A fundamental jazz improvisation skill is the ability to hear, think, see, and play the upper and lower neighbor tones for the primary chord tones in a minor triad…
Upper and Lower Neighbor Tones, Straight Quarter Notes…
Notice that the upper neighbor tone is diatonic while the lower neighbor tone (a minor 2nd) may or may not be diatonic (Hint: if not diatonic you will see an accidental). As such, the lower neighbor tone acts like a leading tone which provides strong voice leading.
Upper and Lower Neighbor Tones, Swing 8th Notes…
Homework
Please let Frank know if you’d like him to produce downloadable MP3 play along files in all keys at a variety of tempos (Hint: nobody has asked yet).
learn more…
Jazz School: Minor Triad Embellishments
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