Articles tagged with: "jazz improvisation"
Pentatonic Scales: Universal Simplicity and Expression
Pentatonic scales, with their five notes per octave, are part of the musical traditions of virtually all cultures. This article explores the two main variants—major and minor—analyzing their structure, sonority, …
Secondary Dominants: Adding Color and Direction to Chord Progressions
Secondary dominants are powerful harmonic tools that add color, tension, and forward momentum to chord progressions. By temporarily "tonicizing" non-tonic chords, secondary dominants create brief harmonic detours that enrich musical …
The Blues Scale: The Sound of American Soul
The blues scale, with its characteristic "blue note" added to the minor pentatonic, is a fundamental musical tool that captures the expressive essence of blues and has influenced countless genres …
Diminished Scales: Symmetrical Patterns in Music
The diminished scale is an eight-note symmetrical scale that alternates between whole and half steps, creating unique harmonic and melodic possibilities. This comprehensive guide explores its structure, historical development from …