CHORDAL IMPROVIZATION

In this lesson we will learn how to create melodies and improvised lines using chord structure. The first requirement, you must have a good understanding of chord structure (see Chord Chemistry)

When I take a solo I  will often visualize the shape of the chord that is in the background rhythm parts and solo around these notes. Lets try some simple examples. 1st, practice playing the notes of the 3 chords shown in red starting with the root and  continuing up to the 7th. Next play all of the notes (blue and red) of the key decending Fig 1.

Below the chord diagrams, the tab in purple is an example of this exersize for the Am7 chord.

Notice that all of the other (blue) notes are in the key of G. This is of course, is the key the chord progression is in. Once you have mastered this simple 3 chord song, play the other 4 chords in the key of G.  You need to know what the chord tones are, see (chord chemistry) Next remember to play the notes of the key in between. I f you know the notes on the Stick just remember to play the F#.

The next step is to apply this technique to  a song. Below is an example of how I might solo using the above chord progression.