how to start playing over chord changes - part 1 (No Scales)

Summary

This video explains how to improve your solos and melodies by focusing on chord tones rather than simply playing scales. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the chord shapes and how the notes change depending on the chord being played. By learning to play within the framework of the chords, rather than blindly following a scale, you gain more control over the sound. The tutorial includes a practical exercise using small chord shapes over a minor, D minor, and G progression to demonstrate how chord tones can create more musically precise lines.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on how notes function over the chord, rather than just following the scale of the key.
• 😀 Playing melodies or solos requires understanding how the note fits within the chord being played.
• 😀 Avoid noodling around the scale without regard to the chord, as it can lose musical control.
• 😀 The sound of a note changes depending on the chord being played, even if everything is in the same key.
• 😀 Step 1: Stop thinking about scales and start focusing on chords and chord shapes.
• 😀 Chord shapes reveal the chord tones, which are the notes that sound perfect as they're part of the chord.
• 😀 Practice with small chord shapes over different chords (like A minor, D minor, and G) to hone your control over the sounds.
• 😀 By focusing on chord tones, you gain more control over the sound and the musical outcome.
• 😀 Playing over changes involves adapting your notes based on the harmony created by the underlying chords.
• 😀 Musical control is achieved by choosing notes that directly align with the chords being played, not just randomly from a scale.
• 😀 Chord tones are the foundation for solid and harmonically connected melodies and solos.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the script?

The script emphasizes the importance of playing melodies and solos based on chord tones rather than scales, encouraging musicians to focus on the function of the notes in relation to the chords being played.

What is the difference between playing based on scales versus chord tones?

When playing based on scales, musicians often ignore the chords and play notes from the scale of the key. However, focusing on chord tones means playing notes that directly correspond to the chords being played, which creates a more controlled and harmonically appropriate sound.

Why is it important to stop thinking about scales when improvising?

It is important to stop thinking about scales because the notes you play will have a different harmonic relationship depending on the chord behind them. By focusing on chords, you can control the sound of the notes, ensuring they fit the harmonic context.

What is meant by 'chord shapes' in the context of this script?

Chord shapes refer to the positions and fingerings of the chords being played. These shapes help identify the chord tones, which are the notes that naturally belong to the chord and sound harmonious when played over it.

How do chord tones relate to the overall sound of a piece of music?

Chord tones create a more harmonious and consonant sound because they are directly tied to the chord structure. Notes outside of the chord tones can create tension or dissonance, depending on how they relate to the underlying harmony.

What was the example used to demonstrate playing over chord changes?

The example used was playing over an A minor, D minor, and G chord progression. The musician is instructed to focus only on the chord tones for each of these chords.

How can focusing on chord tones improve improvisation?

Focusing on chord tones gives musicians a better understanding of the harmonic landscape they are playing in, which leads to more musically coherent and expressive improvisation. It ensures that the notes they play fit the chords they are accompanying.

What role do the 'tiny shapes' mentioned in the script play in playing over the chords?

The 'tiny shapes' refer to the compact fingerings or positions that represent the chord tones within the chord. By using these shapes, musicians can quickly identify the notes that belong to the chord and use them effectively in their improvisation.

What does the script suggest musicians commonly do when improvising over chords?

The script suggests that many musicians tend to 'noodle around' the scale of the key, playing random notes without considering how they relate to the chord being played, which can lead to a less controlled sound.

What is the potential downside of ignoring the chords and focusing only on the key scale?

When ignoring the chords and focusing solely on the key scale, the musician loses control over the harmonic function of the notes they are playing. This can result in a sound that may not fit well with the underlying chords and may not create the intended musical effect.