Here is a sample of the formula I use with my improv students at
various stages of the game.
We are now faced with the task of improvising over the changes to
a
Standard tune. Find one without any mi7(b5)- 7(b9) chords in it.
Satin Doll comes to mind. Where do we begin?
1. To analyze the chord changes you must have a basic
understanding
of the diatonic 7th chords built on each of the degrees of the
major
scale. For example let's take C major. The scale is C D E F G A
B.
You will need to write this on manuscript paper. Take each degree
of the scale and stack 3rds above it, lines above lines, spaces
above spaces, until you have 4 notes. You should then have CEGB,
DFAC, EGBD, FACE, GBDF, ACEG, BDFA. You will notice that each of
these notes is in the correct key of "no sharps-no flats." If we
were working in E major, you would need to write in the correct
accidentals in front of each note. The properties of the written
chords are Cmaj7, Dmi7, Emi7, Fmaj7, G7, Ami7, Bmi7(b5). These
properties are the same no matter what major scale you use, you
just change the letter name. Some of you have probably
recognized the ii-V-I pattern in there already. Dmi7-G7-Cmaj7.
2. Analyze the chord changes so you know what keyality you are in.
(I
say keyality because I don't want you to think "major scale", I
want
you to think key signature)
When you see a ii-V-I pattern you should indicate to yourself the
keyality or key signature. You don't want to concentrate on the C
major scale, you want to play in that key "no sharps-no flats"
but
based on the root of the chord you are on at that moment and
reflective of the guide tones (next step).
3. Go through and for each chord, write in the 3rd and 7th. These
are
called guide tones, the meat of the chord. They are what make you
sound like you know what you are doing when improvising if you
utilize them properly.
4. Once you know the keyality of each and every chord and have
written in the guide tones, you are ready to practice.
5. Set the metronome at quarter note=92 or so. You will now play
5
choruses on the tune at this slow tempo (marked a-e below). It
gives you plenty of time to think.
6. A) Melody
B) roots
C) half notes (utilize guide tones- try to hear themes)
D) Quarter notes (utilize guide tones- try to hear themes)
E) Improvise (play whatever you want)
7. Be careful to play perfect time and with a great sound at all
times!
8. I'll be outlining the diatonic 7ths for Harmonic and Melodic minor
at a
later date. You will then see that with these 3 modes you can
play
over any tune.
9. Pick up Aebersold Volumes 1 and 54. They are indispensible!!!
If anyone has any questions please respond to the list and I'll
gladly
answer.