Jazz-Improvised Practice Routine

Here's a jazz or improvised music practice routine. Recall or learn a C major scale, then C modal minor [Aeolian or Dorian], then B modal minor [again Aeolian or Dorian] . I number these scales 1, 2, and 3 respectively.

Now play a scale consisting of any 4 consecutive notes in C major:

e.g. (C, D, E, F)

Then play the 4 corresponding notes in C minor:

e.g. (C, D, Eb, F)

Then the same again in B minor:

e.g. (B, C#, D, E)

Try to think in the different tonal areas whilst you are doing it; e.g. play C major and state to yourself 'C major'. This can be done out loud or internally. Saying it out loud should help force it into your subconscious more efficiently.

Memorize sequences such as -- 1, 3, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2 -- I call this 'transfiguration'. Break these number patterns down into smaller groups for memorization purposes if that helps and impose the scale phrase over the top, repeating the entire sequence.

Now try to play the next 4 notes in C major: (d, e, f, g) and 'transfigure' into the other key areas.


Dale Harris, December 2009

Copyright c.2009 Dale Harris All Rights Reserved.