Patterns | Jazz-Sax.Com

You are browsing the archive for Patterns.

Posts on John Coltrane’s improvisation approaches, Coltrane Changes, and some improvisation ideas

September 11, 2011 in Articles

Dear Jazz-Saxists,

Greetings~

Not long ago, I began to write some casual posts relating to Jazz improvisation ideas and approaches, about Coltrane Changes, John Coltrane, and some off-the-cuff ramblings in my little site at www.jkchang.com. These posts, collected in the “Dialogue” series, were really fun to write (and I hope they are also fun to read as well~), including:

Incorporating the Sound of Nicolas Slonimsky’s Pattern no. 626 in Jazz Improvisation

-Some ideas and approaches in creating “pure” or “quasi”of Nicolas Slonimsky’s Pattern No. 626 sound. These ideas are less “analytical”…more like my own ways (aka shortcuts) to manage Slonimsky’s materials in his Thesaurus Of Scales And Melodic Patterns

John Coltrane’s employment of “The Bebop Lick” in his Coltrane Changes lines in Countdown and Giant Steps

-listening/compiling Coltrane’s employments of “The Bebop Lick” in his Giant Steps & Countdown to list few manageable variant.

Beyond Patterns: Sculpting Jazz Improvisation Lines with the Diminished Scale

-discussing few approaches and ideas to create Diminished Scale sound….for example, using layer approach…etc….to provide few ways, in addition to the usual “here’s your scale”, to execute this wonderful symmetrical scale.

Incorporating Motives of Super Mario Bros. “Underground” Theme in Jazz Improvisation

-a personal post about getting some improvisational ideas from Super Mario Bros.’s “Underground” theme…(although it might appear to be an “Ode to an-incredibly-horrible-gamer”….)

John Coltrane’s Improvised Line in Milestones as a Model for Incorporating Sequential Patterns in Jazz Improvisation

-a personal favorite! This post is about using Coltrane’s improvisational line as a phrasing model to handle lots of sequential patterns in a single improvised line.

Incorporating Dissonance in Jazz Improvisation

-few general ideas on spicing up our improvisations with some juicy dissonances.

Chromatic Transposition of II-V-I Coltrane Lines

October 2, 2009 in Sheet Music

After few busy weeks, I finally got some time to update the “Downloads” section of my little webpage at www.jkchang.com with a new project titled “Chromatic Transposition of II-V-I Coltrane Lines.” This project, similar to the previous project “Chromatic Transposition of II-V-I Bebop Lines,” focuses on developing saxophonist’s sight-reading skill in the formation of chromatic transposition. The main difference is that the lines are constructed with Coltrane’s multi-tonic system (Coltrane Change). After some thoughts, I decided to adopt enharmonic spelling to simpfly the notation, hence avoiding any appearance for double-flats/sharps. Band-in-a-Box files are also uploaded. Set A contains BIAB files with standard II-V-I progress, so improvisors are provided a platform to play these exercises in the superimposition form. Set B contains BIAB files with actual “Coltrane Change.” These files are userful if you are thinking to finetune your aural understanding of Coltrane’s harmonic progression. The objective of the project is as followed:-)

This project is designed to meet the demands of intermediate to advanced jazz saxophonists as they establish the dexterity of their sight-reading skill in all key signatures. Five ii-V-I jazz lines with the utilization of tenor saxophonist John Coltrane’s multi-tonic system are transposed chromatically, covering the full register of a saxophone to extend the technical flexibility. The author of this project avoids lengthy theoretical annotation, aiming to establish the practical aspect as a sight-reading exercise. However, it is advised that the saxophonists review the analytical structure and the motivic construction of each Coltrane ii-V-I line parallel to the sight-reading practice in order to enhance the learning activity. Although the project is designed specifically for jazz saxophonists, it can be used by other jazz instrumentalists who wish to develop their sight-reading skill.

Again, I hope some of you might find this project to be helpful to your music development:-)

Tags: coltrane, II-V-I, John Coltrane, Patterns, Practicing, sight reading No Comments »

by Jen-Kuang Chang

50 MINOR II-V-I BEBOP LINES & Advanced Sight-Reading Etudes for Saxophones Vol. I

July 28, 2009 in Sheet Music

Finally, after few long days of struggling against my sluggish computer, I was able to get an old project “50 Minor II-V-I Bebop Lines,” about 100 pages, uploaded to my little website at www.jkchang.com. The project focuses on II-V-I in minor and the lines are transposed to all twelve keys as usual. These lines were originally released around 2004. The new release gathers everything into a single, easy access PDF file:-)

Additionally, the first volume in the Advanced Sight-reading Etudes for Saxophones series is also ready for access. This projec, comprising sixty pages of studies to enhance the sight-reading proficiency of saxophonists, is designed to facilitate the coordination of the intermediate to advanced saxophonists in the situation that requires great concentration and mental awareness. The benefit of the studies is not limited to the plain sight-reading circumstances, as the familiarity of accidentals will also argument saxophonists’ capability to sight-read and improvise on uncommon keys.

As always, I hope these materials will be useful to some of you:-)

Tags: bebop, Etudes, II-V-I, Patterns, Practicing, Sheet Music, sight reading No Comments »

by Jen-Kuang Chang

Jazz Improvisation Series: II-V-I Jazz Lines in Fourths VOL. I

July 17, 2009 in News, Sheet Music

The first volume of “Jazz Improvisation Series: II-V-I Jazz Lines in Fourths” is finally up in www.jkchang.com. This volume of the jazz improvisational lines focuses upon the linear constructions based upon the intervallic value of the perfect fourth, and sporadically, the augmented fourth. The non-triadic formula generates ambiguous tonal emphasis, producing comparatively invigorating sonority. The unremitting sequence of the perfect fourths and its inverted version, the perfect fifths is used infrequently to avoid the predictable linear construction. It is recommended that users start the exercises in a comfortable speed and gradually build up the facility to satisfy the technical demands in faster tempos.

I also managed to load these lines into Band-in-a-box .mgu files as it might be useful to some of you to hear the lines before the workout session. Additionally, some of you might notice that there are some changes in the “Downloads” page. The huge banner of “MWF Downloads” should be pretty eye-catching:-) I am currently working on 10 Bebop Blues etudes in the style of Charlie Parker and files will be ready in one-two weeks. I did some studies on Parker’s performances of “Now’s the Time,” (20+ different versions:-) so it is really fun to have the chance to put analytical information into practical use:-) The files for the second volume of “II-V-I Jazz Lines in Fourths,” and two other sight-reading projects are ready, all I need is to find some time to upload them:-) As usual, I hope these materials will be helpful to some of you.

Finally, if you have some awesome ideas for new jazz improvisational materials, please leave your ideas and suggestions in the “comment” board in the “Downloads” main page (instead of sending them through “Contact” page). As to suggestions to existing materials, please leave them in the corresponding page.

Tags: Band-in-a-Box, II-V-I Jazz Lines in Fourths, Jen-Kuang Chang, Patterns, PDF, Sheet Music No Comments »

by Jen-Kuang Chang

Chromatic Transposition of II-V-I Bebop Lines

July 1, 2009 in News, Sheet Music

Recently, I have some free time and managed to get some of my older jazz practice materials online. The first package, “Chromatic Transposition of II-V-I Bebop Lines,” was created few years back, containing approximately 70 pages of jazz materials suited for jazz saxophonists interested in getting more of Bebop:-) The package is located in the “downloads” section of www.jkchang.com and I hope the materials would be useful to some of you. Note that the site uses the same wordpress system as jazz-sax.com, so please register to download the file.

I am planning to get some of other materials online as well, including two volumns of jazz lines based on 4ths, sight-reading materials for saxophone, and ii-V-I lines with Coltrane substitution. Hopefully, I can get this done by the end of the summer:-)

Tags: bebop, Chromatic Transposition of II-V-I Bebop Lines, Jen-Kuang Chang, Patterns, practice, sheetmusic No Comments »

by admin

Hardcopy Of The II-V Patterns

December 3, 2007 in Articles

The II-V patterns are one of the most downloaded things here. I’m currently working on another revision of them, which would probably make it 400+ pages. That is a LOT to print out. I’m considering making them available to people via Lulu.com for like a $1 over what it costs to print them. So, if the patterns were 400 pages exactly, to print them coil bound, it would be $12.53. So, I’d make them available for $14 or something. The money would go to running this site (which is not cheap people!)

So, here is a poll to figure out how many people would be interested in that.

Loading ...

Tags: Book, hardcopy, II-V, Patterns, poll 5 Comments »

by admin

Fourth Obession – Wil Greenstreet

December 3, 2007 in Reviews

Sometimes, people send me stuff to look at. Wil Greenstreet sent me his book, Fourth Obsession – inroads to out there. This book, obviously, deals with Fourths, something a lot of books touch on, but never really focus in on. This book does that. Starting out with the basics, being able to play fourths through the full range of your horn, then applying different rhythms to the fourths. Then backwards, then zig-zags, then zig-zags backwards, then zig-zags with rhythms, then zig-zags with rhythms backwards. You get the idea. And that is only the first 18 pages of 183 pages. Subsequent chapters deal with strings of fourths (in three, four, five, and six), root movements and fourths (whole-steps, minor-thirds, etc), and twelve-tone rows. All these get the backwards, zig-zag, zig-zag backwards, and with rhythms.

Whew! I don’t think he left out any combinations. Maybe I should consult with Johann Carl Friedrich Gauss or Archimedes to see if there are any other combinations.

After playing things out of this book over the weekend, there are some very cool lines to be found. The layout of the book is top-notch (except for the occasional use of the Jazz Text font, which I personally disdain). The material is presented clearly, the text is easy to read, and understand. The exercises, while not completely written out like in Walt Weiskopf’s books, are presented in a way where you can follow them (example being on the left page one would see the string of fourths in a group of five going up in half steps, and on the adjoining page the rhythms to practice them with). Should provide anyone with hours and hours (if not weeks or months) of stuff to practice. One thing that I wish was included were some etudes that encompass all that was presented in the book. I think that would have been a great bonus to have.

Looking for something to dig into? Then get this book. 9.5/10 (.5 deducted for lack of etudes, and illegal use of the jazz text font). The book can be purchased for $23 ($20 + $3 shipping) from Wil Greenstreet.

Tags: Book, exercises, fourths, Jazz, Patterns, Recommended, review, technique No Comments »

by admin

Neff Music Approach Note Velocity Studies

February 23, 2007 in Reviews

Every month, I make it a point to buy new music. New music including books in addition to recorded media. I have quiet a backlog of things to review. So, first up are Approach Note Velocity Studies.

I’m not sure when I found these on the net, but Steve Neff’s Approach Note Velocity Studies are pretty darn neat. For $10, you get 90 some pages of great sounding chromatic lines that you can use on Major and Minor vamps. You can incorporate them into other chord progressions as well, such as blues, rhythm changes, etc. If you own the Joseph Viola Chord Studies book, these patterns are similar to those 16th note lines at the end of each chord study. I have also seen patterns like these called neighboring tones or approach tones in other books.

There are two volumes, Major and Minor. Both are great. Check them out.

Tags: Jazz, Patterns, Practicing, Recommended, technique 2 Comments »

by admin

II-V-I Patterns

April 1, 2006 in Sheet Music

I have updated the II-V-I patterns yet again. I consolidated some of the other patterns I had (like the Ray Brown ones). There are now 286 pages (or 286 4 bar patterns) to enjoy. Also gone is the Jazz Font in favor of a more clean, professional look using Bill Duncan’s Fonts for Finale.

These patterns were designed to be used with Aebersold Vol. 3, Track 2. Also included is a 24 page reference of the patterns.

If you want some more patterns, I highly recommend Jerry Bergonzi’s Inside Improvisation Vol. 5. There are some really great patterns in there. Enjoy!

II-V-I Patterns Reference (600.9 KiB, 11,506 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
II-V-I Patterns in Bb (4.6 MiB, 11,686 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
II-V-I Patterns in Bb Pages 1 to 100 (1.7 MiB, 11,056 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
II-V-I Patterns in Bb Pages 101 to 200 (1.9 MiB, 10,709 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
II-V-I Patterns in Bb Pages 201 to 289 (1.6 MiB, 10,709 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
II-V-I Patterns in Eb (4.7 MiB, 11,108 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
II-V-I Patterns in Eb Pages 1 to 100 (1.7 MiB, 10,342 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
II-V-I Patterns in Eb Pages 101 to 200 (1.9 MiB, 10,284 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
II-V-I Patterns in Eb Pages 201 to 289 (1.6 MiB, 10,631 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.

Tags: Education, II-V, Jazz, Patterns, Practicing, Sheet Music, technique 13 Comments »

by admin

Random II-V Patterns

September 6, 2004 in Sheet Music

I had, a while ago, posted some Patterns that fit Aebersold Volume 3, Track 3 (Random II/V Progression). Here is an updated version. It has ballooned to 246 pages (up from 137 in the last version).

These are intended for practice with that track, or something similar (like backgrounds generated via Band in a Box). Enjoy!

Adobe Acrobat 7 is required to view and print these.

Random II-V Patterns in Bb (4.1 MiB, 5,252 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
Random II-V Patterns in Bb pages 1 to 100 (1.7 MiB, 5,116 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
Random II-V Patterns in Bb pages 101 to 200 (1.8 MiB, 5,084 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
Random II-V Patterns in Bb pages 201 to 246 (763.6 KiB, 5,083 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
Random II-V Patterns in Eb (4.1 MiB, 5,128 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
Random II-V Patterns in Eb pages 1 to 100 (1.7 MiB, 5,054 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
Random II-V Patterns in Eb pages 101 to 200 (1.8 MiB, 5,051 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.
Random II-V Patterns in Eb pages 201 to 246 (755.2 KiB, 5,071 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.

Tags: II-V, Jazz, Patterns, Practicing, random, technique 4 Comments »

by admin

Practice Routine

March 11, 2004 in Articles

bluesupanddown writes “Between learning tunes, working on scales, patterns, transcription books, transcribing, tone, articulation, etc… how does anyone get anything accomplished? I am interested in hearing about different practice routines. What have you found that helps save time, AND get something done?”

Don’t all the above things “get things done”? Don’t those push your boundaries?

As for time, the Zinn Regimen has a good reference for time usage and what to practice.

Tags: Education, exercises, Patterns, practice, technique, zinn 3 Comments »

by admin

Practicing

February 22, 2004 in Articles

John writes “Can anyone give me some types on what to practice, how to practice stuff, or ways to make time practicing usefull instead of just screwing around with the horn. I’ve looked at the Zinn Regimen….and thats its almost like a slap in the face I don’t know what to do with all of it. Thanks”

Um, seriously, I am flabbergasted. Are you sure you really want to play seriously? I mean, really, you need some sort of focus. You need to figure out what you need to work on and work on it. Scales, arpeggios, soloing, reading music, etc, etc.

As for the Zinn Regimen. Why not try practicing it with a metronome first? I’m assuming you have a metronome of course………

Tags: Education, exercises, Patterns, practice, technique, zinn 4 Comments »

by admin

A question about Patterns

July 21, 2002 in Articles

bluesupanddown writes “Has anyone found an efficient way to practice/ingrain/incorporate patterns?”

Indeed. A lot of the patterns I’ve done on this site can be used with Aebersold playalongs. Or, if you have band in a box, you can make your own backgrounds. Either way, you have to get them under your fingers, and in your ear. Having some setting to practice them with is a good way to do it.

Tags: Education, exercises, Improvisation, Jazz, Patterns, technique 2 Comments »

by admin

Rhythm Changes Patterns – Part 1

January 11, 2002 in Sheet Music

I dug this up from my Finale archives, and tweaked it, and ended up with a bunch of pages of Rhythm Changes. Some good stuff here. These patterns are broken up into 8 bar phrases which are transposed through all 12 keys. Enjoy. Rhythm Changes Patterns 1 (1,021.3 KiB, 304 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.

Tags: Education, exercises, Jazz, Patterns, rhythm changes, technique No Comments »

by admin

Jerry Bergonzi Pentatonic Patterns – Part 3

December 2, 2001 in Sheet Music

Here are some more pentatonic patterns for use with Jerry Bergonzi’s Inside Improvisation Vol. 2 – Pentatonics. These are for the sixth track on the CD which comes with the book, Minor 6th Pentatonic patterns over dominant chords. Enjoy!These patterns are based on playing a minor pentatonic scale a fifth away from the dominant chord. IE: A7 -> E minor 6 pentatonic.

Bergonzi Patterns for Minor 6 Chords - Bb Instruments (117.2 KiB, 326 hits)
You do not have permission to download this file.

Tags: Education, Improvisation, Jazz, jerry bergonzi, Patterns, pentatonics, technique No Comments »

Jazz-Sax.Com

You are browsing the archive for Patterns.

Posts on John Coltrane’s improvisation approaches, Coltrane Changes, and some improvisation ideas

Chromatic Transposition of II-V-I Coltrane Lines

50 MINOR II-V-I BEBOP LINES & Advanced Sight-Reading Etudes for Saxophones Vol. I

Jazz Improvisation Series: II-V-I Jazz Lines in Fourths VOL. I

Chromatic Transposition of II-V-I Bebop Lines

Hardcopy Of The II-V Patterns

Fourth Obession – Wil Greenstreet

Neff Music Approach Note Velocity Studies

II-V-I Patterns

Random II-V Patterns

Practice Routine

Practicing

A question about Patterns

Rhythm Changes Patterns – Part 1

Jerry Bergonzi Pentatonic Patterns – Part 3

Polls

Categories

Donate

Recognition Wall

Downloads

Recent Comments

Sites