Masterclass 02 - Improvisation Methods #1

Subject: IMPROVISATION METHODS #1

Scales vs Chord Notes, Directional Playing, and Harmony Over Melody

In this masterclass we will dive deeper into the world of improvisation by using “All The Things You Are”as our playground.

We will look closer at the difference between improvising using scales, key centers, and chord notes (arpeggios). The focus will then be shifted to directional playing with the use of scales, triads, and arpeggios in quarter note, eighth note, triplets, and sixteenth note patterns. We will learn the ‘Harmony over Melody’ system by playing a melody all over the neck of the guitar, then adding bass notes (two part harmony), playing melody with a bass by adding the 5th (three part harmony), and lastly playing the melody with a bass note, adding the 5th and 7th (four part melody).