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II-V Patterns
 Goal:
To develop technique and ear training while learning basic
patterns for improvisation
Timeline: Practice daily, working towards memorization in
12 keys.Use the MIDI files to help train your ear.
For Pattern #1, use 251t42.mid.
For Pattern #2, use 251t422.mid.
Options: Begin practicing after your daily warm up on 5ths,
Longtones, Overtones.
Begin memorizing one key at a time. Think in terms of chord
tones 7, 5, 3, 1, etc. Eventually, after several keys are
learned the ear should take over and less "thinking" will
be necessary. Otherwise, this may be practiced by younger
players as simply a written exercise for technique.
IMPORTANT NOTE! Patterns in improvisation
are the "catch phrases" we all use, some more than others.
Just as a writer must have a good vocabulary before writing
a great novel, a good improviser should know the "language"
before he or she can become more spontaneous and creative
while soloing.
- Learn the entire exercise as written.
- Set the metronome @ 72-80. (quarter note = 72-80)
- Strive for accuracy and steady tempo while playing with
the metronome.
- Increase tempo to at least 120
- Set the metronome on 60-72, beating on beats 2 and 4.
- Practice the pattern below with the pulse of the metronome
on beats 2 and 4, as the high hat would play in jazz swing
style.
- Once it feels like you're swinging, begin to memorize
in all 12 keys.
- Use it every time you see a II-V pattern in a solo until
it becomes part of your musical vocabulary.
Good luck!
*As always, there is no substitute for a qualified private teacher.
When learning to improvise, listening to cds and live jazz is
critical.
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