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Jazz Forms: Modal Jazz
Characteristics, harmonic analyses and examples Updated 2025 Modal harmony uses groups of notes called modes over a fixed tonal center for long periods of time. Scale and mode are equivalent terms, though mode is used in a modal context, and scale is used in a tonal context. In a modal context, the notes of the melody are related to a unique tonal center meanwhile in a tonal context the notes will relate to different centers depending on the chord of the moment. Read more…
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Jazz Forms: 16 Bars
Characteristics, harmonic analyses and examples Updated 2025 The 16 bar jazz form has four four-bar phrases, the first is an exposition phrase, the second, a repetition phrase, the third one a contrast phrase, normally in a different key, and the last one, a conclusive phrase. Jazz Standards with a 16 Bar Form Blue Bossa (Kenny Dorham)Four (Miles Davis)Lady Bird (Tadd Dameron)Pent Up House (Sonny Rollins)Stolen Moments (Oliver Nelson)Sugar (Stanley Turrentine)St. Read more…
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Jazz Language: Phrasing
Definition, types, and examples of phrasing in the jazz language. Updated 2025 Phrasing, in this post, is the placement of the melodic lines in different parts of the bar. An effective way of organizing the phrasing is playing from weak bars to strong bars or from weak part of the bar to strong part of the bar, imitating the dominant-tonic cadence or tension-release. Jazz Language: Phrasing Phrasing: Forward Motion Phrasing: from weak bar to strong bar Willis “Gator” Jackson. “Blue Gator” (1959). Phrasing from weak bar to strong bar. Min 0:00-4:00 and min 7:28-end. https://youtu.be/_57RwSeGZ54 Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis. Read more…
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Jazz Improvisation: 100 resources to build a personal solo
Elements of jazz improvisation included in the Jazz Improvisation Workbook Updated 2023 Approaches to jazz improvisation Some approaches the improviser can use while soloing: Melodic approach: scales, chords, melodic patterns, embellishments, quotes, clichés, silence. Harmonic approach: textures, different types of chords, chromaticism. Rhythmic approach: syncopated rhythmic patterns, rhythmic displacement, odd meters. Expressive approach: dynamics, articulations, ghost notes, effects, interpretation in relation to the beat, swing. Voice, Tone and Mood Voice is a unique trait of the improviser. Voice is a combination of an artist´s characteristics, it´s not a planned elaboration. Tone is the musician´s attitude expressed with the interpretation. Read more…
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Introduction to Jazz Harmony
Updated 2025 “All The Things You Are”: Harmonic Analysis Jazz Scales: A Roadmap for Beginners Jazz Scales for Saxophone: A Roadmap for Beginners Share this:TwitterFacebookPinterestPrintEmail Read more…