Here's a summary of what we covered this week:
- Warm-ups: We continued with the idea of 5-note groupings, this time using the minor scale 1 2 b3 4 5 starting from the 1st finger on strings 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2. Again this can be practiced through the circle of 5ths moving up one fret every five keys (as we did last week with the majors).
- Combining Mini-Positions: We looked at how the major and minor 5-note cells can be combined to make complete scales. We also looked at the Pentatonic groupings derived from these.
- Intervallic Patterns: We explored applying patterns in 3rds to our scale, both within a single position and moving along the strings. Combining directionality of the scale and the intervals within it, and alternating directions of intervals.
- Octave Displacement - Larry Corban demonstrated an interesting technique for practicing the scale using octave displacement.
- Jitterbug Waltz (melody): We examined use of "ascending 3rds" while "descending the scale" in the melody of this jazz standard by Fats Waller.
- Jitterbug Waltz (harmonic analysis): We examined the chord changes from a functional and practical/improvisatory standpoint.
- Minor on the 5th of a Dominant 7th: We demonstrated how minor tonality (particularly the dorian and jazz melodic minor) intersects with the Dominant 7th tonality.
- Minor on the b2 of a Dominant 7th: We used the minor on the b2 of a Dominant 7th to produce the "Altered Scale" sound (also know as "Super-Locrian" or "Diminished-Wholetone").
That's all I've got time for right now, but I'll try to add to this blog over the next week.
Remember: No class for the next two Saturdays. I'll see you all again on December 10th. Meanwhile Happy Christmas, Channukah, Kwanza, Winter Solstice, Festivus, or whatever you like to celebrate this time of year. Looking forward to a great 2009!
