A Simple Way to Practice & Improvise Thirds on ANY Scale

Summary

In this music lesson from Nathaniel School of Music, Jason Zach explores improvisation techniques combining static and dynamic elements. He discusses the use of major and minor scales, specifically focusing on three types of each, to create a solid foundation for improvisation in genres like blues, country, rock, and folk. The lesson emphasizes the importance of theory, the creation of thirds, and the concept of anchor notes to build interesting and spontaneous melodies. Zach encourages recording improvisations for potential use in compositions, promoting a disciplined yet creative approach to piano playing.

Takeaways

• 🎼 The lesson focuses on improvisation techniques using a combination of static and dynamic elements in music.
• 📚 It emphasizes the importance of understanding music theory, specifically major and minor scales, for effective improvisation.
• 🎹 The instructor introduces three types of major scales and three types of minor scales to use with specific chords.
• 🔍 The concept of 'mixolydian', 'mixolydian flat 6', and their relation to the major triad and melodic minor scale is explained.
• 📈 Improvisation exercises involve forming thirds and using them to create chords and harmonies over a static root note.
• 🎵 The technique of using an 'anchor note' that resonates throughout the piece to maintain the tonal center is discussed.
• 👂 The idea of playing in different inversions (root position, first inversion, and second inversion) to create variety in improvisation is covered.
• 🎶 The lesson explores how to improvise over the G major chord using the G major, G mixolydian, and G mixolydian flat 6 scales.
• 🎵 For the A minor chord, the lesson covers improvisation using the A natural minor, A harmonic minor, and Dorian scales.
• 🎶 The instructor suggests recording improvisations to review and potentially incorporate into finished musical pieces.
• 🔗 Additional resources, including handwritten notes and PDFs, are available on the instructor's Patreon page for further study.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lesson by Jason Zach from Nathaniel School of Music?

The lesson focuses on improvisation techniques using a combination of static and dynamic elements, which are essential tools for genres like Blues, country, rock, and roll, and folk music.

What are the basic rules mentioned for improvisation in music?

The basic rules ensure that the improvisation stays within the genre's framework, allowing musicians to experiment while maintaining the core characteristics of the music style.

What is the significance of understanding major and minor scales in music theory?

Understanding major and minor scales is crucial for composing and improvising music, as they form the basis for melodies, harmonies, and chord progressions.

Why are thirds important in music composition and improvisation?

Thirds are important because they are used to form triads, which are the building blocks of chords. They also contribute to the melody and harmony of a piece.

What are the three types of major scales discussed in the lesson?

The three types of major scales discussed are the Major, Mixolydian, and Mixolydian flat 6.

How does the concept of 'anchor notes' relate to improvisation on the piano?

Anchor notes are notes that resonate or continue throughout a piece of music, serving as a stable point around which the musician can improvise without losing the sense of the home key.

What is the difference between a root position, first inversion, and second inversion in chords?

In root position, the root note is the lowest note of the chord. In first inversion, the third is the lowest note, and in second inversion, the fifth is the lowest note.

How can the technique of 'floating thirds' be used to create interesting harmonies?

Floating thirds involves playing around with the notes of the chord while keeping the anchor note constant, creating a dynamic and interesting harmonic effect.

What are the three minor scales mentioned for improvisation over a minor chord?

The three minor scales mentioned are the Natural Minor, Harmonic Minor, and Dorian.

How can the concept of inversions be applied to both major and minor chords in improvisation?

Inversions allow the musician to explore different positions of the chord, with the root, third, or fifth as the lowest note, providing variety in the improvisation.

What advice does Jason Zach give for practicing improvisation?

Jason Zach suggests recording improvisation sessions to revisit later for inspiration and to capture any spontaneous creative ideas that can be developed into finished musical pieces.