Improvising a phrase using the D minor pentatonic scale
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can improvise stylistic and effective short phrases using the minor pentatonic scale.
Key learning points
- In jazz, the head is followed by a series of improvisations.
- Although improvising is making music in-the-moment, considering the elements can help create a stylistic improvisation.
- Practising is skill and there are many strategies you can use to improve your time spent practising.
Keywords
Jazz - a music genre that emerged from African-American communities in New Orleans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterised by improvisation
Head - a term for the main melody or theme in jazz music
Improvisation - creative, in-the-moment musical composition
Phrase - a musical thought, like a sentence in a story
Bar - a measure of musical time with a set number of beats (e.g. 4 beats in 4-time)
Common misconception
Improvisation is music completely made up on the spot.
Improvised music is not completely made up on the spot. Preparation and the practising of musical ideas is important. It is more a form of spontaneous reconstruction of musical ideas built upon knowledge and practice.
Teacher tip
Emphasise the idea that there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ phrases. Often it is better to keep the phrase very simple. You don’t have to use all 5 notes.
Equipment
Pitched percussion instruments, ideally one-between-two with the notes C, D, F, G, A, C', D'.
Licence
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