been shown with whole and half notes as if they must occur on a downbeat.
This was just for illustration. The musical examples have shown that there is much flexibility about where
the guide tones occur in actual melodic settings. The guide tones are often anticipated in a jazz swing
style, as illustrated in ex. 9.90, and they may also be delayed. When they are delayed, the pitches that
may occur on downbeats are often what some jazz educators have called avoid notes. Are there notes
to avoid? This list of avoid notes usually includes the fourth degree over a major chord. A book could
be filled with common examples of improvisations and compositions that prove this wrong. It would be
better and more accurate with actual performance practice to explain that all twelve pitches work at any
time, but not equally. Because of the pitch hierarchy, some are consonant (chord tones), some dissonant (related diatonic pitches) and others even more dissonant (the remaining chromatic pitches). It
would not be desirable to leave arbitrary dissonances scattered around like dirty laundry on a dorm
room floor. But the use of these dissonance, these avoid notes actually propel the music forward. The
tensions they create are like the tension of a bow that propels the arrow, or how the gravitational force
of a planet can be used to help catapult a spacecraft like a slingshot.
So rather than avoid notes that are dissonant, think of them as paths pointing towards the consonant
notes. This does not excuse the improviser or composer from any responsibility, rather it insists they
must be able to identify consonant and dissonant notes, and realize that as the harmony progresses, the
classification of a note may change. The third of a major chord must be recognized as the consonant
goal note for harmonic clarity and that chromatic pitches a half step above (the avoid note fourth)
and the chromatic note below (the leading tone) are dissonances that can be used as pointers.
Visit a beginning improvisation class and you will hear many lines that stop on these avoid notes. The
students know the notes are dissonant, they can hear the harmonic conflict, they are just too inexperienced to know which way to go to resolve them and so they stop. Given the opportunity, they usually can
sing or play the correct resolution, but are not yet adept at finding the note in real time. Panic usually
wins and the wrong note is left hanging in the air. This scenario was probably what led many educators to the term avoid notes.
The dissonant tones are pointers that propel the music forward to the consonant tones. So rather than
avoid those notes, they may be just the ones to aim for in order to achieve forward linear motion. First
learn the tones that clarify the harmonic setting and then learn the notes which create tension and motion that point back to those consonant tones.
Avoid notes are taken to the limit in this next setting based on the framework illustrated in ex. 9.89. The
resolution to each guide tone note is delayed because the upper neighbor tones to the guide tones occur
on the downbeat. This creates the ancient device known as a suspension. There is a 4-3 suspension in every measure. When the seventh of one chord is held into the next measure it becomes the dissonant
fourth, the avoid note that pulls to the harmonically clear third. The dissonance on each downbeat
propels the music forward. The bass pattern helps create a Bossa style. The rhythmic activity moves
from one voice to the next and only in the last two measures are they active at the same time.
222
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
9.91
&b
Gm7
j .
(7) (4)
& b j . j
?b
(4)
B bm aj7
(7) (4)
3
j
. J .
A7
(7)
&b
(4)
(4)
?b .
E7
&b
Fm aj7
(7) (4)
.
J
C7
j
.
(7)
.
Dm
(7)
(4)
(4)
j
#
(7)
j
3
Guide tone lines can be found when the chords move in ways other than cycles of fifths. This progression includes several types of root motion and chord inversions. The top line follows the bass line at
the interval of a third. The Dn over the Bb establishes the major triad. The logical resolution of the D is
to the Cn because of the smooth stepwise motion. The third of the F would not be a good choice in the
second measure: it would necessitate a leap from the D, and it would be redundant to double the bass
note. The step motion continues the for the entire top guide tone line. The middle voice can be deduced by finding what notes remain after the top and bottom lines have been determined. A Bb triad
includes the notes Bb - D - F. Since Bb is in the bass and D is in the top voice, F is the logical choice to
begin the middle voice. The middle voice does not need to move between the first and second and
third and fourth measures. The middle voice does finally arrive at the same pitch as the bass line at the
conclusion of the phrase. Singing the second line illustrates why it must end the way it does as the Bn
points up to the C.
9.92
Bb
G7
Cm
w
w
nw
? b c w
b
&
&b
Gm 7
Dm/F
F/A
bb
Chapter 9
Harmonic Specificity
223
The framework in ex. 9.92 can be brought to life by adding musical stylistic elements as shown below.
The bass line suggests a light two-beat swing that develops into a four beat swing. The guide tones are
rhythmically anticipated as one would expect in a jazz style. The F is approached with its upper neighbor tone. The D is surrounded by its diatonic upper neighbor tone and chromatic lower neighbor tone.
The rhythmic activity of the two lines alternate. The G7, as V7/ii, requires the Ab from the key signature
of C minor and the leading tone Bn. Both of these important identifying pitches occur in the melodic
material. The last two resolutions are delayed until the final measure. The F is held from the G7 measure
in the top voice creating a 4-3 suspension. The Bn is held over in the middle voice delaying its resolution to C. These lines will be musically effective with any combination of instruments.
9.93
&
bb
&b
Gm7
E bm aj7
b
j
&b
.
J
G7
? b
.
J
nw
j
.
J
Cm
b
.
Dm/F
.
J
? b c
b
&b
F/A
j
n
n w
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
When writing out a guide tone lines the most basic line may be the best. Strive for step progression and
harmonic clarity. Save the complicated ideas for the development of the guide tone lines. Defining the
consonant notes will also help determine the dissonant notes.
Write out, sing and play guide tone lines over standard progressions like those in
chapter 7.
Write out, sing and play guide tone lines over new tunes as part of practice.
Use the guide tone lines as vehicle for improvisation over selected progressions.
Using the guide tone lines write out elaborated versions over selected progressions.
224
X.
Chapter 10
LINEAR HARMONY
Harmony is often explained as a vertical entity. Chords are spelled up from the bass or voiced down
from the soprano. While it is valuable to understand chords in this way, we experience music as it happens over time as a linear phenomenon. Melodic lines can address the voice leading principles and
(vertical) harmony will be experienced as a result of linear melodic motion. When melodic lines address the important chord tones (the tones that identify the chord qualities) and then move towards
dissonant tones (the tones that move one chord to the next like sevenths and ninths) the result is linear
harmony.
In one of my first teaching experiences with an improvisation class, I asked students to bring in short
jazz transcription examples. As a class, we would extract basic principles of music from the examples.
Sometimes several students would bring in almost identical lines from musicians playing different instruments from different time style periods. After a very short time, all of the examples seem to fit into
three categories or shapes based on the same three basic skeletal frameworks. All of them followed the
principles of linear harmony: consonant notes (usually thirds) in rhythmically significant places leading
to dissonances (sevenths) which resolved to consonant notes again, usually over the measure line.
These three simple melodic frameworks that occur so often deserve their own section in this book. I call
these skeletal frameworks outlines. Outlines are harmonically specific lines which connect chords
through guide tones. The structural simplicity of the outlines allows the improviser/composer much
room for developing them in their own personal way.
Thousands of musical lines based on the same basic outlines can each sound completely unique because different types of musical devices can be used in their development. This is comparable to discovering that thousands of doors and windows are rectangular, but can be finished, trimmed and decorated in many styles from simple to ornate. Musicians can stamp the outlines with their unique personality. Many sentences share the same structure and parts of speech, and yet can express many diverse
ideas. Hundreds of musical examples can have the same basic outlines and still retain their individual
musical identity. The outlines are also part of the collective musical vocabulary that carries a sociological identification: being conversant with the outlines helps identify one as knowing the language.
Examples of outlines can be found in any musical style period that uses traditional harmonic progressions. Outlines are plentiful in the be-bop jazz vocabulary. There are entire solos by Clifford Brown
based on nothing but outline no. 1. Knowing the outlines should not in any way stifle creativity. On the
contrary, knowing them should inspire creativity. The outlines are a given over any harmonic progression. They are the linear equivalent of knowing the chords to a piece. Knowing them gives a sense of
harmonic direction to improvised or composed melodies. The outlines are obviously not the only valuable material available as building blocks for constructing musical lines. They are excellent tools for
teaching beginning improvisers for several reasons:
Chapter 10
225
This cartoon may help to visualize the concept of outlines. If the entrance and exit to the park represent
the single guide tones, the large dotted-line (grandmothers path) represents the basic unembellished
outline that connects them, and Billys dotted line represents the improvised embellished jazz line that
does not want to miss out on any of the best things. Billys line and his grandmothers line intersect and
the entrance and exit to the park and may intersect at places within the park. We can imagine as their
walk continues, that there will be times that Billy reaches a rendezvous point ahead of his grandmother
and at other times may be late and have to run to catch up. It is not hard to translate these scenarios
into musical terms.
(used by permission)
This section will explain outlines, their construction, offer examples from many artists and style periods,
and suggest ways to incorporate them into ear-training, composing and improvising. For those who want
more on the subject, there are hundreds of examples, explanations and exercises in my book on outlines, Connecting Chords With Linear Harmony, and hundreds of exercises and applications in my
book, Comprehensive Technique for Jazz Musicians.
226
Chapter 10
Outline no. 1
Outline no. 2
G7
&c
Dm 7
Dm7
Outline no. 3
G7
Dm7
G7
Outline no. 1
Outline no. 2
D7
G7
n
&b b c
D7
Outline no. 3
G7
D7
G7
Outlines may occur over any chords whose root movement follows the cycle of fifths.
OUTLINES OVER V - I
Outline no. 1
G7
&c
Outline no. 2
Outline no. 3
G7
G7
Chapter 10
227
OUTLINES OVER I - IV
Outline no. 1
Cmaj7
&c
Outline no. 2
Fmaj7
Cm aj7
Outline no. 3
Fmaj7
Cm aj7
Fm aj7
Outline no. 2
B7
&c
Fmaj7
Outline no. 3
B7
Fm aj7
B7
Outline no. 2
Am7
&c
Em7
Outline no. 3
Am 7
Em 7
Am 7
Outline no. 2
Dm 7
&c
Am 7
Outline no. 3
Dm7
Am7
Dm7
Outline no. 2
A7
& c #
Em7
Outline no. 3
A7
Em 7
A7
228
Chapter 10
The root progression from IV to the V7/iii is down a diminished fifth but still follows the cycle of fifths.
OUTLINES OVER IV - V7/iii
Outline no. 1
Fmaj7
Outline no. 2
B7
& c #
Fmaj7
Outline no. 3
B7
Fm aj7
B7
Outline no. 2
D7
& c #
Am 7
Outline no. 3
D7
Am7
D7
Will the outlines work if the chords do not follow the cycle of fifths? Often they work if a chord is imagined that would make the progression follow the cycle of fifths. F to G, a IV - V progression does not follow the cycle of fifths progression. Imagining a Dm7 (ii7) instead of the F (IV) allows the insertion of the
outlines. Dm7 and F are clearly related and this substitution will sound good.
OUTLINES OVER IV - V
Outline no. 1
F
(Dm7)
Outline no. 2
G7
&c
Outline no. 3
G7
(Dm7)
G7
(Dm7)
When the progression moves down in thirds, the same principles can apply: imagine a chord that
changes the root progression to descending fifths. C to Am7 could be Em7 to Am7 and then the outlines are easy to apply. Em7 is not that different than C major, in fact the notes of Em7 are the 3-5-7-9 of
the C major seventh chord.
OUTLINES OVER I - vi
Outline no. 1
Cmaj7
(Em7)
Outline no. 2
Am7
&c
Cm aj7
(Em7)
Outline no. 3
Am 7
Cm aj7
(Em7)
Am 7
Imagine the Am7 as a Cmaj7 to change the root progression to downward fifths and then apply the outlines. The notes of a Cmaj7 chord are the 3-5-7-9 notes of Am.
Chapter 10
229
OUTLINES OVER vi - IV or i - VI
Outline no. 1
Outline no. 2
Am 7
(Cmaj7)
Fm aj7
&c
Am7
(Cmaj7)
Outline no. 3
Fm aj7
Am7
(Cmaj7)
Fm aj7
Alterations of chords including chains of secondary dominant chords do not change the principles of
outlines construction. Make sure that all necessary accidentals are addressed in the basic structure and
in any embellishment of the outline.
OUTLINES OVER V7/V - V7
Outline no. 1
Outline no. 2
D7
G7
& c #
D7
Outline no. 3
G7
D7
G7
OUTLINE EXAMPLES
Here are several examples of outlines extracted from the improvisations of great jazz musicians. The excerpts begin with simple and move to more complex examples. The following examples are models for
linear melodic development techniques. There are hundreds of other outline examples shown in the
book, Connecting Chords With Linear Harmony, including pages of exercises and applications. There is
also a chapter devoted to outlines in the book, Comprehensive Technique for Jazz Musicians, with more
exercises and applications.
&b c
Gm7
C7
The same simple outline is used in ex. 10.2, but this one from Charlie Parker, is in the parallel key of F
minor. The notes necessary for establishing the key are all present: Ab and Db from the key signature,
and the leading tone, En.
230
Chapter 10
10.2
Fm
b b C7
j
b
c
b
&
G7
The same simple outline occurred in this improvisation by Jeff Andrews. The progression is ii7/ii V7/ii - ii7 in the key of F major. The Eb and F# are necessary in order to modulate to the key of G minor.
Andrews anticipated the A7 and suggested a 3-5-7-9 arpeggio over the Gm7.
10.3
Simple outline no. 1 over ii7/ii - V7/ii - ii7 in the key of F major.
A7
D7
Gm7
J # b
J
&b c
Since the harmonic rhythm is whole notes in ex. 10.4, Errol Garner had more time to embellish the bare
outline. The line is embellished with diatonic notes that lead to the Eb and back down the to F#. The two
notes necessary for modulation, Eb and F#, were not hidden, but occurred at the top and bottom of the
line. After resolving the seventh of D7 to the third of Gm7 (C to Bb), Garner played a 3-5-7-9 arpeggio.
10.4
Diatonic scales embellish outline no. 1 over ii7/ii - V7/ii - ii7 in the key of F major.
J
b
b
c
#
&
J
A7
D7
Gm7
There was a sequence of outline no. 1 in ex. 10.5 from a tune named for four brothers of the tenor sax.
Outline no. 1 connected the Dm7 to the G7 and is followed by a 3-5-7-9 arpeggio. Outline no. 1 connected the Em7 to the A7 and to the Dm7. There was a delayed resolution to the Dm caused by the addition of the arpeggiated En. The Em7 is NOT the ii7 or the ii7 of D minor or D major: it is the iii7 of C
major and called for the Fn. The C# and Bb are necessary in order to tonicize the key of D minor, and
they signaled the modulation at the secondary dominant A7, the V7 of ii.
10.5
Dm7
Em7
A7
Dm7
& c # b
Diatonic scale notes were used to embellish this outline no. 1 example from Harold Land. After connecting to the G7 chord, Land arpeggiated 3-5-7-b9, borrowing the b9 from the parallel key of C minor.
The lowered note, Ab, propelled the line downward. The F# is not the major seventh over a G7, but a
leading tone that points back to the G before finally descending to the third of C major through the Fn.
Outline no. 1 connected G7 to C. The bare descending outline (B - Ab - G - F - E) was embellished by the
inverted 3-5-7-9 arpeggio and the chromatic leading tone.
Chapter 10
10.6
231
C
G7
j
b # n
&c
Dm7
The Bb, the third of G7, was surrounded by its upper and lower neighbor tones in ex. 10.7 from Kenny
Dorham. After sounding the Bb, the Ab is octave displaced to a higher register using scale tones. The Bb
over the C7 usually would resolve to the third of F major or F minor. In this instance, Dorham chose to
resolve to the Cb, the important identifying pitch of a F7.
10.7
C7
F7
n b
b
& b bbb c n
J
G7
Am7
D7
#
& c # n # n b n j
This progression begins with the root moving down a third (Fmaj7 - D7). If an Am7 is imagined over the
F, then it is easy to apply outline no. 1. Mike Stern played a very simple outline down to the third of D7.
He leapt away from the F# and arpeggiated the D7 chord with the seventh resolving to the third of Gm7.
The outline from Gm7 to C7 to F is more elaborate. The Bb was surrounded by its upper and lower
neighbor tones (a.) before moving down the scale. The F# over the C7 interrupted the downward motion.
The F# and A are the upper and lower neighbor tones to the following G (b.). The outline continued uninterrupted down to the third of C7 (resolution delayed by the neighbor tone figures) and finally down
to the third of F.
232
Chapter 10
10.9
Fm aj7
D7
&b c
Gm7
C7
Fm aj7
# # n
a.
b.
(Am7)
Red Garland used the simple step progression of outline no. 1 for the following extended progression.
None of the chords below are diatonic to the home key of F major. The A7 and D7 pointed to the key
of ii, G minor, but resolved instead to G7, the V7/V. Garland addressed all of necessary accidentals suggested by the secondary chords. The F# and Eb pointed to G minor. The Bn created the G7 that pointed
to the key of V, C major. The D7 and the G7 have delayed resolutions. Garland played the upper and
lower neighbor tone where the F# was expected resolving to the D7 chord on beat two. The Bn arrives on
beat three having been encircled from above and approached chromatically from below. The chromatic tones should be labeled using linear, and not by vertical analysis. The chromatic tones will not be
heard as chord tones but as chromatic passing tones between diatonic pitches. The C# over the D7 will
not sound like a major seventh; it sounds like the chromatic passing tone pointing up to the D. The A#
over the G7 will not be mistaken for a Bb, the minor third; it sounds like a leading tone to the major
third Bn.
10.10
b #
b # n # n
A7
D7
&b c
G7
Clifford Brown used outline no. 1 to connect all the chords in the following progression. The Cm7 is not
a ii7 chord, but a iii7 chord in Ab major, with the Db as evidence. The Bn is the leading tone to C. Brown
played an inverted 3-5-7-9 arpeggio over the F7 both times. The rhythmic activity over the first F7 is
eighth notes. The second time Brown used eighth note triplets over the F7 in order to add the extra
neighbor tone embellishments. To cover more ground in the same amount of time requires more
speed, and to play more notes in the same space requires moving faster with smaller rhythmic subdivisions. The An and Gb that create the F7b 9 chord are the necessary tones for modulating from the key of
Ab to the key of Bb minor. Brown used octave displacement over the Bbm7 and the Eb7, leaping from the
third of the chord to the ninth. The octave displacement leap usually occurs from a strong beat to a
weak beat and rarely over a measure line.
10.11
Outline no. 1. with leading tones, inverted 3-5-7-9 arpeggio, octave displacement.
b
& b b b 34
E b7
bb
&b b
Cm7
j
n
B bm7
F7
n n j b n
Ab
F7
B bm7 3
n b n
n
Outlines can be found in jazz improvisations used by traditional and modern musicians, but they were
also used by some of the greatest improvisers and composers in history. Bach used outline no. 1 to
modulate to all the closely related keys in Invention No. 11. Below, Bach used outline no. 1 in this pas-
Chapter 10
233
sage over an extended diatonic progression. The F# signals the change from Bb major to G minor. The
progression suggests Cm7 - F7 - Bb - Eb - A7 - D7 - Gm = ii7 - V7 - I - IV - ii7/vi - V7/vi - vi or ii7/bIII V7/bIII - I/bIII - VI - ii7 - V7 - i.
10.12
b
& b 38 J J J
? b b 38
J J J
#
J J J
# n
J
r
Bach used outline no. 1 in this passage with octave displacement. Notice the leap occurred from the
downbeat to the upbeat. Play this with jazz articulations and it swings.
10.13
## 2
R
& 4
? # # 24
J
Outline no. 1 with double chromatic approach to the third of the ii7 chord
F7
Bb
b c # nb
b
j
&
10.15
Em7
Outline no. 1 with double chromatic approach to the third of the ii7 chord
A7
## c n # b
&
234
Chapter 10
The third of Dm7 was chromatically approached from a whole step above and the third of G7 was
chromatically approached from a whole step below in this example from Sonny Stitt. Stitt played a 3-57-9 arpeggio over the G7.
10.16
Dm7
G7
#
&c
A 3-5-7-9 arpeggio led to the high Bb which began outline no. 1 in this excerpt from Roger Pemberton.
The G was preceded by its lower then upper neighbor tones, F# and A. The En was approached and encircled from above and below, landing on beat three. The outline in its simple form then led to the
third of F. The Db, the b9 of C7, is a borrowed note from the parallel key of F minor.
10.17
Outline no. 1 with 3-5-7-9 arpeggio, chromatic approach tones, and borrowed b9
C7
F
3 #
# b j
& b c
Gm7
Any diatonic tone may have a leading tone. The C# below is a leading tone that points to the D, and the
G # a leading tone that points to the A. The leaps to the leading tones, which are both resolved to chord
tones gave this line angularity. Sonny Rollins used two 3-5-7-9 arpeggios. The first arpeggio occurred
over the Dm7 was inverted and included the G# leading tone to A; the second was clearly stated over the
G7. Following voice leading principles, the A, the ninth of G7, resolved to the fifth of C.
10.18
Dm7
&c
G7
G7
Dm7
&
a.
a.
b.
G7
b.
In ex. 10.20, Red Garland used the inverted arpeggio over the V7/iii - iii7 progression. Notice that the
necessary accidentals (F# & An) to get from Eb (3bs) to the key of G minor (2bs) were unambiguously
placed. Dexter Gordon, in ex. 10.21, used a triplet rhythmic figure when arpeggiating the Fm7, and followed the outline down to the third of Eb using diatonic pitches.
Chapter 10
10.20
235
Gm7
bb c # n
b
&
J
10.21
B b7
Fm7
Eb
b c b . b
b
&
Red Garland used 3-5-7-9 arpeggios to embellish each chord in ex. 10.22. Garland played an ascending
3-5-7-9 arpeggio over the Dm7, an inverted one over the G7, and an ascending one over the Cmaj7.
Outline no. 1 is still evident and is shown with the circled notes. Garlands arpeggio over the Dm7 mirrors the one used by Roger Pemberton in ex. 10.17. The resolution to the G7 was delayed until beat two
by the suspended fourth degree. Is this fourth an avoid note? After arriving at the Bn, Garland played
an inverted 3-5-7-9 arpeggio with the borrowed b9. The Fn on beat four of the G7 measure pointed down
to the third of C, but the F# changed the direction of the line: the F# had to ascend to the G on the following downbeat. The line descended from G through the Fn and resolved to the En on beat two. Garland
then used a 3-5-7-9 arpeggio over the Cmaj7.
10.22
Dm7
& c j
G7
The basic structure of ex. 10.23 is similar to the 10.22 in its use of 3-5-7-9 arpeggios. Garland aimed for
the third of D7 by encircling the F# with its upper and lower neighbor tones. After arriving at the third
(F #), the expected 3-5-7-9 arpeggio occurred, inverted this time. Notice in the previous example the
arpeggio for the first measure was ascending and in the second measure was inverted. In this excerpt the
directions were reversed: the first measure had the inverted and the second measure the ascending
arpeggios. Garland used a b9 over the D7 borrowed from G minor and a b9 over the G7 borrowed from
C minor.
10.23
D7
# b # b b # #
c
&
J
3
The melodic shape Garland used to get from G7 to C in ex. 10.22 is identical to the shape he used to get
from D7 to G7 in ex. 10.20 and 10.23 as shown below.
236
Chapter 10
10.24
D7
G7
# b # n 3 b J
&c
&c
Several devices make this Red Garland outline no. 1 example interesting. The chromatic triplets between
the root and third of the Am7 energized the line and generated forward motion. The leap created by the
inverted 3-5-7-9 arpeggio on the D7 is a welcome change from the preceding tight chromatic movement. An interesting sawtooth shape was created on beats three and four of m.2 by pivoting between the
stationary A pedal tone and the moving notes D to C.
10.25
D7
Gm7
n b b #
3
b
&b c
Am7
>
> >
>
>
>
b
n b # b n
&b c
#
b
b b
&b c
Chapter 10
10.26b Polyrhythms implied by the melodic line
& b c n
237
# b n
When a single pitch is approached from two directions it suggests a wedge. Three significant pitches are
approached with these wedges in ex. 1026a.
10.26c
b
& b c n b #
The simple descending step progression of outline no. 1 was disguised by John Scofield using octave
displacement and melodic wedges in ex. 10.27. The simple outline is shown with the circled notes. The
line began with D, the third of Bb7, then the Cb was octave displaced. The Cb resolved step wise to the Bb.
The step from Bb to Ab was interrupted by the chromatic En to F. The En is the lower neighbor tone to the
F, the fifth of the Bb7 chord. These tones ultimate resolved up to the Gb, the target note of the Ebm 7
chord. The Gb was approached stepwise from above (Cb - Bb - Ab - Gb) and chromatically from below (E F - Gb). The angularity of the line continued to the end when Scofield, after resolving the two lines to the
Gb, suddenly jumped to the Bbb implying an Eb7 rather than an Ebm.
10.27
b
B b7 9
E bm7
b
& b bbb c
j j
b
n
n
b
& b bbb c
(n )
n
b
n
Red Garland used a complex embellished version of outline no. 1 in the double-time passage shown in
ex. 10.28. Garland aimed for the third of each chord. Not all of the target notes arrived where the chord
symbols indicate on the downbeats. He began on the third of Cm7 on the downbeat; he delayed the
resolution to F7 by an eighth note; delayed the resolution to Bb by a quarter note; arrived on the beat
for G7, and finally anticipated the Cm7 by a sixteenth note.
238
Chapter 10
Bb
F7
G7
Cm7
b
b # n
& b c # b n # b n # n
n
#
b
b
b
&b c
After arriving at the third of F7, Garland played an inverted 3-5-7-9 arpeggio (in box) which included the
b9, Gb. The Gb directed the momentum to the Fn, but Garland leapt past the F and approached it from below. Garland used a recurring melodic figure that gave the line a sense of unity. The notes A, F, D, Bn and
G were all approached by the same chromatic four note figure shown by the brackets.
10.28b
Cm7
F7
Bb
3-5-7-9
G7
Cm7
b
b # n
& b c # b n # b n # n
# n
Red Garland began the line in ex. 10.29 with a chromatic approach to the third of the D7. The D, Bn, G
and E were all approached using the exact four note figure from ex. 10.28: an upper neighbor tone and
chromatically from a whole step below (shown by upper brackets). Garland played the 3-5-7-9 arpeggio
of G7 in the middle of the measure. The target thirds did not occur on the downbeats: the thirds of D7
and G7 occurred on beat two and the third of Cmaj7 was delayed until beat three. The displaced target
thirds create an interesting contradiction to the meter. There are two ways of explaining the results: either the addition of the chromatic notes delayed the resolution to the thirds which created a sense of
displaced meter; or in order to displace the meter Garland added additional chromatic notes.
10.29
b b # n
# b # n #
&
D7
G7
The melodic line played by Red Garland from ex. 10.29 could be played with the target thirds arriving
on the downbeats. The brackets show the four-note chromatic figure. The line would still interesting even
without the metric contradiction due to the chromatic additions.
10.30
&c
G7
b b # n
# b #
Outlines are often used over modal tunes to suggest harmonic progressions where there are none. Randy
Brecker implied a Gm7 - C7 progression over this passage in G dorian. The F# and A are neighbor tones
Chapter 10
239
that surround the G. There was a wedge that points to the En from above (Bb - A - G - F - E) and below (D
- D# - E). The arpeggio, E - G - Bb - D, suggested the 3-5-7-9 of a C7 chord.
10.31
G Dorian
& b c # n #
EXAMPLES of OUTLINE NO. 2
Outline no. 2 begins with the 1-3-5 arpeggio and then adds the dissonant seventh. The seventh
resolves as expected to the third of the chord that follows.
SIMPLE SETTINGS
Outline no. 2 could be called the Round Midnight outline as it occurs twice in the melody to the
Thelonious Monk piece by that name. Here is one of the occurrences as it appears in the piece contrasted with an interpretation by Wes Montgomery. Montgomery used the fifth of the Ebm7 chord as a
pick up note, played the arpeggio to the seventh and then used a chromatic approach to the C. The use
of sixteenth note triplets adds rhythmic drive to the simple outline.
10.32
A b7
b
& b bbb c
E bm7
A b7
r n
Over a blues progression in F, Jeff Andrews used outline no. 2 to connect the Gm7 to the C7, and
approached the E chromatically from below.
10.33
Gm 7
&b c j
#
The end of the first phrase of progression no. 23 modulates from Ab to C major. Typically a ii7 - V7 of
C minor is used that would resolve to C major. Using the minor ii7 - V7 makes a smoother transition
because C minor is a closely related key to Ab (4bs to 3bs, I to iii). Jimmy Heath played this simple version of outline no. 2 over that part of the progression shown in ex. 10.34. When arriving at the Cmaj7
chord, he arpeggiated 3-5-7-9 which cleared the musical air of any feeling of Ab major and established C
as the new (temporary) tonal center.
240
Chapter 10
10.34
D7
& c b b
The first note of outline no. 2 is omitted in the next two examples from Mike Stern. These lines begin
with a chromatic leading tone to the third of the first chord. The general shape and character of the outline is retained. Voice leading is adhered to in both examples. The seventh of Em7 resolves to the third
of A in both cases. After playing a 3-5-7-9 arpeggio, the ninth of A7 resolves to the fifth of D in 10.35a.
The seventh of A7 resolves to the third of D in 10.35b.
10.35a Outline no. 2 variation
n J
b
c
n
&
#
Em7
A7
b
c
J
&
#
Em 7
A7
It is a common practice to use melodic sequences over sequential harmonic passages. Outlines are ideal
vehicles for sequential material. Red Garland used outline no. 2 over these chromatically sequenced ii7 V7 chords in ex. 10.36.
10.36
b
j b b b
b
c
b
&
A m7
D 7
Gm7
C7
3
j
PASSING TONES
Outline no. 2 begins with an arpeggio. The skips between the chord tones of an arpeggio lends itself to
the use of passing tones. With the passing tones added to the arpeggio, why not call it a scale? It may be
better to think of the chord tones being connected by passing tones to expedite the understanding of
harmonic specificity. The main chord tones of the outline typically land on the strong beats with the
passing tones on the weaker beats which allows the basic shape of the outline to be heard as an arpeggio
with passing tones. The passing tone between the fifth and seventh is never used. Why? That passing
tone is the pitch to which the line points: it is the third of the chord that follows. Sounding it ahead of
time diminishes the impact of the final resolution. The third of the second chord has a stronger sense
resolution when preceded by the seventh of the first chord. This is illustrated below over a ii7 - V7 in the
key of C. The E and G are available as passing tones, but the Bn between A and C is not used over the
Dm7 in order to save it for the G7.
10.37
Dm7
& c
Chapter 10
241
These two excerpts from improvisations by Clifford Brown illustrate the use of passing tones and outline
no. 2. In neither example was the third of the second chord prematurely played. In ex. 10.39, Brown delayed the start of the outline and did not get to the Bn, the identifying note of the G7 chord until beat
two. He then descended using outline no. 1 and chromatically approached the third of C.
10.38
Gm7
C7
&b c
10.39
Dm7
&c
G7
b
#
Gm7
C7
& b c # j # # n b
3
3-5-7-9 ARPEGGIOS
A leading tone can become a lower neighbor tone when preceded and followed by the chord tone.
Clifford Brown embellished outline no. 2 using a lower neighbor tone and passing tones. Note that Bn
was not used as a passing tone over the Dm7 between the A and C, but saved for the G7 chord. After arriving at the Bn, Brown played an inverted 3-5-7-9 arpeggio borrowing the Ab and Bb from the parallel
key of C minor, and resolves to the En. The borrowed tones, Ab and Bb, the b9 and b9 of the G7 chord, as
lowered tones create a downward pull and help the line move back down to the En.
10.41
Dm7
Outline no. 2 with LNT inverted 3-5-7-9 arpeggio and borrowed tones
G7
& c # b b
242
Chapter 10
Outline no. 1 is a natural choice to follow outline no. 2 since no. 2 leads to the starting note of outline
no. 1. Garland illustrates this in the following example. Outline no. 2 is simply stated in the first measure.
An A# leading tone precedes the Bn, and the G7 chord is anticipated by one beat. The characteristic 3-57-9 inverted arpeggio begins outline no. 1 from G7 to C. Outline no. 1 is the step line Bn - Ab - G - F - E.
The inverted 3-5-7-9 arpeggio, the chromatic approach figures F - F# - G and D - D# - E all help the listener hear the simple outline by pointing out the step progression on the top of the line. Garland also
used a 3-5-7-9 arpeggio on the Cmaj7 chord.
There was an interesting contradiction in harmonic rhythm between what the chords indicated and what
Garland played in ex. 10.42. The chord symbols implied a harmonic rhythm of whole notes: four beats
per chord. Garland began Dm7 late on beat two, anticipated G7 by a beat and played the Cmaj7 on
time. Garland implied the harmonic rhythm of two beats of Dm7, five beats of G7 and then back to four
for Cmaj7.
10.42
Dm7
G7
& c # b # n #
Garland again used outline no. 2 followed by outline no. 1 in ex. 10.43. The outlines are indicated by the
two brackets. The Am7 is not a ii7 of G, but a iii7 from the key of F. In F, the upper neighbor tone to A is
B b, and that is where Garland began his line. The A was approached above and below through the
chromatic leading tone G#. The A began outline no. 2, an En was added which allowed the F# to land on
the downbeat. The D7 is the V7 of G minor, not G major, as evidenced by the Eb. The C# is not a major
seventh over a dominant chord, but a linear melodic chromatic tone leading to the D. The Cn is the dissonant seventh of D7 that points to the third of G, which instead of being a Gm7 chord, is made a G7,
the V7 of C, by the use of the Bn. It is important to understand that while this may look like a ii7 - V7 - I
in G, it is not. The proof is in the chosen melodic notes. The progression is iii7 - V7/ii - V7/V.
10.43
Outline no. 2 followed by outline no. 1 over iii7 - V7/ii - V7/V progression
Am7
D7
G7
# b # n 3
b
c
&
#
Garland again used outline no. 2 followed by outline no. 1 in the following examples. The G, E and Cn
were approached from below through chromatic leading tones. The C7 and Fm7 were anticipated and
Garland played a 3-5-7-9 arpeggio over both chords after landing on the third. Outline no. 2 connected
Gm7 to C7 and outline no. 1 connected C7 to Fm7.
10.44
Gm 7
& #
b #
3
b b
j
b
b n b b b
C7
Fm
The third of D7 was approached chromatically from above and then the line moved down to the root
to begin outline no. 2 in this Red Garland excerpt. The Bn was preceded by its leading tone and began
Chapter 10
243
the seemingly obligatory 3-5-7-9 arpeggio. Garland, in order to change the direction of the line, used the
F# to pull back up to the G before going down the Fn which pointed and resolved to the E.
10.45
D7
G7
Cm aj7
b # n j
& b b b #
Two ideas were combined in ex. 1047 from Errol Garner. Garner suggested outline no. 2 to connect Gm7
to C7, and used outline no. 1 to clearly connect C7 to F. Within the outlines, Garner suggested a commonly used chromatic line to get from G to E. This chromatic line begins on the root of the ii7 chord
and moves chromatically through the major and minor seventh resolving to the third of the V7 chord.
Jerry Coker calls this movement a C.E.S.H. or chromatic elaboration of static harmony. This is the most
common of many possible C.E.S.H. patterns. This kind of chromatic motion can be found on tunes
ranging from My Funny Valentine to Led Zeppelins Stairway to Heaven.
10.46
Gm 7
& b
10.47
&b c
Outline no. 2
Gm7
C7
#
# n
A similar chromatic line or C.E.S.H is in this Sonny Rollins line. Outline no. 2 was suggested even though
the triad arpeggio descended rather than ascended. Regardless of the direction of the arpeggio, the dissonant notes over the Cm7 were resolved to the A, the third of F.
10.48
&
F7
J j J n b
b #
244
Chapter 10
Coltrane played ex. 10.49a in his improvisation on progression no. 24. After reaching the third of D7, he
used outline no. 1 to connect D7 to G. John Scofield played the same line over a vi7 - V7/V - V7 in a
turnaround in the key shown in ex. 10.49b.
10.49a
Outline no. 3 followed by outline no. 1 in G
Am7
D7
#
b
& c J
10.49b
Outline no. 3 & outline no. 1 in Db
b
& b bbb c
B bm7
E b7
A b7
b
J
The next four examples are identical except for the key. They all used 3-5-7-9 arpeggios after playing outline no. 3. Ex. 10.50a is from a composition by Jimmy Guiffre, 10.50b from a line by Tom Harrell. Ex.
10.50c and 10.50d are from Mike Stern.
10.50a
Outline no. 3 followed by 3-5-7-9 arpeggio in B
&
####
C #m7
F #7
Gm7
10.50c
Outline no. 3 & 3-5-7-9 arpeggio in Gb
A bm7
&b
D b7
b b b
10.50b
Outline no. 3 & 3-5-7-9 arpeggio in F
Gb
C7
& b b
10.50d
Outline no. 3 & 3-5-7-9 arpeggio in D
&b
Em 7
b
b
J
A7
The six above examples are in six different keys. Three of the keys are on the dark side of the circle of
fifths (Db = 5bs, B = 5#s, & Gb = 6bs or F# = 6#s). Dark because it is so rarely visited in many practice
rooms, and dark because of the number of sharps and flats in the key signatures. To play this music well,
students must play in all twelve keys. If not, which keys should be left out of practice routines?
CHROMATIC APPROACHES
Chromatic notes can be added to outline no. 3 when the harmonic rhythm allows time. Charlie Parker
managed to get extra notes in with half note harmonic rhythm which delayed the Bb resolution to beat
two. The Ab and Gb are the altered ninths of F7 and are borrowed from Bb minor. The Gb pointed to the
F, but Parker reached below and approached F with a chromatic passing tone En, then the F and Eb led to
the Dn, the target note for Bb. After the delayed resolution, Parker clarified the Bb chord by playing a 3-57-9 arpeggio, encircling the root and playing the triad arpeggio again.
10.51
Outline no. 3 with chromatic approach, altered ninths, delayed resolution, & 3-5-7-9
arpeggio
B bmaj7
3
.
b
b
c
b b n
J
&
Cm 7
F7
Chapter 10
245
C.E.S.H.
The step motion between the root of the first chord to the third of the second chord in outline no. 3
lends itself to the C.E.S.H. One added chromatic note creates the C.E.S.H.
10.52
Gm 7
C7
& b c # )n
(
The fifth of the ii7 chord is often used as a pivot note below the chromatic motion to create an angular
sawtooth motion. The lower note may altered to approach the third of the V7 chord creating a double
chromatic approach. Sometimes the addition of the chromatic device will delay the resolution to the V7
chord.
10.53
Gm 7
Gm7
& b c # n
10.54
Gm 7
&b c
?b c
.
C7
# # n
j j j
# J n J J # ..
J
..
Outline no. 3 with a C.E.S.H., a lower pivot note and a chromatic approach are present in this line from
Freddie Hubbard. Hubbard used outline no. 1 to connect the C7 to F with a 3-5-7-9 arpeggio and altered
ninths.
10.55
Gm7
Fm aj7
b b j
& b c # n #
3
Cannonball Adderley was fond of the chromatic approaches applied to outline no. 3. Ex. 10.56a is from
a piece with traditional changes. Cannonball implied a Dm7 - G7 progression over a modal G
mixolydian setting in ex. 10.56b and 10.56c.
246
Chapter 10
b
& b bb c
B bm 7
E b7
n b #
10.56b
G Mixolydian
& 64
10.56c
G Mixolydian
& 64
j .
There are two occurrences of outline no. 3 in ex. 10.57. Each is set in very different ways by Keith Jarrett.
The Fm7 is connected to the Bb7 using outline no. 3, but the chromaticism caused a delayed resolution
to the Bb7. The second setting of outline no. 3 has no chromatic elaboration and connects the Bb7 to the
E b. Rhythm plays a key part in this example. The triplet speeds up the line in order to reach the goal
note over the Bb, and the sixteenths are a diminution of the outline that seems to push the line early to
the Eb chord. The long note Ab followed by a rest relaxes the previous compression and the quarter note
triplet changes the pace one more time. The changing pace of melodic lines is a stylistic trademark of
Jarrett and his trio.
10.57
B 7
b
n 3 b b
b c
b
&
Fm 7
Eb
The rhythms below illustrate another way to get a stop and go feeling to a line. Roger Pemberton used
outline no. 3, encircled the Bb and the G, impled a C.E.S.H. before landing on the third of C7 and used a
3-5-7-#9-b9 arpeggio. The longer values occurring on the downbeats relaxed the forward motion.
10.58
Gm 7
b
j
& b c # n b
A compound melody was suggested in the Sonny Stitt line shown in ex. 10.59. The top of the line suggested a chromatic Bn - Bb - A. The bottom of the line suggested the common chromatic motion E - D# Dn - C#. Stitt began with an ascending arpeggio but by the second measure Stitt played the unaltered outline no. 3 with the descending arpeggio followed by a 3-5-7-b9 arpeggio over the A7.
Chapter 10
10.59
247
Em7
A7
Dmaj7
## c
&
# n b
Outline no. 3 was suggested by John Scofield in the two excerpts shown below. The chromatic C.E.S.H. is
suggested, however Scofield skipped over the root of the C#m7 chord jumping to the leading tone Cn
(B#). The 5-3-maj7 created an augmented triad arpeggio. The arpeggio was repeated leaping to the m7
(Bn) which resolved to A#, the third of F#7. Outline no. 1 followed with an octave displacement leap to
the b9 that descended to the third of B. The second example began as the first with the augmented
arpeggio 5-3-maj7, encircled the root, and played just the guide tone notes (3-7-3) in the second
measure, and ended encircling the third of A.
10.60
&
F #7
j
n
# # #
Bm7
E7
j
j
# #
#
#
COMBINATION of OUTLINES
Outlines are often used sequentially and in combinations with other outlines.
SIMPLE SETTINGS
Hank Mobley squeezed three outlines into three measures. Outline no. 2 connected the Am7 to the D7
and was sequenced with diminution connecting the Dm7 to the G7. Outline no. 1 followed connecting
the next Dm7 to G7.
10.61
D7
Dm7
G7
nG7 b Dm7
j
b
n
n n
& b c n
J
Am 7
In the same improvisation, Mobley played a similar combination of outline no. 2 and outline no. 1.
10.62
Dm7
G7
n n
b
&b c
J
Dm7
G7
Outline no. 1 connected D7 to Gm7 in the Mike Stern line in ex. 10.63. After encircling the Bb and the G
with upper and lower neighbor tones, Stern played outline no. 2 to connect Gm7 to C7. The resolution
to C7 was delayed to beat three. An unembellished outline no. 1 connected the C7 to F.
248
Chapter 10
10.63
Am7
D7
Gm7
C7
& b c # J J # b
Outline no. 1 and outline no. 3 were used in this turnaround line from Charlie Parker. The chromatic
motion over the dominant chords was sequenced.
10.64
B m7
E 7
A
b
b
n
& b bb c n
Cm7
F7
Turnaround progressions, like those in the two previous examples, occur in hundreds of standard jazz
progressions. The common turnaround progression is: I (or iii7) - V7/ii - ii7 - V7 - I. Good practice time
should be spent learning various combinations of outlines to negotiate the harmonic turnaround progressions. There are nine possible combinations of outlines over the turnaround which are shown below
in the key of C. Remember that practice is to prepare for an actual performance. In an actual performance, all of the outline combinations may be possible, but so are many other musical ideas including
triadic generalization, and the very important concept: silent space.
10.65 Turnaround with Nine Possible Outline Combinations
Outline no. 1 & outline no. 1
#
b n b
&
Em 7
A7
Dm 7
G7
G7
G7
A7
Dm 7
& # n b
Outline no. 1 & outline no. 3
Em 7
A7
Dm 7
& # b # n b #
n
Outline no. 2 & outline no. 1
Em 7
A7
Dm 7
G7
& # b n n b
Chapter 10
249
A7
Dm 7
G7
G7
& # b n n b
Outline no. 2 & outline no. 3
Em 7
A7
Dm 7
& # b # n b
n
Outline no. 3 & outline no. 1
&
#
Em 7
A7
Dm 7
G7
G7
G7
A7
Dm 7
& # n n b
Outline no. 3 & outline no. 3
Em 7
A7
Dm 7
& # b n b
n
MORE COMPLEX EXAMPLES of OUTLINE NO. 3
This melodic line from Hank Jones is either outline no. 1 or no. 3 in two octaves. Adding passing tones
to outline no. 3 makes it difficult to distinguish from outline no. 1. Either way, Jones accentuated the important pitches and resolved voices as expected. The C# in the second measure was approached chromatically from above (E - D# - Dn - C#) and below (B - Cn - C#).
10.66
&
##
&
##
#
& #
D
3
3
# n A7
#
b
c
# nn #
.
Outline
1
No.
b
c
n #
Outline No. 3
n
b
c
n #
Em7
250
Chapter 10
Gm7
C7
& b c # J # J n
10.68
Harmonic Generalization:
F
C7 #
# #
# J
Gm 7
&b c
&b c
OUTLINE APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS to STANDARD PROGRESSIONS
Learning the outlines is an important part of the process of physically, mentally and aurally internalizing harmonic progressions. The outlines offer a linear way of dealing directly with the harmonic motion
of the progression. Learning and applying them in the practice room over a progression gives an improviser a fighting chance to create intelligent lines in a musical setting in real time. Playing unembellished outlines over the progression helps train the ear to hear the linear connections between chords.
Begin by writing down each outline separately through an entire progression. An improvisation may not
follow one single outline for the entire form of a piece, but it is best to limit practice to one concept at a
time. Make sure that all accidentals agree with the key signature and agree with any secondary chords
that may occur.
The first phrase of progression no. 1 is shown below using outline no. 1. All the notes are from the key
signature with the G# is suggested by the secondary dominant E7, the V7 of vi. Practice singing and playing this phrase.
10.69
Am7
G7
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am
& c #
Chapter 10
251
One popular tune used progression no. 1 and also used outline no. 1 in the melody to connect every
other measure. There have been others who have used the same progression with outline no. 1 including. Mozart who used outline no. 1 to connect each chord in contrapuntal imitation below.
10.70
&c
?c
&
After playing and memorizing outline no. 1 through the entire progression, attempt to add some rhythmic, diatonic and chromatic elaboration to the basic line. The line below includes a chromatic encircling of the third of each chord.
10.71
&c
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
b b j . # n
J
#
J
Having practiced outline no. 1, apply outline no. 2 to the entire progression.
10.72
Outline no. 2 connecting all odd measures to even over progression no. 1
Am7
Dm7
&
10.73
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am
Outline no. 2 connecting all even measures to odd over progression no. 1
Am7
&c
G7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am
Apply embellishment devices to the basic outlines throughout the progression. Sequences are an excellent tool for developing single musical ideas. Outline no. 2 is in ex. 10.74 is embellished using diatonic
scale notes and chromatically approaching the third of Dm7 and Cmaj7.
10.74
Am7
&
G7
Cmaj7
n #
252
Chapter 10
Apply outline no. 3 to the entire progression. A 3-5-7-9 arpeggio often follows outline no. 3, so use this as
an opportunity to practice them.
10.75
Outline no. 3 in all odd measures/3-5-7-9 arpeggio in all even measures over
progression no. 1
Am7
&c
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am
#
10.76
3-5-7-9 arpeggio in all even measures/Outline no. 3 in all odd measures over
progression no. 1
Am7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am
&c
#
10.77
Am7
&c
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
J J J j
Progression no. 23 is similar to progression no. 1, but modulates from the key of Ab (I) to the key of C
(III) at the end of the first phrase. The outlines are still very useful tools. The G7 suggests the progression
is moving to C minor, as the iii chord in Ab. To modulate to C minor (3bs) two notes are necessary: Dn
from the key signature; and Bn, the leading tone. After suggesting the key of C minor, resolving to the En
will clarify the surprise resolution to the major key.
10.78
Fm7
B bm7
E b7
A bmaj7
D bmaj7
G7
nw
n
&b b c
10.79 Outlines over progression no. 23
Outline no. 2 applied to last cadence
D bmaj7
G7
b
& b bb c n nw
G7
b
& b bb c n b n
n
Chapter 10
253
Outlines useful for tunes that modulate to unorthodox key relationships like progression no. 24.
10.80
B
.
& c #
Eb
Am7
# n . b b .
J
J
B b7
B b7
Eb
F #7
J #
& .
D7
B b7
Eb
# .
Fm7
& # .
10.81
B
Fm7
D7
B b7
# j # # # # #
C #m7
B b7
Eb
Am7
Eb
b #
J
Am7
D7
D7
C #m7
# .
D7
G
B 7
E
n bb .
& c #
Fm7
#
b J n # # # # ..
F #7
# #
#
# .
#
10.84
F #7
Outline no. 2 applied to the ii7 - V7 I progressions in the three keys from progression
no. 24
b
& c b b .
10.83
F #7
b .
#
10.82
b b
b b
J
C #m7
b b b b .
J
&c
Am7
B b7
Fm7
b b . b j #
.
&
# # # .
J
Eb
D7
Am7
D7
J #
Outline no. 3 applied to the ii7 - V7 I progressions in the three keys from progression
no. 24
B b7
Eb
& c b b .
Am7
D7
C #m7
# #
F #7
.
# #
254
Chapter 10
Students often ask if real jazz musicians practice these things. These common lines were not labeled
outlines until my book, Connecting Chords with Linear Harmony, but they occurred in improvisations
and compositions by Bach and Mozart centuries ago, Charlie Parker and Clifford Brown from decades
ago, and contemporary musicians such as Mike Stern and John Scofield. Usually, what gets practiced surfaces in performances, so it reasons that what shows up in performances was probably practiced.
Outlines are one of the many tools practiced by jazz artists.
Listen to the first line improvised by Coltrane on progression no. 24. Coltrane played a simple statement of outline no. 2.
10.85
C #m7
j
& c # # # . #
Tom Harrell used the same outline no. 2 in his solo over the same progression. Harrell adds passing
tones (D# and F#) but the effect is the same.
10.86
C #m7
& c # # # # # #
Coltrane probably practiced outline no. 3 in all keys.
10.87
Am7
b
& c #
Chapter 10
255
Rhythmic displacement
Passing tones
Neighbor tones
Upper diatonic
Lower chromatic leading tone or lower neighbor tone
Combinations that encircle or surround primary pitches
Chromatic approaches involving combinations of diatonic and chromatic tones
above and or below target pitch
C.E.S.H. Patterns
Octave displacement
Arpeggios from the third (3-5-7-9) ascending or inverted
Anticipation
Delayed resolution
Arpeggiated tones
Pivot tone or pedal tone resulting in sawtooth shape
Iteration or repeated notes
Borrowed tones from the minor key over dominant chords. Includes b13, b9 and # 9 over
dominant chords.
Sequencing
Once a new progression has been practiced with simple, unadorned outlines, begin to apply some musical, developmental ideas to the outlines. Begin simply by using some rhythmic displacement ideas with
some diatonic embellishments. Progress to the use of many chromatic tones including leading tones,
chromatic passing, approach tones, and upper and lower neighbor tones. Be careful not to blur the clarity of the outlines with random, unresolved chromaticism.
10.88
Cm7
B maj7
b
&b c w
10.89
10.90
F7
.
j
F7
B maj7
>
> .
b
&b c
Cm7
Cm7
B maj7
>
.
.j
F7
B bmaj7
>
>
.
>
b
>
b
#
&b c J
#
Cm7
256
Chapter 10
10.91
F7
B bmaj7
>
>
>
> >
>
>
b
b
c
n
&
# b n b
Cm7
10.92
b
&b c
Cm7
B maj7
10.93
F7
^ >j F7
.
b
& b c j .
B maj7
>j
>
j
.
.j
Cm7
F7
B maj7
j
b
&b c
10.95
B maj7
Cm7
10.94
Cm7
Outline No. 2 with chromatic leading tones, borrowed tones and chromatic approaches
F7
B bmaj7
>
>
>
>
>
>
b
& b c j # b n
n
#
Cm7
10.96
Cm7
b
&b c
B maj7
10.97
b
&b c
Cm7
F7
B maj7
Cm7
F7
B bmaj7
>
>
>
>
> . .
J
J
Chapter 10
10.98
b
&b c
257
Outline No. 3 with chromatic leading tones, borrowed tones and rhythmic embellishment
Cm7
. > >
J #
J
b
&b c
10.99
F7
B maj7
# b . .
J
Outline no. 3 with highly chromatic treatment. Thirds surrounded by neighbor tones
F7
B bmaj7
>
>
>
> >
> b > # .
#
J
n
b #
Cm7
Three neighbor tone combination patterns and their inversions were illustrated in Chapter 4. These
same patterns can be applied to the three outlines. The three basic patterns are:
Combination
UNTLNTCT
CTUNTLNTCT
UNTCTLNTCT
Inverse
LNTUNTCT
CTLNTUNTCT
LNTCTUNTCT
10.100 Outline no. 1: UNT-LNT-CT pattern over Gm and F triads, common chromatic approach
to E, 3rd of C7
&b c
Gm7
C7
j n
# n
# n
# .
C7
& b # n #
& b # # n
Gm7
C7
# b .
& #
Gm7
C7
258
Chapter 10
b n # n
& b # #
Gm7
C7
C7
& b # n # b # n
C7
& b # n # n # b n # b n
After practicing specific embellishment techniques, apply them to standard progressions. Apply them
over specific points in the piece. Entire improvisations can be written out and practiced as etudes.
Practicing constructing an improvisation will help prepare for spontaneous construction on the band
stand.
Chapter 10
259
OUTLINE ETUDE
Here is a sample etude using outlines. Each outline is labeled. Since the form is AABA and has three occurrences of the A section, a different combination of the outlines was used each time. G7 is connected
to C7 using outline no. 1 in the first A section, no. 2 in the second, and no. 3 in the last. The basic outlines are elaborated using several of the approaches previously discussed in this chapter. Examine each
outline and try to identify the development devices that were used. The exact line connecting m.1 to m.2
occurs again transposed to the key of C minor in mm.13-14. Use this approach to create exercises that
will develop improvisation and melodic development skills.
10.107 Outline Etude based on progression no. 19
G7
C7
G7
no. 1
j
n
& n j b b b # J
no. 3
G7
Fm
b
& b J b b b
no. 1
D7
no. 1
no. 1
C7
Fm
# b b
b
j
b
& #
no. 2
D7
G7
no. 1
b # .
& j n b
n
no. 1
13
Bb
no. 1
b b n b #
b
b
& b #
Cm 7
17
F7
no. 2
A b7
& b b
no. 1
G7
n .
21
G7
no. 3
C7
Fm
j
& b b b b b n
no. 1
25
C
b
#
n
b
& n b
no. 1
D7
no. 1
G7
29
260
Chapter 10
EAR TRAINING
The outlines are excellent tools for ear training. The outlines address all of the important guide tones,
identify the harmonic motion, and resolve the dissonant to the consonant notes. All accidentals
necessary for modulating from a key to its closely related keys are addressed by the outlines. Sing the
outlines for ear training practice over all modulations to closely related keys.
The following chart reviews the closely related keys to the key of C major, their secondary supertonic
and dominant chords, and lists the necessary accidentals needed for modulation.
NEW KEY AREA TO TONICIZE
ii: D minor
iii: E minor
IV: F major
V: G major
vi: A minor
NECESSARY ACCIDENTALS
Bb and C#
F# and D#
Bb
F#
G#
Practice singing these modulations from the tonic key of C to closely related keys and then returning to
the key of C using outline no. 1. Learn to hear them without your instrument. Daily practice is required
to master any skill like this. Utilize driving time or walking time as ear training time. A pitch pipe can
confirm if the modulations have brought the lines back to the tonic key. Certain modulations will be
easier than others. Practice the ones that are more difficult more often and they will not be as difficult.
OUTLINE No. 1
Modulate from C major (I) to the key of D minor (ii)
C
&c
E7
A7
Dm
Dm7
G7
n n
&c
B7
Em
#
#
Dm7
G7
n n
&c
Gm7
C7
Dm7
G7
&c
Am7
D7
Dm7
G7
Chapter 10
261
&c
B7
E7
Am
j #
Dm7
G7
Practice singing these modulations from the tonic key of C to closely related keys and then returning to
the key of C using outline no. 2.
OUTLINE No. 2
Modulate from C major (I) to the key of D minor (ii)
C
&c
E7
A7
Dm
Dm7
G7
#
b
n n
&c
F #7
B7
Em
# # #
Dm7
G7
&c
Gm7
C7
Dm7
G7
&c
Am7
D7
Dm7
G7
&c
B7
E7
Am
Dm7
G7
262
Chapter 10
Practice singing these modulations from the tonic key of C to closely related keys and then returning to
the key of C using outline no. 3.
OUTLINE No. 3
Modulate from C major (I) to the key of D minor (ii)
C
&c
E7
A7
Dm
Dm7
G7
n n
&c
F #7
B7
Em
j #
#
Dm7
n n
G7
&c
Gm7
C7
J b
Dm7
G7
&c
Am7
D7
Dm7
G7
&c
B7
E7
Am
Dm7
G7
Chapter 10
263
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
Practice singing and playing all three outlines over ii7 - V7 - I in all major keys
Practice singing and playing all three outlines over ii7 - V7 - i in all minor keys
Write out the outlines for progression on which to improvise
Locate and identify other outline examples in improvisations. Identify the techniques used to embellish the basic outlines.
Create new lines over typical ii - V7 - I and ii7 - V7 - i progressions using the outlines.
Apply newly created lines over specific points in standard progressions.
Write out solo etudes over standard progressions using outline embellishment ideas.
Practice standard progressions using agendas suggesting the use of specific outlines
for different phrases. Example for any 32 measure form.
mm.1-4
mm.5-8
mm.9-12
mm.13-16
mm.17-20
mm.21-24
mm.25-28
mm.29-32
outline
outline
outline
outline
outline
outline
outline
outline
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
no.
1
3
2
3
2
1
3
1
Add other musical approaches to agendas including blues material and other triadic generalization ideas, melodic paraphrasing, etc.
264
XI.
Chapter 11
Chapter 11
11.1 a
I - II - I
Major
Dm7
& c
?c
b.
I - II - I
Minor
Cm aj7
# n
I
5
3
7
II
9
7
3
B7
b
E7 9 Am7
G9
c.
II - I - I I
Major
Dm7
& c
?c
265
d.
II - I - I I
Minor
Cmaj7
# n
5
9
3
7
7
3
B7
b
E7 9 Am 7
G9
I
5
3
7
II
9
7
3
&c
b.
I - II - I
Minor
G9 Cmaj7
B7
b
E7 9 Am 7
# n
?c
c.
II - I - I I
Major
Dm7
& c
?c
G9
d.
II - I - I I
Minor
Cmaj7
B7
b
E7 9 Am 7
266
Chapter 11
I
5
3
9
7
II
9
7
5
3
5
9
3
7
9
5
7
3
I
5
3
9
7
II
9
7
5
3
CLOSE VOICING
The upper voices of the previous examples were examples of close voicing. Close voicings have all the
upper voices within the range of an octave.
OPEN VOICINGS
When the upper voices are not within the range of an octave they are called open voicings. The open
voicings help the listener hear the individual inner voices. A common method to change a close voicing into an open voicing is to drop the second voice from the top down an octave. This open voicing is
commonly called a drop 2 voicing. The 2 only refers to the second voice from the top and not to a
part of the chord. Ex. 11.3 illustrates the conversion of close voicings to open voicings by dropping the
second voice from the top.
The chord type changes when converting a close chord to an open chord. The second voice from the
top becomes the lowest voice above the root in the bass. The Dm9 close type II (with the third as the
lowest voice) chord in Ex. 11.3a becomes a type I (with the seventh as the lowest voice) open chord.
11.3
Drop 2 Voicings
a.
b.
II
Dm 9
Dm9
& c
?c
I
Dm 9
II
Dm9
Harmonic passages using open position voicings should continue in open positions in order for the
voices to lead properly. The close position voicings of ex. 11.2 are shown in open drop 2 position in
ex. 11.4. Play through the examples and sing the individual lines to internalize the sound of each voice.
The voices do not need to be static. The b13 (C) of the E7 resolves to the fifth (B) before resolving to
the ninth of Am9 (B) in ex. 114d.
Chapter 11
11.4 a
II - I - I I
Major
Dm9
b.
II - I - I I
Minor
G13 Cm aj9
& c
? c
B7
b9
E7 b 13
c.
I - II - I
Major
Am 9
Dm9
G13 Cmaj9
267
d.
I - II - I
Minor
B7
b9
E7 b 13
Am9
5
3
9
7
The primary dominants are those derived from the major scale and the minor scale (harmonic). A G7
derived from C major yields a n5, n13, and a n9. Add three flats to yield the C minor key signature and
the G7 would yield the n5, b13, b9 and #9. Knowing this helps determine the appropriate sound. A G9, or
G13 suggests a resolution to C major; a G7b9 or G7b9/b13 suggests a resolution to C minor, but does not
rule out a resolution to major. (See ex 6.1, p.111). Some of the other alterations may suggest scales discussed in chapter 14.
There are four pitches that may stand in for the fifth and three different possible ninths, which yields
twelve possible different dominants (4 3). Each of these dominants below is shown in drop 2 open
position; each has a combination of one of the four possible notes for the fifth and one of the three
ninths.
268
Chapter 11
11.5
G9
ww
ww
& c ww
w
?c w
w
G13 9
b ww
w
w
w
& ww
w
ww
ww
?w
w
b
G9 13
b
G7 9
b
G13 9
b www
w
w
#
G7 9
bw
ww
b www
w
w
w
#
G13 9
b ww
w
b www
w
n b www
b n www
w
w
w
w
w
b9
G7 b 13
#9
G7 b 13
& b n ww
w
n b www
w
b b www
b b www
w
b b www
b b www
w
? w
w
w
w
w
w
#
G9 11
& # ww
w
? w
w
b9
G7 b 5
# www
w
b b www
w
w
#9
G7 b 5
b b www
w
bw
b ww
b b www
w
w
w
Chapter 11
269
Any of the above dominants will work between the Dm9 and the Cmaj7 and several will work between a
D7 and a Cm9. Sing the individual lines to hear the resolutions of the colorful ninths and fifths.
11.6
Dm 9
#9
G7 b 13
w
& ww
b b www
? ww
ww
Cm aj7
#9
G7 b 13
D7
ww
w
b b www
b b www
w
w
w
w
n ww
Cm 9
w
b ww
#9
G7 b 13
Dm9
bw
w
Cmaj7
ww
w
b b www
n www
ww
w
w
ww
Voice leading principles remain uniform when using secondary dominants and whether the voicings are
in open or close positions.
11.7
n5 n9 n5
n9 n5 n9
D9
G9
n13 n9 n5
n9 n13 n9
Cmaj9
D13
G13
?c
11.8
# b b b n b
n
n5 n9 n5
n9 n5 n9
D9
b9
D7b 13
Cmaj9
& c #
b13 b9 n5
b9 b13 n9
b9
G7b 13
Cmaj9
n13 n9 n5
n9 n13 n9
D7b 13
b13 b9 n5
b9 b13 n9
b9
G7b 13
Cmaj9
b b
b bn
G9
Cmaj9
D13
G13
Cmaj9
& c
? c #
b9
270
Chapter 11
EXERCISES
Writing, singing and playing the following exercises will aid the understanding and retention of the
voice leading principles. The first voicing is given. If the voice leading principles are obeyed, the chords
will alternate from type I to type II and each voice should move smoothly by step to the next.
In these exercises, choose appropriate ninths and fifths or fifth substitutes based on the key signatures
and whether the dominants point to major or minor. Learn the basics first and later you may wish to
season the dominants creatively.
ii7 - V7 - I in Bb major
11.9
b
& b c
Cm9
? b c
b
11.10
b
& b b c
b9
D7 G7b 13 Cm9
? b c
bb
A b substitutes for D7 and moves parallel to the G7. Since they are parallel chords, thirds resolve to
thirds, fifths and their substitutes to fifths, sevenths to sevenths, and ninths to ninths. The Ab7 chord has
a n9 and used the n13 as a substitute for the fifth. Be careful with accidentals when the G7 chord resolves
to a Cmaj7 and not Cm9.
Chapter 11
271
11.11
&c
?c
b b
A b13
b9
G7b 13 Cmaj9
11.12
b b
b b
b
b
b b c
b
&
Fm 9
? b c
bb
11.13
B b13
E bmaj9
A bmaj9
b9
D7
G7b 13
? b c
bb
11.14
b b c
b
&
Fm9
Cm 9
B b13
E bmaj9
A bmaj9
b9
D7
G7b 13
Cm 9
b
& b b c
Fm 9
? b c
bb
B b13
E bmaj9
A bmaj9
b9
D7
G7b 13
Cm 9
272
Chapter 11
11.15
b
& b b c
? b b c
b
Fm 9
B b13
E bmaj9
b9
A bmaj9
G7b 13
D7
Cm 9
The next three exercises use secondary keys. Follow the RNA and be careful with accidentals suggested
by the key signature of the secondary keys.
11.16
& b c www
ww
w
ii7/vi V7/vi
?b c w
11.17
&c
vi7
V7/v
ii7/IV V7/IV
IV
www
w
I
?c w
11.18
ii7/vi V7/vi
vi7
V7/v
ii7/IV
V7/IV
IV
# cw
ww
&
I
?# c w
ii7/vi V7/vi
vi7
V7/v
ii7/IV
V7/IV
IV
Chapter 11
273
Solved
b
& b c
Cm9
n b
B bmaj9
F9
? b c
b
11.10
b9
D7 G7b 13 Cm9
? b c
bb
A b13
b9
G7b 13
n b
Cmaj9
b b b
n
?c
b
b
11.12
b b c
b
&
Fm 9
n b
Solved
& c b b b b n n
n
? b c
bb
Solved
b
& b b c n b
11.11
b
b
b b n
b
b
b n b n
b
Solved
B b13
E bmaj9
A bmaj9
n
b9
D7
G7b 13
www
w
Cm 9
274
Chapter 11
11.13
Fm9
b b c
b
&
? bb c
b
11.14
Fm 9
b
& b b c
? bb c
b
11.15
b
& b b c
? b b c
b
Fm 9
11.16
& b c www
I
?b c w
Solved
B b13
A bmaj9
b9
E bmaj9
D7
G7b 13
ww
w
bw
w
G7b 13
Solved
B b13
Cm 9
b9
E bmaj9
A bmaj9
D7
w
b www
w
b ww
E bmaj9
A bmaj9
D7
Cm 9
Solved
B b13
b9
G7b 13
Cm 9
ww
Solved
ii7/vi V7/vi
vi7
b
n
V7/v
b b n
ii7/IVV7/IV
ww
w
IV
Chapter 11
11.17
&c
ii7/vi V7/vi
vi7
11.18
275
Solved
www
w
?c w
# b b
V7/v
b n
www
w
ii7/IV V7/IV
IV
n #b
Solved
# cw
ww
&
I
? # c ww
ii7/vi V7/vi
vi7
V7/v
ii7/IV V7/IV
ww
w
IV
ww
276
Chapter 11
PIANO OVERVIEW
There are several books on voicings for piano and arranging which take the time to go into great detail.
This chapter would not be complete without an overview some of the basic principles for piano and arranging voicings. Use these examples as a point of departure and add to this base information gathered
from other books and transcriptions.
Playing key signature cycles in close positions helps visualization of the basic step motion of each line.
Every ii7 - V7 - I and ii7 - V7 - i cadence will be played if this exercise is played in all twelve keys.
Guitarists cannot play these close position chords, but they work well on vibraphone and piano.
11.19
Dm9
& c ..
G9
? c ..
Dm9
Cmaj9
Fmaj9
G9
Cmaj9
Fmaj9
C9
& b c .. n
? b c ..
Gm 9
Fmaj9
C9
Fmaj9
b9
E7
A7b 13
?b
..
..
b9
A7b 13
b
A7 9
b #
b9
A7b 13
& b
b
#
b9
B bmaj9
Am 9
E7
b
A7b 13 A7 9
B bmaj9
b9
E7b 13
Gm 9
Am9
B7
b9
b
E7 9
& n
11.20
b9
E7b 13
B7
Dm9
b
D7b 13 D7 9
b #
n
b
A7 9
b9
Dm9
b
D7b 13 D7 9
b
#
..
..
Chapter 11
277
The top four voices of these open position voicings are excellent guitar and vibraphone voicings.
11.21
Dm 9
G9
& c ..
..
?c
Cmaj9
Fmaj9
b9
B7
E7b 13
b9
b
E7 9
Am9
b
#
#
b9
Dm9
Cmaj9
Fmaj9
B7
& n
b9
E7b 13
G9
b
A7b 13 A7 9
b
A7 9
A7b 13
Am9
..
..
Spice up the cycle with some altered dominants. A C7 with a #9, b9 and b13 points to F minor, but is
interesting when used to resolve to F major.
11.22
#9
? b c ..
? b n
#9
& b
Fmaj9
b b b
& b c .. n
Gm 9
b9
C7b 13 C7b 13
Gm 9
B bmaj9
b9
C7b 13 C7b 13
b b b
b9
E7
b9
A7b 13
b9
Dm9
B bmaj9
E7
A7b 13
b
A7 9
Dm9
b9
Fmaj9
b
D7b 13 D7 9
b
D7b 13 D7 9
b
#
..
..
278
Chapter 11
11.23
Dm9
Cmaj9
Dm 9
G13
& c
? c
ww
Cmaj9
The notes in the bass clef of example 11.4.c are also useful left hand chords that include roots. These are
the opposite of those in ex. 11.23. The left hand plays the root and seventh which resolves to the root
and third of the subsequent chord.
11.24
Dm9
& c
G13
Cmaj9
? c
Dm 9
G13
Cmaj9
w
w
Pianist tend to leave off the root when playing with a bass player. These rootless voicings assume the listener hears or can imagine the roots of the chords. A basic left hand shell can be derived from ex.
11.4a. The dark notes in the first measure below are extracted for the left hand. The bass player is free to
play a bass line and the right hand is available to solo or add more to the voicings. These voicings were
introduced an octave up and in the right hand in ex. 11.1c. The chord pattern is type II - I - II.
11.25
Dm9
& c
Cmaj9
? c
Dm 9
G13
Cmaj9
Transposing to other keys will not always mean using the same II - I - II pattern. If the II - I - II pattern
were transposed up an octave for the key of F, the top notes might enter the right hand range. If it were
transposed an octave lower, it would be muddy sounding and difficult to distinguish the chord roots.
The solution is to keep the voicings centered between Eb in the bass clef and G above the staff. This is
not a hard and fast rule, but a good rule of thumb for thumb-lines. Ex. 11.26 illustrates how changing the
chord pattern to a I - II - I keeps the left hand in the ideal range. These three note chords make excellent
voicings on the inner strings of the guitar.
Chapter 11
11.26
Gm9
279
Fmaj9
& b c
?b c
Gm 9
C13
Fmaj9
ww
w
The right hand may play a single note over the top of the three note piano shells. The top line may be
an independent line or may be a voice not played by the lower voices as shown below. There is very little motion from one chord to the next. The interesting motion may be in the improvised line above
these chords. The voice leading is smooth even between the Cmaj7 and the Gm9 chords: the D is retained, the E moves a half step up to F, the Bn down a half step to Bb. Ex. 11.27 illustrates the voicings
from ex. 11.25-26 in a typical swing setting.
11.27
Dm9
&c
j b
?c
Cm aj7
Gm9
C13
Fm aj7
b .
..
.
...
b
ww
w
The right hand may play octaves over the left hand shell. The piano can sound like a big band by emphatically playing these voicings. Extra notes may be added to the three note shell to make them four
notes shells.
11.28
c
&
Dm9
?c
G13
b
b
Cmaj7
.
.
...
.
J
J
.
b .
C13
...
b .
Gm9
b
b
Fm aj7
w
w
wwww
280
Chapter 11
Two or more notes can be added to the three note left hand shell creating a richer foundation. Notes
may also be omitted to create a more stark or sparse accompaniment.
11.29
Dm 9
&c
?c
G13
Cmaj7
b b
J
b b b b
....
. J
Gm9
b .
C13
Fm aj7
... www
J
b
Rich clusters of notes from may be added to both right hand and left hand chords as shown in ex. 11.30.
At the heart of the chords below can be found the basic shapes and voice leading principles from earlier examples. In mm.3-4, triads are played by the right had over left hand shells. The triads are constructed of upper structures and color tones. The notes of the F triad are the 7, 9 and 11 of the Gm9. The
notes of the A major triad are the 13, b9 and 3 of the C7 chord. The notes of the Ab major triad are the
b13, root and #9 of the C7 chord. The notes of the C triad are the 5, 7 and 9 of the F major chord. The Bb
triad supplies the b13, root and #9 over the D7
11.30
Clusters and triads in the right hand over left hand chords
#9
G7b 13
& c . b b n n
? c .. #
J
Dm9
Cm aj7
#9
A7b 13
.
b ...
b ....
#9
b
C13 9 C7b 13
#9
D7b 13
...
. ..
b b
.. b ..
...
# . ..
.. b ..
Gm9
b
# n b b n
Fmaj7
Chapter 11
281
Ex. 11.31 illustrates a blues progression with right hand octaves over basic three note left hand voicings.
11.31
Blues chorus
.
b
c
&
.
Jb
.
? b c b ..
B b9
&b
? b b
F7b 13
9
b .
b .
b bn ...
.
? b ..
.
.
b ...
B b13
b
J
F13
w
w
ww
w
#
#
Gm 9 C7b 13
F13
. b
. b
J
J
b
...
b
J
J
b9
C7b 13
F7b 13
F13
b .
b .
J
b ..
.
J
b
.
b
.
J
b
..
n
b
.
J
b9
F9
E b9 D7b 13
. b
.
J b J
b
b ..
. b
J
J
#9
#9
Gm 9
.
& b .
#9
B b9
F13
D7b 5
b
b
J
b
J
#
#
#9
G7b 13
C7sus
J
J
n b
J J
C7 F13
b
b
b
b
ACCOMPANIMENT CLASSIFICATIONS
The right hand and the left hand were shown in the examples above to always be acting in concert as
one unit. The two hands can behave separately like two sections in a band or orchestra, with the left
hand accompanying the right hand. All accompaniment patterns can be classified into one of three
categories: dialog, independent, and simultaneous. It might seem there should be more than three, but
the melody and accompaniment can either be playing at different times, playing at the same time but
independently, or playing at the same time. A bop line in ex. 11.32-34 shows examples of the three categories of accompaniment patterns.
DIALOG
A dialog is created between the primary and secondary material when the melody is played alone and
the accompaniment answers filling in the spaces between the phrases. The answers can be in the form of
lines or rhythmic jabs punctuating the previous phrase or anticipating the next.
INDEPENDENT
The melody and accompaniment may be independent from each other, both pursuing musical goals
that may or may not always rhythmically and harmonically agree. Independent accompaniment pat-
282
Chapter 11
terns include the Alberti bass patterns, ostinato figures, and repeated rhythmic patterns that establish a
groove including the Charleston Rhythm, clave beats or montunos.
SIMULTANEOUS
The melody and the accompaniment may act in concert, simultaneously playing exactly the same
rhythms or accenting the significant points of the melody. This accompaniment category can be very
emphatic and useful for climactic phrases and sections of a piece.
11.32 illustrates a type of dialog. The left hand plays primarily in rhythmic places where the melody
rests. The chords jab and sharply punctuate the bop line propelling it forward. Any of these examples
could easily be orchestrated for an ensemble as it is written for the piano. The top line could be played
by one group of instruments (trumpet and alto saxophone) while the accompaniment could be played
by another group (trombones).
11.32
?b c
C7
j
j
j
# j n
J
J
J
J
J
B b7
&b
?b
Gm7
&b c
C7
G #7
Am7
J J n
# n
b
J
J
D7
j
#
b
# n
J
There are times when the accompaniment is used to set up a groove or rhythmic bed for the primary
material. An ostinato bass line, specific Latin grooves based on the clave beat, or a montuno are examples. In a jazz style, the rhythmic pattern may be the Charleston beat or a variation where the chords anticipate each downbeat. The European conception of where these chords occur would be on the downbeat of beats one and three. In Ex. 11.33, each chord is anticipated, arriving on the upbeats of beats four
and two, coming right after the backbeats. Practice playing the left hand groove with the metronome on
two and four. Imagine the metronome is a swinging hi-hat playing the backbeats. The chords should
sound right after the backbeats. When this groove is established, try adding the melody and playing
other independent lines while keeping the upbeat groove constant. There are great examples of this
groove in passages by Wynton Kelly, Red Garland and others. A pianist who learns this pattern develops
rhythmic independence.
Chapter 11
11.33
283
C7
Gm7
C7
j
j
j
# j n
J
J
b
b
J J J J J J J J
3
&b c
?b c
F
B b7
G #7
Am 7
D7
j
#
J J J n
b # n n
J
J
J
&b
?b
b
#
J
n
J
The emphatic quality of the simultaneous accompaniment pattern lends itself to climactic phrases. It
can be overbearing if used to often, and seeks the release of its unrelenting energy. Excellent examples
of this accompaniment concept can be heard in improvisations by Bill Evans and others.
11.34
Gm 7
C7
& b c # j
? b c
J J
F
C7
j
n J
b
b
J
J
J
&b J
? b
Gm7
B b7
G #7
J n
J
b # n
J J
Am7
j
J
JJ
D7
j #
#
J
Using a variety of different accompaniment patterns can help generate the excitement and drama of an
improvisation or arrangement. During his improvisation on Freddie Freeloader, Wynton Kelly employs
each of the accompaniment pattern. (Kellys entire improvisation is shown in chapter 18). In the first
chorus he employed the dialog approach, answering phrases with almost inaudible two or three note
rootless shells. As the solo buily, he began playing his left hand chords independently on the upbeats of
four and two. At the climatic point, he played the authoritative passage shown in Ex. 11.35. The left hand
chords supported almost every note played by the right hand. The right hand line was strengthened by
the octave doubling of several notes. He did not continue playing this style for long, changing back to
the independent Charleston rhythm in the last measure. It is easy to imagine this powerful passage being
played by a big band as orchestrated.
284
Chapter 11
11.35
? b c
b
b
&b
? bb
n b b
n b b
> > >
J
J
J
..
b
J
J J
3
3
n
b b b 3
J
b n b b J n b
b
b n b
#
A b9 11
b
&b c
bb
J
b n b
3 b
B b7
b n
b
J
Chapter 11
285
11.36 shows a Gm7 chord with a Bb melodic note. The chord tones for a Gm7 are G, Bb, D, and F. The
ninth, A, would not be a good choice in this case as it may distract from the Bb melody note. Begin with
the melody note and find the next chord tones below. In m.2, a close position chord is shown where the
alto 1 will play the Bb, the alto 2 the G, tenor 1 the F, tenor 2 the D and the Bb melody note will be doubled an octave lower by the baritone. A drop 2 voicing is shown where the tenor 2 has the melodic
doubling at the octave. These block voicings are common in traditional arrangements.
A voicing that incorporates extra color tones is shown in m.3 of Ex. 11.36. Instead of just the Gm7 chord
tones, a Cn has been added for color. The chord is comprised of the G minor pentatonic scale. It is
shown in close and open positions. This type of voicing may produce a more modern sound and was
often used by Thad Jones and others. These colorful voicings work beautifully, but they can detract from
the melody for two reasons: the extra note eliminates the melodic doubling at the octave and the extra
color tones may struggle with the melody for attention.
11.36
Saxophone voicings
Traditional
Close
Gm7
&b c w
Gm7
Open
Gm7
www
ww
ww
www
Close
Open
Gm7
Gm7
www
ww
ww
www
The Fmaj7 chord in ex. 11.37 is shown with C in the melody. The chord tones of a Fma7 are F, A, C, E
and possibly G as the ninth. Close and open position voicings are shown in m.2 using just the 1-3-5-7 of
the Fmaj7 chord. The root is usually covered by the bass, so it may be redundant in the saxophone section. Not having to use the root allows for a more colorful voicing to be used utilizing the upper 3-5-7-9
structure of the chord. The root can be replaced by the ninth (G). The ninth in no way conflicts with the
melody note, and in fact may provide enhanced support at the interval of a fifth. Close and open position voicings without the root are shown in m.3.
The melody is not doubled at the octave in m.4, instead opting for the extra color tone D. The voicing
includes all the pitches of a C major pentatonic scale used as a voicing over the Fmaj7. This is a more
colorful chord, but comes with the same warning as the one shown in ex. 11.36: it does not have the
doubled melody and the color tones may compete with the melody for attention.
11.37
Saxophone voicings
Traditional with root
Close
Fm aj7
&b c w
Open
Fmaj7
Open
Fm aj7
Close
Open
Fm aj7
Here are a number of different voicings for the Gm7 and Fmaj7 chord tones. The chords marked with
an * have no root in the chord using only the upper structure. The ninth was not used in the voicing if
the melody note was the root or the third as the ninth may detract from the melodic clarity.
286
Chapter 11
11.38
Gm 7
&
Gm 7
?b
11.39
*
*
Gm7
Gm7
* *
Fm aj7
b
&
Fmaj7
?b
Fm aj7
Fm aj7
There are more voicings available for a dominant chord due to the numerous combinations of alterations and substitutions for the ninths and fifths of a dominant chord. Ex. 11.40 is not exhaustive, but
lists several possible voicings for C dominant seventh chords. The voicings are shown in close position.
Dropping the second voice from the top would create open position voicings.
11.40
C9
& b
? b
b
C7 9
b b
b b b
b9
C7b 13
b
b
b b
b b b b
b
b
NON-HARMONIC TONES
Identify the chord tones to begin harmonizing a melody. Determine the best voicing for the chord
tones before attempting to harmonize the non-harmonic tones. Non-harmonic tones may be harmonized in three ways: diatonic parallel motion, chromatic parallel motion, or tonicization by inserting a
dominant or leading tone chord or a string of dominant chords before the resolution to a chord tone.
DIATONIC PARALLEL
The C is not a chord member of the Gm7 but occurs between the two chord tones Bb and D. The first
and third chords in ex. 11.41 are voiced as Gm7 or Gm9, the chord in between moves parallel using diatonic tones. The second chord is an Am7, but is heard on the weaker beat between two Gm7 chords and
does nothing to confuse the harmonic passage. The chords are shown in close and open positions.
Chapter 11
11.41
287
Gm 7 X Gm 7
&b c
?b c
The Bb is not a chord tone of Fmaj7 but occurs between the chord tones A and F. The chords in ex.
11.42 move parallel using diatonic tones. The passing chord is a Gm7 between two Fmaj7 voicings. The
chords are shown in close and open positions.
11.42
Fmaj7 X Fmaj7
&b c
?b c
CHROMATIC PARALLEL
The notes marked with an are not chord tones, but chromatically lead to chord tones of Gm7.
Determine the type of voicing desired for the Gm7 chord tones and approach each voice of the chord
from a half step below. Every Gm7 chord is preceded by an F#m7 chord. The chords are shown in traditional close position voicings and open position voicings with an added tone.
11.43
& b c J # #
#
?b c
J
X
# n n
j
#
# # n
# # n
# n n
b
n
# J
# n
The line in ex. 11.44 is a sequence of ex. 11.43 for Fmaj7. Voicings should be first determined for the
Fmaj9 chords and approached chromatically. Every Fmaj9 chord is preceded by an Emaj9 chord. The
chords are shown in traditional close position voicings and open position voicings with an added tone.
288
Chapter 11
11.44
b
c
&
J # # # n # #
n # #
?b c
n n # n n # #
#
# J
#
# n n n n
n n n
#
&b c
?b c
j b
# n
b
b
J
J b #
Gm7
b # n #
#
b n
In ex. 11.46 all of the non-harmonic tones are chord tones of a C7b9 (V7 of F minor), or a E7 (vii7 of F
minor). The F chord tones marked are preceded by E7 chords.
11.46
&b c
?b c
b
J
j
b
b
b
J
Fm aj7
n
b
Functional diminished chords may have tones added that are usually a whole step above one of the
chord tones These tones are derived from a symmetrical diminished and not the harmonic minor
scale. Ex. 11.47 uses several diminished chords to voice non-harmonic tones. The passing tone between
Bb and G is voiced as an F#7 without added tones. The F is voiced as a B7 with an added Db and moves
chromatically down to a C7b9. All of the melody notes spell out the E7 chord and are voiced with extra
notes a whole step above one of the chord tones. The extra notes include a C, Eb, F#, and A.
Chapter 11
11.47
Gm 7
b
C7 9
Fmaj7
?b c
b
C7 9
Gm7
& b c b
289
Fmaj7
b n b b n b n
b
# n b b
Not all lines need to or should be voiced. Some lines are stronger in unison or octaves. A line may
move from unison or octaves to being voiced at the top or ends of phrases.
11.48
b
&b c
? b c
b
j b # n
#
b n n
j
b # n
# n
b n b
# n n b
Some lines lend themselves for the treatment illustrated in ex. 11.49. The line begins in unison, splits in
contrary motion. The top line rises while the lower line descends creating an expanding wedge which
produces a sense of growth to the passage. The widest spread between the outer voices occurs at the climax of the line.
11.49
&c
?c
# # n
# # n b b
J
b
ww
w
w
w
Many non-harmonic tones lend themselves to several harmonization choices. The melody note at (a.)
in ex. 11.50 could be voiced using a functional F#7 or a parallel chromatic F#m7 chord. The F (b.) is a
chord tone of Gm7 or the secondary dominant G7 and its tritone substitute Db. In the first setting, an
F#7 is used at (a.) and a Gm7 at (b.). The second setting uses the chromatic F#m7 at point (a.). At (b.) a
D b7 chord is used which is both a chromatic parallel voicing and a functional tritone substitute dominant.
290
Chapter 11
11.50
Gm7
& b
? b
a.
j
b
# J
b. C7
a.
Gm7
b. C7
#
b b
#
J
&b
C7
b.
# j # b
a.
c.
This melody could be harmonized with four voice blocked with the melody doubled at the octave or
five voices with added color tones in the style of Thad Jones. The three non-harmonic tones (a., b., and
c.) could be treated in the following methods:
a.
b.
c.
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
11.51b illustrates all parallel motion using drop 2 four part voicings with the melody doubled an octave lower by the tenor 2. Non-harmonic tone treatment: (a.) parallel chromatic motion: F#m7 up to
Gm7; (b.) parallel chromatic motion: B7 up to C7; and (c.) parallel chromatic motion: Gbmaj7 down to
Fmaj7. 11.51c illustrates all dominant functions using drop 2 four part voicings with the melody doubled an octave lower by the tenor 2. Non-harmonic tone treatment: (a.) functional vii7/ii: F#7 to Gm7;
(b.) secondary dominant: Db9 as a tritone substitute for G7 resolving to C13; and (c.) secondary dominant: Gb9 as a tritone substitute dominant for C7 resolving to Fmaj9.
Chapter 11
11.51b Drop 2 four voice
using parallel chromatic motion
Gm7
& b c # # j n
3
a.
? b c # n
J
# ##
#b.
291
C7
b b j
# n
n
c.
3
a.
b n
b J
Gm7
C7
b n
b n n b b
b b b. bc. n
There is a slight difference between ex. 11.51b and 11.51.d. Ex. 11.51b uses four distinct voices with the
melody doubled at the octave; e. 11.51d uses five distinct voices. Non-harmonic tone treatment: (a.) parallel chromatic motion: F#m7 up to Gm7; (b.) parallel chromatic motion: B7 up to C7; and (c.) parallel
chromatic motion: Gbmaj7 down to Fmaj7. 11.51e harmonizes the passage using the same principles as
shown in ex. 11.51c but eliminates the melodic doubling in favor of a fifth voice. Non-harmonic tone
treatment: (a.) functional vii7/ii: F#7 to Gm7, (b.) secondary dominant: Db9 as a tritone substitute for
G7 resolving to C13; and (c.) secondary dominant: Gb9 as a tritone substitute dominant for C7 resolving
to Fmaj9.
11.51d Drop 2 four voice
using parallel chromatic motion
Gm7
&b
?b
# j n
# n n
3
a.
# #
#
# b.
C7
b b
n
bc.
# j n
3
a.
Gm7
b b n n
b bb.
C7
b b
bc.
In the search for the best setting for a line, do not rule out simplicity for the sake of dense harmony. The
setting in ex. 11.51f is quite useful. The melody is set as a single line over four voices providing a harmonic foundation.
11.51f
&b
?b
C7
b
J
3
# j # b
Is there much difference in the previous settings that the listener will be able to discern? Maybe not. The
listener may only remember the top line rather than some dense, incredibly hip voicing on the upbeat of two screaming by at 288 on the metronome. If the listener only comprehends the top melody
292
Chapter 11
line, then they have perceived the most important part of the piece. That is the important thing to remember: place the melody in the best setting and only do things that enhance and nothing that detracts
from the melody. To make a decision about the best setting for a line, the following things may be considered:
The forward flow and melodic integrity: Does the setting enhance the primary lines? Does it
help or hinder the forward flow?
Where does it occur in the arrangement: Nearer the beginning may need to be simpler and
towards the end may want to gradually become more complex.
Context: How will a particular setting blend or contrast with what came before and what
comes next?
Inner parts: Which settings lend themselves to the smoothest voice leading. Inner parts that
are too awkward may detract from the melody and the forward flow.
Some harmonization concepts may be applied to several notes in the passage. The line from ex. 11.51
below is extended by a measure and uses extended chromatic parallel motion and dominant cycles. The
Gm7 is chromatically preceded by the F#m7 chord. The C7 is twice preceded by a Db7 chord, which is
both parallel chromatic motion and a functional dominant substitute. The C7 in m.3 is preceded chromatically by a Bb7 and a B7. The last six chords all point to the F7 through a series of dominants. Begin
a harmonization like this from the destination chord and work backwards to the beginning point. The
last chord is F so the preceding dominant must be C7. The dominant of C is G7, so it must be preceded
by a D7. The dominant of D is A whose dominant is E7. All of the inner voices move smoothly, and
while they may be a bit difficult to sing, the can be easily played by a saxophone section. The chromatic
tones are shown below according to vertical chord spellings. If this passage was copied out for individual instruments, enharmonic spellings should adhere to linear considerations. In beat two of the second
measure below, an Eb is in the melody resolving up to the En. The Eb was chosen to help visualize its relationship as the ninth of Db9. It should be written as a concert D# leading to En in the individual part. In
order to avoid awkward repeated tones, some inner voices may cross as indicated by the lines in m.2.
11.51g Extended chromatic and dominant devices
F #m 7
&b c
?b c
Gm 7 3
# j n
#
3
# J n
D b7 C7
b b n
b b
D b7 C7 B b7
B 7 C7
b n # n
#
b n #
E7
A7
D7
G7
C7
F7
b b n
n # # n n b n b b n
# n n n b b n n
# n b
BRASS VOICINGS
Brass voicings are constructed from the top melodic pitch down as were saxophone voicings. There are
two basic styles for combining the trumpets and the trombones. A more traditional approach is for the
trombones to play an octave lower exactly the same thing as the trumpets. A more contemporary sound
may have them playing independent parts of the chord. Some of the simpler combinations are shown
in Ex. 11.52. The chord at (a.) would sound bland for a jazz chart. It can be improved by opening the
chord up and adding a thirteenth as at (b.). The chords c., d., and e. illustrate matching voicings played
by both sections. The root may be used in the lowest trombone as at f., g., and h., but is best suited for
the end of a phrase. Using roots voiced low can be powerful during emphatic jabs, but can make the line
feel sluggish if used too often.
Chapter 11
11.52
a.
c.
d.
e.
www
w
www
w
wwww
www
w
wwww
www
w
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
www
w
ww
ww
wwww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
TRUMPETS:
& b wwww
TROMBONES:
? b wwww
www
w
ww
ww
293
One method for creating more interesting combinations and colorful chords is to voice the trumpets in
various triads over the traditional chords in the trombones. Triads resonate well because of the physics
laws of the overtone series, and this is true even when the superimposed triad does not agree with the
underlying structure. An A major triad (a. and e.) over a C7 chord creates a C13b9. The Ab major triad
(b. and f.) yields the #9 and b13 over a C7 chord. An F# major triad (c. and g.) creates a C7 with a b5 or
#11 and a b9. A D major triad (d. and h.) creates a C9#11. Notice that the fifth is often not used in the
trombones so as not to disagree with the #5, #11, 13 or b13.
11.53
a.
f.
g.
h.
TRUMPETS:
ww
#
b
& ww
bw
n b b www
#w
# # # www
# www
w
w
# www
bw
n b b www
#w
# # # www
# www
w
bw
? b www
b ww
ww
b ww
ww
n ww
ww
b www
w
b b wwww
b b wwww
wwww
TROMBONES:
Tighter, close position voicings are more agile. Voicings with large spreads do not move briskly, but are
quite effective as punctuation during and at the end of phrases or sections. The first three voicings would
be useful during more rapidly moving lines; the last two for the culmination of a phrase. The first three
illustrate again the idea of the trombones mimicking the trumpets at the octave. The root is not included
in the first three voicings, since it would appear in the bass part. These chords are Fmaj9 constructed of
the 3-5-7-9 of the chord.
11.54
TRUMPETS:
& b wwww
TROMBONES:
? b wwww
www
w
www
w
www
w
www
w
w
www
www
w
ww
ww
ww
ww
294
Chapter 11
Several voicings are shown below for Gm7. Chords a.-f. are suitable for moving lines and assertive
statements. Chords g. and h. are better for the conclusion of lines or bold jabs, due to the wide range of
the voicings and the root on the bottom. Chords b. and c. are almost the same, except c. has the ninth,
a more colorful note, instead of doubling the root. Chords d., e., f., and h. illustrate the use of a triad
voiced in the trumpets over the fundamental chord in the trombones. The F triad creates a Gm11 chord.
11.55
a.
d.
e.
f.
ww
ww
www
w
www
w
wwww
w
www
w
www
TRUMPETS:
w
www
& b wwww
TROMBONES:
? b wwww
w
www
www
w
wwww
www
w
www
w
g.
h.
www
w
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
11.54 shows the triadic superimposition formulas over a turnaround in the style of Thad Jones. The first
Dm7 chord is voiced identically in the trumpets and trombones. The next four chords all feature parallel triads over the fundamental voicings in the trombones. The A over a G7 creates a G9#11. The Ab over
the C becomes a C7 (b9/b13). The two chords are sequenced creating an F9#11 and a Bb7 (b9/b13). The
bass and fifth trombone are playing the roots. The next two lowest notes on the four dominant chords
were the third and seventh. Stacking triads and color tones over a dominant chord works best when the
tritone is on the bottom helping identify the basic dominant chord quality.
11.56
TRUMPETS: Dm 7
b c
b
&
TROMBONES:
? b c
b
BASS:
#
G9 11
#9
C7b 13
#
n
#
b b
n n
b
n
#
F9 11
#9
B b7b 13
n .. b b
n .. b b
J
j
... # n
b . b
.
The chords moved parallel up a half step to harmonize the upper neighbor tone in ex. 11.57 from Thad
Jones. He managed to keep the trumpet triads moving in half-steps when the chord moved to the dominant. The basic progression was Dm7 - G7 - Cm7 - F7. The F triad over the Dm7 yielded the primary
chord tones 3-5-7. When the F triad moved down a half-step to E over the G7 it created a colorful G13b9
chord. This was sequenced for Cm7 - F7 in the second measure. The widest spread voicings with the lowest notes were the ones at the end of the eighth note lines.
Chapter 11
11.57
Dm 7
b b
b
TROMBONES: b b
? b
b
TRUMPETS:
b
&b
b
G13 9
Cm 7
n #
# n # n
n # n n # b b n n n # b b n
J
n n
n
n n b b n n # b b n
# n
J
295
b
F13 9
#
#
Triads are used in this turnaround leading to F. An F triad is imposed over an A7 to create an A7b9/b13;
Bb triad over the Ab7 creates an Ab9#11; Eb triad over the G7 creates a G7 b9/b13; Ab over the C7 creates a
C7 b9/b13; and the G over the F7 creates an F9#11.
11.58
#9
A7b 13
#
A b9 11
b
b
TRUMPETS:
&b
TROMBONES:
?b
#9
G7b 13
n b
b9
C7b 13
#
F9 11
w
b ww
w
b
b
w
n www
The chord shown in ex. 11.59 is composed of two fully diminished seventh chords; one for the trumpets
and one for the trombones. The result is a Bb7 with a b9, #9, b5, and a n13. This chord is sometimes called
the Duke chord [and jokingly referred to as Bb fully demolished.] It is often used at the end of big
sections or the end of the piece.
11.59
B b7
^
b
n
& b #
TRUMPETS:
b
? b b b
TROMBONES:
The concept of using dominants and dominant cycles of can be illustrate beginning with this simple
line. The original harmony might call for a basic ii7 - V7 progression leading to the Bb7.
296
Chapter 11
b .
b
&
F7
. n .
J
J
Cm 7
B b7
F7
n w
J
Using the method of working back from the final chord, a series of functional chords may be added.
11.60b Enhanced with V7/iii - iii7 - V7/ii - ii7 - V7
Cm7
b .
b
&
F7
A7
. n .
J
J
Dm7 G7 Cm7
F7
B b7
n w
J
The A7 could be preceded by its dominant E7. The F7 and Cm7 can be preceded by their dominants or
by the tritone substitution. The ii7 and iii7 chords could be changed to dominants, and any of the other
dominant chords may be changed to a tritone substitution.
The final example will be based on the chords shown in ex. 11.60c. It begins with the original ii7 chord
Cm7 which is followed by its dominant which points back to Cm7. A secondary dominant (C7) is replaced by its tritone substitute (Gb9) which points to the original F7. An E7 points to A7 which is replaced by its tritone substitute (Eb9). Ab9 is substituted for the D7 which points to the G7. The dominant
cycle continues through the C7 and F7 leading finally to the Bb7. Any number of bass lines are possible
from the E7 in m.2 to the end. A cycle of fifths pattern would work: E7 - A7 - D7 - G7 - C7 - F7 - Bb7. Their
tritone substitutes would also work: Bb7 - Eb7 - Ab7 - Db7 - Gb7 - Cb7 - Bb7. Many combinations of descending half-step or fifth motion would work: Bb7 - A7 - Ab7 - G7 - Gb7 - F7 - Bb7.
11.60c
Cm7 G7 Cm7 G b7
b .
b
&
F7
E7
A7
. n .
J
J
Dm7 G7 Cm7
F7
B b7
n w
J
This passage works well voicing the trumpets with superimposed triads over the basic trombone chords.
The triadic superimposition formulas used to create the complex chords in ex. 11.60d are:
E b triad
A b triad
D triad
C triad
F triad
B b triad
E b triad
A b triad
D b triad
C triad
over G7
over Gb7
over F7
over E7
over Eb7
over Ab7
over G7
over C7
over F7
over Bb7
creates
creates
creates
creates
creates
creates
creates
creates
creates
creates
G7 #9 b13
Gb9#11
F13b9
E7 #9 b13
Eb9#11
Ab9#11
G7 #9 b13
C7 #9 b13
F7 #9 b13
Bb9#11
Chapter 11
297
#9
Cm7 G7b 13
#
G b9 11
b
F13 9
. . Cm 7 b # n
b
& b c b n J
. b n
TROMBONES: .
? b c b n b n b n
b
J
...
.
..
..
#9
E7b 13
#9
#9 #9
#
E b9 11 A b9# 11 G7b 13
C7b 13 F7b 13
n n ....
J
b ..
n # n b ..
J
.
b
b
.
n
b b
b
b
n b
j B b9 11
nn wwww
j
ww
b
w
w
&b c
SAXOPHONES:
?b c
TRUMPETS:
&b c
TROMBONES:
?b c
^
^
^
^
j >j
# # n b b # # n n
# n
#
>
b n # n bb
J
J
>
j
j
#
b b n n n b # n b
# n
b # n n b # b n >
b n n # b n
J
J
3
>
# n b b
>
3 b
#
3
# n ## n b bb # n >
#
n b b n >
b
ww
w
w
w
www
w
ww
w
w
The trumpets are voiced with triads exclusively in the ii7 - V7 sequence shown in ex. 11.62. The melody
is played by trumpet 1 and doubled by trumpet 4 and alto 1. The brass and saxophone sections are independently harmonically clear.
298
Chapter 11
11.62
b j ^
b
&
# b n
? b b n ^
J
TRUMPETS:
^
n
b
b
&
J
TROMBONES:
# ^
? b n
b
E7
A7
SAXOPHONES:
D7
..
n
b .
..
n ...
.
b ....
>j
b
n
>j
>
b
J
>
n
G7
>
b b
b
>
^
b
^
b bb
^
C7
F7
b
# #
n #
b b >
b
b >
b
>
n
>
#
B bm aj7 11
..
.
..
n >
..
..
>
n
..
..
In ex. 11.63, the G7 is the V7/ii and points to the Cm9. The Gb9 is the tritone substitute for the V7/V
(C7). Rather than approach the final chord with its dominant, the A13 chord moves parallel up to the
Bb7. This example ends with the eight tone chord created by stacking a fully diminished chord over another. The last chord is a Bb7 with a b9, #9, b5, and a n13 created by voicing a C#7 in the trumpets over a
B7 in the trombones (over the Bb in the rhythm section).
11.63
b
&b
#9
G7b 13
..
n .
SAXOPHONES:
? bb
..
TRUMPETS:
.
...
.
n ...
b
&b
TROMBONES:
? b
b
#
Cm 9 G b9 11
b
b
b
b
n
#9
F7b 13
A13
b n
# #
B b13
b
b
b
n
# # n
b
b
# n n n
b
Chapter 11
299
b
F13 9
TRUMPETS:
Cm9
b
& b 34
TROMBONES:
? b b 34 .
#
B bm aj7 11
b # n ....
..
..
n ...
.
.
...
.
.
BASS:
A modal piece might suggest parallel planing of voicings as in ex. 11.65. Each of these muted brass voicings has many levels of tension. Several of the chords are symmetrical built of alternating thirds and
seconds. The chords played by each section are simple, but the combinations are complex. These voicings occurred over an ostinato bass line in A phrygian.
11.65
TRUMPETS:
A Phrygian
& b c
TROMBONES:
? b c
www
w
wwww
Cluster voicings were used to harmonize this simple melodic line in ex. 11.66. The melody was conceived unrelated to a harmonic progression. The chosen voicings were more random so as not to suggest a traditional harmonic progression. The line includes a variety of structures including traditional
tertian voicings, clusters, and quartal voicings.
11.66
TRUMPETS:
& 34 b b
b
TROMBONES:
? 34 b b
b n
b
b #
b n
b b b
b n b
#
b b
b b
b b b b b
.
b bn ...
b .
300
Chapter 11
VOCAL VOICINGS
Vocal harmony follows the voice leading principles that apply to any instrument. The inner parts
should move very smoothly and logically. Many odd interval leaps in the inner voices can be difficult
to hear and perform for a vocal group. Care must be taken to prepare dissonances with vocal groups
more so than with other instrumental sections. The saxophone holds down a key, as does the pianist, but
a singer has to produce the note from within. Any reference point or help given by the arranger is prudent. Copyrighted tunes are not available for examples in this book, but the example below works well in
a vocal group. Any of the lines may move a bit more freely depending on the lyric. When the top line is
at rest, the inner voices may advance the music as shown in mm.3-4.
11.67
vocal
b
& b b c
n b
? b c b
bb
n n b
Doo
ooo
w
b b ww
n ww
w
b ww
ww
b n
b n
b
n b
11.68
#9
b9
A7b 13
Dm 9
?c
Em7
&c
G7b 13
b b b
Cmaj7
www
w
w
Open voicings, using drop 2 voicings, allow the listener to better distinguish the individual lines. The
open position voicings in ex. 11.69 work well for strings over a bass or several combinations of instruments or voices.
Chapter 11
11.69
Em 7
& c
?c
301
#9
b9
A7b 13
Dm9
G7b 13
bb b
Cm aj7
ww
ww
w
A larger string group can effectively use voicings with a wider range than drop 2. In order to voice the
passage evenly over two octaves in ex. 11.70, two voices were moved to lower registers. The second voice
(G) was dropped two octaves and the third voice (E) was dropped one octave. This passage works better
with several strings on a part. It may sound a bit empty and separated with only one player per line. If
there are enough on a part, the first and second violins could play divisi doubling the melody down an
octave lower. It is difficult for a group of horns to achieve a blend with a voicing this wide. The trumpet
would be in a very high register and the trombone and others in medium registers making the blend difficult due to the contrast of sound character.
11.70
Em7
&c
?c
#9
Em7
Em7
A7b 13
b9
Dm9
G7b 13
b b
b
Cmaj7
w
w
w
w
w
There are numerous scores available for closer and further study. Many school libraries have scores to
classic big band charts, vocal jazz charts and small combo charts. Study the interesting arrangers. Listen
for attractive places in a chart and formulate questions regarding the effect. What made it interesting?
Was it a voicing, a line, a contrapuntal treatment? What was the voicing? Did the voicing use mixed sections or standard sections? Were there doubles (flutes, clarinets) or mutes in the brass? What was the
musical effect and how was it achieved? Where in the piece did it occur and why? What were the extreme ranges and how did the instruments sound at those points? What other devices were employed to
make one section stand out against another? File these away in your memory for use later when arranging. The best writers (of prose and of music) keep notebooks of ideas, excerpts, quotes, and sketches for
new works.
302
Chapter 12
XII.
Modal Jazz
Some of the music of the late 1950s and early 1960s became a new modern sound through the use of
modal frameworks rather than the tin-pan alley harmonic frameworks favored by bebop. The origins of
the new modal music is often traced to the Kind of Blue recordings of Miles Davis. It has been written
that this modal approach was in response to the fast tempos and overloaded harmonic palette of bebop. While a bop tune may have one of two chords per measure, a modal piece may have one chord or
mode that lasts eight to sixteen measures or more. Some tunes may be based entirely on one mode.
As much as this new modal sound was looking to the future, it also looked to the distant past. While new
to the jazz language in the middle of the twentieth century, modal music is quite old in the history of
music. The major/minor harmonic system is a uniquely European concept that began to develop in the
early Baroque period. One of the first theory books explaining the system was published in 1722 (JeanPhilippe Rameau, Treatise on Harmony). The beginning of the end for the major/minor system could
be dated 1859 with Wagners highly chromatic and tonally ambiguous Prelude, from Tristan and Isolde.
Wagners harmonic approaches were the antithesis of the major/minor system. The harmonic progressions in a major/minor system function to point to the tonic as the primary pitch. Wagners progressions obscured any sense that one pitch was the central pitch to which all others pointed. History since
that time produced Debussy, Schoenberg, Stravinsky, and countless others who each contributed
uniquely to the obliteration of the major/minor harmonic system. If the major/minor system was a
European convention for the brief time between the early seventeenth and the twentieth century then
what came before and what types of music were occurring in other parts of the world? Much of it was
monophonic created using single scales or modes. The modes that correspond to the major scale
(ionian) and the natural minor (aeolian) are, ironically, not even the most common modes. The move
away from the strict tyrant of the major/minor system to the many facets of contemporary jazz is significant for two reasons: the move mirrors the European classical tradition of destroying the old systems to
build many new ones; and many of the new systems are based on even older traditions using modes.
Part of the attraction to an improviser in a modal setting is that there is much more time to develop
lines without concern for a predetermined harmonic progression. If something can be done with a Dm7
chord that lasts two beats, what could be done over eight or sixteen measures? Relief from one set of responsibilities only creates a new ones. The modal improviser may not have to be concerned with harmonic progressions, guide tones and established voice leading principles, or the tones that modulate
one key to the next, but the improviser must find other ways to conceive and construct sensible improvisations.
In the liner notes from the Kind of Blue recording session, Bill Evans described the tune So What as a
simple figure based on 16 measures of one scale, 8 of another and 8 more of the first. Were melodies
replaced by scale running? Were chromatic tones eliminated in favor of strict heptatonic (seven
tone) scales? A quick listen to the improvisations of Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, and Miles
Davis confirms that no one was aimlessly running scales, and chromatic tones occurred that did not deter from the modal clarity. The bebop vocabulary was not avoided or abandoned and was often used in
modal passages suggesting harmonic progressions where there were none. The form of these modal
tunes often mirrored the thirty two measure forms of show tunes. A form used by Miles Davis, John
Coltrane, J. J. Johnson and others is shown below. The form is AABA. The only change is the D dorian
mode modulating up to Eb dorian for the B and back again for the last A section. Are the chords Dm7
and Ebm7? They could be. Since modal music is a departure from the traditional structures, tertian har-
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
303
mony (chords built from stacking intervals of thirds) is often abandoned for chords built on combinations of other intervals like fourths and seconds. Listen to the accompaniment and solo of Bill Evans on
So What for cluster chords and sounds not defined by major/minor chord systems.
12.1
D dorian
D dorian
E b dorian
D dorian
Students are often assigned modal tunes such as So What for their first improvisational vehicles, the
logic being the less complicated modal frameworks would be easier for a beginning improvisers. These
students do not always agree about the ease and often ask, So What do I do now? They often have
more trouble inventing lines without the restrictions and guide posts that are available in a harmonic
progression. Sixteen measures of D dorian (no sharps and no flats) to a beginner is often inhibiting,
presenting too much freedom of choice when they are at the least inventive state in their development.
A modal piece for a beginner must seem like being dropped in a Nebraska field in a blizzard and asked
to find their way home. There are no visible boundaries, no fence posts, no celestial guides, nothing but
a sea of white notes. A piece with a harmonic framework may be like dropping them somewhere in
Manhattan. It can be also be frightening, but the streets go east-west, the avenues north-south, and uptown and downtown are meaningful directions.
The modes primarily used by jazz improvisers are related to the ancient Greek and Church modes.
These modes can and should be learned just as major and minor scales are learned. Each mode has
characteristic identifying pitches, its own key signature and may be transposed, as major and minor
scales, to other pitch centers. Methods for constructing forms for improvising and developing melodies
we be discussed later in this chapter.
The basic modes can be found using the familiar major scale as a starting point. A major scale has
seven scale steps. The tonic of the major scale would be numbered 1. A scale could be constructed on
any of the other six scale steps which would yield six differently constructed scales or modes. It may be
helpful to imagine a slide rule where one side has the musical alphabet and the other has the numbers
1-7. Lining up the 1 with any new letter indicates a new tonic. While all of these scales share the same key
signature, they would have different intervals in relationship to their tonic pitch. The chart below shows
the modes by name, by their relationship to a major scale, their construction by intervals related to the
tonic, and their constructions by the intervals between adjacent pitches.
MAJOR SCALE
DEGREE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
MODE NAME
IONIAN 1
DORIAN
PHRYGIAN
LYDIAN
MIXOLYDIAN
AEOLIAN 2
LOCRIAN
INTERVALS RELATED to
TONIC
M2 M3 P4 P5 M6 M7
M2 m3 P4 P5 M6 m7
m2 m3 P4 P5 m6 m7
M2 M3 A4 P5 M6 M7
M2 M3 P4 P5 M6 m7
M2 m3 P4 P5 m6 m7
m2 m3 P4 d5 M6 m7
INTERVALS BETWEEN
ADJACENT PITCHES
W-W-1/2-W-W-W-1/2
W-1/2-W-W-W-1/2-W
1/2-W-W-W-1/2-W-W
W-W-W-1/2-W-W-1/2
W-W-1/2-W-W-1/2-W
W-1/2-W-W-1/2-W-W
1/2-W-W-1/2-W-W-W
304
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
Ex. 12.2 illustrates the previous chart related to the key of C major. C major and A minor are relatives as
they share the same key signature. The modes in ex. 12.2 all share the same key signature and are also
relatives of C major. How well do you know your key signatures? Take some time to review the circle of
fifths remembering that each key signature represents a major key and a minor key, and it also represents seven distinct related modes. The relative modes that share the key signature of no sharps and no
flats are: C ionian, D dorian, E phrygian, F lydian, G mixolydian, A aeolian, and B locrian.
12.2
&
w
Ionian
Aeolian
Lydian
Dorian
Phrygian
Mixolydian
The chart and staff examples likes the ones above are often the only way modes are presented in theory
books and classes. It may be helpful at first, but can be confusing, misleading, and neglects some of the
most important characteristics about modes. Many confused students think that the modes are constructed only from the C major scale so dorian can only be D dorian. The modes can be transposed to
any pitch degree as with any scale.
Ex. 12.2 illustrated modes related to a C major scale. The following does the opposite, relating all the
modes to one tonic. If C is the tonic for a dorian mode it must be related to the second degree of a Bb
major scale, so the key signature for C dorian must also be two flats. The key signature for modes with C
as tonic are clear from the illustration below: C phrygian, the third mode of the relative Ab major, is in
four flats; C lydian, fourth mode of G major, one sharp; C mixolydian, fifth mode of F, one flat; aeolian,
sixth mode of Eb, three flats; and locrian, the seventh of Db, five flats.
12.3
&
&
C Dorian
C Phrygian
C Lydian
C Mixolydian
C Locrian
bw w
w
w
w
b
w
w w
w bw w
w
w
w
w
w
bw w
b
w
w
w
b
w
w bw
bw bw w
w
w
b
w
w
w
w w
w
w
#
w
w
w w
bw bw w
b
w
w
b
w
b
w
w
Understanding the relationships of modes to a major scale does not mean that the modes are in that
major key. C dorian is not in the key of Bb major; C dorian is in the key of two flats. Bb is the tonic of Bb
and C is the tonic of C. Remember the rules for establishing tonality: the tonic is the primary pitch and
is pointed to by the dominant. To establish C as tonic, a perfect fifth is necessary, the other pitches may
vary depending on the mode. Notice that the locrian mode has a diminished fifth. Locrian is rarely, if
ever, used in tonal music because it lacks the requisite perfect fifth.
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
305
MAJOR MODES
MINOR MODES
[DIMINISHED]
Relation to Major
Scale
Lydian
Ionian (Major)
Mixolydian
Dorian
Aeolian (Minor)
Phrygian
[Locrian]*
4th
1st
5th
2nd
6th
3rd
7th
Mode
Mode
Mode
Mode
Mode
Mode
Mode
Significant
Identifying
tones
A4
P4, major 7
m7, M3
m3, M6
m6, M2
m2, P5
d5
Key signature
for C
1#
0#, 0b
1b
2b
3b
4b
5b
*Locrian mode is named and classified, but is not used in tonal music as it is without a perfect fifth. Try playing a
melody and tonicizing the tonic of a C locrian mode. The Gb, rather than pointing to C, seems to point down to F.
That in conjunction with the C makes F sound like the tonic, and the mode sounds like F phrygian.
The lines below indicate the significant pitches that identify each mode and distinguish one mode from
the next.
12.4
Lydian
& c # www
Ionian
n www
Mixolydian
b ww
w
Dorian
b www
Aeolian
b ww
w
Phrygian
b www
A chart that shows the modes relative brightness and darkness is more useful than one indicating the
modes relationships to notes of a major scale. The chart lists the modes with reference to musical qualities. This chart will be helpful when creating modal music. If a darker mood is desired, one of the minor
modes would be chosen. This chart helps aurally identify modes. One does not have to listen for seven
distinct pitches to aurally identifying a mode. Modes can usually be identified by two or three pitches.
Listen first for the major or minor quality. If the mode is identified as major, that narrows the choices to
three modes. The next step is to identify the fourth or seventh degrees. If the recognizable augmented
306
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
fourth is heard, it can only be lydian mode. If the minor seventh is recognized, it can only be mixolydian. If the mode is determined to be minor, then listen for seconds and sixths to further narrow the
choice. A minor second can only mean phrygian. The brighter major sixth indicates dorian.
5 1
m3
j j
&C
J j
&
J
5 1
J
&
J
11
..
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
307
The dominant and tonic are established early in ex. 12.6 and the minor third and minor sixth identify
the mode as aeolian.
12.6
Slow
& b 34
m3
m6
&b
&b
&b
13
Ex. 12.7 has a major third and a minor seventh establishing the mixolydian mode. The tonic may be in
question at the beginning, but the number of dominant and tonic pitches on downbeats increases as the
piece progresses. The final cadence firmly establishes the D as tonic.
12.7
# C
&
1
m7
.
M3
M3
# . . .
. . . . j . .
&
1
# . . .
.
.
.
&
. .
M3
Pa Snei is a simple Norwegian folk song in lydian mode. The key signature is not for the key of A major
or F# minor, but accurately reflects D lydian. Sing or play the melody and it is clear that D is the tonic
pitch. The major quality is revealed by the second note (F#) and the G# reveals the lydian quality by the
third note. The 1-5-1 at the end of m.2 confirms D is the tonic. It is interesting that this very bright
melody is from a place called land the Land of the Midnight Sun.
308
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
12.8
### c
&
&
###
1 5
j
.
j
.
M3
#
& # 34
? # # 34 ..
.
## .
&
? # # ..
.
..
.
..
.
.
..
.
j
J
..
.
..
.
.
..
B b mixolydian must have a major third and minor seventh to distinguish it from ionian and dorian. In
the melody shown in ex. 12.10, the Ab anticipates m.2 and the Dn occurs on the downbeat of m.3. Tonic
is confirmed by the dominant to tonic motion at the beginning of the first and third phrases and the final two pitches. This melody is clearly in the key of Bb mixolydian and not the key of Eb major.
Chapter 12
309
12.10
b
&b b c
? b c .
bb
ww
..
j
..
b
& b b J
? b
bb
Modal Jazz
..
..
J
..
Parts of this melody are voiced for four instruments, but the melody on the top reveals the dorian quality. The major sixth (Dn) and the minor third (Ab) rule out all other modes but dorian.
12.11
b
&b b c
? b c
bb
.
b
& b b
.
? b
bb
.
j
.
j
.
.
j
ww
.
.
.
j
....
.
.
j
ww
..
...
.
310
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
F # aeolian must, in addition to a minor third, have a minor sixth (Dn) to distinguish it from F# dorian,
and a major second (G#) to distinguish it from F# phrygian. The minor quality is established in the first
measure of ex. 12.12, and the two modal identification tones occur in m.2.
12.12
### 3
&
4 .
j j
.
? # # # 34
.
.
###
&
.
? ###
..
j j .
.
.
This is the modal A section from a piece called Morocco. The B section ventures away from the C
phrygian through remote harmonic passages and returns to the modal A section. The lowered second
(Db) and the perfect fifth (G) are the two pitches that distinguish phrygian from the brighter aeolian and
the darker locrian mode.
12.13
b
& b b b j j
? bb b
b
.
bbb j .
ww
b
&
ww
? bb b
b
j ..
..
j
.
j
j
j .
...
.
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
311
The modes were identifiable in the previous melodic examples. All necessary notes were included in the
melodies. However, ambiguity may be desirable. Melodies do not have to have clearly defined modes;
but modes in order to be clearly defined must have their identifying pitches. If a certain ambiguity is
desired regarding the modes, then the identifying pitches must be avoided.
This mode could be dorian or mixolydian, but the missing mediant makes positive identification impossible. The melody may still be interesting. Which third do you imagine?
12.14
C dorian or C mixolydian?
b j
& c .
From which of the three minor modes is this melody constructed? Phrygian can be ruled out as there is
a major second degree. Since there is no sixth, it could be dorian or aeolian.
12.15
C dorian or C aeolian?
j
& b b
b j
There are many examples of melodies that do not contain all of the notes of a scale or mode.
Pentatonic scales usually omit the tritone so the mode of a pentatonic melody cannot be absolutely
identified. A major pentatonic scale consists of the scale steps 1-2-3-5-6. The fourth and seventh, the
notes which distinguish lydian, ionian and mixolydian are missing. A minor pentatonic scale consists of
the scale steps 1-b3-4-5-b7. The second and sixth, the notes which distinguish dorian, aeolian and phrygian are missing.
12.16
C major pentatonic
# or n
&w
C minor pentatonic
n or b
n or b
n or b
bw
bw
Melodies may be constructed with omitted thirds. Here are examples of modal melodies that do not
contain a third from completely different cultures. The tonic of ex. 12.17 is D; the tonic of 12.18 is A.
12.17
&c
&
312
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
12.18
# 6
& 8
1
&
5
&
9
&
.
.
j
.
.
.
J
.
13
Chromatic embellishment is possible in modal music as with any tonal music. The tones that identify a
particular mode must be clear and distinguishable from the chromatic embellishment. The first measure
in ex. 12.19 identifies the passage as D dorian, with the minor third and the major sixth. The D# in the
second measure will not be mistaken for an Eb, which would indicate a phrygian mode, but will be heard
as a leading tone to the En. The Gb will not be heard as a major third (F#) indicating a major mode, but
will be heard as a chromatic passing tone between the G and F. The G# will be heard as a passing tone
between the G and A.
12.19
& c .
j
# b n # .
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
313
A dorian
B bmaj7
I
Bb
Bbm7- Eb7
ii7 - V7
Ab
A bmaj7
I
Ab
Abm7- Db7
ii7 - V7
Gb
Am7
C dorian
G bmaj7
I
Gb
Gm7- C7
ii7 - V7
F
Fmaj7
I
F
Cm7
Cm7 - F7
ii7 - V7
Bb
E7
V7
A minor
314
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
F Aeolian
4b
F Phrygian
3b
F Locrian
6b
F Ionian
1b
F Aeolian
E b Mixolydian
F Aeolian
Db
4b
4b
4b
Mixolydian
6b
5b
MODAL PLANING
The following progression had its beginning as background music in a television commercial for a
mens cologne before becoming a jazz classic. The form is AABA. The A sections use a D mixolydian
mode than planes up a minor third to an F mixolydian mode. The B section looks like it could be just
like the A section transposed up a half-step. It begins that way with the Eb mixolydian, but instead of
moving up to the F# mixolydian, it moves down to a C# dorian. The C# dorian and the F# mixolydian
share the same key signature (5#), so the notes are the same, but the dorian sound is the result of the
bass playing a C# rather than an F#.
12.22
Modal Planing
Am7/D
Cm7/F
Am7/D
Cm7/F
B bm7/E b
C#m13
Am7/D
Cm7/F
MODAL PROGRESSIONS
Modal progression sounds like an oxymoron since the nature of most modal music is the absence of
harmonic progression. Modal progression indicates a series of different modes. Interesting and expressive music can be created using the modes as a palette of colors to shape construct dramatic contours
for a composition This is a departure from the ancient concept of modal melodies. The six ancient
modes offer a range from very bright (lydian) to very dark (phrygian). Combining modes can tell a
story. For an example, imagine a sixteen measure form, where each four measure phrase uses a different
mode. Each different mode shades the story line. If the story begins with relative calm, then dorian or
mixolydian would be appropriate choices for the first phrase. The kingdom is happy, crops and children are healthy and growing. If the second phrase shifts to a darker mode like aeolian, then something has changed the stability of the story. An invading army of giants has been spotted coming toward the kingdom. A switch to phrygian signals a very dramatic downturn. Yes, they have entered the
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
315
kingdom and kidnapped the princess-to-be. A battle ensues between the knights and the giants. The
final phrase shifts to lydian which indicates the maiden has been saved, marries the prince who saved
her, and they live happily-ever-after in infinite bliss signified by the raised fourth degree of the lydian
mode. Music does not ever have to follow a concrete or ridiculous story line, but it is useful here for
demonstration.
A composition form or improvisational framework can be created using the concepts of mixing modes
into a type of modal progression. The progression below begins with G dorian mode (key of 1b). Dorian
is a dark mode because of the minor third, but the brightest of the minor modes because of the major
sixth. Adding one flat will change the G dorian to G aeolian, the minor sixth making the second phrase
a darker setting.
12.23
G Dorian
1b
G Aeolian
2b
darker
It reasons that if another flat is added it will be darker still. If G is kept as tonic, it will be darker, changing the mode to G phrygian. The momentum may be lost by staying with tonic G for too long.
12.24
G Aeolian
2b
dark
G Phrygian
3b
darker
Will the third flat make it darker if the tonic is changed from G to another pitch? If the mode changes to
Bb mixolydian, the effect is brighter. Mixolydian is brighter than aeolian, and that takes precedence over
the effect of the key signature.
12.25
G Aeolian
Bb
Mixolydian
3b
brighter
2b
dark
This progression could be extended to create the sixteen measure form below. The D phrygian is darker
than the Bb mixolydian even though the third flat has been removed. It ends with the very bright lydian
mode. The form uses five different modes, but only three different key signatures. G aeolian and D phrygian share the key signature of two flats and yet have a completely different character. The same is true
for Bb mixolydian and Ab lydian which share the key signature of three flats.
12.26
G Dorian
1b
medium
dark/bright
Bb
Mixolydian
3b
brighter
G Aeolian
2b
darker
D
Phrygian
2b
Darker
Ab Lydian
3b
Very
Bright
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Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
This form could be used in any number of ways. The duration for each mode could be doubled to
create a thirty-two measure form. The progression could be played with any kind of feel: swing, ballad,
bossa, jazz waltz.
This is a possible composition using a similar form. The melody clearly indicates the modes by using
the identifying pitches. En and Bb clarify the dorian mode in the first phrase. The melodic motive is
rhythmically displaced and transposed to reveal the Eb which signals the change to aeolian.
12.27
Medium Swing
G Dorian
J . j
..
. ww
b
c
&
w
1
G A eolian
b
&b
j
j w
ww
The third phrase begins with the added flat, Ab, indicating the shift to Bb mixolydian. The An indicates
the mode change to Eb Lydian. D phrygian is implied by the context as it follows Eb lydian. Since an En
has not sounded, nothing contradicts the Eb and so it lingers in the ear. Phrygian is confirmed by the
chord on the upbeat of two which contains the Eb.
12.28
B b Mixolydian
.
.
j
&b b
E b Lydian
b
& b n ...
D Phrygian
.
j
..
..
13
Endless modal forms are possible. Ex. 12.29 is another form that contrast dark with bright. The A aeolian
is a moderately dark minor mode. Keeping the same key signature and changing the tonic to C changes
the context to C lydian, a very bright mode. An extreme change occurs when the brightest mode
changes to the darkest mode at the G phrygian. The form ends changing to another lydian mode.
12.29
E Aeolian
1#
dark
G Phrygian
3b
very dark
C Lydian
1#
very bright
F Lydian
0# - 0b
very bright
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
317
The form from ex. 12.29 could be treated with an even eighth note feel as shown below in ex. 12.30. The
F# in m.1, the major second, identifies this passage as either aeolian or dorian and not phrygian. The Cn
in m.2 verifies aeolian mode. The third phrase suggests motives from the first phrase. The F# now identifies the mode as C lydian.
12.30
E Aeolian
# .
& .
j
? # ..
j
.
.
.
C Lydian
#
j
&
j
? # . J .
.
j
.
j
.
j
.
j
j
w
. j .
.
J
J
J
The Eb in the first measure below immediately rules out G dorian and the Ab verifies this passage is in G
phrygian mode. The last phrase echoes motives from the first and the prominent placement of Bn establishes the mode as F lydian.
12.31
G Phrygian
b .
&b b
? b
b b j
.
j n
F Lydian
n
&nn w
? n
n n .
j .
J
j
.
.
J
j
.
U
.
( )
j
j
.
..
..
Playing in modal settings influenced the way jazz artists composed new material and affected their approach on tunes with traditional harmonic structures. Separate chords in common progressions were
sometimes viewed as having individual scales. This may in part led to the practice of imposing other
318
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
modes and scales over the existing basic harmonies of traditional progressions. (These other scales will
be discussed in chapter 14.) Other longer harmonic passages in traditional tunes were reduced and
trimmed down to resemble modal sections.
MOTIVIC DEVELOPMENT
In a traditional harmonic settings, improvisations were found to be based on the theme or paraphrasing
the melody, based on the harmony, sometimes in a general way and other times many specific ways.
What is the foundation for an improvisation in a modal setting? There are no guide tones to suggest
motion from one functional chord to the next. There are tones which identify the specific modes. Can
running up and down the appropriate scales be the improvisational basis? It often is the foundation for
many beginning students. Another approach to compositional structure in improvisation is through the
use of motivic development.
A motive (or motif) is a short musical idea or theme for development and may be newly invented or
derived from the written melodic material. A motive is not separated from a rhythmic context, and often the rhythmic context is as important or more important than the pitch structure of the theme or
motive. Motivic development is certainly not limited to modal settings. Many significant musical works
have been created using motivic development. The absence of harmonic structure as a mechanism for
propelling music makes motivic development a particularly helpful tool for developing ideas in modal
settings .
There are several devices for developing a motive once it has been stated. The first and most important
device is repetition: the motive must recur or it is not a motive. It is often repeated soon after its initial
statement so as to familiarize the listener (and the improviser) with the material to be developed. Many
of the devices which are listed below may be combined with other devices; they do not have to be independently applied to a musical idea. What follows is a list and an example of each device applied to a
musical idea.
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
319
&c
Sequence: The motive is sequenced by transposing to other pitch levels using diatonic intervals. The
original intervals of the motive are followed generally not specifically. The original motive moves up a
major seconddown a major thirddown a minor third ( M2 M3 m3). The second occurrence
of the motive is an exact transposition up major second; all intervals within the motive match exactly
and are within the D dorian mode. The third occurrence moves the motive up and sacrifices the exact
intervals for diatonic intervals, moving m2 m3 M3.
Diatonic Sequence
12.33
&c
Chromatic Sequence: Here the motive is repeated in series exactly following the intervallic structure
of the originals motive. Doing so introduces several notes outside of D dorian which may or may not be
the desired result.
12.34
& c b b b b b
Fragmentation: The original motive is stated in m.1, then only the first two notes and then the first
three. There is a brilliant example of reducing the theme in Beethovens firth symphony in the first
movement. At one point he reduces the second theme to two notes and then to one note, and these single notes are heard as fragments of the original.
320
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
12.35
&c
Augmentation and Diminution of the intervals: Each interval of the original motive ( M2 M3
m3) is augmented to become m3 P4 P4 in the first measure and the intervals reduce to become
m2 M2 M2 in the second.
12.36
&c
# n
Augmentation and Diminution of the rhythmic values: The original values have been expanded
freely in m.1 and diminished exactly in half in m.2.
12.37
&c
Addition: The original motive is still intact in the example below, but opening and closing notes have
been added to make it a longer phrase.
12.38
&c
Addition or Interpolation: Two notes of the original motive occur followed by newly added material
before the last two notes of the original occur.
12.39
& c .
Elaborating or Embellishing: The original theme is stated with an augmented rhythm in the first
bracket. The second statement is embellished by the leading tone (G#) to A, the lower and upper neighbors (E & G) to F, and the lower and upper neighbors (C# & E) to D. Three of original pitches (G, F &
D) occur at exactly the same rhythmic spots and the A is displaced by an eighth note.
Chapter 12
Modal Jazz
321
12.40
&c
# n #
Octave Displacement: The last two pitches of the original motive have been transposed up an octave.
The character of a motive can be drastically changed by octave displacement as the overall contour
changes. There is an excellent example of extreme octave displacement of a very familiar melody in
Stravinskys Greeting Prelude. Listen to how octave displacement makes it difficult for many to recognize
a tune that everyone knows.
12.41
&c
Rhythmic Displacement: This is a typical jazz syncopation where the motive occurs every three beats
with a meter of four.
12.42
&c
Some very mathematical and seemingly contrived devices can and do occur naturally in improvised
music. A motive can recur in inversion with its intervals reversed or backwards, in retrograde with its
intervals sounding in reverse or upside down, and in retrograde inversion with the intervals upside down
and backwards.
12.43
Original
&w
Inversion
Retrograde
Retrograde Inversion
A palindrome is a word, sentence or numerical sequence that is the same forwards and backwards. The
words civic, deified, radar, and rotator are palindromes. The phrases Madam, Im Adam, and Poor
Dan is in a droop, are palindromes. Even the general framework for Amazing Grace is a palindrome.
Musical palindromes are possible when the original and the retrograde are placed next to each other.
The motive moves forward and then retraces its steps back to the first note.
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Chapter 12
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12.44
Retrograde + Original
Original + Retrograde
&c
Iteration: The rhythmic character of a line can be enhanced by repeated notes. The motives melodic
value in the second measure is quarter notes, but the iteration of each note yields an eighth note subdivision.
12.45
&c
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
With a partner, play melodic modal fragments and identify the correct mode. (1)
listen for the major or minor quality. (2) determine if the mode is bright or dark.
(3) listen for the important identifying pitches.
Invent some unaccompanied, simple modal melodic phrases. Establish the tonic
and incorporate the necessary identification tones within the melody.
Try inventing a form for improvisation or composition with an emotional curve
dictated by a progression of modes. Try shifting the tonal centers and varying the
color of the modes from bright to dark.
Try improvising and composing over the newly created forms using different
rhythmic settings. How do the rhythmic settings change the melodic approaches?
Try developing simple motives while improvising on the newly created forms rather
than endless scale motion. Can you play a short motive, stop and listen and develop it using the devices listed in this chapter?
Learn and improvise over common jazz modal pieces. Listen and study the forms or
the pieces. Is it constructed of more than one mode? How where the modes put together? Does the melody clearly identify the mode or is it ambiguous? Are the
modes labeled or implied by the key signature, chord symbol or melodic content?
Listen to recordings and evaluate the melodic approaches used by the performers.
What techniques of melodic development did they use?
Transcribe improvisations over modal frameworks. What approaches did the artist
use to develop the improvisation? Were the modes clearly defined? Was there
chromatic embellishment or strict adherence to the diatonic modes? Were there
echoes of bebop or other vocabulary in the improvisation? What kinds of ideas can
you take from this improvisation to add to your playing?
Chapter 13
XIII.
Quartal Harmony
323
QUARTAL HARMONY
Many music dictionaries define triads as three note chords constructed of consecutive intervals of
thirds. This definition reveals a nineteenth century bias when most of the European art music was based
on chords built in thirds. Triad really means a group of three. Applied to chords, a distinction must be
made as to the intervals from which the triads are constructed. A triad built with thirds is a tertian triad;
a triad built with fourths would be a quartal triad. Jazz and non-jazz composers in the twentieth century
have experimented with chord structures based on intervals other than thirds. Many jazz musicians are
drawn to the open ambiguous qualities of chords constructed in fourths.
Quartal chords may be extended beyond the triad just as can tertian chords. The quartal triad or extended quartal structures are not labeled with any conventional shorthand chord notation. Quartal
chords are primarily constructed of perfect fourths, but may include other intervals such as an augmented fourth and a major third as part of its extended structure. Ex. 13.1 shows several quartal chords
available from the key of no sharps or flats based using only perfect fourth intervals.
13.1
ww
ww
w
& c www
w
ww
ww
ww
ww
w
ww
ww
ww
ww
The most familiar quartal voicing in jazz literature is from So What, from the Kind of Blue recording.
These voicings (ex. 13.2) are often referred to as the So What voicings. They are primarily constructed
with perfect fourths with a major third on the top: (from bottom to top) P4 - P4 - P4 - M3. Each chord in
ex. 13.2 is constructed using all the notes of a pentatonic scale.
13.2
So what chords
& www
ww
w
? ww
ww
Diatonic triads in a major scale are constructed using every other tone from the scale (1-3-5, 2-4-6, 3-5-7,
etc.) which creates all tertian triads. Diatonic triads of a pentatonic scale can be created by skipping a
tone in that scale. All of these diatonic triads contain at least one interval of a perfect fourth. Diatonic
chords from a D minor pentatonic are shown below in ex. 13.3. The first, third and fourth chords are
constructed using just perfect fourths. The second diatonic chord is a first inversion D minor triad, and
324
Chapter 13
Quartal Harmony
the fifth is the second inversion of an F major triad. The two inverted tertian triads show why this scale
is called D minor or F major pentatonic. The quartal character of these diatonic chords illustrates the
link between quartal sounds pentatonic scales.
13.3
P4 P4
M3 P4
P4 P4
P4 P4
P4 M3
w
w w w w
w
w
w
w
&w w
w
w w
The quartal chords can be extended to include all five notes of the pentatonic scale. Four of the five
chords below have at least one interval of a major third. Only the fourth chord, built on A, is constructed of all perfect fourth intervals. The first chord is the original so what chord, the others are inversions.
13.4
P4-P4-P4-M3
M3-P4-P4-P4
P4-P4-M3-P4
P4-P4-P4-P4
P4-M3-P4-P4
& www
ww
w
ww
w
ww
w
ww
w
? ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
The so what chord can be used in other contexts. The chord below is shown with four different bass
notes. The first chord over the A in the bass creates an Am7 or A minor pentatonic sound. The same
notes over an F in the bass creates an Fmaj7 with a ninth and thirteenth. Over D, it creates an ambiguous suspended chord; it could either be a D suspended dominant or a D minor ninth chord with a missing third. A bright lydian sound is suggested with Bb in the bass.
13.5
Am7
Fmaj9
D7sus or Dm9
w
& ww
ww
w
ww
w
ww
w
w
?w
w
ww
w
ww
w
ww
bw
Quartal chords can be extracted from any mode or scale. All seven diatonic five note quartal chords are
shown below in ex. 13.6 derived from the aeolian mode in A. Fn and Bn are the two tones that distinguish
A aeolian from A dorian and A phrygian. The tritone, an augmented fourth, between those two pitches is
the only interval of a fourth in this mode that is not the interval of a perfect fourth. Every chord below
Chapter 13
Quartal Harmony
325
that contains Fn and Bn will include the augmented fourth mixed with intervals of a perfect fourth. The
chords marked with an are constructed exclusively using intervals of a perfect fourth.
13.6
& www
ww
?w
w
ww
ww
w
ww
ww
w
ww
ww
w
ww
ww
w
ww
ww
w
ww
ww
w
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
Quartal chords move nicely in parallel motion. Passages similar to the one in ex. 13.7 are prevalent in
jazz performances and compositions and are often used to establish the rhythmic setting. Only the
notes of a C minor pentatonic are used in the first two measures. The quartal chord (1) verifies Cm7
with the Bb and Eb. Chord (2) would be ambiguous without the context of the chord (1). Chord (3) contains notes not found in C minor, but acts as an upper neighbor chord, slipping back down to chord (2)
and then to (1) in the last measure.
13.7
.
b b
&
?
(2)
(3)
j w
ww
.
b bb
ww
w
w
ww
(2)
..
.
(1)
j
b
w
w
The individual pitches of a quartal triad, like a tertian triad, may be inverted. The three chords below
contain the pitches D, G, and C. The first chord, with D on the bottom is a quartal triad using only perfect fourths. With G on the bottom, the original chord is inverted and the construction is P4 - M2. With
C on the bottom the second inversion is constructed M2 - P4.
13.8
& www
www
ww
w
The inversions of quartal triads have a different characteristic sound since they include the interval of a
second. The inversions may work in a setting by themselves or can be mixed with quartal chords in root
position as in ex. 13.9.
326
Chapter 13
Quartal Harmony
13.9
.
& ..
? w
w
j
ww
w
j
ww
Quartal triads, their inversions and other tertian chords and their inversions may be mixed. The passage
in ex. 13.10 over a G pedal, begins with a quartal triad in first inversion and chromatically moves to a
tertian triad in second inversion. The chord at the end of the first line is a quartal chord in root position but the upper interval is an augmented fourth. The last four chords in the passage are quartal triads
in root position constructed with perfect fourths. Common to all the voicings below is the interval of a
perfect fourth as the lower interval.
13.10
j
#
#
.
& ..
? j
j
b ... #
? j
ww
&
...
j
b
b b
b j
b
ww
.
b
j
ww
w
ww
w
j
ww
ww
The diatonic chords of a pentatonic scale may be inverted. Two of the triads are tertian inversions to
begin with, and one of their inversions will be a root position tertian chord.
13.11
& ww
w
w
ww
ww
w
ww
w
ww
w
www www
w
www ww
ww www
w
w
w
w
Chapter 13
Quartal Harmony
327
These pentatonic quartal triads may be used over different bass notes as voicings creating a variety of
chords. The C major or A minor pentatonic chords suggest Am7 over an A in the bass. The Am7 could
be a ii7 in G, iii7 in F, vi7 in C, or A aeolian. Over the F bass, the chords become an Fma7 as I or IV.
With D in the bass, they are useful for an ambiguous Dm7, with the absence of any third. A Bb in the
bass suggests Bb lydian or Bbma7 as a IV chord.
13.11
w
ww www www www ww
w
w
& ww www www www ww
w
Am 7
Fmaj7
?w w w w w
w w w w w
ww w w w w
w w w w
Dm7
w
ww
ww
w
ww www www ww
w
#
B bmaj7 11
w
ww ww www www ww
w w
ww ww ww ww w w w w w
bw bw bw bw bw
Individual pitches of the so what chord may be altered to create completely different sounds. The
original so what voicings are shown for Gm7 in the first measure in ex. 13.12. In the remaining measures, the An has been lowered to Ab, creating an augmented fourth interval on the bottom of the chord.
This altered so what chord pair works well for the E7 alt. and its tritone substitute Bb9#11, and for the
Fmmaj7.
13.12
& b www
ww
w
b www
? ww
w
ww
ww
Gm 7
#
B b9 11
b www
ww
w
ww
b ww
bw
#9
E7b 13
b www
ww
w
ww
w
b ww
ww
w
Fm maj 7
b ww
w
This ending to an original composition, Scandal in Bohemia, uses parallel diatonic quartal chords.
13.13
j
. .
3
& 4 ..
.
? 34
.
.
j .
.
.
j
..
.
j .
.
.
.. ...
.
.. ..
. .
j .
.
. .
b b
Guitarist Steve Mazokowski used combinations of quartal and tertian inversions in these two excerpts
from his composition What It Was. The passage ended with a quartal chord built with perfect fourths
the first time, and on a later repetition, the bottom two voices were lowered for a completely different
quartal sound.
328
Chapter 13
Quartal Harmony
Ex. 13.14
&c
# #
?c
&
# #
#
#
# b b
#
ww
w
ww
w
The first section of an original composition, Arches, occurs over an F pedal. Woodwinds softly play a
descending floating pair of notes a perfect fourth apart over the F pedal while flugelhorn, guitar and
flute play the melody.
13.15
Bert Ligon: Arches. Floating two note quartal chords & melody over F pedal
b .
& J
& b b
.. b b b ..
b
b b
b b b b
& b b b
& .
. #
& b b
.. b b b ..
b
n .
...
b
.
.
b .
.. b b
b .
& J
b b
j
n n . b b
.
.. b b
..
www
w
www
w
b b b b
j
n n . b b
.
.. b b
..
Chapter 13
Quartal Harmony
329
Arches, cont.
& b b b . b
& .
.
#
.. b b
j j .
b
b .
.. b b ..
#
b b ..
j j
..
The reduction shown in ex. 13.16 from Arches. shows how the two-note floating quartal chords and the
melody combine to make different quartal triads over the F pedal.
13.16
& b b www
?
Bert Ligon: Arches. Reduction: two-note chords + melody note = quartal triads
ww
b
b w
n bn www
b bn www
n #n www
b b www
ww
w
Stevie Wonder has written some very jazz sounding pop songs and has occasionally used quartal chords
to achieve a contemporary sound. These inverted quartal chords occur a Gb pedal in the introduction to
a piece.
13.17
&
j
j
# n b b b b ..
.
? c bw
j
j
# n b b b b ..
.
b b b w
b b b
Quartal voicings have found their way into traditional harmonic settings. The dominant chords in ex.
13.18 are stacked quartal chords moving parallel. The augmented fourth interval which makes the chords
dominant seventh chords, are on the bottom of each voicing.
13.18
b
&b
? b
b
.
. b
.
. b
.
b
b b
J
b
J
ww
w
ww
w
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Chapter 13
Quartal Harmony
The inversion of a quartal chord shown in ex. 13.19 is attractive with the top melodic pitch doubled an
octave lower. It can be used in a number of musical settings. It is shown below over an Ab lydian sound.
Pat Metheny has used a similar idea at the end of tunes.
13.19
#
A bm aj7 11
& b b
b b
b b b
b
b
b b
www
w
The quartal chord with an augmented fourth on the bottom is useful for a dominant chord. The Ab - D G chord is useful for a Bb13 chord (7-3-13) or for the tritone substitute dominant E7 (3-7-#9). The chord
may also be used for Fm, D7, and G7susb9 chords. The inversion of this chord is very dissonant with
the minor second clash in the middle, however, that may be the very reason to use it. Guitarist John
Scofield uses these chords and inversions in many contexts.
13.20
& ww
bw
b www
b www
A listening list for other artists using quartal harmonies must include McCoy Tyner, especially with the
John Coltrane Quartet and Blue Note recordings from the 1960s, and Herbie Hancock with Miles Davis
and Wayne Shorter.
Chapter 14
XIV.
331
The focus of this book has primarily been the relationship of jazz to the major/minor system. Melodic
material has been shown as it relates to the major or harmonic minor scale with chromatic elaboration.
Searching for other expressive colors, jazz musicians have found other scales for harmonic and melodic
material. The major/minor system is not tossed aside, rather it is used as a platform or foundation on
which other colors are placed. Experimentation with other scales and chords inspired jazz composers to
create music whose harmonic and melodic vocabulary specifically calls for sounds not available from
the major and harmonic minor scales. Five other scales and their modes will be introduced in this
chapter: melodic minor, major b 6 (sometimes called harmonic major), symmetrical diminished
(sometimes called octatonic), whole tone, and augmented. The relationship of each mode to a specific
chord and harmonic and melodic applications will be discussed. These scales may be utilized in two different ways: to colorfully enhance traditional progressions; and to effectively negotiate the harmony of
contemporary compositions that demand very specific harmonic sounds.
One of the goals in writing this book was to discuss many aspects of jazz improvisation beyond the discussion of chord/scale relationships. The notion that jazz improvisation is a matter of plugging in the
correct scale for each individual chord is a common misconception among young improvisers and
even many educators. This leads to unnecessary confusion for some students and overlooks the historical significance of major/minor system and the many others techniques of developing musical ideas.
However, it is important to understand the relationships of specific chords to specific scales and their
applications to contemporary and traditional musical settings
Anyone who understands traditional theory will recognize that the three chords below belong to the key
of C major, and that they represent the functional chords: ii7 - V7 - I. In many chord/scale theory discussions, each of the chords is assigned a different scale: Dm7 is labeled D dorian; G7 as G mixolydian;
and Cmaj7 as C ionian. Describing this passage as three different modes or scales is misleading and
unnecessarily complicated. It is doubtful that anyone hears three different tonics in this passage as is
suggested by the three modes. All of these chords were derived from the C major scale, and that one
scale best describes the passage.
14.1
Dm 7
Cmaj7
www
w
w
w
w
c
w
w
w
w
www
& wwww
w
w
w
w
w
w
A student illustrated the worst case scenario of chord/scale misunderstanding He had learned scales
and their relationship to chords and played the passage below. He knew it did not sound like jazz but
could not figure out why as he had applied a correct scale for each chord. As these new scales are introduced, remember that they represent distinct colors and not a method for improvisation. All previously discussed concepts of voice leading and melodic construction are still applicable even with the introduction of new scale colors.
332
Chapter 14
14.2
&c
#9
#9
A7 b 13
G7 b 13
n n
b b b
Cmaj7
Dm7
There are several exotic scales that can be constructed and have been cataloged in other books, but
the most commonly used scales for application in jazz improvisation and composition are modes of
melodic minor, major b6, diminished, whole tone, and augmented scales.
SCALES for JAZZ IMPROVISATION
SCALES
Major
Harmonic Minor
Melodic Minor
Major with a b6 (Harmonic Major)
Diminished
Diminished
Whole Tone
Augmented
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
14.3
1.
FORMULA
W - W - 1/2 - W - W - W - 1/2
W - 1/2 - W - W - 1/2 - A2 - 1/2
W - 1/2 - W - W - W - W - 1/2
W - W - 1/2 - W - 1/2 - A2 - 1/2
(1/2 - W)
(W - 1/2)
W-W-W-W-W-W
m3 - 1/2 - m3 - 1/2 - m3
&
4.
& b b n
5.
& b
7.
& b b n # n b
3.
& b n n
6.
& b # #
8.
& # # b
& # b n
CHORD/SCALE EQUIVALENCY
There are two common ways of describing a group of seven notes: as a scale (1-2-3-4-5-6-7-1): and
spelled in thirds as a triad with upper extensions (1-3-5-7-9-11-13). The scale and the chord represent the
same pitches so that a chord = scale and a scale = chord. Scale positions will be referred to by the
numbers 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 and chord tones by the numbers 1-3-5-7-9-11-13. Scales tones 2-4-6 are the same as
chord tones 9-11-13.
Chapter 14
333
Effect:
Brighter than a natural
minor or harmonic minor due to the raised
sixth and seventh degrees.
The first mode of melodic minor is one note different from a major scale and one note different from
harmonic minor. A major scale can be changed to melodic minor by changing the major third to a
minor third. A natural minor scale is made into harmonic minor by raising the leading tone. Raising
one more pitch, the sixth, creates melodic minor. The melodic minor scale is one note brighter than
the harmonic minor scale and one note darker than a major scale. Three chords are shown below that
can be derived from melodic minor. The chord symbols Cmmaj 7 or Cmmaj 9 could call for the first
mode of harmonic minor or melodic minor. The last chord shown can only be derived from the
melodic minor as it includes both the raised sixth and seventh.
14.4
Melodic Minor
Cm maj 7
& w w b w w w n w n w w b n www
? w w bw w w nw nw w
w
Cm maj 9
ww
bw
nw
w
Cm 69maj 7
n ww
w
b n www
334
Chapter 14
Superlocrian
w w w
w
b
w
w
w
&w
?
# 9b 9
B7b 13
ww
w
w w a ww
w
w
b
w
w
w
w w
#9b9
B7b 13b 5
ww
ww
B7alt.
a www
This excerpt is from a recently written tune by Mike Stern using traditional harmonic progressions with
contemporary concepts. The Cm7 in m.1 connected to the F7 with outline no. 2 (considering the arpeggio with the Bb resolving to the A over the measure line), or outline no. 1 (beginning on the Eb and descending to the A over the measure line). Superlocrian was used over the F7, and still managed to connect to the Bb chord using outline no. 1 (An down the scale to D). Superlocrian is the seventh mode of a
harmonic minor scale. F is the seventh degree of Gb or F# melodic minor. To find the related melodic
minor scale for a dominant chord, count the root as 7 and go up to 1. All of the notes of the F# melodic
minor occurred in m.2, although some are enharmonically spelled. The dark superlocrian sound resolved to Bb major even thought the Db (C#), and the Gb suggested a resolution to Bb minor.
14.6
Cm 7
B bmaj7
b
& c j b b # b b b j
Chapter 14
335
Lydian dominant
#
F9 11
w b w w ww
&w w w w w
bw
bw w w
w
w
w
w
?w w
w
#
F13 11
w
b www
ww
Charlie Parker used lydian dominant on the B section of rhythm changes in ex. 14.8 below. The connection to A melodic minor is clear as he arpeggiated an A minor 1-3-5-7-9 over the D7. Wynton Kelly suggested the upper structures 7-9-#11-13 of the Ab7 and Eb7 chords in ex. 14.9 and 14.10 and Tete Montoliu
chose to play the entire descending scale over the B7 in ex. 14.11.
14.8
3
#
3
& c j # #
D9 11
336
Chapter 14
14.9
b#
n n b .
J
J
A 9 11
b
&b c
14.10
14.11
#
E b9 11
b
& b c b j b R
# # #
B7
# # # #
## # #
&c
#
The lydian dominant scale is sometimes called the overtone scale as the tones can be derived from the
first twelve tones of the harmonic series (see page 52). In some parts of the world as different and geographically separate as Brazil and Hungary, the lydian dominant scale is used in folk music. Bla Bartk
is a composer who used this sound (ex. 14.12) in the earlier part of the twentieth century.
14.12
A b Lydian Dominant
& 34 j b b b b
b b b b
b
b
b
b b b
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 7TH & 4TH MODES of MELODIC MINOR:
All of the modes of a melodic minor scale are related by sharing the same pitches. The superlocrian
and lydian dominant scales are linked by their sharing of the same tritone and are interchangeable as
dominants pointing to minor. An altered dominant points to the minor key a perfect fifth below, and
the tritone substitute dominant wants to resolve down a half-step to the same minor key. The third and
seventh of B7 are the enharmonically spelled seventh and third of the F7. The B7 and the F7 point to
the key of E minor. The Cn and Gn that indicate a resolution to E minor do not prohibit either of these
dominant chords from resolving to E major. The notes of the C melodic minor scale are shown in relation to the B7 alt. chord and the F9#11 chord in the example below.
14.13
F9 11
B7 alt.
&
w
R
w bw
b9
#9
? # ww
w
#11/b5 b13/#5
#11
b ww
w
w bw
w w
13
#11
Chapter 14
337
Melodic lines that work for one chord will also work with the other:
14.14
#
F13 11
Em
b
&
w
? ww
Em
b
w
B7alt.
w
w
ww
ww
Effect:
Dark as substitute for ii7
Bright as substitute for
ii7.
Play and listen to the chords below. Are they bright or dark? By themselves they could be either: dark
because of the diminished triad, and bright because of the major ninth interval. An aural test like this is
inconclusive because these sounds do not occur in isolation; they occur in some musical context. The
locrian #2 sound often substitutes for a ii7 or a ii7 chord. If the A7#2 shown below is used in place of
Am7, the ii7 chord in G major, it will sound dark because the expected En is lowered to an Eb. If the
A7#2 is used in place of A7, the ii7 chord in G minor, it will sound bright because the expected Bb is
raised to a Bn. Locrian #2 is not necessarily a better choice for a ii7 chord in minor as some jazz theorists suggest. It is a choice that brightens an expectation, but the traditional ii7 sound in minor should
not be neglected for the sake of sounding modern. To find the related melodic minor scale count the
root of the ii7#2 chord as 6 and count up to 1.
The #2 is actually the ninth of the chord, yet it is labeled a 2. It could have been labeled a n9, indicating a
major ninth above the root. This can be confusing, as the ii7 chord in its natural setting has a minor
ninth above the root. It could be labeled a #9, indicating raising the Bb to Bn. This is confusing as the #9
in the case of dominants is usually notated as its enharmonic (minor tenth) above the root. A minor
tenth above the An would be a Cn, which would not add the desired pitch. The #2 is the most common
compromise shorthand for this chord notation.
14.15
Locrian #2
A7 2
w
w
w
b
w
w
&w w w
b www
w w
w
b
w
w
w
w w
ww
#
A7 2
w
b www
ww
The 7#2 is often followed by an altered dominant, so that two different modes of melodic minor occur
side by side.
338
Chapter 14
Bill Evans used an F7 (locrian #2, sixth mode of Ab melodic minor) followed by a Bb7 (superlocrian,
seventh mode of B melodic minor). The line ascended an arpeggio over the F7 and descended over
the Bb7. The last four notes of the Bb7 were the #9-b9-R-7 of the chord, and pointed to Eb minor.
14.16
3
B b7#
b
b
J # # b b
& c b b b
F7
This line, from the same Evans improvisation, is very similar to the line in ex. 14.16, but is in C minor.
The exact notes Evans used for the Bb7 in the ex. 14.16 were transposed for the G7 chord in ex. 14.17.
Evans used locrian #2 (sixth mode of F melodic minor) for the D7, and suggested the superlocrian
(seventh mode of Ab melodic minor) for the G7.
14.17
G7
Cm 9
b
b b b
& c b b
D7
The raised second degree and altered ninths are not just modern jazz inventions. Clifford Brown used
G7 (locrian #2, sixth mode of Bb melodic minor) and suggested C7 (superlocrian, seventh mode of C#
melodic minor) in the ex. 14.18.
14.18
b C7
Fm
j
b
b
b
& c b
n
3
G7
Effect:
Ambiguous dominant.
n9 is bright &
b13 is dark
This dominant is ambiguous as to its destination. Does it point to major or minor? The b13 of G7 (Eb)
makes a case for C minor, but the An argues for C major. It is not used as often as other melodic minor
modes. To find the related melodic minor scale, count the root of the chord as 5 and count up to 1.
Chapter 14
14.19
Mixolydian b6
339
b 13
G9
w
w
b ww
b
w
w
&w w w w
w
bw w w
w
w
w
w
w
ww
Effect:
Ambiguous major 7
Bright #5
Augmented chords are ambiguous as they are missing a perfect fifth. Augmented chords built on the
third of a harmonic minor scale often sound like an augmented dominant chord in some inversion. The
addition of a major seventh to the chord intensifies the ambiguity because it creates a perfect fifth in
the chord between the third and the seventh. This causes confusion because the ear wants to make the
third sound like the root of the chord because of the perfect fifth above. This augmented major seventh
chord is often used in contemporary compositions for an unsettling effect. Substituting for a Imaj7 or a
IVmaj7 will eliminate the typical sense of resolution associated with major seventh chords. In those instances, the augmented fifth may be resolved up to the sixth degree or down to the n5 to gain a sense of
stability. The augmented fifth may be heard as unresolved dissonances from a preceding dominant
chord. For instance, a Bb7 b9 chord resolves to an Ebmaj7 chord. If the b9 of the Bb7 (Cb or enharmonic
Bn) is suspended into the Eb chord, the Bn would sound like the augmented fifth of the Eb chord.
14.20
Lydian augmented
#
E bmaj7 5
bw w
ww
& bw w w w w w w
w bw
? bw w w w w w
bw
G/E b
ww
w
bw
Tom Harrell used the lydian augmented sound in these two examples which ultimately resolved to C
major. The 3-5-7 tones of the Cmaj7#5 chord form an E major triad, and so the chord is often written
shorthand as E/C, meaning an E major triad over a C bass note.
#
Cm aj7 5
Cm aj7
& c # # n
14.21
Lydian augmented
Cm aj7 5
# j
Cm aj7
340
Chapter 14
Effect:
This mode is called dorian b2, but does not sound like and is rarely used to substitute for dorian mode.
The b2 makes it a closer relative to phrygian. Although a minor seventh chord can be built from the root
of this scale, it is rarely used as a substitute for a minor seventh chord. It can be used as a substitute for a
7susb9. The usual sound associated with a D7susb9 would be the fifth mode of G harmonic minor. The D
dorian b2 sound below is a shade brighter than G harmonic minor because of the Bn, but a shade darker
without the F#. When this mode is used to substitute for a D phrygian mode, it retains the significant b2,
but is brighter because of the Bn. A chord symbol that is associated with this scale includes a maj7#5 in
third inversion, where the seventh is in the bass as: Ebmaj7#5/D; and a 7#2 a fifth above the bass note
as: A7#2/D.
14.22
Dorian b2
b
D7sus 9
w w
& w bw w w w w w
b ww
w w
? w bw w w w w w
w
b
D7sus 9
b
D7sus 9
ww
w
ww
w
b www
w
b www
Effect:
b9 is darker,
n13 is bright
When a dominant chord in a major key indicates a b9 and a n13, then this scale is appropriate. There will
be another scale discussed later that will satisfy this sound, but it includes other changes not indicated
by the 13b9 chord symbol. The b9 of the dominant is the same pitch as the lowered sixth degree of the
major scale: the b9 of G7 (Ab) is the lowered sixth of C major scale. This chord is darker than a traditional dominant because of the b9, but bright because of the n13. This dominant chord wants to resolve
to major on the strength of the n13 which is the major third of the tonic chord.
Chapter 14
14.23
341
b9
G13
w
w
w
w
b ww
& w bw w w
w
w w
w
w
w
w
w bw
w
w
b
#9
E7 b 13
w w n www
& c w w w bw w w
w w # ww
? c w w w bw w w
w
342
Chapter 14
14.25
&w
R
bw
b9
#9
(3)
n5
b13
bw
bw
b9
#9
(3)
b5
b13
&w
R
Effect:
Dark as substitute for
ii7
This is another scale that may be used as a substitute for ii7 chords. When substituting for a ii7 chord,
the sound is darker because the lowered fifth of the scale changes the minor chord to diminished. It retains the bright major ninth. The chord symbol sometimes appears as a m9[b5]. This is a misleading, but
not uncommon shorthand. A minor chord must have a perfect fifth to be minor, the chord symbol
m9[b5], suggests a minor chord with the contradictory lowered fifth. The second mode of major b6 is almost indistinguishable from locrian #2, the sixth mode of melodic minor. The only note that is different
is the sixth degree. D7#2, as locrian #2 is based on the F melodic minor scale and has a Bb as the sixth
degree. D7#2, as the second mode of major b6 has a Bn as the sixth degree. A D7 chord usually precedes a G7 chord and improvisers tend to avoid any kind of a B over the D7 chord, not because of a
dissonance, but because the Bn is usually reserved for the upcoming chord as it identifies the G7 chord.
For this reason, it may be difficult to determine whether the improviser or composer suggested one
sound or the other as they may have avoided using the one pitch that determines the difference.
14.26
#
D7 2
w b www
& w w w w bw w w
w
w
? w w w w bw w w
w
Cannonball Adderley used the C7#2 in the place of the Cm9 chord in the key of Bb major in ex. 14.27.
The contrast between the darker Gb (from the parallel key of Bb minor) and the brighter Dn (suggesting
B b major) was carried over to the F7 chord. Both the C7 and the F7 chords could have been derived
from Bb major b6 as no other changes are suggested.
Chapter 14
14.27
343
C7#2 arpeggio
b
b j b j .
& c b b b J
C7 2
F13 9
Effect:
Bright as substitute for
i or iv
A minor chord with a major seventh (mmaj7) can be derived from the fourth mode of major b6. This is
the third scale available for a minor major seventh chord, the others being the first modes of harmonic
and melodic minor. Harmonic minor is the darkest as it has a lowered sixth degree; melodic minor is a
fraction brighter with its major sixth; fourth mode of major b6 is brighter still as it has a raised fourth
degree which can be the #11 of the chord. The Fmmaj9 #11 is spelled like a polychord Em over an Fm.
This is not a typical substitution for i or iv, but is a useful scale for melodic material when appropriate
or called for by the composition.
14.28
w w w
& w w bw w w
ww
w w bw
w
w
w
b
w
?w w
w
Fm maj 7
#
Fm maj 7 11
Fm maj 9
www
N ww
ww
b ww
b ww
The melodic material and the chord symbol suggest the fourth mode of major b6 as the correct sound
for this passage.
14.29
&c
#
Fm maj 9 11
n j j b j j
.
.
b
Effect:
Darker than major
scale by b6
344
Chapter 14
A major seventh chord an be built on the first degree of the major b6 scale. The lowered sixth degree of
a major b6 scale does not necessarily change the character of this chord. This scale can be superimposed over a I chord in major, and what changes is the passing tone between the fifth and seventh. This
scale may be used for augmented major seventh chords with the enharmonic b 6 acting as the # 5. A
Cmaj7b6 chord may sound like it has a suspension from dominant chord that proceeds it: The Ab from a
G7b9 might suspend over the Cmaj7 before resolving.
14.30
b
Cmaj7 6
#
Cmaj7 5
& w w w w w b w w w ww
b ww
? w w w w w bw w w w
E/C
# www
# www
Two chords can be generated from the sixth mode of major scale with a b6. Constructing with conventional thirds, it can create a scale for augmented major seventh chords (maj7# 5). A very dense augmented major seventh chord with a #9 can also be constructed. The first interval of the scale is an augmented second which sounds like a minor third. Using it as such, a diminished major seventh chord
(maj7) can be constructed. The diminished major seventh chord may appear as a triad over a bass
note: G/Ab.
14.31
#
A bm aj7 5
#9
#
b
A maj7 5
www
www
w
ww
w
ww
w
wbw
w
w
w
w
bw
bw w
bw
bw
bw
w wbw
w
w
w
w
& bw
?
G/A b
A bmaj7
Effect:
Brighter than the seventh mode of harmonic minor.
Chapter 14
345
A half diminished chord can be built on the seventh degree of a major scale. Lowering the sixth of the
major scale allows for a fully diminished chord on the seventh degree. This B7 diminished chord
seems to point to major since the En is in the scale. This scale and chord sounds like an inversion of the
G7b9 built on the fifth mode of major b6.
14.32
b w w B7
w
w
w
w
b ww
&w w
?
bw w
w
w
w
w
w w
ww
B7 (add E)
B7 (add G)
w
w
n ww
w
b ww
w
w
# www
CHORD TYPE
Major 7
Major 7 b6
ii7
Dominant 7 (#9, b9, b13, n5)
Minor (major 7)
Dominant 7 (b9, n13)
Major 7 #5
7, maj7
7
The sixth mode can be used for two types of chords and will both appear in the composition. The Eb
major b6 is used for the first three measures with its second mode at (a.), fifth mode at (b.), and the first
mode at (c.). The second and fifth modes of C major b6 appear at (d.) and (e.) before resolving to C
major in m.7.
The rhythm of this first phrase may be more interesting than the colorful scale choices. The first two
measures are in 34. Hemiola is implied in mm.3-4, the rhythm implying a 32 over the 34. The implied meter
change in mm.5-6 is 68 with the three eighth note groupings and dotted quarter notes. This rhythmic
interplay continues throughout the composition.
The sixth mode of G major b6 is implied for the Ebmaj7#5 at (f.) in m.9. The same G major b6 over a B7
would create a dominant that points to Em, so the Ebmaj7 #5 works like a functional dominant seventh
chord in first inversion resolving to the Em.
346
Chapter 14
b b
B 13 9
F7
a.
3
&4
b.
b b
e.
d.
&
b .
b .
E m aj7 5
j
b
Fm aj7
.
Cm aj7/E
Em 9
f.
& b j
E m aj7
Cm aj7
c.
G13 9
D7
E m aj7 6
The third mode of G major b6 returns at (g.) over a B7 creating a dominant sound that points to E minor, but resolves to E major. The G# could be retained so that at (h.) an E major b6 scale is suggested.
Two scales, E major and E major b6, alternate from mm.15-18, so that the only note that changes is the
C # to Cn and back. The modes name is determined by the bass note so that (i.) is the first mode, (h.) is
the fifth, and (j.) is the fourth mode. F# major b6 applies in mm.23-24 using the second mode at (k.) and
the fifth at (l.).
14.33b Bert Ligon: View from the Bridge, cont.
b9
F 7
B7
b 13
g.
& j #
Em aj7
F 7/B
h.
Em aj7
&
j
#
Am m aj 7/E
i.
#
J
j
# .
Am m aj 7
Em aj7
&
# j
j.
Em aj7
G 7
F 7/B
h.
.
# b
C 13 9
l.
#
#
k.
The G7 chord in m.27 could be labeled an E7 in first inversion functioning as the vii7 of F minor. The
sixth mode of Ab major b6 could be used at (n.). This is the second chord type in the piece that used the
sixth mode. The Eb triad over the E in the bass at (o.) can also use the Ab major b6 scale. The Ab major b6
scale works well in the measures surrounding the F minor. F minor aeolian is the key of four flats, and
the same four flats are in the Ab major b6 scale. A dominant sound associated with Ab major b6 is built on
the third mode of the scale and that C7 points to F minor. In that sense, the G7 and the Eb/E function
like a C7 pointing to the Fm. The sixth mode of C major b6 could be applied to Abmaj7 #5 at (p.). The
Chapter 14
347
short return of the first phrase is set in different inversions of the same chords in mm.33-35. The F7/Bb
at (q.) uses the fifth mode and the G/Ab at (r.) uses the fourth mode of Eb major b6. Earlier in the piece,
at m.9, a maj7#5 chord was used to imitate a dominant chord in first inversion. The Gbmaj7#5 at (s.) uses
the same scale, Bb major b6, as a D7 that points to G minor.
14.33c Bert Ligon: View from the Bridge, cont.
G m aj7
G m aj7/B
G7
Fm 7
b b
& b j b b b b j
b N j b
n.
b b
E /E
b j
o.
&
9
F7/B
q.
p.
A m aj7 5
G m aj7 5
E m aj7/G
r.
G/A
j
b b
Dm 9
&
D /E
b b
s.
b j b b
The last phrase of the piece moves between the Gm9 and its quasi-dominant chord, the Gbmaj7#5. The
one note that changes between the sixth mode of Bb major b6 and G aeolian is the Gb to Gn in the bass;
all other notes remain the same. The hemiola rhythm returns in mm.41-42.
The ending restates the melodic material from m.36 and ends on a polychord: a G minor over an Ab
minor, (t.). A label could be forced on this chord naming it an Abm maj9 #11, but the polychord may be
the easier designation. The fourth mode of Eb major b6 applies for this sound.
14.33d Bert Ligon: View from the Bridge, cont.
Gm 9
Gm 9
s.
Gm 9
G m aj7 5
.
&
s.
& .
G m aj7 5
Gm 9
b
J
G m aj7 5
s.
G m aj7 5
j
b .
b .
j b b b
ENDING ONLY:
F/F
&
F /E
b b
B /E
D /B
B/A
Gm
A m
t.
348
Chapter 14
w
& w w bw w #w #w w w w #w#w w #w w w bw w #w w w w w bw bw nw #w
w
bw w #w
bw bw nw #w w
w
w
w
w
? w w bw w #w #w w w
#
w
w
w
w
#w#w
The diminished scale lends itself to some very colorful chords that go beyond what is available from
functional vii7 chords. A few are shown in 14.35 over a D7.
Chapter 14
14.35
D7
349
D7(add E )
& # ww
w
# # www
w
# ww
? w
w
w
w
w
Dm aj7(add E )
w
# n # www
w
w
D7(add G)
D7(add B b)
n ww
w
b ww
w
# www
# www
The half-whole diminished scale is associated with dominant chords. Transposition works the same for
half-whole as with whole-half. A C half-whole is the same scale as Eb, F#, and A half-whole diminished
scales.
14.36
w
& w b w b w n w # w w w b w w # w w w w w b w b w n w # w wb w w # w # w w w w
w
? w b w b w n w # w w w b w w # w w w w w b w b w n w # w wb w w # w # w w w w
Many scales available for dominant substitutions have clear functions, pointing to either major or minor, working as a tritone substitution or a backdoor dominant. The half-whole dominant scale is ambiguous and can found substituting for any kind of dominant. The alterations and upper extensions
available are numerous and often contradictory. The C7 shown below has the following alterations and
extensions: b9, #9, #11, and n13. The presence of the b9 and #9 (Db and Eb) suggests the C7 points to F minor. The n13 (An) indicates F major as the goal. The #11 (F#) suggests the C7 is either a tritone substitute
for F#7 pointing to B minor or a backdoor dominant moving up to D major. The ambiguity is part of
the attraction to the half-whole diminished scale as a dominant substitute.
14.37
b
C7 9
&
w
b b ww
? c ww
# 11
# 11
C7b 9
C7# 9
b b # www
# b # www
ww
ww
b9
C13# 11
b b # wwww
ww
#
C7 9
b9 #9
C13# 11
b # ww
www
#
# w
ww
b b wwww
w
Another attractive feature of diminished scales is that melodic shapes can be transposed and sequences
to three other pitch levels within scale. Two three-note motives are sequenced at the interval of a minor
third in ex. 14.38.
350
Chapter 14
14.38
C7
&c
# b
#
C7
b b .
b b b #
# b b .
no common pseudonym
The whole tone scale can only be transposed once. There are only two mutually exclusive six note scales
constructed by whole-step intervals. The whole tone scale is associated with augmented triads and dominant chords with augmented fifths. It is not widely used, but can be an effective color. The dominant
chord tends to want to resolve to major. The n9 indicates major and the #5, when it resolves up in the direction in which it has been altered, resolves to a major third. The #5 (G#) of the C9#5 chord below, resolves up to an An, the third of F major. There is a slight difference between a C9#5 and C9b13, even
though the #5 and b13 are enharmonically identical. The difference is revealed by the resolutions: The #5
wants to resolve up to the third of the next chord; the b13 moves down to the ninth.
When two or more dominants separated by a whole-step are present in a progression, the whole tone
scale may be used to connect them. For instance, a repeating progression of C7 - Bb7 - Ab7 - Bb7 could
use the same whole tone scale.
14.39
&w
?w
w #w #w
bw
w #w #w
bw
14.40
#
C7 5
bw bw
w bw
bw bw
w bw
b
C7 5
#
C9 5
# ww
b ww
# www
# ww
# ww
? c b ww
bw
w
bw
w
bw
w
&
AUGMENTED
Other Name:
##
C9 5 11
no common pseudonym
The augmented scale is an unusual scale of limited transposition. It is constructed with the alternating intervals: m3-m2-m3-m2-m3-m2. The unusual construction limits its use in traditional settings. Improvisers
and composers who use this scale and sonorities from this scale may superimpose it over traditional
settings for effect or create new music suited for these sounds. The diminished scale could be con-
Chapter 14
351
structed by adding a leading tone to the four diminished chord tones. The augmented scale is similarly
constructed by adding leading tones to an augmented chord. The colorful scale has been used by many
composers of the twentieth century including Bla Bartk as shown in ex. 14.42.
14.41
Diminished Scale =
Augmented Scale =
&
14.42
& 34
# #
Augmented Scale
11
n b
b n # 11 n b
Because of its symmetry there are only two modes of the augmented scale. The scale can only be transposed to four unique pitch sets as shown below.
14.43
Augmented Scales:
C, E, & Ab
D, F#, & Bb
Db, F, & A
Eb, G, & B
b
& # # b # b # b #
b b n b n
b
b # b b n b n b
? # # b #
The most common chords derived from the augmented scale are a major 7 chord with a #5 and a minor
chord with a major seventh. Some unusual chords may be created that may be difficult and misleading
for traditional names. The last chord below might be better labeled a B augmented triad over a C augmented triad.
14.44
Em maj 7
A bm maj 7
#
Em aj7 5
#
Cmaj7 5
#
A bmaj7 5
#9
#
Cmaj7 5
& c # ww
w
b www
b b www
b n b www
n # www
www
# n www
?c w
bw
nw
bw
# www
The augmented scale is sometimes used over conventional chords for effect even though there are conflicting tones. Three major triads derived from the augmented scale are used over the C7 in the line in
352
Chapter 14
ex. 14.45. The C triad obviously has no conflicts with C7. The Ab suggests the b13 (Ab) and the #9 (Eb). The
E triad contains the Bn, which contradicts the dominant seventh of C7, and adds a spice to the line.
14.45
&c
b b
b # n
J
b .
(C)
(A b)
(E)
The inversion of the line can be used over a minor chord. The three major triads when inverted become Cm, Em and Abm. There are notes in ex. 14.46 that momentarily contradict the Cm, but as in the
previous example, symmetry and linear motion are more important to the melodic success.
14.46
Cm
(A bm)
(Cm)
&
b
j
b n
(Cm)
(Em)
The best use for an augmented scale may be to depart from the traditional sounds. In the ex. 14.47, all
four of the augmented scales are used over a C pedal, each giving different color to the passage. All of
the scales contain some tones that may related to C, but the line is held together more from motivic relationships that tones related to a tonic pitch.
Four augmented scales occur in the following example. Eb augmented scale (a., d., h., k. and l.), C#
augmented scale: (b., f. and j.), C augmented scale: (c. and g.), and D augmented scale: (e. and i.).
14.47
C Pedal
&c
b .
& . # j
b J b b . b j
.
n J # n b
& j # # b b n
b
& # n # b n b
b
b J b
.
j j
b
b b
j
j # b b j # b
# # b n b
b
Chapter 14
353
CHORD TYPE
Major 7
Minor 7
Minor 7
Major 7
Dominant 7
Minor 7
7
HARMONIC MINOR
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
CHORD TYPE
Minor (major 7)
7
Major 7 #5
Minor 7
Dominant 7
Major 7
7
MELODIC MINOR
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
CHORD TYPE
Minor (major 7)
Minor 7 (b9)
Major 7 #5
Dominant 9 #11
Lydian dominant
Dominant 9 b13
7 #2
Dominant 7
(#9, b9, b13, b5,)
5th
6th
7th
MAJOR with a b6
(Harmonic Major)
1st
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
6th
7th
CHORD TYPE
Major 7
Major 7 b6
ii7 #2
Dominant 7
(#9, b9, b13, n5)
Minor (major 7) #11
Dominant 7 (b9, n13)
Major 7 #5
7, maj7
7
1/2W DIMINISHED
CHORD TYPE
Dominant 7
(b9, #9, n13, #11)
W1/2 DIMINISHED
CHORD TYPE
7, 7 with added notes
WHOLE TONE
CHORD TYPE
Dominant 7 (9, #5)
AUGMENTED
CHORD TYPE
Major 7 #5
Major 7
minor (major 7)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
CHORD TYPE
Major 7
Major 7
Major 7
Major 7
Major 7
SCALE SOURCE
Ionian; 1st mode Major
Lydian; 4th mode Major
6th mode Harmonic Minor
Major with a b6
Augmented
CHARACTERISTICS
n4, 7
#11
#9, #11
b6 or b13
Maj/Min3, 5, #5 or b6
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
CHORD TYPE
Minor 7
Minor 7
Minor 7
Minor 7
Minor 7
SCALE SOURCE
CHARACTERISTICS
Dorian; 2nd mode Major
Major 6, m3
b2, b6
Phrygian; 3rd mode Major
b6, b3
Aeolian; 6th mode Major
#4
4th mode Harmonic Minor
Dorian b 2; 2nd mode Melodic b2
Minor
354
Chapter 14
11.
12.
13.
CHORD TYPE
7
7
7
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
CHORD TYPE
Minor/Major 7
Minor/Major 7
Minor/Major 7
Minor/Major 7
SCALE SOURCE
1st mode Harmonic Minor
1st mode Melodic Minor
4th mode Major with a b6
Augmented
CHARACTERISTICS
b6
n6
#11
Maj/Min3, 5, #5
SCALE SOURCE
3rd mode Harmonic Minor
3rd mode Melodic Minor
Major with a b6
CHARACTERISTICS
#5, n4
#5, #11
n5, b13
22.
23.
CHORD TYPE
Major 7 #5
Major 7 #5
Major 7 #5
Major 7 b6 or b13
Major 7 #5
Major 7 #5
24.
25.
CHORD TYPE
Diminished 7
Diminished 7
SCALE SOURCE
7th mode Harmonic Minor
Diminished W 1/2
26.
27.
Diminished 7
Diminished 7
CHARACTERISTICS
Traditional sound
Tones whole step above each chord
member available
28.
29.
30.
CHORD TYPE
Dominant 7
Dominant 7
Dominant 7
32.
Dominant 7
33.
Dominant 7
35.
36.
37.
39.
Dominant
Dominant
Dominant
Dominant
19.
20.
21.
7
7
7
7
SCALE SOURCE
CHARACTERISTICS
b5, b2
Locrian; 7th mode Major
b5, b2
2nd mode Harmonic Minor
#
Locrian 2; 6th mode of Melodic #2
Minor
#2
2nd mode Major with a b6
SCALE SOURCE
Mixolydian; 5th mode Major
5th mode Harmonic Minor
Lydian b 7; 4th mode Melodic
Minor
Super locrian; 7th mode Melodic
Minor
Mixolydian b6; 5th mode Melodic
Minor
5th mode Major with a b6
3rd mode Major with a b6
Diminished 1/2 W
Whole Tone
Maj/Min3, 5, #5
CHARACTERISTICS
n9, n5, 13
b9, b13
9, #11, 13
There are nine individual scale sounds for a dominant chord. Each has specific alterations that imply
several possible resolutions. These dominants may point to the major or minor key a perfect fifth below,
function as a tritone substitute dominant resolving down a half-step to a major or minor key, or act as a
backdoor dominant resolving up a whole-step to a major key. The destination of some dominants may
be unclear because of certain ambiguous chord tones. The nine possible dominant sounds for C7 are
shown below.
Chapter 14
355
A C7 built on the dominant of F major scale will obviously point to the key of F major. The chord may
have a n5, n13 and n9.
14.48
& w w w w w w b w w ww
bw
? w w w w w w b w w ww
A C7 built on the dominant of F harmonic minor points to F minor. The chord may have a n5, b13 and
b9. This sound may resolve to F major, but with an Ab and Db, points to F minor.
14.49
b9
C7b 13
& w b w w w w b w b w w b b ww
bw
? w b w w w w b w b w w ww
A C7 built on the fifth mode of F melodic minor may point to F major or F minor. The n9 (Dn) points to
F major; the b13 (Ab) points to F minor. The context surrounding the C7 will help determine the expected resolution.
14.50
b
C9 13
& w w w w w b w b w w b ww
bw
? w w w w w b w b w w ww
356
Chapter 14
A C7 built on the third mode of Ab major b6 points to the key of F minor. The Db, Eb, Ab and Bb are all
tones common to F minor and offer these alterations for the C7: b9, #9, and b13. Any dominant sound
that points to minor may resolve to major.
14.51
#9
C7b 13
& w b w b w b w w b w b w w b b ww
bw
? w b w b w b w w b w b w w ww
A C7 chord built from the seventh mode of Db melodic minor contains the same tones that pointed to
F minor as the Ab major b6, Db, Eb, Ab and Bb, and the additional altered tone Gb. This sound may resolve
to F major even though it points to F minor.
14.52
b
& w b w b w b w b w b w b w w b b www
bw
? w b w b w b w b w b w b w w ww
A C7 constructed from the fifth mode of F major b 6 suggests a resolution to F major. The An is the
strongest indicator as the n13 of C7 and the major third of F. The Db may suggest F minor, but the An exerts the strongest force indicating a resolution to F major.
14.53
b
C13 9
& w b w w w w w b w w b ww
b w
? w b w w w w w b w w ww
A C7 constructed from a half-whole diminished scale is an ambiguous pointer. It points many places
and definitively to no single place. A case can be made for several resolutions, its ambiguity being one
of the attractive characteristics of this sound.
The Db and Eb, the b,9 and #9 of C7, suggest a resolution to F minor. The An, n13 of C7, points to F major.
The F# suggests the chord may be a tritone substitute for F#7 pointing to B minor (because of the Gn and
A n) or to B major (the enharmonic Eb = D#, the major third of B) The F# also suggests the possibility of
the C7 chord being a backdoor dominant to D major.
Chapter 14
14.54
357
b9
#
C13 9
C13# 11
& w b w b w n w # w w w b w w b # www
b w
? w bw bw nw #w w w bw w
ww
b ww
w
bw
# www
bw
w
b b www
w
w
The C7 constructed from the whole tone scale points to F major. The Dn (n9) suggests the key of F major.
The scale does not contain the major third of F, but contains a G#, a pitch that typically resolves up to
an An.
14.55
#
C9 5
& w w w # w # w b w w # ww
b w
? w w w # w # w b w w ww
b
C9 13
#
C9 5
& b www
bw
#w
b www
www
bw
? w
b
C9 13
b www
bw
w
#
C9 5
ww
ww
w
b www
#w
b www
ww
ww
w
The C7 built from the fourth mode of G harmonic minor does not point to F major or F minor. The F#
suggests that this sound may be a tritone substitute dominant for F#7. The Dn and Gn suggest that the C7
as a tritone substitute chord for F#7 is pointing to B minor and not B major. It could be used to resolve
to B major, as all dominants that point to minor may resolve to major. These same pitches over an F#7
would be called superlocrian, the seventh mode of G melodic minor, which explains whey this sound
over C7 points to B minor. This chord/scale sound may occur in this progression: Gmaj7 - C9# 11 Dmaj7, where the C7 is acting as a backdoor dominant pointing to D major.
358
Chapter 14
14.57
#
C13 11
& w w w # w w w b w w # www
b w
? w w w # w w w b w w ww
HEXATONIC OPTIONS
Some of the scale choices are very similar with only one note difference between two scales. C7 with #9
and b13 could be derived from 3rd mode of Ab major b6 or 7th mode of Db melodic minor. The seventh
mode of Db melodic minor contains Gb and the third mode of Ab major b6 contains Gn. Another option
is to use a hexatonic scale (six tones) which omits G.
14.58
Superlocrian (7th Db melodic minor):
& w bw bw Nw w bw bw w w bw bw Nw bw bw bw w w bw bw Nw
? w bw bw Nw w bw bw w w bw bw Nw bw bw bw w w bw bw Nw
bw bw w
bw bw w
A C7#2 could be derived from the sixth mode of Eb melodic minor or from the second mode of Bb
major b6. The one note distinguished the two scales is the A or Ab. An option is to use a hexatonic scale
eliminating any type of A.
14.59
Locrian #2 (6th of Eb melodic minor):
& w Nw bw w bw bw bw w w Nw bw w bw Nw bw w w Nw bw w bw
? w Nw bw w bw bw bw w w Nw bw w bw Nw bw w w Nw bw w bw
bw w
bw w
Chapter 14
359
360
Chapter 14
only suggests four notes of a seven note scale. The composer or arranger may assume the performer can
determine the appropriate sound and scale choice from the context and melodic implications. A C7
with An and Dn in the melody does not suggest some exotic dominant scale with alterations, but C7 as
the V7 of F major, using the F major scale. Another C7 with An, Dn and the additional tone F# suggests
the very specific C lydian dominant scale.
A C7 chord may be labeled with the alterations #9 and b13. Two scales are possible with those alterations:
superlocrian (seventh mode of Db melodic minor with a Gb) or the third mode of Ab major b6 (with a
G n). If there is a Gn in the melody, then the composer has made the choice for the performer. The context may be overruled by the melody.
There will be instances that the composer has included notes in the melody to contradict expectations.
A C7 in the progression G7 - C7 - Fm7, even without any indicated alterations, would be assumed to
have a b13 and b9 in the context of F minor and the key of four flats. If the melody contains a Db combined with an F# and An, then the composer has suggested the half-whole diminished scale rather than
the expected fifth mode of harmonic minor.
A single note can make the difference between one sound and another. A single pitch determines major
and minor triads or distinguishes mixolydian from dorian. One significant pitch in the melody can indicate enormous differences in musical expectations. A C9 would typically be the V7 of F major. If F# is
significantly present in the melody, then the C9 chord is a C9#11, the tritone substitute dominant to B
minor or the backdoor dominant to D major, two completely different expectations than F major.
Major seventh chords typically function as I or IV and call for a major or lydian sound even in settings
out of the major/minor traditions. The Abmaj7 and the Gm7 chord in ex. 14.60 could be derived from
the key of three flats as IV and iii in the key of Eb. The Dn in the melody confirms that Abmaj7 is not a I
chord. The Gm7 chord cannot be a iii7 chord in Eb because of the melody note An. The Gm7 chord
must be from the key signature of one flat (dorian) or two flats (aeolian). The most appropriate choice
is G aeolian as the change from three flats to two flats is the path of least resistance: the listener retains
the Eb suggested in the previous measure and nothing has occurred in the Gm7 measure to change that
expectation. Ab lydian is determined by melodic implications, the Gm7 aeolian by melodic implications
and context.
14.60
A bm aj7
b b n .
&c
Gm7
The same two chords occur in ex. 14.61 with different results. The Abmaj7 - Gm7 cannot be IV - iii in the
key of Eb. The Abmaj7 is confirmed to be a lydian sound with Dn in the melody. There is no A of any
kind in the melody to contradict the Ab that precedes it, but the strong presence of the En in the melody
indicates that this must a be G dorian sound, which is the key of one flat. Both appropriate sounds are
determined by melodic implications.
14.61
A bmaj7
Gm7
J b
& c b J
J
Chapter 14
361
The Dn in the melody in ex. 14.62 again confirms the lydian sound (three flats) for the Abmaj7 chord.
There are no notes in the melody over the Gm7 that contradict the key of three flats so the Gm7 and Ab
chords could be bracketed in the key of three flats or as an Ab lydian sound followed by a G phrygian
sound.
14.62
A bm aj7
b
.
& c b
Gm7
These two chords cannot be bracketed by one sound since no key signature contains a Cm7 and an Am7
chord. The Dn over the Cm7 eliminates a phrygian sound and leaves a choice between C dorian (2b) or
C aeolian (3b). There are no clues within the measure to rule out one sound in favor of the other. A Bn is
indicated by the Am9 chord symbol and an Fn can be retained from C dorian or aeolian, so the appropriate sound for Am9 is aeolian (no #s and no bs). If the first scale is C dorian, which contains an An that
anticipates the Am9, then only two pitches change from the first to the second measure: the Eb and Bb
change to Bn and En.
14.63
.
&c
Cm 7
Am 9
A major seventh chord that begins a progression will probably sound like a I chord unless somehow
contradicted. The contradiction could be a raised fourth degree in the melody or other harmonic
pointers. The Ebmaj7 in ex. 14.64 would probably be interpreted as a major or ionian sound since there
is no An to contradict that sound. An A7 chord follows, but the context that matters in making scale selections concerns sounds that precede the chord/scale in question. This could simply be a I chord followed by a ii7 of G minor if judging by the chord symbols. The melody reveals a Bn over the A7
which indicates an A locrian #2 sound, the sixth mode of C melodic minor.
14.64
E bm aj7
A7
& c b b n .
The Am7 in ex. 14.65 must be an aeolian sound indicated by the context of the Fn in the preceding measure and the Bn in the melody. Is the E7 based on the harmonic minor scale? The E7 has a Gn (#9), Fn
(b9) and Cn (n13). Two scales have a #9, b9 and n13: the superlocrian (seventh mode of F melodic minor),
and the third mode of C major b6. There is no Bb to indicate a superlocrian sound, so the best choice
for clarity is the third mode of C major b6. Looking for the path of least resistance confirms the choice.
One note changes from third mode of C major b6 to A aeolian: the Ab to An. Two notes would have to
change from E superlocrian to A aeolian: the Ab and Bb up to An and Bn.
362
Chapter 14
14.65
E7
& c J
Am 7
The D7 in ex. 14.66 could be a lydian dominant sound (fourth mode of A melodic minor) with the n13
and #11 in the melody. The F7 has the same chord tones in the melody and could also be lydian dominant (fourth mode of C melodic mode.) Another alternative is to bracket the D7 and F7 with a halfwhole diminished scale which is suggested by the two chord symbols and the melodic material. The D7
(D - F# - A - C) plus the F7 (F - A - C - Eb) plus the melody notes (G#, B and F#) create the scale: D - Eb - F
- F# - G# - A - B - C - D. The E7, with the b13 and b9 could be the fifth mode of harmonic minor or the
third mode of C major b6. An E superlocrian might sound odd with a Bb since the two preceding measures and the final measure contain a Bn. The Am7 follows an E7 with a b 9 (Fn) and with Bn in the
melody, so it must be aeolian.
14.66
D7
& c .
F7
j
# J .
E7
J
J
Am 7
J .
The Bn in the melody indicates the Fmaj7 is a IV chord or a lydian sound (no sharps and no flats) and
not a I chord in ex 14.67. The Dm7 must be dorian with the Bn in the previous measure and the En in the
melody. Both chords can be bracketed with the key signature of no sharps and no flats.
14.67
Fmaj7
&c
J .
Dm 7
A D7 with a b9 in the melody might indicate the fifth mode of harmonic minor, but the Bn suggests some
other sound may be more appropriate. Two scales have a b9 and n13: half-whole diminished and the fifth
mode of G major b6. None of the more unusual alterations associated with half-whole are present, so G
major b6 is the logical choice. The Gmaj7 should be G major scale: no listener would expect the Eb to
carry over, and there is no Eb in that measure.
14.68
D7
Gm aj7
& c jb J .
The chord symbol and melody identify Db lydian augmented (third mode of Bb melodic minor) as the
scale sound for Dbmaj7#5 in ex. 14.69. The chord symbol and melody indicate lydian dominant (fourth
mode of Db melodic minor) for the Gb9#11. F aeolian can be inferred from the context and the melody:
the Db in the previous measures rules out F dorian, and the Gn in the melody rules out phrygian.
Chapter 14
14.69
#
D bm aj7 5
& 34
#
G b9 11
363
Fm 7
The first Dm7 in ex 14.70 could be aeolian or dorian as there is no Bn or Bb to make a determination.
The Ebmaj7 must be lydian (2bs) in the context of chords and melodic line containing An. The second
Dm7 with the 9 (E) in the chord symbol and the Bb in the previous measure suggests D aeolian (1b) and
so that may be the best choice retrospectively for the first Dm7. The Dbmaj7 should be treated with as
lydian (4b) as there have been Gns in the preceding measures.
14.70
E maj7
j
3
& 4 J b
Dm 7
Dm9
D bm aj7
The Cn in the melody and the F# implied by the chord symbol indicates E aeolian in the first measure of
ex. 14.71. The An, a scale tone of E dorian, is not canceled so Eb lydian (2b) is the logical choice for the
second measure.
14.71
Em9
&c
E bmaj7
J J .
The Eb chord in the first measure of ex. 14.72 must be lydian with the An melodic note. A Gm7/C chord
symbol always indicates mixolydian (a ii7 chord over a dominant bass note). Since C mixolydian precedes the Fmaj7, they can logically be grouped into the same key signature of one flat.
14.72
E bm aj7
&c
Gm 7/C
Fmaj7
When Ebmaj7 is followed by Abmaj7, as in ex. 14.73 they sound like the I and IV chords in the key of Eb.
The D7 to Gm7 could be treated traditionally like a V7/vi to vi so that the D7 could be the fifth mode of
harmonic minor. Other options for the D7 chord include the third mode of Bb major b6 which has the
A n which anticipates the D7 measure, or D superlocrian (seventh mode of Eb melodic minor) which retains the Ab from the previous measure.
364
Chapter 14
14.73
E bm aj7
A bmaj7
& 34
j D7.
n b
Gm7
# .
The following composition utilizes several sounds not available from the major or harmonic minor
scales. The Ebmaj7#5 and Dbmaj7#5 chords are Lydian augmented (third mode of C and Bb melodic minor) with the augmented fourth and fifth degrees present in the melody. The D7#2 is locrian #2 (sixth
mode of F melodic minor). The C7susb9 could be a phrygian mode or retaining the An from the previous two measures, continue the Bb melodic minor making that measure C dorian b2. The chord symbol,
C7 with the b5 and b9, calls for C superlocrian (seventh mode of Db melodic minor) in m.8. The chord
symbol, Fmmaj 7, and En in the melody indicate F melodic minor in m.9. F melodic minor continues
through mm.11-12 over the Bb9#11 lydian dominant chord. The Am9 chord symbol and the previous Fn
makes mm.12-14 A aeolian. In this context, the Bb chord over the A bass note must be A phrygian. This
sixteen measure phrase used four different melodic minor scales: C, F, Bb, Db melodic minor.
14.74a Bert Ligon: First section of Silhouette
#
E bmaj7 5
& 34
#
D bm aj7 5
j
b
#
B b9 11
Fm maj 7
&
.
.
b5
C7b 9
b .
B bm aj7/A
Am9
j j
.
&
.
b
C7sus 9
&
5
#
D7 2
13
The B section of Silhouette begins with an Fmaj7#5 chord indicating F lydian augmented (third mode of
D melodic minor), which leads to F# m7 aeolian. The Fmaj7# 5 chord sounds convincing as a chord
pointing to F#m. This is because C#7, the dominant of F# minor and its altered sound, superlocrian, is a
relative of Fmaj7#5 sharing the same D melodic minor scale.
The chord that follows the next Fmaj7#5 chord is Dmmaj7 so the D melodic minor carries through both
measures. The D melodic minor will not work for the Fmaj7#5/Bb chord. The Bb has canceled the Bn, so
this must be the sixth mode of D harmonic minor. The D harmonic minor continues through the
E7/A chord.
Chapter 14
365
#
Fm aj7 5
#
Fm aj7 5
Dm maj 7
&
17
&
21
#
F9 11
#
A bm aj7 5
&
#
Fm aj7 5/B b
E7/A
#
A b9 11
Cm maj 7
.
&
25
F #m 9
C/G
D7/G
29
B bmaj7
b
& b c www
Traditional progression:
E bm aj7
ww
w
? b cw
w
b
b
G7 9
ww
w
b ww
nw
ww
w
w
ww
b
& b ww
w
F13
B bmaj7
ww
w
ww
w
www
? b ww
b
w
w
ww
ww
Cm7
366
Chapter 14
In ex. 14.76, the IV has been replaced by an Eb lydian dominant (fourth mode of Bb melodic minor)
which changes it to a tritone substitute dominant pointing to the iii7 chord Dm7. The Dm7 has been replace by a D7 (ii7/ii) which creates a stronger pull to the G7 chord. The G7 chord suggests the
slightly more colorful third mode of Eb major b6 or superlocrian (seventh mode of Ab melodic minor)
instead of the fifth mode of harmonic minor. The G7 still points to the ii7 chord Cm7. The F7 chord
suggests third mode of Db major b6 or superlocrian (seventh mode of Gb melodic minor) which mirrors
the G7. This altered F7 points to Bb minor, not Bb major, which makes the resolution back to the key of
Bb major more powerful.
14.76
B bm aj7
b
& b www
? b w
b w
D7
G7b 13
ww
ww
w
w
b www
#9
bb
Cm9
F7b 13
w
b ww
b b
? b b ww
w
w
&
#9
#
E b9 11
b ww
w
b9
F7b 13
B bmaj7
www
ww
w
ww
ww
b9
G7b 13
Ex. 14.77 begins and ends in Bb major with many substitute colors in between. An A7 chord is in place of
the IV chord Eb acting as the dominant pointing to iii7. The A7 chord with a 13 and #11 suggests halfwhole diminished or the fifth mode of D major b6. The iii7 chord, Dm7 has been replaced by a D7#9, a
secondary dominant pointing to G. The D7 could be half-whole diminished or the third mode of Bb major b6. The top four voices of the A7 moved chromatically down the D7, and continued to do so through
to the F7. The sequential treatment means that the G7 is either half-whole diminished or the fifth mode
of C major b6; the C7 is either half-whole diminished or the fifth mode of Ab major b6; and the F7 is either half-whole diminished or the fifth mode of Bb major b6. The A triad over the Bb bass, with the C#
and the En indicate the sixth mode of D harmonic minor. The C# and the En are non-harmonic tones
that resolve up to the chord tones D and F, but D harmonic minor is the implied scale sound.
Chapter 14
367
14.77
b
& b www
#
A13 11
ww
b
#w
#
D7 9
#
G13 11
? b w
b w
w
w
# ww
nw
w
B bm aj7
w
n ww
n bn www
#
C7 9
#
F13 11
b www
b ww
w
# n www
w
ww
? b b n ww
w
w
ww
ww
&
bb
A/B b
B bmaj7
The version in ex. 14.78 begins with Bb as a I chord. The IV chord has been changed to the tritone substitute dominant pointing to Dm. Eb9 #11 calls for lydian dominant (fourth mode of Bb melodic minor)
as would the A7 alt. dominant for which it substitutes. The Dm7 has been changed to a secondary dominant that points to G minor. With the b13 and #9, Bb major b6 is indicated. A D superlocrian might be
used, but there is no Ab indicated by the chord symbol or the previous context. The original G7 has
been replaced by its tritone substitute dominant Db9#11, indicating Db lydian dominant (fourth mode of
A b lydian dominant). Gb9 #11 is the tritone substitute dominant for C7, and either dominant calls for Db
melodic minor. F7 has been replaced by its tritone substitute dominant, B9#11, and calls for F# melodic
minor. The final resolution has been brightened with the addition of the En, indicating Bb lydian rather
than the expected Bb major.
14.78
B bmaj7
b
& b www
w
? b
b w
#
G b9 11
b
& b b www
? b b b ww
bw
#9
#
E b9 11
D7b 13
#
D b9 11
ww
# ww
b ww
w
b www
ww
w
#
B9 11
#
B bmaj7 11
# # n www
n wwww
# nn www
ww
w
www
bw
ww
ww
ww
w
368
Chapter 14
The progression in ex. 14.79 is a sequence: ii7/iii - V/iii7 - ii7/ii - V7/ii - ii7/i - V7/i - I. Each of the
ii7 chords have the # 2 added indicating locrian # 2 (sixth mode of melodic minor). Each dominant,
with the 13 and #11 are half-whole diminished. The final chord is the brighter Bb lydian.
14.79
#
E7 2
b
& b # www
&
b b www
#
D7 2
#
G13 11
n www
n # # www
# ww
w
b www
n ww
w
#
C7 2
#
F13 11
#
B bmaj7 11
n www
n # www
ww
w
n www
www
ww
w
ww
w
? b n www
b
bb
#
A13 11
? b b b www
A number of different possibilities are shown below that may be combined over a traditional pre-dominant - dominant - tonic progression. The chords in column one do not necessarily connect to all the
chords in column two. For instance, the Bb9 #11 as backdoor dominant is typically preceded by a IV
(Fmaj7) or a ii7 (Dm7), and rarely if at all preceded by the secondary V7 chord D7.
PRE-DOMINANT
Dm7 (2nd of C major)
D7#2 (2nd of C major b6)
D7#2 (6th of F m.m.)
D7 as Secondary dominant (5th
of G major or G minor)
D7 as Secondary dominant (3rd
of Bb major b6)
D7 as Secondary dominant (7th
of Eb m.m.)
b
A 7 as tritone substitute dominant
(7th of Eb m.m.)
DOMINANT
G7 (5th of C major)
G7 (5th of C h.m.)
G7 (5th of C major b6)
G7 (3rd of Eb major b6)
D7 or Ab7 (1/2W)
G7 or Db7 (1/2W)
G9#5 (WT)
b
#
B 9 11 as backdoor dominant
(4th of F m.m.)
G7 (7th of Ab m.m.)
Db7 (4th of Ab m.m.)
G7 (5th C m.m.)
TONIC
Cmaj7 (C major)
Cmaj7 #11 (Lydian)
Cmaj7 #11 #9 (6th of E h.m.)
Chapter 14
369
WARNINGS
These modes and scales will provide a number of different colors available for chords in common
progressions. They do not necessarily replace the traditional sounds, nor are they inherently better,
hipper or more jazz-like. They only enlarge the tonal palette. As new sounds are learned, remember to
consider a musical context when applying the sound. Avoid arbitrary, thoughtless application. Avoid the
temptation to always use any one sound for a specific chord. With nine possible sounds for a dominant,
it makes little sense to use superlocrian or half-whole exclusively. If the diminished scale is used in all
possible places, then its chance of surprising a listener is reduced. Strive for a balance between a
number of different approaches from traditional key center generalization and specificity and the use of
special colorful scales. Any new scale will brighten or darken the musical context, so use the new sound
according to the desired consequence. Avoid the temptation to use a new sound in every opportunity.
Use colorful substitute sounds to surprise the listener; but remember that their effect can be diminished
by overuse.
Even though a different scale sound can be applied to each chord in a succession of chords, avoid
compartmentalizing each separate chord. Find the connections. Emphasize tones in common. Find the
one or two notes that change and aim for those connections between the chords. Voices derived from
substitute scales will follow traditional voice-leading principles and have melodic implications.
There are many more examples and pages of exercises for many of these scale and chord sounds in the
book, Comprehensive Technique for Jazz Musicians.
370
Chapter 15
XV.
The tertian triad has been the building block for harmony and melodic invention for most of the history of tonal music. A triad can be any three notes, but a tertian triad is built in consecutive thirds. Most
formal theory classes deal principally with the tertian triad and discuss the seventh chord which adds
one more extension of a third. Many texts acknowledge that chords could theoretically be built by extended thirds past the triad to include the chords like 1-3-5-7-9, 1-3-5-7-9-11, and 1-3-5-7-9-11-13. These
chords are often dismissed as dubious and irrelevant. These extended tertian structures have been
around for a long time in contemporary music and jazz and should be discussed as we enter the twenty
first century.
There are two ways of expressing the same seven notes: as a scale (1-2-3-4-5-6-7-1); and as a extended tertian chord (1-3-5-7-9-11-13). This means that a scale and a chord represent the same thing: chord =
scale; scale = chord. When discussing the notes, scale positions will be referred to by the numbers 1-2-34-5-6-7; chord tones will be referred to by the numbers 1-3-5-7-9-11-13. Scale tones 2-4-6 correspond to
chord tones 9-11-13.
Extended tertian structures are sometimes referred to as triadic superimposition. In a way, all extended
tertian structures are made up of triads added to triads. An CEG chord above an ACE chord becomes
the seventh chord ACEG; a GBD above an ACE chord becomes an eleventh chord ACEGBD; and so on.
NOTATION SHORTHAND
All chord symbols used in pop music and jazz are shorthand in place of the written notes on a staff. The
addition of superimposed triads and extensions can lead to a string of alterations following the basic
chord symbol. The result can be confusing and messy on the page. The shorthand version is no longer
short. The resulting chords constructed by superimposing triads may be better understood as a polychord and will often be labeled as one chord over the other separated by a horizontal line. The horizontal line indicates that the lower note represents a triad or complete chord itself and not just a bass
note. The normal slash indicates a chord over just the bass note. Care should be taken on handwritten
music if this distinction is to be understood. The chart below indicates the difference in the slash and
the horizontal line.
Slash chords
Polychords using
horizontal lines
CHORD SHORTHAND
F/G
Dm7/G
F#
G
Em
Fm
MEANING
F major triad over a G bass note
Dm7 chord over a G bass note
#
F major triad over a G major triad
E minor triad over a F minor triad
Chapter 15
371
To find the upper tertian extensions of any chord, continue adding thirds within the key signature. Not
all upper extensions are musically useful in every situation. Experimentation and listening will help determine the best usage. Extended tertian melodies are more colorful. Improvisers will often maintain the
density introduced by these upper extensions by linking the upper structure of one chord to the upper
structures of the next.
The examples below will illustrate several possible extended tertian structures, their sources, possible
formulas and applications. Tertian extensions must be added to the aural and theoretical vocabulary of
a jazz student. The connections of upper tertian extensions should be examined through harmonic progressions. The upper tertian extensions often follow voice leading principles discussed in earlier chapters. After outlining the individual possibilities, several examples from improvisations will illustrate the
linear connections of these extended structures.
With C as a tonic chord, the following extended tertian chords are possible. A tonic I chord is seldom
extended past the ninth. The eleventh is a dissonant note, and while it may sound musical in some settings, it prevents the chord from sounding like a tonic chord. The ninth chord sound may be created by
adding a major triad off the fifth degree (in this case G) to the triad built on the root (C) of the scale.
15.1
Cmaj9
& ww
w
w
1
www
ww
w
3
w
5
w
7
www
= Cm aj9
www
www
ww
A ii7 chord may be extended entirely without any real conflicting dissonance. The thirteenth, though
possible, is often not used over a ii7 chord. Over a Dm7 (ii7) chord, the thirteenth (B) can make the
chord sound like a G7 (V7) chord since B is the note that identifies the G7. The B, at the very least, may
diminish the impact of resolving to G7. The common triadic superimposition formula is to add a major
triad on the seventh degree (C) to the basic minor triad (Dm).
15.2
www
www
w
Dm
Dm13
& www
w w w
1
w w
w
w
w w w
1
11
Dm +
www
www
www
www
= Dm9
13
A iii7 chord often is replacing or substituting for a tonic I6 chord in a progression. The dissonant ninth
of a iii7 chord is often avoided as it blurs the distinction of the sound Since the iii7 substitutes for the I
chord, the I chord may be superimposed over the iii7. This chord is actually a C major seventh in first
inversion. The half-step dissonance in a ii7 chord is between the minor third and the ninth. In a iii7
chord, with the tonic triad superimposed, the half-step dissonance is between the fifth and the minor
sixth degrees.
15.3
Em
& www
www
www
Cmaj7/E
w w w
1
372
Chapter 15
The subdominant chord, like the supertonic, can be extended to the thirteenth without encountering any
dissonance which prohibits chord identification. The upper structures are very bright and colorful. Two
triads may be imposed on the basic subdominant triad: one built on the fifth degree, and one built on
the second degree of the scale.
15.4
Fmaj13 11
& www w w w
1
www
w
w
w
www
w
w w w w
11
www
www
= Fmaj9
www
ww
Fmaj9+ G
www
w
# 11
= Fmaj13
www
www
www
w
13
The V7 chord may be extended to outer extreme. The only caveat concerns the fourth degree of the
scale or the natural eleventh of the chord. This note is dissonant against the major third, but creates a
suspension which may be desirable. A minor triad built on the fifth degree yields a ninth chord. To create a suspended dominant (as in a 4-3 suspension), an F major, Dm7 or Fmaj7 chord may be imposed
over the G bass note as shown. There are those who say the major third should not be used if the suspended fourth degree is present. When the two notes are adjacent or when the third is placed below the
fourth, it can create a vague and dissonant sonority. If the third is place well above the fourth, it can
brighten the suspended sound. This can be achieved by superimposing two triads over the root of the
chord. A G triad placed over an F major triad with the G in the bass creates the last chord in the example below.
15.5
& w
ww
G13
w1 w3 w5
ww
www
w
w
w
w1 w3 w5 7 9 11 13
G + Dm = G9
G9sus
www
www
w
www
www
ww
www
ww
www
w
w
ww
ww
ww
w
A dominant chord in a minor key will necessarily have different upper extensions than a dominant
chord in a major key. A diminished triad from the fifth degree added to the root triad creates a dominant chord with a b9. Imposing an Fm, a D7, or an Ab major triad over the G suggests a suspended
dominant with a b9.
15.6
b 13
G7b 9
& w
ww
w1 w3 w5
b b wwww
ww
bw
b
w
w
w1 w3 w5 7 b 9 11 b 13
b
G + D = G7 9 G7susb 9
The Ab triad over a G7 may seem a dissonant choice, but can used for very expressive melodic lines.
15.7
b
G7 9
G triad
b
& c b
A b triad
Cm
Chapter 15
373
Ex. 15.8 illustrates another use of Ab and G triads over a G7 chord. Chopin used a similar technique with
the Db and C triads over the C7 shown in ex. 15.9. The notes of the Db triad are actually just diatonic upper neighbors to the C triad.
15.8
b
G7 9
j n b
3
&4
A b triad
b
b b
Cmaj7
G triad
Chopin: Nocturne in Eb major, Op. 9, No. 2
15.9
b b 12 n b n
b
&
8
n
? b 128
bb
b .
The altered dominant (G7) and the tritone substitute dominant (Db7) are derived from Ab melodic minor. Two major triads (Db and Eb) and one minor triad (Ab minor) can be found in the Ab melodic minor scale. Imposing the Db triad over the G7 generates a G with a b5 and b9; an Eb generates a G7 with a #9
and b13; and an Ab minor generates a G7 with a b9 and a b13.
15.10
Extended tertian structures for G7 superlocrian (altered) & Db7 lydian dominant:
Db
G7
b
b b bb
b
b
b
& b b b b
(R) 3
#11
13
b5
b
b bw
b
b ww
b b
ww
b5 7 b9 (3) b13 (R) #9
G7 9
Eb
G7
#
bw 9
b b www
ww
G7 13
A bm
G7
bb 9
b b b wwww
ww
G7 13
Four different major triads can be extracted from the half-whole symmetrical diminished scale. The four
triads can be imposed over a dominant seventh chord. The G triad over a G7 adds no new color. A Bb
chord includes the fifth and the seventh and adds the Bb, the #9 over G7. An E triad includes the third
but adds a b9 and a n13 over a G7. The Db triad provides the b5 and the b9 over a G7. These chords may
occur in one of two forms of musical shorthand: shown as polychords, or notated as customary with the
alterations listed. Knowing triadic superimposition formulas will assist the soloist or accompanist in
producing accurate alterations.
374
Chapter 15
15.11
w w w
w
#
w
b
w
n
w
b
w
&w
ww
ww
ww
G7
Bb
G7
E
G7
Db
G7
#
G7 9
b
G13 9
G7b 9
b5
# ww
ww
ww
b wwww
n ww
b b www
ww
The upper extensions of a ii7 chord resemble a bVImaj7 chord in minor. The Abmaj7 and D7 both
point to the V7 (G7) of C minor and are often interchangeable in traditional progressions. The D7#2 is
shown as a combination of C major triad over a D triad. The C major triad emphasizes the bright
raised second degree and the eleventh.
15.12
www
w
b
b
w
w
& b www w w b w
www
b
w
b www b w
D7
#
D7 2
www
w
n
n
w
w
b www w w b w
#
D + C = D7 2
www
b www
www
b www
Two examples from improvisations by Tom Harrell illustrate the interchangeable ii7 and bVI in minor.
The chord symbol indicates a G7 (ii7 of F) but Harrell seems to have outlined a Dbmaj7 chord. The
D b-F-Ab-C could be considered the upper extensions of the G7 chord or an example of a substitution.
In the second example, the chord symbol indicates an Fmaj7, but the melodic line suggests outline no. 1
or no. 3 over a B7.
15.13
b
C7 9
Fm
# b
j
b b
b b
G7
&c
15.14
& c # n #
Fm aj7
E7 9
Am
Chapter 15
375
Two excerpts from improvisations by Bill Evans illustrate the upper extensions of a ii7 chord. The
bracket indicates the Eb major triad superimposed over the F7, creating a F7#2 in the first example.
The C triad over the D7 creates a D7# 2, shown by the brackets in the second example. Another
bracket shows the Ab minor imposed over the G7 that supplies the b13 and b9.
15.15
Eb + F = F7#2
b
b
c
b
&
b
F7
C + D = D7#2
Ab minor over G7
#9
D7
G7b 13
Cm
b
b b
b b b j
c
b
&
b
15.16
The whole-half symmetrical diminished scale yields four major triads that may be superimposed over
diminished chords. The root of each of these major triads adds a color tone that is a whole step above
one of the fundamental diminished chord tones. Take care when applying these triad superimposition
(and all other impositions) as some of the extra color tones may clash with the surrounding harmonic
environment. The B triad over the F#7 may sound wildly inappropriate in the context of G minor, unless surprise is the goal, then it may be the perfect choice.
15.17
Major triads from the symmetrical diminished scale and superimposed over F#7:
& w w bw w #w #w w w w
? w w bw w #w #w w w w
D
F#7
F#7
Ab
F#7
B
F#7
# www
www
w
b b ww
w
# # ww
b www
#w
b www
#w
b www
#w
b www
#w
Some interesting extended chords can be generated from the fourth mode of a major scale with a b6.
The fourth mode of G major b6 is shown below with possible upper triadic extensions. The G major triad
over the C minor creates a Cmmaj 7 that could also have been derived from the melodic or harmonic
minor scale. The B minor triad over the C minor is a haunting sound unique to this scale yielding a major seventh, ninth and a #11. The B triad yields the major seventh and #11, and enharmonically duplicates the minor third. A D triad adds the n13. The full tertian extension from this scale creates an enigmatic Cmmaj 13 #11. Many of these specialty chords may not be on the fingertips of all players so for
successful performances and rehearsals it may be useful to write the desired voicings on the staff and/or
provide some polychordal shorthand notation as a formula.
376
Chapter 15
15.18
Cm maj7
& w w b w # w w w w w www
? w w b w # w w w w w b www
Bm
Cm
B
Cm
D
Cm
Bm7
Cm
# www
# # www
# www
# www
b www
b www
b www
b wwww
A major seventh chord can be built on the sixth degree of harmonic minor. If the upper extensions
from harmonic minor are used a major triad is available from the major seventh of that VI chord. The
sixth mode of E harmonic minor is shown below. The B major triad over the C major creates a C major
seventh chord with the unusual #9 and #11, notes more common over chords with a dominant seventh.
15.19
E harmonic minor
B
C
& w # w w # w w w w w # # ww
w
www
? w #w w #w w w w w
This major seven chord with a # 9 and # 11 can be heard at the end of the common introduction to
Round Midnight as a D triad over an Eb. Another version of this chord dates to 1913 from the infamous Stravinsky ballet, Rite of Spring. It is interesting that one of the more modern chords of the twentieth century used all the notes from an old-fashioned Ab harmonic minor scale.
15.20
b
& b b 24 b
? b b 24 b b
b b
b
b bb
n b
b
b b
Chapter 15
377
The six tone augmented scale is actually an augmented triad plus the leading tones to each chord tone,
so the augmented scale contains two adjacent augmented triads. When one is placed above the other it
creates a chord best labeled as a polychord. The B augmented chord is spelled enharmonically to
avoid the F double sharp. The chord could be labeled a Cmaj7 (#5 #9 n5), but it is doubtful that a performer would easily arrive at this desired chord. If a chord like this is desired, it may be best to label it
as a polychord as shown or write the notes on the staff.
15.21
& w #w w w bw w w
? w #w w w bw w w
b www
# www
378
Chapter 15
15.22
G7
b b
&c
#
b b
www
w
The upper structures were arpeggiated in this excerpt from Hank Mobley. Mobley played the triad
pitches for the Dm7. The A, fifth of Dm, resolved to the b9 of G, and then Mobley arpeggiated an Ab minor triad over the G7 which yielded the b9, third and b13. It is interesting that the Dm triad is followed by
an Ab minor triad, two chords separated by a tritone and yet the connection is smooth. The upper three
voices resolved down chromatically predictably: Eb to D (b13 for 5-9), Cb or B to Bb (3-7), and Ab to G (95). The resolution of D to Db implied a similar structure for the F7 as was used for the G7. The connection between a dominant and the tritone substitute dominant is clear from this example. The Ab minor
triad over the G7 (b9-3-b13) would be the chord tones 5-7-9 of the Db7, the tritone substitute for G7. The
chords to the right show voicings implied by these passages.
15.23
Dm 7
G7
Cm7
F7
b
& c b b b b b
b b
b b
b
b
www
w
Kenny Dorham clearly arpeggiated each chord in the following excerpts. The F-Ab-Cb-Eb over the G7 are
the 7-b9-3-b13. These pitches may be easier as the 3-5-7-9 of Db7, the tritone substitute for G7. Dorham alternated ascending and descending arpeggios through the passage. Because the arpeggios moved down
chromatically, the implied harmony is Bb - Db9 - C9 - B9 - Bb, with the Db9 and the B9 as tritone substitutes for G7 and F7. The chords to the right show voicings implied by this passage.
15.24
b
G7
C7
F7
Bb
b
& c b bb b bb b
n b b
b b ww
b
b ww
These two fragments are mirror images. The first is from Kenny Dorham; the second is the inversion
from Joe Pass. All the voices resolve logically. Is it easier to hear and think of the second chord as F7 or
B7?
15.25
b
& c b b b b
C7
F7
F7
15.26
C7
& c b b b b
b bb
www
w
b bb
www
w
Chapter 15
379
The Bbm7, in ex. 15.27 from one of the better known bebop melodies, was arpeggiated 1-3-5-7-9-11, then
the Bbm7 chord tones occurred again over the Eb7 (3-5-7-9 of Bbm7). A descending line was implied at
the top of the line shown by the circled notes. Other voices resolved internally: the Ab to the G (7-3), the
F to Eb to Db which finally resolved to C, the third of Ab. The line then arpeggiated the 3-5-7-9 of the Ab
chord. This excerpt implied the voicings shown to the right.
15.27
b
A bm aj7
n
b
B m7
b
& b bb
E 7
www
w
w
n #n www
b b wwww
Kenny Barron used the descending arpeggios of these chords and symmetrical rhythms which made the
voice leading easy to see and hear in this excerpt. The chords to the right show voicings implied by this
passage. Listen to the chromatic resolution of the top three voices.
15.28
3
3
3
A b7
D bmaj7
b
n
n #
& b bbb c
n #n
b bn wwww
The chord symbol in m.1 is F#7. Bill Evans arpeggiated what appears to be a Cmaj9 chord. Whether
Evans was thinking Cmaj7 as a substitute for F#7 or utilizing the upper tertian structure of the F#7 chord
is irrelevant as either can point to the B7 chord. Only one note changed in m.2: the E (seventh of F#7)
resolved to Eb, the enharmonic spelling of the third of B7. The G and C supplied the b13 and b9 of the
B7 chord. The four voices moved down a step for the arpeggio in m.3 utilizing the 5-7-9-11 upper structure of the Em9. If the B7 is considered an F7, as a tritone substitution, then the line incorporated the 57-9-11 of each chord in the passage as shown below on the right. This passage works melodically with
any combination of these chords: F#7 or Cmaj7 B7 or F9#11 Em9.
#
B7 b 3 Em7 # 3
J
& 34
15.29
F 7
...
..
b .....
# ....
.
There are several common harmonic cycles that lead back to the tonic as shown in ex. 15.30-31 with extended tertian structures. Knowing these upper structures and being able to hear the chromatic and step
motion between each voice will assist the creation of interesting lines through these progressions. All of
the inner voices move smoothly either remaining on the same pitch, or moving by step down to the
next pitch. Play the passage several times on the piano singing each voice to hear its individual pathway.
Lines can easily be created using large arpeggios, arpeggio fragments and implying individual voices
from these passages. The upper structures mimic the voice leading from the Evans example in ex. 15.29.
This progression is based on ii7/iii - V7/iii - iii7 - V7/ii - ii - V7 - I. Extensive colorization has been
added. The F#7 chord will not sound like a ii7 of Em with addition of the #2 (G#). The addition of the
bright F# means the Em in m.3 cannot be a iii7 chord in the key of C. The altered G7 implies a V7 of C
minor with the b13 (Eb) and b9 (Ab). Extending the Cmaj7 chord to the #11 brightens the sound beyond a
normal resolution to major, especially following the dark altered G7 chord. In the mm. 2, 4, and 6, the
380
Chapter 15
dominant bass note is changed to the tritone substitute note on the third beat. Is there a profound difference? The extensions of the tritone substitute dominant chords are more easily labeled: 3-5-7-9-#11.
15.30
#
F #7 2
# wwww
& w
? #w
#9
B7 b 13
b n wwwww
Em 9
# wwww
w
#9
A7 b 13
Dm9
b b n wwwww
www
ww
#9
G7 b 13
#
Cm aj 7 11
b b b wwwww
# www
ww
This passage is similar to the one above with some additional colorizations. The second chord is not
the V7 of iii7 but a borrowed iv7 chord and E7#2 and D7#2 are used instead of Em9 and Dm9.
15.31
#
F #7 2
Fm 9
#
E7 2
# wwww
& w
b n bb wwwww
www
#
b ww
? #w
nw
#9
A7 b 13
b b n wwwww
#
D7 2
w
b wwww
#9
G7 b 13
b b b wwwww
#
Cmaj 7 11
# www
ww
w
Melodic lines like the previous Evans example and the line below can be sequenced through the two
previous harmonic cycles.
15.32
#
F #7 2
#9
B7 b 13
#2
E7
#
#
b
& c #
The following melodic excerpts are based on the following harmonic framework. The second chord may
be considered C7 with a b13 and a b9, or its tritone substitution Gb9 (3-5-7-9-#11).
15.33
Gm7
& c wwww
bw
C7
w
b n bb wwww
Fmaj7
ww
www
Chapter 15
381
In ex. 15.34 and 15.35 from a blues improvisation, pianist Tete Montoliu played the ascending 3-5-7-9-11
Gm arpeggio into the C7 measure. The A resolved to Ab suggesting a C7b13. The Ab resolved to the G
over the F. The use of extended arpeggios lifts the melodic line into higher registers.
15.34
Gm 7
C7
b b
&c
b
15.35
C7 b
# F
j
& c b
Gm 7
In ex. 15.36, Montoliu played a descending Gm9 arpeggio and then an extended arpeggio over C7. The
notes in the final measure are the b7, b9, 3, b13 root and #9 of C7 but may be easier to hear and understand labeled as the 3-5-7-9-#11-13 of a Gb9#11, the tritone substitute dominant for C7.
15.36
b
C7
b
b b b n
&c
Gm 7
Do not assume that these wide ranging extended arpeggiated lines from the previous examples are only
suitable for pianists. Tom Harrell used a wide range of the trumpet over Gm7 in these two fragments.
Harrell played 1-3-5-7-9-11 arpeggio in the first and again in the second in two different octaves.
15.37
Gm7
&c
# b
3
b
&c
b
Gm7
Practicing a passage like this using extended arpeggios helps prepare a musician to play, hear and understand these structures. Inventiveness may lead to the creation of lines like the ex. 15.39 from Bill
Evans. Evans matched the voice leading of ex. 15.38, but in a more melodic and less predictable fashion.
The resolution to the E7 (or Bb7) did not occur until beat three of the second measure.
15.38
Bm 9
#9
E7 b 13
or
#
B b9 11
Am 9
& # # n b n
382
Chapter 15
15.39
Bm 7
E7
Am
& c j # # # # n n b
3
3
w
# # wwww
b wwwww
www
ww
#9
G7 b 13
& b b
b13
#9
#9
G7 b 13
Cm
b b b b
b13
b9
#9
The chart on the following page reviews some of the possible major triads that may be superimposed
over common chords. Column one indicates the fundamental chord types shown with C as the root;
column two the interval above the root on which the superimposed major triad is built; column three
indicates the superimposed triad; and column four shows the color tones provided by the superimposed
major triad.
Chapter 15
BASIC CHORD
C major
C major
C major
C major
C minor
C minor
C minor
C minor
C minor
C half diminished
C diminished
C diminished
C diminished
C diminished
C dominant
C dominant
C dominant
C dominant
C dominant
C dominant
C dominant
INTERVAL ABOVE
ROOT for
SUPERIMPOSED
TRIAD
P5
M2
M3
M7
m3
P4
P5
m7
M7
m7
M2
P4
m6
M7
m2
M2
m3
d5
m6
M6
m7
MAJOR TRIAD
YIELDS
G
D
E
B
Eb
F
G
Bb
B
Bb
D
F
Ab
B
Db
D
Eb
Gb
Ab
A
Bb
5 M7 9
9 #11 13
3 #5 M7
M7 #9 #11
m3 5 m7
11 13 R
5 M7 9
m7 9 11
M7 (3) #11
m7 #2 (or 9) 11
9 #11 13
11 13 R
b13 R b3
M7 m3 #11
b9 sus4 b13
9 #11 13
#9 5 m7
b5 (or #11) m7 b9
b13 (or #5) R #9
13 b9 M3
m7 9 sus4
383
This chart is for reference only. Individual sounds should be extracted from the chart and learned in the
context of typical progressions.
The most common progression is the ii7 - V7 - I. In the key of C major, the ii7 chord could have a C
triad superimposed yielding the 7-9-11 of Dm7. Using the C triad over Dm7 could sound like triadic
generalization, which illustrates how musical concepts sometimes overlap and converge. Six different
major triads may be superimposed over the G7 chord. The example below uses an E triad that over a G7
chord yields a n13, which points to C major, and a b9, suggesting C minor. As a deceptive resolution, A B
major triad is superimposed over the C major. The B chord sounds like the V7 of Em, the iii7 chord of
C, and the dissonant tones D# and F# resolve to the E minor chord tones E and G, which are also chord
tones of C major. The line ends using an F triad over the A7 chord, supplying the # 9 and b13, tones
which point back to the D minor chord.
15.41
Triads:
Dm 7
Progression:
ii7 - V7 - I - V7/ii
E
b
G13 9
&c
#
(Em)
#9
Cmaj7
A7 b 13
j # n
#
The progression from ex. 15.41 is transposed to the key of F major below and uses a different set of triads for superimposition. The four superimposed triads chromatically ascend. A mounting tension is
384
Chapter 15
caused by the alterations supplied by the superimposed triads and by the ascension of the voicings
rather than the more typical descending voice leading. The F over Gm7 furnishes the 7-9-11, or like the
previous example may be considered triadic generalization. The Gb over C supplies the colorful b5 and
b9 chord tones. The G over the F creates a bright lydian sound with the #11 instead of the tonic major
sound. The Ab over D7 echoes the Gb over C7 with the b5 and b9 chord tones.
15.42
Triads:
Progression:
ii7 - V7 - I - V7/ii
Gb
Gn
Ab
b5
Gm 7
C7
D7b 9
Fm aj7
Gm7
j
& c . j b b b b b n . b b
A Bb triad marks the 3-5-7 of the Gm7 chord below. The Bb triad can move down a half-step to an A over
the C7 providing the colorful n13 and b9. The E over the F triad is a similar deceptive resolution to the B
over C shown before in ex. 1541, and resolves to tones of A minor over the F.
15.43
Triads:
Progression:
Bb
ii7 - V7 - I
A
(Am)
& c b # # j # n
Gm7
C7
Fmaj7
Three different triads in ex. 15.44 are used over a ii7 - V7 - i progression in C minor. A C major triad
over the D7 brightens the ii7 chord in this context. The En disputes the key of C minor as an Eb would
be expected. The same material can be sequenced up a minor third superimposing an Eb major triad
over the G7 emphasizing the b13 and # 9. A G triad over the C minor stresses the major seventh and
ninth. There is a certain symmetry that the three triads used over this progression in C minor are C, Eb
and G.
15.44
Triads:
#
D7 2
Progression:
ii7 - V7 - i
Eb
#9
G7 b 13
G
3
Cm maj 7
j
& c n b b n .
Chapter 15
385
Three triads could be used over this ii7 - V7 - I progression in Bb. The Bb triad over the Cm7 stresses
both the 7-9-11 of Cm and the tonic Bb triad. The D triad over the F presents conflicting alterations: the
D, n13, suggests Bb major; the F#, enharmonically a Gb and the b13, suggests Bb minor. The A over the Bb
delays the resolution suggesting a V7/iii - iii or A7 - Dm resolution superimposed over the Bb.
15.45
Triads:
Progression:
Bb
ii7 - V7 - I
D
b
F13 9
(Dm)
B bmaj7
n
.
b
n
&
#
J
Cm 9
A/B b
Several different triads work over a dominant chord. Often, more than one triad at a time will be superimposed over a dominant. Two triads a tritone apart accentuate the tritone substitute relationship. The
fundamental chord tones provided by the basic triad contrast with the alterations (b5 and b9) offered by
the tritone substitute triad. A sequence is created below by using the D and Ab triads over the D7 and the
C and Gb triads over the C7.
15.46
Triads:
Progression:
V7/ii7 - ii - V7 - I
D & Ab
C & Gb
b
D7 9
Gm7
b
.
& c j # b
b
C7 9
Fm aj7
j b b b .
Triads a tritone apart is not a new idea. Stravinsky used the tritone pair of C and Gb in the ballet
Petrouchka.
15.47
& 24
3
& 24
b
b b
bb
The triads built on the b5 and b13 of the dominant chord suggest a superlocrian scale. The triad pair of
A b and Gb furnishes all the alterations (Gb = b5, 7, and b9; Ab = b13, root, and # 9) over the C7 altered
chord. The number of alterations, particularly the b13 and altered ninths, suggest a resolution to F minor.
This sound can just as easily resolve to major. Below, the resolution with a G major over the F suggests
an even brighter resolution to an F lydian sound. If the tritone substitution was used instead of the dominant C7, the chord would be a Gb9#11.
386
Chapter 15
15.48
Triads:
V7 - I
A b & Gb
C7 alt.
Fmaj7
b
& c b b b b b b b b b b n n n
The four triads derived from the half-whole diminished can all be superimposed over a dominant. The
G, Bb, Db, and E triads imply the #9, b5, b9, and n13 over the G7. The altered ninths suggest a resolution to
C minor, and the n13 implies a resolution to C major.
15.49
Triads:
Progression:
V7 - I
G Bb Db E
b
G7 9
Cm aj7
& c j b b # n
b
Many contemporary compositions call for specific alterations. The progression below specifies a 7#2,
an altered dominant and a augmented major seventh chord. Superimposed triads will supply the required additions to these chords. An F# triad over the G#7 supplies the 7th, #2 and the 11th; An A major
triad over the C#7 supplies both the #9 and the b13; and the Bb triad over the Gb supplies all the important chord tones, the major third, the augmented fifth and the major seventh. This excerpt from an improvisation by Tom Harrell illustrates how the triadic superimpositions can satisfy the demands of the
very specific chord symbols.
15.50
Triads:
Progression:
ii7 - V7 - I
F#
#
G #7 2
& c # #
#
F # triad
Bb
#9
C #7 b 13
A triad
#
G bmaj7 5
# b b
B b triad
More examples and exercises for developing the understanding and use of these extensions can be
found in Comprehensive Technique for Jazz Musicians in chapter 8 (Triadic superimposition), chapter
10 (Extensions and Connections) and chapter 14 (Developing Jazz Exercises).
Chapter 15
387
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
Invent simple triadic lines using the charts and example above, and exercises found
in Comprehensive Technique for Jazz Musicians over standard progressions.
Listen for recorded examples of contemporary players who might use triadic superimpositions. What triads did they use? How did they contrast the triadic superimposition with more traditional approaches?
Look for contemporary compositions with very specific chord symbols and determine what triads may supply the required alterations.
388
Chapter 16
XVI.
Pentatonic Applications
PENTATONIC APPLICATIONS
PENTATONIC APPLICATIONS
The major scale is considered the building block for music in the European western art music tradition.
All other scales are described in their relationship to the major scale. Intervals in the major scale are
considered the normal, and any others are considered alterations. A study of world music might prove
that the most widely used scale is not the major, but the pentatonic scale. The pentatonic scale is sometimes called the gapped scale as it is missing two notes of the major scale. (Another instance of major
scale bias). Use of the pentatonic scale did not begin in the twentieth century with Debussy and others.
Many forms of pentatonic scales have been used in other cultures for melodic material for centuries.
Modern jazz improvisers and composers used pentatonic scales as a basis for melodies superimposed
over traditional harmonies and over modal and pedal structures. Closely associated with the use of pentatonic scales in jazz performance is the use of motivic devices to develop melodies from simple pentatonic scale patterns.
There are many kinds of pentatonic scales. Any five tones could be called a pentatonic scale. The most
common pentatonic scale is the one shown below in the form of C major and A minor. The two forms
share the same pitches as do a major and natural minor scale. These scales can be formed by taking the
major and natural minor scales and removing the tritone (B & F). The major pentatonic includes the 12-3-5-6 of a major scale; the minor pentatonic includes the 1-b3-4-5- b7 of the natural minor scale. The
triad is an important part of these scales. Many tunes based on pentatonic scales come to rest on the
triadic tones (1, 3 & 5) and use the remaining tones (2 & 6) as auxiliary tones that move to the primary
pitches. Sing through a pentatonic melody such as Amazing Grace and notice how all points of rest on
strong beats are the primary triadic tones.
16.1
&
16.2
&
bw
bw
Chapter 16
Pentatonic Applications
389
C major 7 as I or IV
I or IV
Cm aj7
& w w w w w w
1
6(13)
IV
w w
w
w
w
w
Cmaj7
6(13)
M7
Cm aj7
w
w
w
#
w
w w
9
#11
13
M7
Three different minor pentatonic scales may be superimposed over a minor seventh chord. The D
minor pentatonic scale supplies the fundamental chord tones and the fourth or eleventh over a Dm7
chord functioning as a ii7, iii7, vi7, or a iv7. A slightly more colorful sound is achieved by
superimposing an A minor pentatonic scale over a Dm7. It supplies the chord tones 5 - 7 - R - 9 - 11,
and will work with a Dm7 functioning as a ii7, vi7 or iv7. The A minor pentatonic scale over a Dm7 is
ambiguous because it does not contain and F, the minor third of Dm. Dm7 is the iii7 chord in the key of
Bb, so an A minor pentatonic with the En, will not work in that context. An even more vague and colorful
sound is created superimposing an E minor pentatonic scale over a Dm7, yielding the chord tones: 9 11 - 5 - n13 - R. The En and the Bn work with a Dm7 as a ii7 or iv7, but not as a iii7 or vi7.
16.4
w
&w w w w w
1
b3
4(11)
b7
ii, vi or iv
w w
w
w
w
w
Dm7
b7
11
ii or iv
Dm7
w w
w
w
w
w
9
11
n13
Two major pentatonic chords may be superimposed over a dominant chord. A major pentatonic built
on the root supplies chord tones associated with dominants pointing to major keys: R - 9 - 3 - 5 - 13.
Placing a major pentatonic on the diminished fifth of a dominant chord supplies all of the alterations
associated with a dominant scale, but does not include the third or the root of the chord. Using this can
create some tension that begs for release. The altered sounds typically want to resolve to minor, but may
resolve to major and very effectively to lydian.
390
Chapter 16
Pentatonic Applications
16.5
G dominant 7
G7
&w
R
13
G7 alt.
bw
bw
b5
b13
bw
bw
bw
b9
#9
b5
There are other pentatonic scales used throughout the world to create melodies. Five are shown below.
Not all of these scales have common names. These scales may be used to create unaccompanied
melodies or superimposed over existing harmonic structures.
16.6
Kumoi
&
Major b6
Hirajoshi
Pelog
w
w
w
w
w
w
b
w
b
w
b
w
b
w
w
w
w
w
b
w
b
w
b
w
w
b
w
b
w
ww
ww
ww
w bw
w bw
The following chart illustrates how these five pentatonic scales may be used over traditional chords.
PENTATONIC SCALE
C Kumoi
C Hirajoshi
C major b6
C pelog
All tones flatted
RELATED SCALE
C melodic minor, C dorian
C aeolian
F melodic minor
C phrygian
A b mixolydian
The Kumoi scale, since it is related to the melodic minor scale, can be applied to many colorful chords
associated with modes of that scale. A 7#2 chord (locrian #2) can use the sound of a melodic minor
scale built on the third, so it can also use a Kumoi pentatonic scale built on the same pitch. An F Kumoi
may be used over a D7 and will supply all of the fundamental chord tones plus the eleventh. A
melodic minor scale built on the b9 of a dominant chord creates an altered scale. A Kumoi pentatonic
scale starting on the b9 of a dominant will supply the colorful alterations: b9 - #9 - M3 - b13 - 7.
16.7
F Kumoi over D7
D7 as ii7 in minor
D7
&w
3
w
11
bw
b5
w
7
G7
bw
3
b9
bw
#9
bw
(M3)
bw
b13
w
7
bw
b9
Chapter 16
Pentatonic Applications
391
The Kumoi pentatonic is shown below superimposed over various types of chords built on C.
16.8
C Kumoi over C:
Eb Kumoi over C:
G Kumoi over C:
Db Kumoi over C:
#9
C7 b 13
A Kumoi over C:
Cm aj7 11
w
w
#
w
b
w
w
w
w
b
w
w
w
w
bw w w
& wbw w w
w wbw
bw wbwbw
b wb w b wb w
w
Cm 69
C7
C9
Several different combinations of pentatonic scales can be used over a ii7 - V7 - I progression.
Interesting sequences can be created by playing a melodic shape and repeating it for each of the superimposed modes or pentatonic scales. In the example below, a C major/A minor pentatonic mode used
over the Dm7, a Db major over the G7, and a D major over the C. The pentatonic scales move up in
half-steps: C - Db - D, over the roots of the chords moving in descending fifths. The Dm7, with the C major pentatonic material, is somewhat bright, emphasizing the ninth and eleventh and with the absence of
the third. The Db pentatonic over the G7 is very dark and includes all of the altered tones (b9, #9, b13, and
b5). The resolution to the C major is made brighter by the use of the D major pentatonic which supplies
the #11, creating a lydian sound.
16.9
C Pentatonic/Dm7
Dm 7
D b pentatonic/G7
G7 alt.
D pentatonic/Cmaj7
#
Cmaj7 11
b b
.
&c
Different Kumoi pentatonic scales may be used over a ii7 - V7 - i progression. An F Kumoi is used over
the D7, an Ab Kumoi over the G7 and a C Kumoi over the Cm.
16.10
F Kumoi/D7
D7
Ab Kumoi/G7
#9
G7 b 13
C Kumoi/Cm
Cm
b b
& c b
b b b
b J n
392
Chapter 16
Pentatonic Applications
An Eb major/C minor pentatonic scale is used for the melody in this section of an original composition, One Day Old. The melody is distant and seems to float above the underlying Bb dorian. This may
be because the Eb major/C minor pentatonic scale does not include the third or seventh of the Bbm7.
16.11
b
& b bb c .
&
bbbb
B bm7
Cm7/F
j
Cm 7/F
B bm 7
B bm7
Cm7/F
j
.
B bm 7
Cm7/F
B m7
Cm7/F
j
Cm7/F
B bm7
.
B bm 7
A Kumoi pentatonic scale can also be used to create a phrygian sound A G Kumoi over an A bass creates A phrygian, and F Kumoi over G creates G phrygian. The melody below is the first theme from an
original composition, Heads Up.
16.12
& c b
A phrygian
&
A phrygian
b .
G phrygian
j
J
b
b
G phrygian
Chapter 16
Pentatonic Applications
393
R - 9 - 3 - 5 - n13
b5 - b13 - 7 - b9 - #9
394
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395
Anytime improvisers move away from playing inside the established tonal center or chord progression
they are playing outside. This includes infinite possibilities. There are several approaches that can be
categorized which may help direct attempts at outside playing. These basic approaches include:
Tonicization
Superimposition of Functional Harmony
Superimposition of Random Non-Functional Harmony
Side-Slipping
Planing & Chromatic Motivic Development
Pentatonic & Quartal Approaches
Superimposition of exotic or unusual scales
Tonicization
A dominant chord may be inserted into any progression to tonicize any chord. This idea dates back
centuries. This device is still quite useful especially with the variety of dominant sounds available to the
contemporary improviser. In this G dorian setting a D7 half-whole is implied in the second measure
and returns to the Gm7.
17.1
Gm 7
(D7 half-whole)
b n
n # #
& c b J
Gm7
n b n .
( B b9# 11
#9
A7 b 13
Dm7
)
b .
&c
b b
Dm 7
Side-Slipping
When a motive or a line plays a whole-step or half-step away from the tonal center, it appears to have
slipped to one side or the other. This is related to the fact that all tones have upper and lower
neighbors. Each note of a motive has a leading tone. In common practice each leading tone is resolved
before moving to a another non-harmonic tone. With side-slipping, it may appear as if all the leading
tones are played before the chord tones. Four notes from D dorian are shown in ex. 17.3 with their
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Chapter 17
chromatic leading tones. A line is shown where all the chromatic tones (a.) sound before resolving up to
the D dorian pitches (b.). It is as if the motive as a whole has a leading tone motive.
17.3
a.
&c
w
# w w # w #
j # #
#
b.
Side-slipping may appear in two forms: a line could begin in the tonal area, move up or down and then
return; or could begin in a remote key and lead back to the tonal area.
& c J J b b b # n
# n n
The four-note motive in ex. 17.5 is transposed up by minor thirds beginning in D minor and moving
through F minor, G# minor and B minor before returning to D minor.
17.5
&
# n
#
b
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397
A tone common to two different scales may be used as a pivot. The Cn is common to both the D minor
and F minor pentatonic scales shown in ex. 17.6 and the Fn is common to both the D minor and Bb minor pentatonic scales shown in ex. 17.7.
17.6
& wwwww
b b b wwwww
17.7
ww
w
& ww
Dm7
Dm7
B bm 7
Dm7
j b b
b
b b b b wwwww
Fm7
Dm7
b b b
J
b n n
A motive can be transposed following any set of pitches. A six-note motive is sequenced in ex. 17.8 with
its original intervals intact and the top note following the D dorian mode from A down to A. As the motives get transposed, the top note remains within the tonal center while many of the other pitches create
dissonance. This is like playing outside with one foot still in the door. Eleven notes of the chromatic
scale occur in the line.
17.8
&c
&
b b b b n n
b
b b n
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Chapter 17
Wayne Shorters use of quartal material in his compositions often inspired the use of quartal sounds by
those improvising over Shorters music. Herbie Hancock, in ex. 17.9 excerpted from his improvisation
on Shorters Speak No Evil, used the quartal chord D-G-C in its first inversion (see page 325). The motive was sequenced at three other diatonic levels all containing tones from a C dorian scale. Hancock
then sequenced the pattern transposing it up by minor thirds. If the first occurrence of the motive represents C dorian, the next could represent Eb, F#, A and then C again. It is impossible and unimportant
to know whether Hancock conceived of the line by thinking of a superimposed harmonic progression or
by intervallic transposition. The entire phrase is balanced and the chromatic passage was rhythmically
and melodically prepared. Hancock presented the first motives simply, leaving space before each motive. The motive was first repeated after five beats, then five beats again, then after only three beats.
There is no space between the motives during the chromatic planing sequence.
17.9
&c
3
3
3
n n
& b b # # #
3
b b
Quartal chords and their inversions have fascinated more than just jazz musicians as the next few examples illustrate. In fact many jazz composers and improvisers have looked to Bartk (17.10-11), Holst
(17.12), Hindemith (17.13), Stravinsky, Copland and others for inspiration.
17.10
b b b b j
& 34 b b b b
? 34
17.11
?3
4
# .
17.12
& 24
j .
17.13
# n b n
?c
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399
Tom Harrell used quartal patterns in these excerpts to slip in and out of Rhythm Changes in the key
of F major.
In this first example a motive was sequenced moving down by whole steps. The first motive began on F
and was displaced beginning on Eb, Db, B and partially again on A. The perfect fourth interval at the end
of each motive was emphasized.
17.14
b
b J J b b J J # b b j
& J
Harrell began this excerpt with a motive that could have been derived from a pentatonic scale emphasizing an ascending perfect fourth answered by a descending minor third. It was immediately sequenced
down by a whole step. In the second measure the descending minor third was replaced by a perfect
fourth interval as the line continued. The perfect fourth intervals emphasized in this passage move down
in whole steps: C-F, Bb-Eb, Ab-Db, F#-B, E-A.
17.15
b b b b n
j
&
#
Harrell sequenced a four-note motive (Bb-Ab-F-Eb) down a major third (at F#) and then down a second
(at En). From that point, the line continued with alternating ascending and descending perfect fourth intervals sequenced down by whole steps.
17.16
b b b # n
# b b #
&c
b
# n n n
4 note motives:
P4 intervals sequenced by WS
Quartal intervals are not the only intervals used to blur the key center. Kenny Dorham used a whole step
pattern chromatically sequenced over this traditional harmonic progression. To return to the key,
Dorham used a conventional outline no. 1 clearly defining the Cm7 - F7, landing on the third of the Bb.
17.17
Dm7
G7
Cm7
F7
Bb
bBb # G7 n b # Cm 7 # nF7
b n b # n b
b j
&c
b
b
3
This next passage occurred in an improvisation by Joey Calderazzo over a D pedal. A very simple
whole-step 1-2-3 pattern is chromatically sequenced over the pedal. The rhythmic setting allows the listener to hear the individual motives. This 1-2-3 pattern can be derived from a pentatonic scale.
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17.18
&
# #
& n n n b b n n #
n b b b
b b n n n # n b b n n # b n
A quick view of the Bb blues chorus below and it is clear that the improviser was not thinking about a
traditional harmonic framework. Rather than outlining chord tones, McCoy Tyner chose four-note motives and developed them sequentially transposing them to other planes or pitch levels. This four-note
pattern is the first four tones of a minor pentatonic scale. All of the pitches could be labeled as part of a
vertical structure of the underlying traditional blues progression, but the labels would often prove meaningless and misleading. A better understanding may be achieved by tracing the individual motives independent of any explicit or implicit harmonic progression.
17.19
Bb Blues excerpt
. b
b b b. #
b b
b
b . b J J
J
J
& J
e.
# f.
c.
d.
J
J
& b J
a.
# # h. # n i.n b n #
b b
&
J
g.
j b b
The four-note group began the phrase at (a.) and recurred eight more times at seven other pitch levels.
The four-note group (a.) can be derived from an F minor pentatonic scale. These tones are also upper
chords tones (5-7-root-9) of Bb7. In m.4, the four-note motive was transposed a tritone away. These tones
can also be analyzed as chords tones of an altered Bb7 (b13-#11-3-b9) or as tones from the tritone substitute dominant E7 (5-7-R-9). The motive from m.4 was transposed down a half step for m.5 at (c.). This
motive, missing one tone, contains chord tones (5-7-R-[9]) of the Eb 7 chord. Tyners motives to this
point in the blues chorus were consistently with the upper structures (5-7-root-9) of the Bb7, E7 and Eb7
chords.
17.20
a.
w bw bw w
B b7
&
B b7
#w nw nw nw
b13
#11
b9
c.
#w nw nw nw
E7
E b7
bw bw bw nw
5
In mm.6-9 it appears no effort was made to coordinate the four-note motives with the underlying harmony. The motives seem to follow a progression independent of the blues. The Bb minor motive of m.5
Chapter 17
401
moves up to C# minor (d.), to F# minor (e.), E minor (f.), D minor (g.), and to C# minor (h.) again. After
the leap (m3) from Bb up to C# and the bigger leap (P4) up to F#, the four-note groupings follow a descending step line back to C#. The rhythmic character of the four-note group was altered by addition
and subtraction of pitches and by shifting at the point of transposition.
17.21
d.
w #w #w
#
w
&
#w
#w w w
w w w w
g.
h.
w w w w
#w #w w #w
In m.10 of the blues, where one would expect an F7, the original four-notes recurred in retrograde
matching the same chord tones that were used earlier in mm. 1-5. The four-note group at (i.) are the upper chord tones (5-7-R-9) of the F7 chord
17.22
&
F7
nw
nw
bw
nw
5
The excerpt below was improvised over F minor. Michael Brecker moved away from the key center using
symmetrical six-note pentatonic patterns sequenced in descending half-steps before returning to F minor. Brecker used these pentatonic scales: (a.) B minor pentatonic, (b). Bb minor pentatonic, (c.) A minor pentatonic, (d.) G# minor pentatonic, (e.) F minor pentatonic.
17.23
&c
b n b # # b b b b n n
& # # # # n b n
d.
e.
a.
b.
c.
The symmetry of ex. 17.23 is not present in ex. 17.24. Brecker may have superimposed another progression over the given chords as shown below. All of the superimposed chords can be derived from the key
of three sharps. The notes over the Bb7 chord can be analyzed as chord tones of the Bb7 or its tritone
substitute E7 and seem to clearly point to Eb minor.
17.24
&c
F#m7
Bm7
B b7
E7
Ebm7
E bm 7
b b # n # n #
# b
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This improviser planed a four-note motive over a modal blues in C minor shown in ex. 17.25. The motive itself is quartal (D-G-C-F), a departure from tertian structures and can be derived from a pentatonic
scale. The motive occurred earlier in the improvisation, and is shown here in an excerpt from the seventeenth and eighteenth choruses. At (a.) the pitches related to the key center of C minor; (b.) the motive side-slipped down a half-step; (c.) the motive moved back to the original key; (d.) the motive sideslipped up a half-step and at (e.) up another half-step; and finally at (f.) up a fourth from the original,
but the notes again related to the original key center.
17.25
&c
# #
b.
c.
e.
b
& b b b b n n n b
f.
d.
This excerpt illustrates sequencing a motive at the tritone. Tete Montoliu played this motive over the
first few measures of a blues progression in F beginning on the F and shifted to the Bn a tritone away,
back to the F, and then to the Bn again. The three note motive can be derived from a pentatonic scale. Is
the motive on Bn suggesting a tritone substitution?
17.26
b n
B b7
# n n b
n # n n
&b c
F7
Many different three and four note patterns can be extracted from pentatonic scales. These melodic
fragments can be strung together and freely planed to create long lines that move in, out and around a
key center. The melodic line shown in ex. 17.27 was created using the four note patterns shown below the
line.
17.27
&c
Planing in & around F minor using patterns extracted from pentatonic scales
j # b b
& c # # wwww
b n b wwww
n n # b n n
n # wwww
b n b b wwww
# b n b
n # wwww
n b b wwww
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& BEYOND
Jazz improvisation is rarely totally free. Jazz musicians usually follow some set of instructions when im
provising as a group. A twelve-bar blues with common chord changes in the key of F at a medium tempo
is an example of set of instructions that a group will agree upon as a point of departure. Parameters may
changes within that set of instructions: the tempo may be double-timed, alternate sets of chord changes
may be imposed, the piece may modulate on some cue. With all the freedom that offered by this mini
mal set of instructions, some jazz musicians have looked for other ways to motivate and direct improvi
sations. Some borrowed twentieth century aleatoric concepts, where a composer might not specify par
ticular pitches or rhythms. Some musicians throw away all instructions and choose to play free jazz.
The composition forms and may be decided moments before the performance, and may in part be dic
tated by chance. Many of these performances may sound free as they are far removed from tradi
tional sounds, but they may be following very strict sets of instructions. There is little theory to discuss
with free jazz, but here are some of the other ways musicians choose to direct their improvisations.
Tone Rows
If the traditional set of instructions is to give the improvisers a set of chords to which they will improvise melody lines and bass lines, then the opposite would be to give them lines and let the chords be
the result of those lines. Tone rows, literally rows of tones, may be given to the performers to execute
with specific or non-specific rhythmic values. The rows may be twelve-tone rows or any assortment of
pitches. The tone rows may be split into sections and performed as a canon.
For sections of a original piece called In Remembrance, tone rows, were given to the bass and to the
saxophone. The tone row was not a twelve-tone row, merely a row of tones without given rhythm indications. The vertical alignment, or chords, would change with every performance as each performer would
choose to perform them with different rhythmic values.
Isorhythms
An isorhythm was a technique common to the composition of medieval motets where one rhythmic
pattern was repeated over and over while other musical elements were free to vary. In a contemporary
improvisational setting, the rhythm may be given without any pitches. The improvisers must provide the
pitches while following a predetermined rhythm. The isorhythm may be divided into sections where
three improvisers perform it as a canon. The tone rows may be applied to the isorhythms at some point
in the structure of the performance.
Creative Groupings
Specific groupings of musicians may be determined ahead of time. The orchestration of the piece is
given in the instructions and the notes and rhythms may be determined in other ways. One player may
be designated to lead a section while another follows. The one who follows tries to mimic or imitate the
ideas of the leader in something that resembles fugal or traditional imitative entrances. The designated
leaders may change throughout the group by cues. This can be an exercise is rethinking the organization
of a quartet. In so many jazz settings, the four members of a quartet all play at the same time for most of
a piece, the exception being the obligatory trading fours with the drummer. In a quartet, there can be
four soloists (soloist meaning without any accompaniment), and ten other groupings of duos and trios.
With the instrumentation of piano, bass, drums and saxophone, the group can be split into six duos: piano/bass, piano/drums, piano/saxophone, bass/drums, bass/saxophone, and drums/saxophone; four
trios: piano/bass/drums, piano/bass/saxophone, piano/drums/saxophone, and bass/drums/saxophone.
If a soloists is to follow another, the second soloist may be instructed to begin with the actual pitches or
single pitch on which the first ended.
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Modes
Some sections may instruct the performers to play within a certain mode. This can be refreshing after
contrapuntal chromatic parts. Often performers using these improvisational methods want the modal
sections to be strictly within the designated mode allowing for no outside chromatic embellishment,
side-slipping or planing. The modal sections are meant to be a very specific color and a contrast to
more dissonant and dodecaphonic sections.
Form
The form is often decided just before a performance by making a list of possible approaches, determining cues and rough timings. One composition for a quartet may be:
I.
II.
Isorhythm pattern divided into three sections A, B & C, with the fourth section improvised
freely. (player plays A, B & C, improvises D then repeats) Notes determined by the musicians
III.
long smears
legato twelve tone row from I.
improvise freely
percussive sounds on the instrument
IV.
V.
Original twelve tone row from I. applied to the isorhythm from II. Each musician takes a turn at
improvising counterpoint. Repeat and ritard to end of row.
Musical ideas from this point are only limited by imagination. Are there other ways to organize improvisational music for a group of musicians? Are there ways to combine these structural concepts with traditional structural, melodic and rhythmic materials?
Chapter 18
405
WHY TRANSCRIBE?
Like so many other arts, learning jazz improvisation owes much to imitating the Masters. Every great jazz
artist can list those they imitated while learning to play. These artists developed their own unique voice
while emulating someone else; much the same way a child becomes a unique individual even though
beginning by imitating parents words and actions. Historically, imitation was the only way jazz was
passed on from one musician to another and from one generation to another. Books about jazz came
later.
Ear development is one of the primary benefits of transcribing. Training the ears to take musical dictation from an outside source helps the ears hear the music from the inside source. Imitation should go
beyond just playing the notes and rhythms: an artists inflections and articulations should also be mimicked. There is a common musical vocabulary that all jazz musicians must know. This vocabulary is part
of the socialization of jazz musicians. We often listen for that common language from an artist before
accepting the unique artistic expressions. We are often more comfortable with the individual expression
of an artist once we sense they have done their homework and speak our common language.
Transcription expedites the development of melodic vocabulary.
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HOW TO?
There are many methods and tools to aid transcription. There are many digital devices that can slow
down the playback of a recording and even stop the recording on a single note. These may help the
process, but can in some ways be damaging to the learning process. Stopping a melodic line on every
pitch and plucking randomly on an instrument to find the pitch will be time consuming and counterproductive. Learn to depend on your ear. Resist the temptation to check every single pitch with an instrument. Write out the phrase and then check it for accuracy with an outside source. Try to hear
phrases, not just individual pitches. Let your intellect assist your ears. For example, if a piece is in Bb,
then the Bb, D and F will sound consonant and the other pitches will sound dissonant to varying degrees. Groups of chromatic and diatonic dissonances will usually point to a consonant note. Learn to
hear those groups of notes as you would perceive a noun clause or a verb clause in a sentence: not as
separate words or letters but as a unit. In difficult passages it may be helpful to notate rhythms first, identify the primary pitches on downbeats and significant rhythmic places, and then fill in the secondary
pitches that complete the line.
WHAT THEN?
After completing a transcription fragment or complete improvisation, analyze the material. Determine
what is being done literally and conceptually. Practice playing the entire transcription along with the
recording matching rhythms, pitches, phrasing and articulations. Take choice fragments and practice
them literally in all keys. Examine the same fragments conceptually: what musical principles are at work?
How could the same principles apply in a different way to the same or other musical settings? What
could be added or subtracted to the fragment and how else might it be applied? One fragment could
occupy hours of inventive work in the practice room.
ANALYSIS
Why analyze a solo? There is a practical motive for most jazz theorists: we want to play quality jazz solos.
By examining outstanding improvisations by great jazz artists we can find specific things to practice,
find ways of organizing our thinking about structure, train our ears and brains to listen more intently and
intelligently to the music we love.
Analysis is defined as the separation whole into separate components for individual study. Data must be
gathered, sorted into categories and classified, and then connections and conclusions can be formulated. Analysis begins with asking the right questions. Better questions yield more useful information.
Have a list of questions on hand when you begin your analysis. No improvisation will include all the elements on any list.
There is no set formula or paradigm for a jazz improvisation. Several improvisations will share similar
characteristics. One improvisation may focus on thematic and motivic transformation, another on improvising over the harmony using common melodic outlines, another may rely on paraphrasing the
original theme. Treat each improvisation as an individual avoiding forcing square pegs into round holes
or dismissing one as irrelevant because it does utilize the same principles as another. Do not try to
make the improvisation fit your idea of what should be there; analyze what is actually in the music.
Some questions may lead to dead ends. A specific approach may be searched for and not found.
Determine that by asking the questions, and then move on to another area. Traces of one approach may
be found, and later determine to be insignificant for the analysis. Leave it behind, the job is not to justify every note, or to justify any note. The absence of a specific approach may be significant to the analysis.
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407
Some of your search should be microscopic, and some macroscopic. You may have to examine small
pieces of the solo, down to individual notes in some cases. You should also step back and look at the
overall larger picture of the solo: how does it build? what are the devices that give the entire solo form
and structure? Is there a shape and how is it achieved? Examine the trees and the forest.
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E. Embellish or ornament: This differs from the addition of notes before or after as it involves the
elaboration of the original note using neighbor tones while still following the general contour of
the original idea.
F. Augmentation: To augment is to make something larger. Musically this can apply to the rhythmic units, the intervals and even the orchestration.
G. Diminution: To diminish is to reduce something. This can apply to rhythmic units, the intervals
and the orchestration.
H. Inversion: The intervals of the original idea can be turned upside down. They can be inverted
using exact intervals or generally following the diatonic intervals.
I. Retrograde: The motive is played with the pitches in reverse order. This is not perceived by the
casual observer, but can be a useful device.
J. Retrograde inversion: the original can occur upside down and backwards. This is also not always
recognizable to the casual observer.
K. Displacement: May be applied to rhythms or pitches. Pitches may be displaced by moving
them up or down an octave. A motive may be rhythmically displaced to a different part of the
phrase earlier or later than might be expected
L. Mode Change: The motive might be set in other modes.
M. Iteration: Repetition. Making a simple rhythm more active by repeating melodic pitches.
O. Quotes from other sources
After closely examining individual notes in relationship to the original melody or harmonic structure, it
is helpful to view the improvisation from a larger perspective. How are the phrases formed without considering harmonic implications? Is there a relationship between phrases? Are there connections? Do
several phrases work together to imply larger architectonic forms? A phrase can begin only three different ways: before the downbeat, on the downbeat, and after the downbeat. A phrase can be long or short.
Do the length and placement of phrases contribute to the musical result of the improvisation?
IV.
Phrasing
A. Length (short or long, relationship)
B. Placement (before, on, after)
C. Connections (last notes or note of one phrase begins the next phrase)
What types of rhythmic character are present in the improvisation? Were there instances of polyrhythmic superimposition? Was there a contrast between simple and complex subdivisions? How does the
rhythmic character contribute to the structure of phrases, phrase groups and the overall form?
VI.
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409
The improvisation can be examined in an even larger context. What is the overall shape and character?
What musical mechanisms help determine the contour?
VIII.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Overall Character
Agitated, calm, relentless, conversational, etc.
What musical elements contribute to the overall mood?
When is the high point of the solo? How is that achieved?
Resolves conflict or not?
What is attractive about the solo? sound? rhythm? melodic ideas? technical interest? formal?
feeling?
Harmonic vocabulary
It is recommended that the following improvisation analyses be
studied in conjunction with frequent listening to the recordings.
SO WHAT:
MILES DAVIS
In the liner notes from the Kind of Blue recording session, Bill Evans described the tune So What as a
simple figure based on 16 measures of one scale, 8 of another and 8 more of the first. Miles Davis did
not base his So What improvisation on scale running. Without the harmonic framework of traditional
harmony, Davis chose to develop his ideas using motivic devices including: repetition, fragmentation,
sequencing, and diminution. Davis improvised two thirty-two measures choruses employing two major
themes, one for each chorus with some overlap, and referred to both themes in his closing statement.
Davis introduced theme 1 in m.2 after a initial sigh motive. Theme no. 1 can be divided into three
parts as indicated by the lower case letters a., b., and c. The theme is a palindrome1 with an additional
note at the end. The rising fragment of a. was balanced by the falling fragment of c. Davis sequenced the
theme in mm.4-7. The fragment c. was saved for the end of the phrase as Davis worked primarily with
fragments a. and b. Fragment b. was transposed up a diatonic third in m.6. Fragment c. was rhythmically
displaced to end on the upbeat of beat four in m.7. The D was repeated up an octave to bridge the first
A section with the second and recalls the initial sigh motive.
18.1
I
&c
.
.
1
Seq. cont.: b.
& .
a.
Theme 1:
a.
b.
X
b.
j
.
.
- .
c.
Sequence:
b.
>
>
.
c.
a.
b.
a.
Fragment b. occurred inverted in m.10 and was answered by fragment c. The pitches of c. were changed,
but the general shape (descending, ending with repeated note) remains unchanged. This occurrence
alone may be difficult to hear, but in conjunction with numerous appearances of fragment c. at the ends
1 A word, phrase, verse, or sentence that reads the same backward or forward. Examples: radar, refer, civic, deified,
rotator, Poor Dan is in a droop.
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Chapter 18
of phrases the relationship becomes clear. The inversion of b. returned in m.14 transposed up a step
from m.10 and again was answered by fragment c. Fragment c. was preceded by triadic material in m.13:
the E a leading tone to F, a passing tone (G), A and the leading tone C#. These two phrases in the second
A section are symmetrical.
b. inverted
&
> .
(1/2 V)
c.
b. inverted
. . .
&
J .
.
c.
Section B began with a. transposed a tritone away from its first occurrence in m.3. A scale passage that
may suggest fragment a. followed. The line ended with fragment c. again, up a half-step from its last appearance in m.15. Another scale passage followed that included the unusual leap of a tritone (D-Ab) in
m.23. This phrase, as all preceding phrases, ended with fragment c., this time transposed up a perfect
fifth higher than in m.15. The pitches (D and A) are the same as those in m.3 and m.7, but inverted and
the rhythmic value of the repeated notes is augmented
c.
b >
b
&
b
b> b . b .
a.
b b
>
>
b b b
> >
c.
& b j .
>
>
c.
b
^
.
b b n
j
b b> b
>
b> b >
& .
c.
>
>
>
(1/2 V)
The inversion of fragment b. returned in m.30 answered by fragment c. Fragment c. occurred with the
same pitches in m.25 and m.31. This short idea signaled the end to the first chorus.
b. inverted
&
9
>
>
Theme 2:
c.
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411
The second chorus is an ideal structural point to introduce a second theme. Davis chose a secondary
theme that contrasted in many ways to the theme no. 1. Theme no. 1 was introduced between the pitches
of D and A; theme no. 2 is between C and G in an upper register. Theme no. 1 was rhythmically active
with eighth note subdivisions; theme no. 2 floated above the rhythm section using notes of longer values. Theme no. 2 anticipated the second chorus and is answered in mm.34-35. Theme no. 2 was stated
again in the lower register in mm.36-37 and was answered in mm.38-39 similarly to mm.34-35. An inverted fragment b. appeared to be a part of the answer to theme no. 2.
II
&
Theme 2:
b. inverted
.
J
.
J
Theme 2
down octave:
Theme 2 answer
T2 down octave
&
(1/2 V)
(1/2 V)
b. inverted
The second A section of the second chorus began with a bluesy response to theme no. 2. The first two
short phrases end with fragment c. of theme no. 1. It is as if Davis wanted to remind the listener of the
first theme before further development of the second theme. The phrase in mm.45-47 which is nearly
identical to the sequence that occurred in mm.4-7 was an additional reminder of the material of theme
no. 1.
Bluesy response
.
& b
(1/2 V)
> >
a.
j
.
c.
c.
& j . .
(1/2 V)
b.
j .
> >
a.
T2 up half-step:
>
j .
b.
c.
Having reacquainted the listener with theme no. 1, Davis continued the development of theme no. 2. At
section B of the second chorus Davis played theme no. 2 up a half-step. The answer in the lower octave,
in mm.50-51 was filled in with passing tones. A short passage (mm.53-54) that recalled fragment a. of
theme no. 1 ended with theme no. 2 transposed to another pitch level in m.55.
.
&
T2 up half-step:
J b
. b b b
J . .
b b
j
>
412
Chapter 18
T2 transposed:
a.
>
>
b
b
& b b> b> . J b b J J b .
3
a.
a.
Davis anticipated the last section of the chorus with a return of theme no. 2 in the original key. The answer in m.59 was rhythmically more active than previously heard. A response grew out of the theme no.
2 answer that included the inverted fragment b. and fragment c.
T2
&
j .
T2 answer
b. inverted
>
.
c.
A concluding paragraph of a well written essay sums up the major points discussed in the exposition
and body. Davis seemed to follow this model and refers to both themes in his concluding line. The line
begins with fragment a. as if to restate the sequences found in mm.4-7 or mm.45-47. Theme no. 2 recurred in m.63, and then Davis played the remainder of theme no. 1 ending with a rhythmic augmented
fragment c.
T2
&
>
1
>
j b #
> > >
. j #
.
>
c.
a.
Fragment a.
j
& .
- .
.
Fragment b.
j j
.
Fragment c.
The M shaped palindrome structure of theme no. 1 is clear as illustrated in ex. 18.3.
18.3
&w
Chapter 18
413
Davis began developing theme no. 1 by repeating the first two fragments, transposing fragment b. and
returning to the complete theme in this phrase from mm.4-7.
18.4
& j
b.
a.
b.
X
b.
>
J
.
>
a.
a.
c.
Forty-one measures after mm.4-7, Davis recalled and played almost the exact phrase in mm.45-47.
18.5
& j . .
45
b.
b.
>
j .
> >.
a.
a.
c.
Twelve phrases in the improvisation ended with fragment c. This recurrence of material unified the improvisation more than any other element. The first two occurrences were almost identical, both ended
on an upbeat and both used the dominant falling to the tonic. The third occurrence in m.12 was a bit
disguised with smaller intervals and augmented rhythmic values. In m.15, the rhythmic values of fragment c. were closer to the original although the interval was slightly diminished. MM.21-22 recalled the
fragment heard in m.15, but up a half-step. The original pitches, though inverted, returned in the two occurrences at mm.24-25 and mm.30-31. Davis created a rising step progression with the endings of the
three phrases in mm.41-47. Each phrase ended with fragment c. and each fragment was a step higher
than the previous (mm.41, 43 and 47.) The fragment from mm.60-61 used the same pitches as that of
m.47. Davis ended the improvisation in mm.64-65 with the original pitches, the dominant and tonic, but
the rhythmic values were doubled.
18.6
&
&
j
& b b j .
43
&
&
&
47
j .
J
&
12
&
25
j .
21
&
J
31
&
J
61
16
&
41
&
65
414
Chapter 18
At the midpoint of the two chorus improvisation after developing one theme and its fragments for the
first half, Davis introduced a contrasting second theme. Theme no. 2 floated while the first was more
rhythmically active. Theme no. 1 was primarily constructed with the notes of a D minor chord and the
second was based on the upper extensions, the 7-9-11, or a superimposed C major triad over the D dorian. Davis repeated theme no. 2 with the first two pitches transposed down an octave. Theme no. 2 returned anticipating the B section in m.48. The triadic shape of the answer was disguised with passing
tones. A short reference to the triadic theme no. 2 occurred in mm.54-55. Davis anticipated the last A
section with another return of theme no. 2 in m.56. Theme no. 2 recurred one last time in m.63 as a part
of the last phrase, a summary including material from both themes.
18.7
&
.
J
33
&
(1/2 V)
37
&
J b
. b b b
J . .
b b
49
b
J
&
b
.
55
&
j .
57
18.8
>
& j > b> #
>
62
a.
c.
j
# -
>
.
Chapter 18
415
A (mm.9-16)
Fragment a.,
inversion of b.
B (mm.17-24)
Fragments a., c., &
inversion of b.
A (mm.25-32)
Fragment a.,
inversion of b
B (mm.49-56)
Theme no. 2,
fragment a.
A (mm.57-64)
Theme no. 2,
inversion of b.
Summary of all ideas in
the last phrase:
(mm.62-65)
SECOND CHORUS
A (mm.33-40)
Theme no. 2,
inversion of b., fragment of Theme 2
A (mm.41-48)
Theme no. 1,
fragments a., b., & c.
Without a harmonic progression, this modal improvisation included no guide-tones or outlines. There
were no instances of exotic scales or harmonic substitutions. Davis developed two main themes and
their fragments using motivic devices including: repetition, fragmentation, sequencing, and diminution.
This improvisation is an exceptional lesson in motivic development and economical construction.
Miles was frugal with notes, which made it easier to see and hear the simple structures. Miles constructed
a logical improvisation manipulating fragments of his themes like Picasso in an analytical cubist painting.
ALL BLUES:
CANNONBALL ADDERLEY
Cannonball Adderley used several recurring musical elements in this improvisation. These elements
and their transformations helped create a coherent organization. The form is a modal blues. The material used to construct the entire improvisation was introduced by Adderley in the first four measures. He
began with extended arpeggios in thirds using a rhythmic motive that recurred with variations. A bluesy
motive and a bop figure resembling outline no. 3 followed. Cannonball showed his wonderful sense of
balance in this solo. Flurried passages were answered with simple swinging eighth note passages, such as
the iteration device in mm.28-30 and mm.37-38. Modal passages were contrasted and balanced with
bluesy or be-bop figures. Extended arpeggios, leaping almost two octaves contrasted with measured trill
figures that restrained the melodic motion. Recurring rhythmic motives lent a continuity to the material
even when the pitch content changed. Outline no. 3 lent continuity in form and structure to lines with
much rhythmic variety. The rhythmic vocabulary ranged from relaxed, simple eighth notes lines to flurries of sixteenth notes and sixteenth note triplets. Certain areas of the form were treated the same, as if
Adderley conceived the passages as a certain mood or character beyond just the harmonic implications. Many phrases ended with the bop outlines. Almost every chorus ended with an ethereal phrase
avoiding harmonic and rhythmic clarity.
A rhythmic motive (R1) was introduced in the first phrase. Two eighth notes on the downbeats emphasized the strong beats of one and four, creating the duple meter ( 46 ). The pitches suggested an extended
tertian (1-3-5-7-9-11) G chord. A bluesy 4-3-1-7 idea answered followed by a bop sounding figure that
eventually Adderley developed into outline no. 3. The 4-3-1-7 shape was the first item to be developed as
Adderley sequenced it over the C7 in mm.5-6.
416
Chapter 18
18.9
I G7
4-3-1-7 Motive
& 64 .
#
7
9
11 9
7
5
3 1
1
Bop figure:
C7
& b
. b .
J b j
3
The upper extensions returned over the G7 as Adderley emphasized the 7-9-11 of G7. The rhythm (R2)
was related to R1 but stressed beats one, three and five. The accents of R2 suggested a triple ( 23 ) instead
of the duple meter ( 64 ). The bop figure returned to end the phrase. Adderley treated the last four
measures of the first chorus with a harmonic and rhythmic vagueness that created an ethereal mood. R2
returned in the last two measures of the form.
G7
R2
D7
Ethereal section:
3
b . j
# .
&
# N
# n
E b7
Bop figure
D7
G7
R2
j b n r b # b b
b
& J # n
0
Another variation of R1 occurred in mm.13-14 at the beginning of the second chorus using only the two
eighth notes on the down beats. The melody emphasized the upper extensions (9 & 13) and recalled the
bluesy motive. A flurry of notes, G mixolydian scale with two chromatic passing tones, led to the recurring bop figure. This time the figure was recognizable as outline no. 3. A chromatic line was suggested
within the outline: (D-C#-Cn-Bn). Adderley answered with a static measured trill as a contrast to the vigorous outline figure.
II
&
3
G7
4-3-1-7 motive
R3
Bop figure:
outline no. 3
j
# #
#
. #
Measured trill:
C7
Measured trill:
& b b
3
3
3
3
Chapter 18
417
The static measured trills were abandoned for the chromatic and rhythmically exciting line in mm.1920. Outline no. 2 was followed by outline no. 3 and a arpeggio of the upper extensions (7-9-11-13-R) of
the G7 chord. The sixteenth notes provided a rhythmic contrast, and the wide range of the line (almost
two octaves) contrasted with the static nature of the previous measured trills.
3
Upper ext.
& # b n #
n 3
G7 3
G7
Outline no. 2
&
Outline no. 3
9 11 13 R
www www
w w
w w
An ethereal feeling was again created on the last four measures of the form. Adderley recalled R3 and
the bluesy 4-3-1-7 motive in the closing measures of the second chorus.
D7
& J
E b7
Ethereal section:
j b
b b b
b
b
&
3
4-3-1-7 Motive
G7
D7
j .
n j
#
3 #
R3
The measured trill returned at the top of chorus three. It was answered by a lengthy flurry of sixteenth
notes that included outline no. 3, with the internal chromatic implications (D-C#-Cn-Bn), and ended with
the extended tertian arpeggio.
G7
III
&
Measured trill:
J
3
& b
&
# n #
3
.
b
# n #
3
Iteration:
Outline no. 3
Upper Extensions
www
9 11 13 R
nw w
418
Chapter 18
As a contrast to the sixteenth notes, Adderley played a repeated eighth note line. These repeated notes
are called iteration. Rhythmic variation no. 4, occurred in m.31 featured a slightly diminished version of
the pair of notes found in the other rhythmic variations. Rather than the two eighth notes of R1-3, the
pair were the first two notes of an eighth note triplet. The ethereal section returned with ambiguous floating rhythms and distant notes such as the C#, the #11 of G7 in m.35. The last two measures contained a
return to R3 and the measured trill. The melodic material that began the fourth chorus again suggested
the upper extensions (5-7-9-11) of the G7 chord.
C7
G7
Iteration sequence:
& b
9
E b7
R4
b b
&
b
J
b b . b
D7 Ethereal section:
D7
G7
& #
5
measured trill
# j
R3
Adderley played another iteration sequence at the beginning of chorus four. Outline no. 3 returned
paired with an arpeggio that emphasized the upper extensions (5-7-9-11-13) of G7. The internal chromatic implications (D-C#-Cn-Bn) were again implied in outline no. 3.
IV
G7
Outline
no. 3
3
Extensions
& b
j b # n
#
b
5 7 9 11 13
Iteration sequence:
w ww
&
nw
The line in m.40 suggested the tertian extensions (7-9-11-13) and at the same times has a blues feeling
due to the Db-C and the Bn-G. R1 returned in mm.61-62 with an inserted measured trill.
C7
& b
b b
r
#
Measured trill
R1
R1 continued through m.62 and led to another occurrence of outline no. 3 which Adderley again paired
with the upper extension arpeggio. The rhythmically diminished pair of notes from R4 were used again
Chapter 18
419
in m.65. The note pairs were played with progressively larger rhythmic values in mm.65-66. In m.65, the
pair of notes were the first two notes of an eighth note triplet; on the downbeat of m.66 they return to a
pair of eighth notes; and at the end of m.66 they have become two quarter notes. The improvisation
ended with one last reference to outline no. 3 with the suggestion of the internal chromatic line, with a
missing the Dn.
G7
R1
& #
Outline no. 3
&
D7
Upper extension
3
3
3
JJ
7 9 11 13
Fragment of R4
w ww
w w
E b7
b b
J
&
D7
G7
# j j
.
# #
G7
&
RHYTHMIC MOTIVES
18.10a R1
I G7
& 64 .
1
18.10b R1 at m.41
18.10c R1 at m.43
C7
& b
1
G7
&
3
j 3
#
420
Chapter 18
3
2
64
3
2
6
4
18.11b R2 in mm.7-8
G7
&
# n
18.11c R2 in mm.11-12
G7
# b b
&
12
18.12a R3 in mm.13-14
II
&
18.12b
G7
G7
& j .
3
18.12c R3 in mm.32-33
18.12d
D7
&
.
b b
G7
G7
R3 in mm.35-36
& #
5
18.13a R4 in m.31
&
R3 in mm.23-24
Chapter 18
421
D7
3 3 3 b b
#
&
J J
J
D7
G7
OUTLINE EXAMPLES
18.14a Outline no. 3 in m.4
18.14b
G7
&
&
&
16
&
E b7
b
b #
18.14e Outline no. 3 at the end of the improvisation
&
j
j
.
# n #
44
&
422
Chapter 18
&
20
&
n
3
&
28
&
&
&
3
j 3
#
# n
n
39
&
&
3
j
44
Chapter 18
423
&w
18.16b
w
w
w
3
w
5
w
11
13
&
&
w
7
w w
11
w w
ww
&
21
7 9 11 13 R
&
&
j #
28
39
9 11 13 R
11 13
&
44
11 13
&
4
&
. b .
J b j
&
14
&
j .
44
424
Chapter 18
& b
17
3 3
& J
& b
26
42
ITERATION
18.19
&
b
b
29
G7
& b
b
b j
29
D7
G7
b . j b j n r b # b b
& N
# . J# n b
3
& J
j b
21
E b7
D7
G7
b b b
n j #
b
b
Chapter 18
425
J
&
b
32
E b7
D7
G7
j
b b b
n #
b
b
PHRASE CONTENT
FIRST CHORUS
Extended tertian arpeggios using Rhythmic
Motive no. 1 (R1)
4-3-1-7 Motive
5
Ethereal Section
4-3-1-7 Motive
Bop Figure
related to outline no. 3
R2 derived from R1
Bop Figure
R3
Bop Figure
Outline no. 3
R3
4-3-1-7 Motive
SECOND CHORUS
R1
4-3-1-7 Motive
13
Measured trill
17
Ethereal Section
21
THIRD CHORUS
Measured trill figures
Extended bop figure
25
R4
29
Ethereal Section
R3
(G harmonic minor)
33
FOURTH CHORUS
Iteration idea returns
Outline no. 3
Extended arpeggio
Bluesy ending
37
R2
41
R4Rhythmic activity
winds down
R3
Outline No. 3
45
It should be apparent from these transcriptions that constructing improvisations is more that playing
the correct chords and scale tones. Cannonball Adderley introduced at the beginning of the improvisation a few musical elements that recurred transformed and varied to create a coherent organization. A
rhythmic motive recurred in several forms. Adderley implied several bop outlines and extended tertian
arpeggios over this modal framework and often linked the two elements. The improvisation was balanced by contrasting rhythms, textures, moods, subdivisions and implied metric divisions.
426
Chapter 18
BLUE in GREEN:
JOHN COLTRANE
John Coltrane contributed so much to jazz from the complex harmonic passages in Giant Steps and
Countdown to the modal improvisations and beyond. This improvisation was chosen for its simplicity.
The short ten measure melodic line was constructed primarily from a single step progression elaborated
with octave displaced notes and rapid scale passages. The melody is shown on the top line and the implied step progression on the bottom. The step progression often adheres to voice leading principles.
Coltrane leapt a perfect fifth to the An which began the descending step progression. The line returned
to An on beat three after moving to surrounding tones below and above to further embellished the An.
There was a 4-3 suspension on the D minor chord. Another octave leap suggested a G7 preceding the
Cm7 so that the Fn sounds like the seventh resolving to the third (Eb) of Cm. The octave displacement
continued and the seventh of F (Eb) resolved to the third of Bb (Dn) completing a descending scale that
began on A. The step line was octave displaced again as the Dn leaps up to the Cn, the #9 of the A7.
18.21
b9
bb 9
Dm9
Cm7 F7 3 B bmaj7
A7b 13
r
r .
r . .
b .
&b c
Gm 9
A7 13
&b c
A secondary step line was introduced in m.3 which continued briefly through m.5 (F to E). Coltrane
played an F triad over the A7 in m.3 and the Dm7 in m.4. The F triad works as a triadic superimposition
for many of these chords and Coltrane seemed to be using these common tones to provide melodic
continuity. The F triad creates a Gm11 over the Gm7; it is the 5-7-9 of the Bbmaj7; it supplies the b13 and
#9 over the A7; and is the 3-5-7 of the Dm7 chord. The descending step line continued from the Cn down
to Bn, the ninth of Am7, to the fifth of Dm (An), and came to rest again on the An as the ninth of Gm7 in
m.6. A broken arpeggio octave displaced the An to the lower register for the A7. Coltrane used the ascending D melodic minor scale to bring the line back up the octave to the An again. Note that he used a
Bn when ascending and at the top a Bb. The Bn helped the line ascend and the Bb brought it back down
to the An.
Dm 7
E7 9
Am9
Dm9
Gm9
A7 9
& b n b
. n
j
w
.
b
n
& .
The Bb, the b9 of A7 resolved as expected to the An, the fifth of Dm. The An was reinforced by the D minor arpeggio and then moved down a step to Gn, the fifth of Cm7. The first step progression ended here
with a leap of a perfect fifth to a Dn. The improvisation began with perfect fifth leap. A new step progres-
Chapter 18
427
sion began on the D. The D was surrounded by diatonic neighbor tones (D-Eb-C-D) over the F7, yet the
placement in different octaves disguises the close intervallic relationship. The Eb, as the seventh of F7
resolved to the third of Bb. As with many improvisations in a bop style, which this piece is not, Coltrane
played a 3-5-7-9 arpeggio over the Bbmaj7 chord. This arpeggio recalled the melodic shape from m.3.
The arpeggio octave displaced the step line again and the C and Bb, the #9 and b9 of A7 resolved to An,
the fifth of Dm7. Coltrane played scale passages over the A7, this time strictly playing D harmonic minor. D ascending melodic minor returned in m.9 over the Dm7. The step line continued through the G
and F, the #9 and b9 of E7 resolved to En, the fifth of Am7. This voice leading referred to the similar passage leading to the Dm7 in mm.8-9.
Dm 9
Cm 9
F7
3
j
& b . b
b
b
&b
B maj7
.
.
bb 9
A7 13
bb 9
5
r
.
.
n #
Dm9
E7 13
. j
One skip interrupted the descending step line as Coltrane concluded this improvisation, fading away to
almost nothing. Bill Evans then metrically modulated the piece to double time for the next soloist.
Am9
&b
0
Dm9
Gm9
# n . b .
&b
0
. .
Coltranes melodic line over Blue in Green is profoundly expressive though only ten measures in duration. The simple underlying structure contributes to expressiveness as it gave him a logical framework to
which he applied creative octave displacements, scale and arpeggio passages.
FREDDIE FREELOADER:
WYNTON KELLY
Wynton Kelly played a short, simple, well constructed improvisation on Freddie Freeloader. One central element that makes this solo a classic was the groove; the soulful swinging feel from the beginning to
the end. The most difficult element to describe or adequately discuss is that elusive quality called feel.
It cannot be quantified, codified, indexed and cataloged. It can be experienced from listening to the
recording. We are lucky to be living in the an age where recordings of jazz classics are plentiful and can
be accessed from anywhere on the planet. Kelly constructed the improvisation using short, simple
statements, built up to an emphatic two-handed blues testimony and finally restored a calm that prepared the entrance of Miles Davis.
428
Chapter 18
CONTRASTS
Contrasts contributed to the success of this improvisation. An improvisation constructed out of a single
device, no matter how interesting, becomes predictable and uninteresting. Here are some elements
Kelly manipulated for contrast:
SOLO CONTOUR
Kelly played four blues choruses. The improvisation began simply with short statements and ended with
a simple descending scale. Each chorus gathered a little more steam until the climax in mm.36-40. There
are highs and lows within each chorus, but each one propelled the improvisation to the climax. In the
first and second chorus, almost identical material recurred (mm.7-12 and mm.19-24). The recurrence of
almost identical phrases preserved continuity within the improvisation. Rather that repeat exactly what
he played before, Kelly added rhythmic complexity (mm.19-20) and chromatic elaboration.
The rhythm section reached cruising altitude in the third chorus and settled in to a comfortable groove
(listen to the sidestick snare on beat two and Kellys later emphasis on beat four). Kelly testified with
stylistic gospel blues lines and double stops. This was the last stage building to the climax in mm.36-40.
The climax was effective in part because of the arrangement and timing of previous material. Had Kelly
begun with emphatic statements then mm.36-40 would not have been perceived as climactic.
PHRASE CONNECTIONS
Kelly helped the listener follow his improvisation with carefully connected phrases. Guide tones (GT)
occurred regularly at significant rhythmic spots. Phrases often began on a note or notes that ended the
previous phrases. Rhythmic and melodic motives recurred transformed, though still recognizable, moving the improvisation to a logical conclusion.
Kelly began with four very short statements based on the dominant rising and falling to the tonic, elaborated with various neighbor tones. The chromatic tones (En, Gn, & Gb) are not heard as alterations of
the dominants, rather as neighbor tones pointing to F. In m.5, after playing around the root and fifth of
E b7, Kelly played the seventh and third identifying the Eb7. The Db resolved back to Dn in mm.7-8. The
D n in m.7 was surrounded by its upper and lower neighbors, and the Bb triadic material led back to the
lower Dn. An unembellished Bb arpeggio led to the guide tone An, the third of F7, in m.9, which Kelly approached with a chromatic leading tone, G#. The leading tone/guide tone idea was sequenced for the
Eb7, and the emphasis on beat four of m.9 created syncopation. Kelly was careful to play Db in m.10 to
comply with the Eb7. The descending Bb arpeggio in m.11 yielded the upper tertian extensions (9-#11-13)
of the Ab lydian dominant sound. An arpeggio that again emphasized upper extensions (7-9-#11-13) of
the Ab lydian dominant sound led to the top of the second chorus.
Kellys left hand accompaniment was spare during this first chorus. Kelly played simple voicings using
just the tritone, the third and seventh, of the dominant chords. The chords were played very softly and
usually short; the only held chord occurred in the last measure of the first chorus. The chords were used
to launch some lines and punctuate others, and primarily occurred in the spaces between the right hand
lines.
Chapter 18
429
18.21
B b7
b
j
& b c b n .
5
r
#
b n
E b7
B b7
. # r
>
3
.
j
b
b
.
& b J
J
#
A b9 11
E b7
(7-9- #11-13)
# r
.
j b .
> >
# #> n b
#
b
& b #
b
F7
(9- #11-13)
Kelly played with the Bb triad in the first phrase of the second chorus. The Dn was emphasized in m.13
preceded by its leading tone, C#. The triadic arpeggio in mm.14-15 led to the guide tone Ab which began
to point towards the Eb7 chord in m.17. Kelly interrupted the resolution of the dissonant Ab to the consonant G with the chromatic passage (all chromatic passing tones between F and Bb, the original notes
from m.1). Kelly clarified the Eb7 sound by landing on the guide tone third preceded by its leading tone
F#, and leaping to the seventh, Db. As a contrast to the preceding triadic shapes, Kelly played the upper
extensions of the Eb7 suggesting a lydian dominant chord with the 7-9-#11-13 arpeggio that recalled material from m.12. The guide tone Db from mm.17-19 was resolved back to the major third of Bb (Dn) in
mm.19-20.
The material heard in mm.19-24 was a transformation and development of the material heard in mm.712. The Bb triadic shape in m.29 was elaborated with sixteenth note subdivision compared to the triplet
and dotted eighth notes of m.7. M.20 and m.8 are almost identical. Kelly reused the chromatic leading
tone the third of the F7 and the Eb7 chords in mm.21-22 as he had done in mm.9-10. The descending
arpeggio over the Ab7 chord in mm.22-23 recalled the similar arpeggio in m.11. An ascending arpeggio
bridged the end of the second chorus to the top of the third as Kelly did in mm.12-13. Both of the first
choruses ended on the major third of Bb.
The accompaniment style for the second chorus was the same as the first: sparsely punctuated left hand
tritones, the only long note occurred in the last measure of the chorus.
3
3
3
3
r
b
.
&b
B b7
II
&
7
bb
GT: Dn
> 3
B b7
b
b n b n3
b> #
E b7 GT: D b
r
#
(7-9- #11-13)
#
3
430
Chapter 18
#
A b9 11
E b7
# .
# b n n
b
b
&
J b .
J
J
F7
.
3
b
r
#
(7-9- #11-13)
The swinging groove intensified during the third chorus. Kelly emphasized beat four in mm.24-27 and
the side-stick snare responded emphasizing beat two. A Bb triad was the source for melodic material that
emphasized the major third (D) and dominant seventh (Ab) in mm.25-28. A short repeated note rhythmic idea recurred several times in the chorus in m.26, m.28, m.29, m.31-32, and expanded in m.35. Kelly
turned to the Bb minor blues scale in mm.28-30; the Db in this phrase acted as the guide tone seventh of
E b7 and the minor third of Bb minor blues scale. Kelly resolved the Db back to Dn in mm.30-31. The
double stops, 4-3 amen suspensions and bluesy elements give this chorus a gospel blues feeling. The
third of F7 was again emphasized in m.33. A lydian dominant sound was suggested by the 7-9-#11-13
arpeggio over the Eb7 in m.34. An emphatic extension of the repeated note rhythmic idea occurred in
m.35 using the Bb triad over the Ab7, which set up the beginning of the climax. The minor blues line in
octaves began the climax to the improvisation in m.36.
The left hand accompaniment pattern shifted from dialog with the right hand to a more independent
approach. Kelly used variations of the Charleston rhythm placing the chords on beat one and the
upbeat of two, sometimes stressing upbeats of four and two. In m.35, Kelly shifted to the emphatic accompaniment style of playing both hands simultaneously.
Emphasis on beat four
Bb7
> . . b >
.
b
j
j
j
#
#
&
b
b
III
E b7
GT: D b
B b7 Rhy.
Rhy.
3
3
> 3
j
b
b
b r
J
&b
b # n n b
9
Rhy.
#
A b9 11
GT: Dn
n b b 3
3
>
>
>
n b b b
b b
b
&
J
n b
J
J
F7 3
E b7
(7-9- #11-13)
(9- #11-13)
Kelly continued the assertive and energetic accompaniment approach from mm.35-38. This passage
sounds like the climax of a big band shout chorus with the octave reinforced melody in the right hand
over the left hand playing almost identical rhythms. (The climax is shown below in ex. 18.22). The left
hand returned to the independent Charleston rhythm in m.40.
The Bb minor blues scale material with the lowered third and seventh contributed to the powerful climax. Kelly recalled two other rhythmic devices that occurred earlier in the improvisation: the short, two
note idea from mm.26, 28, 31-32, and 35 returned in m.37; and the stress on beat four occurred again in
mm.37 and 39. The climax ended with the displaced quarter note triplet and eighth note triple in m.39.
The rapid passage in m.40 seemed to release the last bit of energy from the preceding climactic section.
Chapter 18
b b n b b b 3 n b n 3
b
b J
b n
b n b b J
&b J
n
3
B b7
IV
431
Rhy.
To contrast with the preceding phrase, Kelly used the sparse left hand accompaniment again in the remaining measures of the improvisation. The insistent quality of the preceding minor blues ideas are
contrasted with the return of the extended tertian arpeggio (7-9-# 11-13) creating a lydian dominant
sound for the Eb7. The guide tone Db emphasized over the Eb7 in mm.41-42 was resolved back to Dn in
mm.42-44. The two Dn guide tones in mm.42-44 accent beat four as Kelly had done several times. In the
first two choruses, Kelly led to the An, the guide tone of F7, using an ascending Bb arpeggio, and he did
so again in this last chorus in m.44. Kelly emphasized guide tones on the downbeats of the final four
measures: the third of F7 (An), the seventh of Eb7 (Db), the seventh of Ab7 (Gb), and finally the third of Bb
(D n). The descending step line in mm.45-48 and diminishing rhythmic activity helped quiet the emotional intensity and prepare for the entrance of the next soloist, Miles Davis.
E b7
B b7
GT: D b
#>
b
b
b r . n .
# #
& b b j
>
#
7
3
3
GT: Dn
(7-9- 11-13)
E b7
A b9 11
B b7
3
>
3
>
>
b
b
b
&b
F7
Ex. 18.22 illustrates how Kellys left hand accompaniment contributed to the high point of the improvisation. Every important note in the right hand was doubled at the octave and supported with a three
note left hand voicing. The three note voicings included a seventh, third and thirteenth.
18.22
#
A b9 11
&
bb
? b
b
5
3
>
>>
c J
J
..
c b J .
n b b
n b b
J
b J
3 b Bb7 b
J b
b
b n
b
b b n
b
b
A fundamental theme and variation technique is for subsequent versions of a melody to be more embellished while retaining the same underlying structure. This can be found in the Chopin and Beethoven
examples on the following page.
432
Chapter 18
18.23
First time:
b
& b b 128
time:
b bSecond
12
b
&
8
. .
. . .
J
J
J .
J
J
J
. m n b m b n b . . n b . .
J
n
J
J
b
&b c
Variation:
b
.
& b c n b n # n
#
Some would be surprised to find this technique in a blues improvisation. The very similar passages from
mm.7-12 and mm.19-24 are juxtaposed in ex. 18.23. The bottom line illustrates the basic framework from
which both phrases were constructed.
18.25
B b7
F7
>
#
#> n
b c # .
j
&
.
#
J
3
# .
b
j
&b c
J
#
w
w
b
w
w
w
&b c w
ww
w
ww
3
19
B b7
F7
>
#
#> n
. #
& b c J
3
.
#
b
& b c #
J
#
w
w
b
w
w
w
&b c w
w
ww
ww
7
19
Chapter 18
433
MELODIC VOCABULARY
Kelly used a variety of materials for melodic sources. He kept a balance between triadic generalization,
major and minor blues lines, and specific colorizations of lydian dominant chords. The following chart
traces the melodic vocabulary measure by measure in the improvisation. A chart like this may be useful
for practicing blending different melodic approaches within an improvisation.
FIRST CHORUS
Tonic & Dominant
Triadic
Blues Scale
Triadic
Triadic
Extended Tertian
(Ab9#11)
SECOND CHORUS
Triadic
13
Extended Tertian
(Eb9#11)
17
Triadic
Triadic
Extended Tertian
(Ab9#11)
21
THIRD CHORUS
Major Blues
25
Minor Blues
29
Triadic
Extended Tertian
(Eb9#11)
Extended Tertian
(Ab9#11)
Minor Blues
33
FOURTH CHORUS
Minor Blues
37
Extended Tertian
(Eb9#11)
Triadic
41
Guide Tones:
An = 3rd of F7
Guide Tones:
Db = 3rd of Eb7
Guide Tones:
Gb = 7th of Ab7
Guide Tones:
Dn = 3rd of Bb7
45
434
Chapter 18
PHRASE CHART
Individual musical phrases can be short or long, and may begin before, on, or after the downbeat. The
following chart traces the phrase lengths and beginnings measure by measure through Kellys improvisation. A chart like this may be useful for practicing contrasting phrase material.
FIRST CHORUS
Short/After
Short/After
Short/After
Short/After *
Short/After
Long/Before *
Short/After
5
(Long/Before)
Short/Before *
SECOND CHORUS
Short/After
Short/After
Short/Before
13
Short/After
Short/After *
Short/Before *
Short/Before
Short/Before
Short/After
Long/After
Short/After
Long/Before
17
(Short/Before)
Short/Before
21
THIRD CHORUS
Short/After
Short/After
25
(Long/After)
29
(Long/Before)
Short/Before
*
33
FOURTH CHORUS
Short/After
Short/After
Short/After
Short/After
37
Long/After
Long/Before
41
(Long/Before, cont.)
45
Kelly phrases were carefully connected. Lines often began on the same pitch or within a step of the
pitch that ended the preceding phrase. Other phrases were connected by using and developing similar
motives. In the chart above, * represents phrases that began on the same pitch as the ending pitch of
preceding phrases; represents phrases that began within a step of the previous ending pitch.
Wynton Kellys short, simple improvisation on Freddie Freeloader is a model of ingenious construction. Never loosing focus on the groove and feeling, Kelly contrasted accompaniment approaches,
melodic approaches, phrasing elements. Rhythmic and melodic motives recurred transformed, though
still recognizable, moving the improvisation to a logical conclusion. These elements were used to construct a solo with a discernible emotional curve from the simple beginning to the emphatic climax, to
the restored calm of the last phrase.
Chapter 18
BILLIES BOUNCE:
435
CHARLIE PARKER
Charlie Parkers four chorus improvisation on Billies Bounce was constructed using a balance of triadic
generalization and very specific outlines. The phrases were balanced, contrasting varied rhythmic subdivisions, phrase lengths, and the important use of space.
18.26
Melody
Bb
B7
F7
& b c j .. # b .. j # b n
n
1
B b7
F7
Am 7
D7
j
j
b J n
b
J
& b b .
# #
Alto 8vb
J
b
# N J j
&
Gm 7
C7
F7
D7
Gm7
C7
. j ..
.
The improvisation began with an elaboration of the F major triad using chromatic passing tones. The
underlying triadic structure resembles the Shaker tune Simple Gifts (see ex. 18.28). Parkers second
phrase began on the last pitch of the first phrase transposed up an octave. The absence of a Dn, and the
emphasis on F and C suggested Parker was still employing the F triad for the melodic structure. The Ab,
the guide tone and seventh of Bb, was the only obvious concession to the Bb7 chord, and it returned to
An in m.19. Outline no. 2 was suggested in m.21, then Parker descended to C through a chromatic passing
tone. The implications of C7 in m.22 were ignored in favor of a return to the same F triad elaboration
found in m.14. This melodic shape occurred later in a rhythmically diminished form in m.34.
18.27
Improvisation
I F
F7 3
GT
& b # n b
Triadic:
&b
B b7
F7
GT
GT
b
b b
&
# n
n
b
436
Chapter 18
Gm 7
C7
F7
D7
b 3
&
Outline no. 2
&b
Triadic
Chorus two began with a oddly placed rhythmic statement of F minor blues material. The notation is an
approximation (as is all music notation) and the recording should be consulted (as with all transcriptions). A triadic line returned in mm.27-28 ending on the guide tone Eb. The melody in m.28 was sequenced over the Bb7 in m.29 stressed all of the Bb chords tones, including the identifying third (Dn)
and seventh (Ab). The F triadic material returned in mm.30-31 with a relaxed eighth note feel.
II
F7
F Minor Blues
& b b b b
3
F7
3
j # n b j
Triadic
&b
Outline no. 3
B b7 3
GTs:
&b
b
&b
F7
Triadic
After a measure of rest (m.32) Parker played the most energetic phrase of the solo. Outline no. 3 began
the phrase in m.33. The G, E and D were preceded by their leading tones. Parker implied outline no. 1
and included a b9 over the C7 in m.34. The F triadic shape heard in m.14 and 22 returned in m.34 in
rhythmic diminution. The phrase ended quietly returning to eighth note subdivisions. The ascending F
arpeggio that connected the second chorus to the third is reminiscent of the Mannheim Rocket, the
ascending arpeggio motive that begin works such as the Finale of the Mozart Symphony in G minor,
K.550 and the Beethoven Piano Sonata in F minor, Op. 2, No. 1.
Chapter 18
Gm 7
& b #
# #nn
Outline no. 2
&b
C7
b
3
F7
D7
Gm7
C7
j
b j
Outline no.1
437
Triadic
A descending step progression began in m.37 and returned to the Cn that began the phrase in m.36. The
steps did lead to the third of Bb which might suggest outline no. 3 with passing tones or outline no. 1. A
universal jazz improvisation device is to play the 3-5-7-9 arpeggio after arriving on the third of the target
chord, and this is exactly what Parker did on the Bb chord in m.38. The step line seemed to break into
two pieces as the Dn resolved to Db and the Bb resolved to An. The Db ultimately resolved to the Cn in
m.39. The upper line continued from the A to the G and on down to the C through the same chromatic
notes heard in m.37-39 (Eb-Dn-Db-Cn). That chromatic line (Dn-Db-Cn) was played in m.4 of the melody.
Bb
III F
F7 3
b b b N b b b
&b
b
b
&
Step progression
With no preparation, Parker played an Ab in m.41, an octave and a sixth above where the previous
phrase ended. The material was based on the F triad, the Ab the only concession to the Bb7 chord. The
A n is avoided in m.42, but Parker played it on the downbeat of m.43 as expected with the F chord.
Outline no. 1 began on the Cn in m. 43 and continued to the Gm7 in m.45. Two notes were necessary for
the D7, a secondary dominant (V7/ii). D7, as the V7 in Gm, must have an Eb from the key signature and
an F# as the leading tone. Both of these notes occurred significantly over the D7 in m. 44 as they did in
m.8 of the melody. Outline no. 1 was sequenced in m.46-47. The altered ninths (Db & Eb) were borrowed
tones from F minor, created a downward pull to the line and recalled the b9 of D7 in m.44. Parker connected the third chorus to the fourth with a long tone suggesting a moment of repose.
B b7
&b
F7
D7 3
( A7 )
b b
. # b
J
J
J
n
&b
1
Outline no. 1
438
Chapter 18
Gm 7
C7
F7
D7
b b
&b
Outline no. 1
&b
Gm7
C7
The long line that began in m.48 was constructed of short ideas landing on oddly placed rhythmic
spots. The G in m.48 was on the upbeat of one, the Ab in m.49 accented beat four, an Eb stopped the line
in m.50, the G anticipated beat one of m.51 and the C ended the line on the upbeat of three.
IV F
j
b
3
& b .
B b7
F7
b
b
GT
Parker repeated a bluesy idea heard earlier in m.17. The line was based on the F minor triad, while the
A b and Dn clearly suggested the Bb 7. The line accented beat three in m.53 and beat two of m.54. A
polyrhythm was suggested as the accents occurred three beats apart. The line in m.55 answered the blues
line and Parker resolved the Ab to An. Outline no. 1 returned in m.56 including the guide tone F#.
B b7
F7
Am 7
D7
#
b
b
b
&
b
n
Outline no. 1
&b
3
Outline no. 3 occurred in mm.61-62. Parker added the common chromatic elaboration (G-F#-Fn-E). This
same chromatic elaboration was heard in mm.9-10 of the melody. The improvisation was brought to a
close as Parker returned to triadic generalization in the final measures, ignoring implications of the D7,
Gm7 and C7 chords.
Gm 7
& b #
&b
C7
F7
Gm7
C7
j
n # J .
Triadic
Outline no. 3
D7
Chapter 18
439
The triadic shape that Parker used (a.) at the beginning of the improvisation can be found at the heart
of other melodic fragments. Lou Donaldson played almost the identical line (b.), and the Shaker song,
Simple Gifts, follows the shape without chromatic embellishment.
18.28
a.
b.
c.
& b c # n # n
3
&b c
PHRASE CHART
The following chart traces the melodic approaches used by Parker in his improvisation on Billies
Bounce. A chart like this may be useful for practicing contrasting phrase material.
FIRST CHORUS
Triadic
Outline no. 2
Triadic
THIRD CHORUS
Descending Step proStep progression, cont.
gression
(3-5-7-9 arpeggio)
GT (Ab)/Blues triadic
generalization
Triadic
Simple
Triadic/Arpeggio
GT (An)
Outline no. 1
Modulation GTs
(F # & Eb)
Held note = repose
GT (Eb)
Blues line answered. GT
(A n)
Outline no. 3
FOURTH CHORUS
GT (Ab)
Outline no. 3
Triadic
SECOND CHORUS
F minor blues
GT (F#)
Triadic
440
Chapter 18
ANALYSIS SUMMARY
In any search for meaning, the answers can only be as good as the questions asked. More questions yield
more information and the more information helps bring the picture of the whole into better focus.
There is no indisputable paradigm for the form or approach to a jazz improvisation. Improvisations are
as unique as the artists who create them. There are many elements of music about which many questions
can be formed. Be prepared to accept the music as it is, ask the questions, accept the answers. If one tool
for analysis works, then implement it; when it becomes ineffective, replace it with another tool.
Many musical materials overlap. A common melodic outline implies the use of guide tones and may
create a step progression. An outline may be sequenced. Some lines can be at once harmonically general and specific. Guide tones may be observed within a line based on triadic generalization.
Learn to examine more than just notes in relationship to chords. Learn to consider melodies lines as
horizontal, linear entities and avoid strict, vertical thinking. How are the phrases related? What is the
rhythmic character? The significant notes may be on the downbeats of the measure but they can be anticipated and delayed. Measure lines exist only in music notation. What elements contribute to the character of the whole or parts of the improvisation? Good music theory reveals something about the way
the music sounds and suggests practical applications for implementing those concepts.
Developing Practice Materials
The book, Comprehensive Technique for Jazz Musicians, was written from materials gathered from transcriptions. There are numerous examples of extracted practical musical concepts and applications for
implementing them in improvisations and compositions. These would include:
Extract specific examples from solos. Learn in all keys. Transpose to minor. Add to, take
away and personally adapt these ideas.
Use large scale charts of improvisational approaches in creating improvisation agendas for
practice.
Extract rhythmic ideas to add to your vocabulary. Include contrasts between simple and
complex subdivisions, polyrhythmic ideas, displacement, etc.
Chapter 19
441
XIX.
EXPANDING HARMONIC VOCABULARY
INTRODUCTION
One challenge of life is avoiding falling into predictable patterns. This is especially true for artists. After
finding a workable vocabulary, painting techniques, concepts of form and color, and harmonic progressions, too many artists continue to use and reuse the same material. Driven composers, writers and
artists continue to challenge the assumptions of their own vocabulary. This can be seen in the development of many diverse composers: Beethoven, Stravinsky, The Beatles, Sting, and Miles Davis.
The driving force of music is rhythm and melody is the lifeline. Harmony may be secondary to melody
and rhythm, but can do much to color and propel a musical story. New harmonic possibilities often
spurs creation of new melodies. Reharmonizing a good melody may make it better or can create a contrasting mood. This chapter should provide a challenge to discover new harmonic sounds and introduce some methods for challenging harmonic boundaries.
Chords happen by themselves only in a music theory classin music they occur in a logical progression we call harmony. Harmony is like a sentence: a sentence has formdifferent types of words working together to create meaning beyond any single word in the sentence. A string of polysyllabic words
strung together does not insure meaning. Often, simple sentences work best. The same is true for a musical progression. Harmony has its own logic and grammar, and like writing, takes years of experience to
develop the skills and ears to create meaningful, balanced musical creations.
A simple melody (CDE or DOREMI) will be used to illustrate some harmonic possibilities. There
are an infinite number of possible solutions for harmonizing these pitches; only a few will be examined.
The first example (ex. 19.1) uses common chords in a typical progression: IVI. Functional harmony
(harmony functioning to point to a tonic) is centuries old, still quite familiar and useful, and may often
be the best choice in a given musical setting. Some contemporary harmony relies on extensions of the
diatonic chords to further color the harmony. An extended C major becomes C major 7, C major 9, or
C major 13 #11 (ex. 19.2a). D minor becomes Dm11 (ex. 19.2b).
442
Chapter 19
19.1
19.2a
& c
&
?c
?w
19.2b
A simple iiVI progression in F (Gm7 C7 F) can be expanded using more extended and colorful
tertian chords as in ex. 19.3.
19.3
Gm9
&c
? c b
C9
Fm aj7
A variety of ninths (9, b9, #9) and fifths (b5, 5, #5) or substitutes for the fifth (13, b13) can be added to a
dominant seventh chord. Ex. 19.4 shows a simple voicing for a G9 chord. The notes that have to remain
for the chord to be a G dominant chord are the root (G) and the third and seventh (B and F). The fifth
and ninth can be altered and the chord still be a G dominant. There are twelve combinations with the
five voices shown. There are more if you consider all the enharmonic spellings, but a #5 and b13 are the
same pitch (the difference in a musical setting is that the #5 wants to resolve up and the b13 wants to resolve down). The altered notes are sometimes written with enharmonic spellings (#9 = Bb instead of A#).
These extended tertian (chords built in thirds) chords provide expanded sounds used in traditional
progressions.
19.4
b
G9 5
b
G13 9
G7b 13
www
w
b #
b wwww
b www
w
b b wwww
G913
& c www
w
?c w
b9
b
#
G9 13 G9 5
G9
Chapter 19
b9
b
G7 9
G7b 5
& b www
w
b b wwww
? w
#9
443
#9
#
G13 9
G7b 13
#
G7 9
G7b 5
b www
w
w
b b www
b ww
ww
bw
b www
Pointing in one direction and arriving at another is a device used by magicians, comedians, great story
tellers, and composers of music to create a surprise and maintain the interest of the audience. After
sounding chords that clearly point to one place, composers often use a deceptive resolution to this end.
The F and E7 in ex. 19.5 seem to point to A minor, but instead the progression arrives at A major. In this
context, the resolution is brighter in contrast to the previous chords in the progression. Ex. 19.6 transposes the same root progression as ex. 19.5 to the key of D. The progression almost sounds like functional harmony even though the A chord is not a dominant. Like ex. 19.5, the resolution to major is unexpected and bright.
19.5
Fm aj7
#9
E7b 5
19.6
n
# #
? c
&c
#
B b9 11
Amaj7
? c b
b
&c
Am9
Dmaj7
Dominants that progress downward in fifths or down chromatically always sound good. Colorful alterations and upper extensions of these dominants generate motion. Using bass notes a tritone away
changes little of the sound of the passage in ex. 19.7. A7 #9 b13 would become Eb9 #11, Ab9 #11 would become D7 #9 b13, G7 13 b9 #11 would become C#7 #9. (see discussion on tritone substitution, chapter 6,
p.127). Ex. 19.8 shows dominants with other colorful alterations. In ex. 19.8, the roots move traditionally
in downward fifths. The root movement could be chromatic using tritone substitutions. Try this passage
with all eight combinations of tritone substitutions.
19.7
#9
A7b 13
b
? c
&c
#
A b9 11
b9
G13# 11
b n # #
b
b
19.8
#
#
G b9 11 F9 11
b b
? c b b
b
&c
#
B b9 11
b
b
Using parallel chords of the same quality can disguise the tonal center. The progression in ex. 19. 9 is interesting because each new chord cancels out the expectations of the previous one. The Cm7 removes
444
Chapter 19
the En from the Dm9; the Bb, C and Eb of the Cm9 are canceled by the Bm9. D is the only common tone
with all three chords. While ex. 19.9 was interesting from the movement of like chords, mixtures of different chord types are more common. Ex. 19.10 shows a mixture of major and minor ninth chords. The
key center is disguised by the mixture of accidentals. The voices in the right hand are moving parallel
and in contrary motion to those in the left hand.
19.9
19.10
Dm9
Cm 9
& c
? c
Bm 9
Fmaj7
# #
Em9
Dmaj7
& c
? c
Augmented major seventh chords can be built on the third degree of melodic minor and harmonic
minor scales. They also can be constructed from augmented scales and major scales with a flatted sixth.
The bass line in ex. 19.11 retains some of the feeling of traditional harmony, but the chords have moved
beyond being functional. Augmented major seventh chords diffuse any sense of tonality and pitch center since the chord tones can point so many different places.
19.11
#
D bmaj7 11
#
G bmaj7 5
#
Fmaj7 5
& c
? c b b
b b
Moving chords in a parallel fashion is sometimes called planing. This device was used by Debussy, Duke
Ellington, and many others. This parallel harmony, forbidden in classical harmony, can be very expressive. The lydian chords in ex. 19.12 move in a parallel plane and get brighter as they progress. The
D b suggests 4 flats, the Eb suggests 2 flats, and the F no sharps/no flats. As each chord sounds, flatted
notes are raised creating a brighter and brighter effect.
19.12
#
D bmaj7 11
#
E bmaj7 11
#
Fmaj7 11
& c
? c b b
b b
Chapter 19
445
Ex. 19.13 begins with the same chord as ex. 19.12, but moves in contrary motion. The harmony is more
dissonant and varied than previous examples. The progression goes from bright to dark: the Db lydian
sounding chord is followed by a C minor/major 9, and then the A/Bb.
19.13
#
D bmaj7 11 Cm maj 7
& c
b
? c b b
A/B b
b
b
Some chords are created by placing one chord on top of another bass note or on top of another chord.
The resulting sound is usually called a polychord, though a true polychord is the stacking of two chords
one on top of the other. The resulting chords can be named in a traditional way but are often notated
with slashes indicating the two chords or the chord and the different bass note. A common practice is
to notate true polychords with a horizontal slash () with the top chord on top, the bottom chord on
the bottom, and to notate chords with different bass notes with a (/) where the first part is the chord, the
second part indicates the bass note. For example:
D
C= D triad over a C triad
C/D = C triad over a D bass note
A common slash chord is created by placing the IV chord over the dominant bass note: F triad over G
in the bass (F/G). Essentially the same sound is created placing the ii7 chord over the dominant bass:
Dm7 over G in the bass (Dm7/G). The sound is a dominant ninth chord with a suspended fourth. These
chords are often notated as G7sus, G7sus4, and G9sus4, as well as the slash chord notation. The following
example shows three possible harmonizations of the melody using suspended dominant sounds. The
first (ex. 19.14.a) uses simple triads over the dominant bass notes. Ex. 19.14.b shows the minor seventh
chord over the bass note. (The chords in ex. 19.14.b are five note chords using just the notes of a pentatonic scale). Ex. 19.14.c uses harmonic color similar to that of ex. 19.9, but changes the bass notes. Ex.
19.14c is brighter than ex. 19.9 as the suggested mixolydian sounds are brighter than dorian.
19.14.a
F/G
19.14.b
G/A
A/B
19.14.c
Fm7/B b Gm7/C
Am7/D
b b
? c
b
b
&c
Dm9/G
Cm9/F
Bm9/E
b # #
b
Ex. 19.15 is a series of simple triads over the wrong bass note. These chords could be labeled differently, but often the slash chord notation gets the better and quicker results from performers. Ab/A could
be called A minor major 7 #11; G/Ab = Ab minor major 7 #11, E/F = F minor major 7 #11. Notice the contrary motion in the outer voices. Ex. 19.16 is another series of simple triads over different bass notes.
C/Db could be called C# minor/major 7 #11, but slash chord notation would probably get better results.
446
Chapter 19
19.15
A b/A
& c b b
? c
19.16
G/A b
A b/G
E
F
G/A b
C/D b
#
n
& c b b
b bb
? c
b bb
b b
Ex. 19.17 contrasts two chord types: the minor/major 7 and the augmented major 7, two chord types
from the melodic minor scale. There is contrary motion in the outer voices. The upper voices in ex.
19.18 are augmented triads which move in contrary motion to the bass notes. The augmented triads over
the bass notes create minor/major 7 chords.
19.17
19.18
Fm maj 7
#
E bmaj7 5
n #
? c b
b n
&c
Dm maj 7
Fm maj 7
E bm maj 7
C #m maj 7
b b
?c
b
b
#
#
&c
Some instances call for a mixture of voice leading as in ex. 19.19. Each separate chord could be labeled,
but for best results, write out exactly what is wanted to eliminate the confusion caused by an oddly
named or misinterpreted chord symbol.
19.19
& c b b b n
b
? c b
b
Chapter 19
447
Where a musical passage is located in relationship to the rest of the piece determines aspects of harmonic choices. This phrase from a big band jazz piece, Brainstorm, occurs in two different places in the
piece. The first time it leads to more development material; the second leads back to a solo on the
form. The first time (ex. 19.20) feels completely unresolved, helping it to move the piece along. The second time (ex. 19.21) it is stated a major third higher and feels more resolved in this context, by landing
on Bb minor/major 9.
19.20
19.21
& c # # ##
? c b b
b
n #
# # n
# n
B b/B
b wwww
nw
nw
B/C
B b/B
B/B b D b/A
# b n n # #
# # n #
b
# n b
b n bb
B bm maj 7
ww
ww
bw
b ww
VOICE LEADING
Good voice leading is crucial to the success of a musical passage. Voices sound more musical when
there is smooth motion avoiding awkward leaps. If each individual voice leads smoothly to the next
point, the result sounds less like a succession of chords and more like the result of moving lines. Voices
lead smoothly in all of the examples shown in this chapter. The examples would work if played by many
combinations of instruments. The outer voices, the highest and lowest, are often in contrary motion. The
inner voices, even in the most dissonant and complex chords, often move in steps with occasional leaps
of a third. Good voice leading makes the music seamless and propels it in a linear fashion.
HARMONIC RHYTHM
Harmonic rhythm is the rhythm in which the chords change in the musical work. In a 44 piece where the
chords change every beat, the harmonic rhythm is quarter notes; every two beats = half note harmonic
rhythm; every measure = whole note harmonic rhythm. Most well crafted pieces vary the harmonic
rhythms. When chords change in rhythms that are too predictable the music may become monotonous.
These examples are shown out of any musical context. Any assortment of harmonic rhythms could be
used elongating the duration of the chords to any length. In ex. 19.22, the chords were taken from ex.
19.9 and expanded into an eight measure phrase. The melody still follows the CDE contour over six
measures, though extra notes have been added. A composer should examine hundreds of musical works
from a variety of composers and styles to develop a sense of harmonic rhythm and harmonic pacing.
448
Chapter 19
19.22
Dm 9
&c
? c
Bm 9
& #
? # #
j
J
..
.
J
#
j
b b
Cm 9
... j
b b
J
J
b . b
..
J
J
A bm 9
j
# b b
b b
#
#
bb
b9
D b13# 11
j
n b
n n
..
..
b
J
..
Chapter 19
449
two phrases are orchestrated for the brass section in a slow chorale style, shown here in a piano reduction.
19.23
F #m9
&c
.
# ## ...
?c
.
# # ..
19.24
Gm9
www
w
bw
ww
n
b
b n
? c
&c
Bmaj7
j
b
b # # #
j
#
#
n n
Fmaj7 Cm9
# #
# #
#
# .
# # # ...
# ## # # ...
The melody for the third phrase, ex. 19.25, is the melodic inversion of the first phrase: what intervals ascended before now descend and vice-versa. The chords are much more dense and have more variety:
polychords, augmented major sevenths, lydian major sevenths. The phrase ends with a minor chord
with major seventh and an augmented eleventh, or viewed another way: Ab major over A minor.
19.25
&c
?c
#
# # #
G/F #
#
#
#
E bmaj7 5
#
#
Dmaj7 5 Fmaj7 11
# #
# #
b
b
#
Emaj7 11
A b/A
# # ##
b bb
The piano plays the next section which begins to set up the time feel for the piece (fast swing). Ex. 19.26
shows the harmonic framework for the fourth phrase. Augmented triads descend over ascending bass
lines creating a planing effect of minor/major sevenths chords. The last sounds are parallel diatonic
chords from D harmonic minor with bass notes a fifth below: F maj7#5/Bb E7/A.
450
Chapter 19
19.26
E bm maj 7
A bm maj 7
Bm maj 7
C #m maj 7
Em maj 7
#
Fm aj7 5/B b
E7/A
& c b b
n b n
# #
# n
b wwww
? c b
b
#
#
b
b
ww
Some interesting chords can still be derived from ancient scales. Even Stravinskys shocking chord from
Rite of Spring is constructed with notes from Ab harmonic minor (Ex. 19.27).
19.27
b
& b b 24 b
? b b 24 b b
b b
b
b bb
n b
b
b b
Review the previously shown examples for harmonic variety. The following examples used alternating
chord types: Ex. 19.1, 5, 10, 17, 23, and 24. The following examples used similar or same chord type: Ex.
19.7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 18, and 26.
TYPES of MOTION
There are four possible types of motion between a pair of voices:
Parallel: parts move in the same direction with the same constant interval types. Can be effective in short passages, tedious over longer periods. Makes the distinction between the two
lines difficult to discern.
Similar: parts move in the same direction with different interval types. Similar to parallel,
but less dependent.
Oblique: one part moves and the other remains stationary. Can be pleasing for short passages, but eventually the voices will both want to move, and move independently.
Contrary: one part moves up and the other down. Typically the most interesting, because it
clearly defines the independence of the two voices.
It is best to begin with just the outer voices when creating harmonic passages. Good relationships between the outer voices may be enough to make the passage interesting. If the outer voice are interesting,
then try different qualities of chords to create the inner voices.
Review the previously shown examples for types of motion. The following examples had contrary
motion: Ex. 19.1, 19.3, 19.5, 19.13, 19.14.c, 19.15, 19.17, 19.18, 19.19, 19.20, 19.21, and 19.26. The following
examples had combinations of contrary and similar motion: Ex. 19.6, 19.8, 19.11, 19.23, 19.24, and 19.25.
The following examples had parallel or similar motion: Ex. 19.12, 19.14.a, 19.14.b, and 19.16.
Chapter 19
451
Root of
3rd of
5th of
7th of
9th of
11th of
13th of
C chords
A or Ab
chords
F or F#
chords
D, D#, or
D b chords
B or Bb
chords
G or Gb
chords
E or Eb
chords
Work with short phrases at first. Don't try to conceive 32 measures of constantly moving harmony. If a short passage works, try sequencing it at another pitch level, or trying similar harmony.
EAR TRAINING
It is easier to write what you can hear, so step one must be to train your ears to recognize more sonorities. There were not that many different chord types used in this chapter to learn.
Learn the basic chordsmajor triads: can you hear them? imagine the sonority? can you recognize them in different contexts? Move on to minor, diminished, augmented chords.
Learn the most common chords derived from major and minor (harmonic) scales: major, major 7, minor, minor 7, dominant 7, half-diminished 7 (7), diminished 7 (7).
Enhance those basic sounds by learning chords with added notes and extensions: (major 9, major 6/9, major 7 #11, minor 9, minor 6/9, dominant 9/13, dominant 7 with altered 9ths (b9, #9) altered fifths (b5, #11, 13, b13, #5).
Learn chords derived from other scales such as melodic minor, major with a b6, diminished,
augmented: (minor major 7, 7 #2, major 7 #5).
Learn mystery chords and polychords (chords superimposed on one another).
Take new chords one at a time, play them in different keys, or on different pitches until you are
familiar with their sound.
452
Chapter 19
19.28
A bm aj7
D bm aj7
Fmaj7
& c b www
w
www
ww
w
b b wwww
? c b b ww
bw
w
ww
b b ww
19.29
B bmaj7
www
ww
G bm aj7
E bm aj7
w
b b wwww
www
w
bw
b b ww
b ww
b b www
Am9
ww
ww
? c ww
w
&c
19.30
Fm9
Dm9
B bm9
Gm9
w
b b wwww
www
w
w
b b b wwww
www
ww
bw
ww
ww
w
ww
bw
#9
C7b 13
C13
A b13
F13
bw
ww
#9
D7b 13
D9
b5
D7b 9
& www
w
b b ww
ww
w
ww
w
b www
ww b ww
w bw
? b www
ww
w
bw
bw
b ww
w
# www
ww
w
ww
w
Chapter 19
19.30
b
B b13 B b9 13 B b9
#9
b
B13 9
B7 alt.
ww
w
w
b b ww
ww
w
? bw bw bw
bw bw bw
# www
# www
19.31
#
C9 11
&c
# wwww
? c b www
19.32
#
A bmaj7 5
b9
#9
A7b 13
b
E b13 9
E b13# 11
E7b 13
n www
#w
ww
w
www
w
n # www
b ww
bw
ww
w
b ww
bw
453
n # ww
#
B b9 11
ww
ww
b ww
bw
#
G b9 11
#
E b9 11
w
b b www
www
b b ww
bw
b ww
bw
#
Em aj7 5
#
D bm aj7 5
&c
ww
ww
w
b b www
www
w
?c
bw
bw
454
Chapter 19
19.33
#
D7 2
#
B b7 2
#
G7 2
& c www
b b b wwww
w
b www
b wwww
bw
bw
b ww
?c
19.34
D7sus
B b7sus
G7sus
& c www
w
b ww
ww
w
w
b b www
www
w
www
b
bw
? c b www
b www
ww
w
b ww
bw
ww
w
b b ww
C7sus
19.35
C/D b
&c
ww
ww
? c b b ww
19.36
ww
ww
w
w
Ab
A
ww
ww
w
b b www
? c b b www
#w
n n ww
A b/G
F/G b
F/E
w
b b www
w
b b www
www
w
www
w
n nn www
ww
w
b bb www
w
w
C
Db
&c
A b/A
E b7sus
F
Gb
www
w
bw
b b ww
E aug.
F aug
# www
# www
Fm
F #m
D bmaj7 #5
Dmaj7 #5
b www
www
bw
# # www
# # www
Chapter 20
XX.
Summary
455
CODA
The development of jazz improvisation vocabulary is many ways mirrors the development of Western
art music. A great deal of jazz is based on the major/minor key systems common to music of the
Baroque through late Romantic periods. As the jazz art form grew, some jazz artists, as many composers
in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, felt the major/minor systems had been exhausted. It
became increasingly more difficult to compose music that expressed their originality. Jazz composers
and improvisers began to use different harmonic materials imposed over the major/minor systems, and
later to create new music with harmonic progressions that did not function in traditional ways. Many
jazz artists throughout the history of jazz were influenced by non-jazz music of the twentieth century trying to find ways to in corporate the sounds borrowed from Stravinsky, Bartk, Ravel, Debussy, and the
unusual methods for constructing music borrowed from Schoenberg, Cage, Boulez, and others.
Tonal music is not dead, and the evolution of jazz is yet completed. Jazz, as this book is written, still reflects a wide spectrum of musical expressions. Jazz has always been a melting pot of styles: African
rhythms and performance practices fused with European harmonic vocabulary, forms and instruments.
Jazz influenced popular music and in turn has borrowed from popular and folk music, world and ethnic
music, and even American country and western.
Students are often surprised at how much jazz theory is practical real time applications of traditional
theory. To grow as an artist, keep your ears, eyes and mind open. Learn from what ever sources are at
tractive. Bach, Beethoven and Mozart are invaluable sources of melodic invention, as is the music of all
cultures. Art Tatum was one of the greatest pianists in the world. There is a story about him visiting some
bar where a mediocre pianist was playing. One of Tatums entourage suggested they leave because pianist was uninteresting. Tatum wanted to stay because he heard the one thing the pianist really did well.
This may have been why Tatum was such an exceptional musician: he consistently found the one thing
that someone did well and learned from it. Find those attractive things in music and learn from them.
If music is a vehicle for expression, then music theory should provide tools and resources to expedite
the search for what ever is needed to bring those expressions to life.
456
Appendix I
Appendix I.
Reference for Chord/Scale Relationships
The chords in the following chart are sorted by single identifying pitches Triads may have perfect, diminished or augmented fifths; triads with perfect fifths can have a major or a minor third; a triad with
major third may have a minor or major seventh, and so on.
Fifth
P5
d5
A5
Third
M3
m3
m3
M3
Triads
Major
Minor
Diminished
Augmented
7th
chords
M7
Maj7
m7
Dom7
M7
m maj7
m7
m7
7sus
9th
chords &
beyond
Maj9
9 (n5)
m maj9
Maj76/9
9 (13)
mmaj7 6/9
Maj7(#11) 7 b 9 (n5)
Maj7
7 b 9 (b13)
#
#
( 11/ 9)
7 #9 (n5)
7 #9 (b 13)
9 (#11)
7 (b 9 b 5)
7 (b 5 #9)
13 (b 9)
13 (#9)
9 (b 13)
13 (#11b 9)
9sus
7susb 9
m9
m7
7
7#2
d7
7
M7
maj #5
7#5
rare
9#5
maj7
7 with
added
tones*
m11
m 6/9
*(usually a whole step above one of the chord tones, ex. E7 with F#, A, C, or D# added)
m7
Appendix I
457
There are many shorthand symbols for chords. There is no single agreed upon standard so one should
be familiar with and expect to find a number of possibilities. Here is a partial list of symbols you may
encounter:
C major 7 = Cmaj7, Cma7, CM7, C7 (C can also mean just a major triad). In some parts of
the world the triangle is unknown. M can cause problems depending on the accuracy of penmanship. Rehearsals have stopped to measure the size of the Ms to determine major or minor. The maj abbreviation is clear. C6 may be encountered in older music, and means C major with an added sixth. C6 does not mean C13, as C13 implies a dominant seventh chord. A C2
chord indicates the root, second and fifth but may often be in first inversion as C2/E.
C minor 7 = Cm7, Cmi7, Cmin7, C7. The sign can be ambiguous, the mi and min unnecessary. Using maj for major and m for minor and staying consistent should insure your
symbols are clearly understood. A Cm6 means a minor chord with an added major sixth. If a
minor sixth is wanted above the minor chord it may occur as: Cmb6, Cm#5 (even though by definition a minor chord has a perfect fifth), or Ab /C. Cm6/9 indicates a major sixth and major
ninth added to the chord.
C half-diminished = C7, Cm7b5, Cmin7 b5, C7b5. This chord is found naturally in both the
major and harmonic minor scales. Showing it with an alteration is unnecessary when there is a
symbol () which means half-diminished. The 7 is redundant, since this chord cannot half-diminished without the seventh, but is common practice to include it in the symbol.
C minor major 7 = Cmmaj7, Cm7, C7. I would try to avoid the triangle and the - and use
the m for the minor third, and the maj to refer to the seventh. Try to separate the two to
avoid mmaj7. A Cmmaj 76/9 indicates a major sixth and major ninth added to the minor major seventh chord.
Slash Chords: Some chords are created by placing one chord on top of another bass note or
on top of another chord. The resulting sound is usually called a polychord, though a true polychord would only be the stacking of two chords, one on top of the other. These chords can be
named in a traditional way but are often notated with slashes indicating the two chords or the
chord and the different bass note. A common practice is to notate true polychords with a horizontal slash () with the top chord on top, the bottom chord on the bottom, and to notate
chords with different bass notes with a (/) where the first part is the chord, the second part indicates the bass note. For example:
D
C= D triad over a C triad
C/D = C triad over a D bass note
Raised notes (#) should be shown with the universally understood musical sign #. Raised notes
may occur as + so that C7 with a raised ninth may appear as: C7#9, C7+9, and even the C7 9+.
The plus sign is often misread as add, so that C7+9 could be interpreted as C7 add a ninth
(D#) when someone meant a D#. The + sign could also refer to the fifth so that someone may
interpret the C7+9 or C7 9+ as a C9 chord with a raised fifth.
Lowered notes (b) should be shown with the universally understood musical sign b Lowered
notes may occur as so that C7 with a lowered ninth may appear as: C7 b9, or C7 9, and even
the C7 9. In music notation # means raise and b means lower so these symbols are preferable to
the (+) and ().
Extensions: When discussing scales use numbers 1-7 or 1-8. When discussing tertian chords use
the odd numbers: 1-3-5-7-9-11-13. The sixth degree of the scale in a chord is the thirteenth, so C
13, not C6; C9 #11, not C9 #4.
458
Appendix I
CHORD/SCALE RELATIONSHIPS
SCALES
SCALES
Major
Harmonic Minor
Melodic Minor
Major with a b6 (Harmonic Major)
Diminished
Diminished
Whole Tone
Augmented
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1.
FORMULA
W W 1/2 W W W 1/2
W 1/2 W W 1/2 A2 1/2
W 1/2 W W W W 1/2
W W 1/2 W 1/2 A2 1/2
(1/2 Whole)
(Whole 1/2)
WWWWWW
minor 3rd 1/2 m3 1/2 m3
2.
&
4.
3.
& b b n
& b n n
5.
& b
7.
6.
& b b n # n b
& b # #
8.
& # # b
& # b n
Diminished scale is like a diminished 7 chord with leading tones to each chord tone and an augmented
scale is like an augmented triad with leading tones to each chord tone.
Diminished Scale
& b # # n b
Augmented Scale
&
Appendix I
459
1
2
3
4
5
1.
SCALE SOURCE
Ionian; 1st mode Major
Lydian; 4th mode Major
6th mode Harmonic Minor
Major with a b6
Augmented
2.
CHARACTERISTICS
n4, 7
#11
#9, #11
b6 or b13
Maj/Min3, 5, #5 or b6
3.
4.
5.
& # # # b # b
6
7
8
9
10
CHORD TYPE
Minor 7
Minor 7
Minor 7
Minor 7
Minor 7
6.
SCALE SOURCE
CHARACTERISTICS
Dorian; 2nd mode Major
Major 6, m3
b6, b3
Aeolian; 6th mode Major
b2, b6
Phrygian; 3rd mode Major
#4
4th mode Harmonic Minor
b
Dorian 2; 2nd mode Melodic b2
Minor
7.
8.
9.
10.
& b b b b b b b b b b # b b b b
11
12
13
CHORD TYPE
7
7
7
14
SCALE SOURCE
CHARACTERISTICS
b5, b2
Locrian; 7th mode Major
b5, b2
2nd mode Harmonic Minor
#
Locrian 2; 6th mode of Melodic #2
Minor
#2
2nd mode Major with a b6
11.
& b b b b b
12.
b n
b b
13.
b b
b
14.
b n
b
460
Appendix I
15
16
17
18
CHORD TYPE
Minor/Major 7
Minor/Major 7
Minor/Major 7
Minor/Major 7
SCALE SOURCE
1st mode Harmonic Minor
1st mode Melodic Minor
4th mode Major with a b6
Augmented
15.
16
& b
19
20
21
22
23
CHARACTERISTICS
b6
n6
#11
Maj/Min3, 5, #5
CHORD TYPE
Major 7 #5
Major 7 #5
Major 7 #5.
Major 7 b6 or b13
Major 7 #5
Major 7 #5
19.
17.
n n
18.
b #
SCALE SOURCE
3rd mode Harmonic Minor
3rd mode Melodic Minor
Major with a b6
CHARACTERISTICS
#5, n4
#5, #11
n5, b13
20.
Maj/Min3, 5, #5
21.
22.
23.
& # # # b n # # # # b
24
25
CHORD TYPE
Diminished 7
Diminished 7
SCALE SOURCE
7th mode Harmonic Minor
Diminished W 1/2
26
27
Diminished 7
Diminished 7
24.
25.
CHARACTERISTICS
Traditional sound
Tones whole step above each chord
member available
26.
27.
& # b # # # # b n # # # n b # b
Appendix I
28
29
30
31
32
CHORD TYPE
Dominant 7
Dominant 7
Dominant 7
Dominant 7
Dominant 7
33
Dominant 7
34
Dominant 7
35
36
Dominant 7
Dominant 7
28.
SCALE SOURCE
Mixolydian; 5th mode Major
5th mode Harmonic Minor
5th mode Major with a b6
3rd mode Major with a b6
Lydian b 7; 4th mode Melodic
Minor
Super locrian; 7th mode Melodic
Minor
Mixolydian b6; 5th mode Melodic
Minor
Diminished 1/2 W
Whole Tone
29.
30.
461
CHARACTERISTICS
n9, n5,13
b9, b13
13, b9
b9, #9, b13, n5
9, #11, 13
31.
32.
& b b b b b b b b b bb # b
33.
& b b b b b b
34
35.
b b
b b
36.
n # b
# # b
462
Appendix I
& www
?w
w
ww
ww
w
ww
w
w
w
ww
w
C6
C2
www
w
w
C2/E
Dm
ww
w
www
www
w
ww
ww
w
www
www
ww
w
w
w
www
G13
#
Fmaj9 Fmaj7 11
Fmaj7
CHORD TYPES
Major 7
Minor 7
Minor 7
Major 7
Dominant 7
Minor 7
7
Dm7
G7
G9
Dm9 Dm11
& www
ww
w
ww
w
www
w
w
www
www
ww
w
ww
w
ww
w
?w
ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
Am
w
& ww
?w
Am7
ww
w
w
Am 9
ww
w
ww
Am11
www
w
ww
B7
ww
w
ww
w
Em
Em7
ww
w
www
w
www
w
ww
ww
B711
ww
w
w
w
Appendix I
HARMONIC MINOR
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
Cm
Cm maj 7 Cm maj 9
D7
b www
b n www
w
b n www
b www
b ww
w
w
b ww
n www
G7
n www
b
G7 9
b ww
&
?
bw
b ww
w
b b ww
b b www
www
Fm9
b www
Ab
D711
Fm 7
&
A bmaj7
b ww
w
bw
# 11
#
9
b
b
A maj7
A maj7# 9
463
CHORD TYPES
Minor (major 7)
7
Major 7 #5
Minor 7
Dominant 7
Major 7
7
&
Fm
G
Ab
b n wwww
www
n
bw
n www
bw
b ww
b b www
E baug
#
E bmaj7 5
bw
bw
b www
ww
w
b9
b www
G7b 13
b b www
G7sus4
b
G7sus 9
n ww
n ww
ww
w
b wwww
B7
B7(add G)
w
ww
w
b ww
ww
bw
ww
464
Appendix I
MAJOR with a b6
(Harmonic Major)
1st
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
6th
7th
ww
b ww
b ww
w
www
ww
b www
Fm maj 7
#
A bm aj7 5
&
?
#9
#
D7 2
b www
Major 7
Major 7 b6
ii7
Dominant 7
(#9, b9, b13, n5)
Minor (major 7)
Dominant 7 (b9, n13)
Major 7 #5
7, maj7
7
b
Cm aj7 6
&
&
CHORD TYPE
#
Fm maj 9 Fm maj 7 11 Fmaj9
w
ww
b n www
b ww
b www
G/A b
www
ww
w
bw
bw
ww
w
b ww
E7b 13
E7alt.
# www
# www
www
w
ww
w
b
G13 9
Em
Fm
www
b ww
w
b www
w
w
A bmaj7
B7
B7(add E )
B7(add G)
ww
w
w
b ww
b ww
w
b ww
bw
www
ww
Appendix I
MELODIC MINOR
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
Cm maj 7 Cm maj 9
Cm
&
b n www
b www
#
F9 11
A7/D
CHORD TYPE
Minor (major 7)
Minor 7 (b9) or 7susb9
Major 7 #5
Dominant 9 #11
Lydian dominant
Dominant 9 b13
7 #2
Dominant 7
(#9, b9, b13, b5,)
#
A7 2/D
w
b www
b www
ww
w
ww
ww
w
bw
bw
G9 b 13
b ww
w
ww
ww
1/2W DIMINISHED
# 11
C7b 9
#
E bmaj7 5
b www
www
bw
b
C7 9
E baug
w
b n www
&
# 11
C7# 9
465
#
A7 2
B7alt.
www
bw
www
bw
ww
w
w
CHORD TYPE
Dominant 7
(b9, #9, n13, #11)
b9
#
C13 11
#
C7 9
& b ww
bw
b b # www
# b # www
b b # wwww
b # ww
? ww
ww
ww
ww
ww
b9 #9
#
C13 11
w
# # www
b b wwww
w
466
Appendix I
W1/2 DIMINISHED
C7
CHORD TYPE
7, 7 with added notes
C7(add A b)
C7(add B )
C7(add D)
Cm aj7(add D)
& b # ww
w
b # www
w
b # ww
w
b # www
n ww
w
b b www
? w
w
w
w
w
w
w
b # www
# www
WHOLE TONE
#
C7 5
C7(add F )
CHORD TYPE
Dominant 7 (9, #5)
b
C7 5
#
C9 5
& # ww
b ww
# www
# ww
# ww
? b ww
bw
w
bw
w
bw
w
AUGMENTED
#
Cmaj7 5
CHORD TYPE
Major 7 #5
Major 7
minor (major 7)
#5
Cm maj 7
Cm aj7# 9
& # ww
w
b www
# # www
? w
w
w
##
C9 5 11
B aug.
C aug.
# www
# www
Appendix II
467
Appendix II.
Elaborations of Static Harmony
Diatonic and chromatic elaborations may be introduced in the accompaniment or in the melodic improvisation that introduces more motion than implied by the static harmonic implications. Several
common elaborations are cataloged in this appendix.
Traditional
Dm7
j j j j ..
#
n
j
.. ..
..
G7
& c
?c w
II.2
.. ..
Traditional
Dm7
G7
& c
?c w
II.3
.. ..
# n
.. ..
B m7
b
& b bb c
..
..
E 7
n #
468
Appendix II
II.4
Gm 7
C7
b
& b c # n b
II.5
Em7
A7
#
& # c # n b
Several examples of this type of elaboration occurred in the improvisations of Cannonball Adderley
and Charlie Parker shown in chapter 18.
& c #
?c w
II.7
..
.. # j .. b j .. ..
. .
.. ..
C7
II.8
F
# www
ww
w
b ww
w
ww
w
w
5- # 5-6- b 7 implied in melodic line over the first four measures of blues from Tete
Montoliu
F7
j
j
j
b .
& b c J b J n J J
..
& c www
?c w
Appendix II
II.9
& c
?c w
&c
..
..
R-7-6-7-R-7-b7 diatonic elaboration over first four measures of blues leading to IV.
II.10
& c
?c w
..
.. w
#
#
?c w
C7
b ww
w
www
w
w
& c # w
?c w
w
II.13
II.11
II.12
1-2-#2-3
469
6ths:
# # ww
# ww
#
C7
# b ww
bn
# w
w
6ths:
C
& # b
:
470
Appendix II
II.14
II.15
& # # b b b
b
&b c
.
# n b b w
# n b n b ww
n b #
3-4-#4-5 implied by melody from Tete Montoliu
II.16
3
B b7
b j n
&b c
J
F7
II.17
F
& b c J #
F7
3
3
3
b n
n J #
b
J
3
II.18
3
& c b
? c wb b
II.19
b
b
b
?c w
b
b
b
w
b # n
# # n n
w
w
b ww
w
& c
..
.. j
3
j
.. ..
j
3
j
j
3
j
j ..
3
j ..
Appendix II
II.20
G7
&c
&
F7
C7
471
D7
?c
Bb
n b
& c
?c w
II.22
..
.. b n j j j b
.. ..
..
j ..
Dm
& c
n
?c w
b n
w
.. 34 .. j
.. 34 ..
j
b
j ..
n
..
472
Appendix II
II.23
b
j
& b c # n J b
n b
b
j
& b # b b J J n # b n #
& b # j b b
& b #
& b J b j n #
# n n b .
j
# b J b
n #
# b J
& b # n # b n
Appendix III
Endings
473
ENDINGS to BLUES
III.1
b 3
G b9
3
3
b
& b c n b b
b
? b c b
b
b
b
B
III.2
b
n b # # # n n
F13
n # n bb
b
& b c n b b b # n n b b
?b c w
III.3
n 3 b 3
&
b
?b
B9 B 13
D7 9 G13 9 C7 9
F13
# b n
n b
ww
w
# n
bw
w
474
Appendix III
III.4
Endings
Blues ending. Top line improvised.
U
b
b n
b n b
b
&b c J
?b c j
.
III.5
. b
b
c
&
.
?b c
T
T
U
b n b
J
b b n b
III.6
Blues ending. Last two measures improvised.
Contrary motion: Bass line from III.5 is now melody and the inner voice is in the bass.
& b c ..
.
? b c b
T
T
U
b n n J
n b b b n b
b
III.7
Gm7
& b c
? b c ww
C7
ww
w
www
www
ww
ww
Appendix III
III.8
>
.
& b c ..
>
? b c ..
Gm7
III.9
.
b .
..
.
C7
n
.
j
b >
.
475
Fmaj7
U
Ellington ending may repeat the last chord with this rhythmic extension. The last
chord is often absurdly dissonant, final one may be held or played with a fall-off.
>
j
b
c
&
.
?b c >
J .
III.10
. .
n
. .
n
>
Endings
. .
n
. .
n
b
F13
# n
b b
# n
b b
Basie ending: solo piano answers ensemble who rejoins on final chord
>
.
& b c ..
>
? b c ..
Gm7
.
b .
..
.
C7
Piano solo:
n
j
tutti: U
Fmaj7
U
J
476
Appendix III
Endings
TAG EXTENSIONS
The last phrase may be repeated in various fashions. These extensions are called the tag.
III.11
Tag Extension add the iii7 - V7/ii, repeat the ii7 - V7, then Basie ending
>
.
& b c ..
>
? b c ..
Gm7
>
.
& b ..
>
? b ..
Gm7
..
C7
..
.
>
...
Am7
.
b .
C7
..
.
> ..
n
j
. .
.
b ..
b9
. bE.b9 D7
b # ...
Fmaj7
U
J
Tag Extension add the ii7 - V7/bIII, iii7 - V7/ii - ii7 - V7, then Ellington
III.12
>
.
& b c ..
>
? b c ..
Gm7
>
.
.
& b .. b
Am7
> Eb. 7
? b . b
.
..
C7
..
.
D7
Gm7
# .
b
J
b ..
b
C7 9
..
.
> . b . b .
b ..
B bm7
b > .. . .
j >
n
.
F j
b > .
. .
n
. .
n
..
E b7
b
b b ...
j
J
Fmaj7
U
Appendix III
III.13
Endings
477
Blues, Ellington and Basie occupy the same rhythmic space. Even if the ending call
is missed, the band should be able to end together.
T
T
& b c J n b b b n
n
#
&b c
?b c >
.
III.14
.
n
U
b
j
U
n
J
U
Endings beginning an extended progression starting on the ii7/iii. Often called the
flat five ending. Better name might be sharp four
B7
G7/B b
F/A
G #7
> . . C7
j
.
j j .
& b c .. .. b
.. n
n
> . .
.
? b c .. ...
n
b
. #
J
J
J
#
#
Gm9
G b9 11
Fmaj7 11
j n j
j
ww
b
&
ww
n
j
? b b j j
w
n
b
w
Gm7
478
Appendix III
III.15
Endings
> . .
.
& b c ..
> . .
? b c ..
Gm7
G9
G maj7
& b j b
n
b
j
?b
n
b
III.16
>
.
& b c ..
>
? b c ..
. .
. .
#
b9
C7 13
& b b j b
b
j
? b
C7
.
.
..
.
B7
J
#
Fmaj7 11
j
n j n
n
j
j
B 9
A7 13
C7
..
..
.
B7
J
#
Fmaj7 11
n j j
n n
n
j
j
ww
ww
w
w
#
b9
Gm7
G7
#
#
b9
A b9 11
j j .
b b .. n
bb .. bb
J
J
E7 13
A7
#
b9
D7 13
j j .
b ..
b
# n .. #
J
J
ww
ww
w
w
Appendix III
Endings
479
BALLAD ENDINGS
III.17
Gm7
& b c
? b c
III.18
G maj7 11
C7
Fmaj7 11
www
w
bw
n www
w
ww
w
w
w
w
Ballad style ending with two major seventh chords preceding tonic
Gm7
C7
D maj7
G maj7 11
Fmaj7 11
& b c
n www
ww
w
? b c
w
w
w
w
III.19
Gm7
Ballad style ending with four major seventh chords preceding tonic
C7
E maj7
A maj7
G maj7 11
D maj7
Fmaj7 11
& b c
n www
ww
w
? b c
w
w
w
w
III.20
Gm7
Ballad style ending with cycle of 5ths major 7ths chords preceding tonic
C7
& b c b
? b c
ww
w
w
w
480
Appendix III
III.21
Endings
Ballad style ending with cycle of 5ths 9# 11 chords preceding tonic
b#
& b c b
b
b
? b c
b
#
Fmaj7 11
wwww
& b n wwwww
w
Gm7
C7
b#
B 9 11
Fmaj7
E 9 11
b#
#
b#
G b9 11
b b b b b
b
b
b
b
b
b
A 9 11
D 9 11
ww
w
? b ww
w
III.22
Gm7
Ballad style ending with cycle of 5ths unrelated major 7th chords preceding tonic
& b c
? b c
III.23
Gm7
C7
Dmaj7
# #n
#
n
n #
n b
b b
b b b
Ballad style ending with any flat five or sharp four ending
C7
B7
& b c b
n
? b c
n
b
Bmaj7
b b # # ##
E maj7 G maj7
G7/B
b b
b
b b b
b
b
b
F/A
A 13
D maj7
Fmaj7
n wwwww
n ww
Fmaj7 11
G maj7
n ww
ww
ww
ww
w
w
w
w
Appendix IV
Composing Tips
481
REWRITING
Hemingway once said that writers were not paid to write, writers were paid to rewrite. This is good advice
to all composers and arrangers. In the process of writing and rewriting, the composer must constantly
refer to rule no. 2 (or rule no. 1). A first draft gives the composer no choices. Examination of all the elements of a piece and a deliberate reworking of these elements gives the composer choices. If the composer has written several versions of one section of a composition, the choice can be made for the most
effective and musical. Sometimes after writing and rewriting a section of music, I have had five versions
to choose from. Sometimes it is the sixth version, a combination of the best elements of the first five
that I end up with. Other times, it is the first draft that best conveyed the musical idea. Having done the
other five versions was helpful in determining which idea was the best. How else could you know without
the other choices?
GETTING STARTED
Let inspiration carry you as far as it will. Try not to be critical of what comes naturally. It is hard enough
to get the flow going, so do not constantly criticize your output at the beginning stages. Let the juices
flow. After the inspired moment has past, then the work can begin.
The composition process may begin with any number of musical elements. It may only be a rhythmic
idea, a melodic germ, or possibly a harmonic progression. It may start from a formal idea (ABACABA),
Jazz Theory Resources
482
Appendix IV
Composing Tips
or from an orchestration concept, a combination of sounds, then trying to imagine music that would
make that sound work. There is no set way to begin. Move with what moves you at the moment.
PHRASING
Phrase content: Is the phrase form = abcdefghaij
or more clear: abac, abba, abcc, etc.
Contour (emotional curve, climax timing, story Phrase beginnings: (before the downbeat/on the
telling)
downbeat/after the downbeat: B/O/A)
Busy/not busy enough
Phrase lengths: short and long phrasing as contrasts
Vague? Are the rhythms natural?
FOCUS:
Which area or musical element should get the
most attention at any point?
HARMONY
Harmony
Too busy/ not busy enough
Melody
Does it support or conflict with the melody
Counterpoint (does the secondary material support or conflict with the primary material?)
Are there possible substitutions, deceptive resolu- Orchestration
tions, reharmonizations, which could help propel
the piece.
Material may recur in the piece in different har- Do the secondary elements distract from or supmonic settings or different modes.
port the primary element
ACCOMPANIMENT CHOICES:
FORM
The larger structure of the piece:
No accompaniment?
Introduction/ exposition of main themes/
Development of main themes/ transitions/ restatement of themes (maybe different setting than
in the beginning)/ ending
Independent?
What is the relationships of the themes, transitions, introduction and ending?
Dialog?
Contour (emotional curve of the entire piece,
does it tell a story, how to control the curve.)
melodic material
Emphatic matching of the accompaniment and
melody. 1 to 1 relationship?
CONTRASTS
An A section is usually followed by a B section at some point. For a B section to sound like a B section
it has to be different from the A section. That sounds like an obvious statement. Many beginning composers get locked into their first ideas, and write what they consider B sections when they are actually
more of a development of the A ideas. Make sure the B section contrasts in one or more ways to the
character of the A section. Some possible contrasts areas include:
Harmonic character
Bright/dark character, Modulations
Type of harmonic vocabulary: Traditional & substitutions, Mystery chords, Pedals
Simplification of original
Complication of original
Harmonic rhythm (if A is active then B could be less harmonically active)
Appendix IV
Composing Tips
483
Melodic range (if A remains low, then B could go a little higher, A returns low, B1 return a little
higher than B.)
Orchestration (change of colors and accompaniment)
Texture (small and thin/big and thickly textured)
Rhythmic activity (applies to the melody and accompaniment) smooth/jagged, Active/passive,
what is the basic unit? 8ths? then quarters, dotted quarters, dotted eighths, and sixteenths provide contrast.
Phrases beginnings (before the downbeat/on the downbeat/after the downbeat: B/O/A)
Phrase lengths: short and long phrasing as contrasts
CONSISTENCIES
Contrasts are very important, but consistency is a factor. This is often very difficult for some beginning
composers. Harmonic vocabulary: might not mix dodecaphonic writing with I-IV-V within phrases.
Extended tertian chords and polychords may not have bebop sounding ii7-V7-I passages in between.
LISTENING
Someone once said, stealing a little is plagiarism, stealing a great deal is prolific writing. Stravinsky
once said, that he stole a great deal from Mozart, but was sure Mozart would be pleased with what he did
with it. Listen to many styles, not just your area of expertise. Ask yourself about the rules of music. If it
sounded good, why? Remember what made it sound good and use the principles. If it sounded bad, certainly try to remember why and avoid whatever was the cause.
Jazz Theory Resources
484
Appendix V
Theory Applications
GENERAL CONCEPTS
I.
Dm7
ii7
G7
V7
Cmaj7
I
Fmaj7
IV
B7
ii7/vi
E7
V7/vi
Am7
vi7
Appendix V
Theory Applications
485
& # # # # # #
? # # # #
#
A Minor triad with neighbor tone patterns
#
#
#
#
#
& #
?
#
# #
# #
# #
#
#
Blues Scale ideas applied to progression
Am 7
&c
?c
Fmaj7
Dm7
G7
j
j . # J b
#
b
J
#
J
J
B7
.
& J
.
?
J
E7
n
n
Cm aj7
Am 7
3
J j
3
J
J
j
.
j
.
486
Appendix V
Theory Applications
B. Harmonic Specificity
1. Arpeggiate each chord
a. 1-3-5-7
G7
Cm aj7
U Dm7
U
U
&
U
U
U U
?c
Am7
B7
E7
Am 7
U
U
U
U
&
U
U
? U # U
Fmaj7
b. 3-5-7-9
U
U
U
U
&
?c
Am7
Dm 7
G7
Cm aj7
B7
E7
Am 7
U
U
U
n
&
#
U
U
n U
Fmaj7
Appendix V
2.
Theory Applications
487
Guide Tones
a. Locate all 3rds
Am7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am 7
&cw
#w
?c w
#w
b. Precede all 3rds with their UNT. This will often be the 7th of the preceding chord.
Am7
Dm 7
G7
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am7
&c
.
.
.
# . w
. . .
?c
.
. . . # . w
. .
c.
Dm 7
G7
Cmaj7
Fmaj7
.
. # . # . # . #
# .
.
# . # #
&c
?c
3.
B7
E7
Am7
. # . w
. # . w
Outlines
a. Play simple outlines to connect each adjacent chord a fifth apart
Outline No. 1
Am 7
Dm 7
G7
Cm aj7
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am 7
& c # w
?c
# w
488
Appendix V
Theory Applications
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
&c
#
#
?c
Fm aj7
# # #
B7
&
E7
Am7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
&c
?c
Fmaj7
B7
E7
Am 7
& # w
? # w
Appendix V
a.
Theory Applications
489
& c .
? c .
Fmaj7
Dm7
G7
J w
J
w
J
J
.
.
B7
E7
j
J w
J w
J
& .
? .
Cmaj7
J w
J
w
J
J
Am 7
j w
#
w
. # J
J
Dm7
G7
&c
b .
b .
?c
Fmaj7
B7
b .
&
b .
?
# .
# .
E7
Cm aj7
Am 7
b .
#
# b .
490
Appendix V
Theory Applications
a.
&c w
?c w
Dm 7
Fmaj7
G7
B7
&w
?w
Cm aj7
E7
Am 7
Dm7
&c
?c
Fmaj7
#
#
B7
&
G7
E7
#
#
Cmaj7
b
b
Am7
j
j
w
j
J w
Appendix V
a.
Theory Applications
491
Dm7
G7
B7
E7
Cm aj7
c
J .
&
J
?c
.
J
Fm aj7
&
j
J #
J #
J
j
J
J
J
Am 7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
b #
b
b #
b
?c
&c
Fm aj7
B7
& #
? #
E7
Am 7
#
w
#
w
492
Appendix V
a.
Theory Applications
Outline No. 3 from even to odd measures/ 3-5-7-9 arpeggios odd to even/
Am 7
Dm7
G7
Cmaj7
j j
j j
j
j
? c J j
J j
J
J
&c
Fm aj7
B7
E7
Am 7
j j
j j
j
w
j
j w
?
j
#
J
&
&c
?c
G7
Cmaj7
b
# b #
#
b
# b #
#
Fm aj7
&
Dm7
B7
E7
Am7
b #
# w
b
# # w
Continue with harmonic specific exercises from Chapters 2 and 15 of Comprehensive Technique for
Jazz Musicians.
Appendix V
4.
Am7
Theory Applications
493
G7
Cm aj7
b b # #
&
Diminished)
(Lydian)
(1/2W
b b # #
?c
Fm aj7
#
B7 (Locrian 2, 6th Mode of
D melodic minor)
J
b w
&
J
#
b w
?
J
J
4.
#9
Am7
Dm 7
G7b 13
#9
Cm aj7
C7b 13
# j
b j b b b b b b b #
secondary dominant
3rd mode E b major b6
b
b b #
b
? c # J
b J
&
Fmaj7
#
B7 2
& J #
Locrian #2
#
J
?
b5
E7b 9
Am7
j b n
Altered
n
b