|
|
Soloing
Pentatonic soloing
One can be easily introduced to the concept of playing a solo through the idea of the use of the pentatonic scale. This scale is composed of any 5 notes of any other scale (hence pent (5) tonic (note) ). For example, a common pentatonic of C major would be:
C E F G B (C)
This scale is both simple and easily memorizable, making it ideal for newcomers to soloing. Another benefit is that these scales can be played over more than one chord in the progression. For exaple, let's say we have a simple 12-bar blues, with the following chords:
C Major, F Major, G Major 7
(Note: Since we're playing a blues in this example, we're going to use a C MINOR pentatonic, instead of the normally used major one. We do this to achieve the bluesy tension that playing a minor scale over a major progression that defines the blues style.)
With those chords in the background, improvise a melody using the following scale:
C Eb F G Bb
Works fairly well, no? Want to know why? It works because it uses notes that are mostly consonant to the chords being played. All of the notes that would sound dissonant when played over the other keys are ignored. Therefore, this is an easy way to achieve a decent-sounding solo without much effort.
Further Study
As more complicated study in soloing is beyond the scope of this lesson, (and because there is so much more to be covered here), further study is best done independently and with a small group. The absolute best way to learn how to solo is to play with a group of experienced jazz players and have them teach you. Since half of soloing is interacting with your band (the other half being showing off how creative you are and what great chops you have), this is of the utmost importance.
Learned this material? Take the quiz and finalize it!.
|
|