6 Steps for Learning Tunes and Solo Progressions
1. Melody and Lyrics
Memorize the melody in all ranges of your instrument. Learning the lyrics will help determine the form and phrase structure. Once you have memorized the melody begin soloing by embellishing it with simple ornaments.
2. Root Movements of Chord Progression
In all ranges of your instrument, memorize the roots of each chord in the progression.
3. Guide Tone Lines
The 3rd and 7th notes of a chord are the most important because they determine the type of chord. For smooth voice-leading resolve the 3rd of one chord to the 7th of the next. This creates two harmonic "Guide Tone" lines to serve as the framework for your improvisation.
4. Chord Arpeggios Based on Guide Tone Lines
Play arpeggios ascending and descending from each of the two Guide Tone lines.
5. Chord/Scale Analysis
Analyze the form and chord progression to determine which scales go with the appropriate chords. Look for ii-7/V7/I maj7 and ii-7b7/V7#9/i-7 progressions; any key changes or modulations, and any unusual components.
6. Bass Lines
Memorize several bass lines that use linear motion to navigate through the changes using the proper scales, guide tones, and arpeggios. If at all possible use chromatic motion and avoid large leaps.
For more information or to sign up for private lessons contact:
David Arnold
(319) 551-9643
arnoldds@www.mebbs.com