Four note group

In music, four note group patterns, alternately called "four-note digital patterns"[1] or simply "four note patterns", are one of many ways to formulate improvised solos in jazz. "Four-Note Grouping is an improvisation technique that uses major and minor triads along with specific passing notes as a means of generating lines. The concept of Four-Note Groupings lets the lines be more 'out' and stretch the possibility of available notes over a chord due to the structural integrity of the triad-based line."[2]

Four note group devices

  • Diatonic scale fragment
  • Arpeggio (of current chord, altered harmony or an implied passing chord)
  • Chromatic approach note (a note preceding a chord tone or scale tone one semitone above or below)[3]
  • Chromatic surround notes (two notes preceding a chord tone one semitone above and below)
  • Pentatonic scale fragment[4]

Examples

  • John Coltrane: "Giant Steps" solo[5]

See also

  • Sequence (music)

Sources

  1. ^ Coker, Jerry. Elements of the Jazz Language for the Developing Improvisor. Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Music. p. 8-18.
  2. ^ "Four Note Groupings Part 1", EdSaindon.com (351 KB PDF) - Ed Saindon. Caps in original.
  3. ^ Levine, Mark. The Jazz Theory Book. Petaluma, CA: Sher Music Co. Figure 4-16.
  4. ^ Porter, Lewis. John Coltrane: His Life and Music. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press. p. 151.
  5. ^ Porter, Lewis. John Coltrane: His Life and Music. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press. p. 151. Coltrane chose to construct his solo largely out of four-note patterns that could be easily transposed to fit each chord.

External links

  • "Four Note Groupings Part 2", EdSaindon.com (351 KB PDF) - Ed Saindon
  • Javier Arau. "Augmented Scale Theory", Javier Arau - Faculty of Saxophone/Woodwind, in NEW YORK JAZZ ACADEMY.
  • Michael Leibson. "Giant Steps, Central Park West and Modulatory Cycles", ThinkingMusic.ca.