Improvising Jazz Sax FAQ - part 2
Q. I can now play simple solos based on chord tones on a blues progression but they sound rather basic. What can I do to make my solos sound more interesting?
A. It’s time to add some non-chord tones. These will help act as connections between the chord tones and help you invent more fluid lines and phrases. Here are some examples. I have kept to the key of C major, for clarity.
Passing Tones
These are the notes played between one chord tone and another.
For example, the chord tones of C major are C E G
Add the passing tones and we have C [D] E [F] G
Neighbour Notes
Also known as auxiliaries, these notes return to the chord tones.
C [D] C - C [B] C - E [F] E - E [D] E - G [A] G - G [F] G
Neighbour notes can be played one after another before resolving to the chord tones.
C [D B] C - C [B D] C - E [F D] E - E [D F] E - G [A F] G - G [F A] G
Chromatic Scale
Chromatic scales can be played between the chord tones and provide a very fluid line.
E [Eb D Db] C - G [Gb F] E are two examples. They can, of course, go upwards too.
Also try adding notes a semitone lower before you play the chord tone.
[B] C - [Eb] E - [F#] G
Try playing a solo over the progression below. Restrict yourself to chord tones to begin with. When comfortable, add the passing and neighbor notes.
G7 / / / | C7 / / / | G7 / / / | G7 / / / |
C7 / / / | / / / / | G7 / / / | / / / / |
D7 / / / | C7 / / / | G7 / / / | / / / / |
Here are the chord tones, passing and neighbour notes for each chord.
G7: G [A] B [C] D [E F]
C7: C [D] E [F] G [A Bb]
D7: D [E] F# [G] A [B C]
Don’t forget; you can add the chromatic notes as well. However, be careful to stress the chord tones and avoid lingering on these notes for the moment.
Any questions? Do you have something to say on the subject of improvisation? Leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.
