Four note group
In music, four note group patterns, alternately called "four-note digital patterns"{{cite book |last=Coker |first=Jerry |author-link=Jerry Coker |title=Elements of the Jazz Language for the Developing Improvisor |location= Van Nuys, CA |publisher= Alfred Music |page=8-18 }} 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."[http://www.vicfirth.com/artists/video/saindon/fournotegroupingspart1.pdf "Four Note Groupings Part 1"], EdSaindon.com (351 KB PDF) - Ed Saindon. Caps in original.
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){{cite book |last=Levine |first=Mark |title=The Jazz Theory Book |location= Petaluma, CA |publisher=Sher Music Co. |at=Figure 4-16}}
- Chromatic surround notes (two notes preceding a chord tone one semitone above and below)
- Pentatonic scale fragment{{cite book |last=Porter |first=Lewis |title= John Coltrane: His Life and Music |page=151 |location=Ann Arbor |publisher=The University of Michigan Press }}
Examples
- John Coltrane: "Giant Steps" solo{{cite book |last=Porter |first=Lewis |title= John Coltrane: His Life and Music |page=151 |location=Ann Arbor |publisher=The University of Michigan Press |quote=Coltrane chose to construct his solo largely out of four-note patterns that could be easily transposed to fit each chord.}}
See also
Sources
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.vicfirth.com/artists/video/saindon/fournotegroupingspart2.pdf "Four Note Groupings Part 2"], EdSaindon.com (351 KB PDF) - Ed Saindon
- Javier Arau. [http://www.javierarau.com/books-augmented.php "Augmented Scale Theory"], Javier Arau - [http://www.nyjazzacademy.com/teacher/javier-arau/ Faculty of Saxophone/Woodwind], in NEW YORK JAZZ ACADEMY.
- Michael Leibson. [http://www.thinkingmusic.ca/analyses/coltrane/ "Giant Steps, Central Park West and Modulatory Cycles"], ThinkingMusic.ca.