Target Tones: 3rds & 7ths
Welcome to the first lesson in our improvisation module. Similar to our course on cocktail piano improvisation, we start this module with chord tone drills and exercises targeting 3rds and 7ths.
Whilst these exercises might seem simple, I recommend that you are both patient and diligent with the drills and all time spent here will build strong foundations for the more advanced improvisation studies later in this course.
Visualising Landing Points
The 3rds and 7ths are the most important tones harmonically and so when we can outline them in our melodies and target them effectively in our improvised lines, it brings our improvisation in sync with the harmony.
As we start to introduce some of the more advanced improvisation concepts, the importance of strong resolution points will become clearer. Resolving into 3rds and 7ths creates stability which then gives us freedom to introduce more tension and dissonance in other areas of our solos.
Lesson Downloads
-
Targeting The 3rds Drills File Type: pdf -
Targeting The 7ths Drills File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
We create diatonic & chromatic approach patterns to help us to visualise the 7th as a strong landing point when improvising.
Chord tones are ideal ‘landing places’ to finish our improvised phrases and are useful ‘resting points’ to allow our improvisations to breath.
In this masterclass we look at using chord tones rather than scales as the basis for creating improvised lines.
Practice Tips
-
If you are new to targeting chord tones in the right hand, this can be a tricky exercise. Do be patient and diligent with the drills.
-
Start at a slow tempo where you can complete the exercise accurately. Once you become more comfortable, gradually speed up the tempo.
-
Remember that there is often cross over between the different approach patterns and they can be combined to create stronger resolutions into the target note.
