II-V Pattern

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 file to help train your ear.

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.

1. Learn the entire exercise as written.
2. Set the metronome @ 72-80. (quarter note = 72-80)
3. Strive for accuracy and steady tempo while playing with the metronome.
4. Increase tempo to at least 120
5. Set the metronome on 60-72, beating on beats 2 and 4.
6. 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.
7. Once it feels like you're swinging, begin to memorize in all 12 keys.
8. Use it every time you see a II-V pattern in a solo until it becomes part of your musical vocabulary.

Good luck!

More II-V Patterns To Shed