Triads: Non-Linear Improvisation

In this course we explore improvisation using triads as the principle source of melodic development. This concept was taught to Jovino by his mentor Hermeto Pascoal; one of Brazil’s greatest musical minds.

A Non-Hierarchal Approach To Improvisation

Hermeto’s intuitive approach to using triads is non-hierarchical, meaning that no triad played over a particular root note is more important than another.

This not only gives us an opportunity to express many different colours over a particular harmony but also allows us explore playing outside the harmony using triads as a strong melodic structure.

A Non-Linear Approach To Improvisation

By focussing solely on scales, we restrict our melodic and harmonic imagination. By using triads we can open our ears to strong melodic possibilities that are not obvious when we improvise using scales.

The core premise behind the course is that simple triads can be used as ‘building blocks’ to create complex harmonic structures and free flowing melodic improvisation.

Once these concepts have been absorbed, the intuitive side can take over in our improvisation so that we play from a place of fast reflex and intuitive discovery rather than a place of analysis and linear thought.