Scribd
Upload
75 views4 pages

Diminished Patterns for Improvisation

This document provides a goal, timeline, and options for practicing diminished patterns to develop technique, ear training, and basic patterns for improvisation. The goal is to memorize 3 symmetric patterns usable in all 12 keys by practicing daily for 3 keys. It recommends beginning practice after warm ups and memorizing the half/whole diminished scale before attempting the patterns, which are best played at faster tempos.

Uploaded by

Evan Odell
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
75 views4 pages

Diminished Patterns for Improvisation

This document provides a goal, timeline, and options for practicing diminished patterns to develop technique, ear training, and basic patterns for improvisation. The goal is to memorize 3 symmetric patterns usable in all 12 keys by practicing daily for 3 keys. It recommends beginning practice after warm ups and memorizing the half/whole diminished scale before attempting the patterns, which are best played at faster tempos.

Uploaded by

Evan Odell
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

251t42

Diminished Pattern
Goal: To develop technique and ear training while learning basic patterns for improvisation

Timeline: Practice daily, working towards memorization in 3 keys.(there are only 3 symmetric patterns
useable in all 12 keys) Use the MIDI file to help train your ear.

Options: Begin practicing after your daily warm up on 5ths, Longtones, Overtones. Begin memorizing
one key, one pattern at a time. The Half/Whole Diminished Scale(C Db Eb E F# G A Bb) should be
memorized before attempting memorization of the patterns below. Otherwise, this may be practiced by
younger players as simply a written exercise for technique.

IMPORTANT NOTE! Patterns in improvisation are the "catch phrases" we all use, some more than
others. Just as a writer must have a good vocabulary before writing a great novel, a good improviser
should know the "language" before he or she can become more spontaneous and creative while soloing.

1. The patterns below sound best when played at faster tempos or in double time.
2. Learn the patterns below in the first key (C Half/Whole Diminished-C Db Eb E F# G A Bb)
3. Pick the pattern that your ear seems to "hear" the best and work on that pattern first.
4. Memorize the pattern and work up the tempo as fast as possible.
5. I have found it helpful to learn these patterns in straight eighths, rather than a hard swing. This
will help you when playing them at faster tempos.
6. Playing these patterns at a fast tempo can create the effect of weaving in and out of the chord
change(s).

Good luck!

*As always, there is no substitute for a qualified private teacher. When learning to improvise, listening
to cds and live jazz is critical.

You might also like