A fundamental jazz improvisation skill is the ability to embellish the three primary chord tones in a major triad…
Here are eight commonly used ways to embellish the primary chord tones 1, 3, 5 (Do, Mi, So) of a C major triad in the key of C Major. Notice that the target notes always fall on the strong beat and that the embellishments always anticipate each target note in swung 1/8th notes, creating a sense of forward motion and anticipation.
Embellishment #1: Minor 2nd Below…
Embellishment #2: Diatonic Above…
Embellishment #3: Diatonic Above + Minor 2nd Below…
Embellishment #4: Minor 2nd Below + Diatonic Above…
Embellishment #5: Target Note + Minor 2nd Below…
Embellishment #6: Target Note + Diatonic Above…
Embellishment #7: Target + Minor 2nd Below + Target + Diatonic Above…
Embellishment #8: Target + Diatonic Above + Target + Minor 2nd Below…
Homework
As always, study and practice the patterns above in all keys you want to play in–using all four musical intelligences: ears, intellect (theory), eyes, and muscles! (With a rhythm track and always recording yourself, too!!!)