Playing the D minor pentatonic scale
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play the ascending and descending minor pentatonic scale and know this scale is often used as the framework for jazz improvisation.
Key learning points
- Jazz music often uses syncopated and swung rhythms.
- The D minor pentatonic scale is made up of the five notes D, F, G, A, C.
- Improvisation means created new musical ideas in-the-moment.
- Improvising can mean choosing small changes, such as changing from playing on the beat to playing on the offbeat.
Keywords
Syncopation - rhythms that emphasise the offbeat
Offbeat - weak beats or notes between the beats
Swing rhythm - where the rhythm Ta-di is divided into unequal parts, creating a "long-short" pattern
Improvisation - creative, in-the-moment musical composition
Minor pentatonic scale - the five tones, la, do, re, mi and so arranged in an ascending or descending order
Common misconception
A scale uses all the notes in step with no leaps.
A scale is a series of notes arranged in an ascending or descending order. Each scale has a unique pattern of intervals (the distance between notes) that defines its character and the intervals are not always the same.
Teacher tip
Use this unit's whole body, breathing, vocal and chant warm-ups to prepare the pupils for music.
Equipment
Pitched percussion with the notes D, F, G, A, C, ideally one-between-two.
Licence
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