Practicing modes

[Amatsuki]

Hey, I'm a beginner to jazz. I learned all my modes awhile ago and I've been playing around with them. However, I notice that I keep playing patterns that I'm used to inside the different scales. I just subconsciously go back to the patterns that I guess my fingers like. Are there any suggestions to stay away from this or a change in my study habits to fix this.

[gingerjazz]

Start using arpeggios to base your lines around.Or even better think of lines in your head while listening to the song then fnd them onthe guitar.If your new to jazz as you say your proably focusing a bit too much on modes.Try learning to play over a jazz standard or two before going too deep into modes.

[ksjazzguitar]

I assuming you're tried sequences too? Playing through the scales with repeating patterns?

So the notes played for the "threes" below, in the C major scale would be: C D E, D E F, E F G, etc.

The most common are:

"threes" - 1 2 3, 2 3 4, 3 4 5, etc.
"fours" - 1 2 3 4, 2 3 4 5, 3 4 5 6, etc.
"thirds" - 1 3, 2 4, 3 5, etc.

But of course you can keep it going up to fives, sixes, sevens, eights and forths, fifths, sixths, sevenths, octaves.

Another nice thing to do is quasi-arps, like:

"quasi-triads" - 1 3 5, 2 4 6, 3 5 7, etc.
"quasi-7ths" - 1 3 5 7, 2 4 6 8, 3 5 7 8, etc.

Do them all up and down.

One last thing I like to do is take the "thirds" and "quasi-triads" and precede them with a chromatic approach from 1 fret below. Remember, it is a chromatic step below even when coming down the scale.

And lastly, mix up the rhythms. Start the sequence off the beat. Or do a 4 notes sequence as triplets, shifting the accent around. Do a 3 note sequence as 16th notes. Mix it up.

That should keep you busy for a few years.

Peace,
Kevin

[Ged]

Originally Posted by gingerjazz

Start using arpeggios to base your lines around.Or even better think of lines in your head while listening to the song then fnd them onthe guitar.If your new to jazz as you say your proably focusing a bit too much on modes.Try learning to play over a jazz standard or two before going too deep into modes.

Completely agree, but if he wants to use the idea of arpeggios when he feels ready to avoid playing modes as solos, get the Serious Jazz Book II by Barry Finnerty. He deals with this issue really well.

[jazzuki]

Good advice from Gingerjazz- Practise ARPEGGIO'S-you will benefit more from these than modes if you want to play jazz.We can all learn the modes all over the neck and be very proficient at it but then we still have to learn "how to play"so your time will be better utilized arpeggio practicing which you need when playing jazz standards.Just play them through the cycle of fourths and you'll be surprised what you hear- great for picking practise.

[monk]

Originally Posted by ksjazzguitar

Another nice thing to do is quasi-arps, like:

"quasi-triads" - 1 3 5, 2 4 6, 3 5 7, etc.
"quasi-7ths" - 1 3 5 7, 2 4 6 8, 3 5 7 8, etc.

Excellent advice on scale sequencing.

I'm curious why you used the "quasi" terminology to describe what are, indeed, triad and diatonic seven arpeggios?

Regards, monk

[Reg]

You said you have modes down... do you know the characteristic pitches, intervals and functions of each mode...what makes each mode sound and function as it's self? Or do just have the fingering down... might be the problem... usually is...Reg

[ksjazzguitar]

Originally Posted by monk

I'm curious why you used the "quasi" terminology to describe what are, indeed, triad and diatonic seven arpeggios?

That's just my own thing, because they are not functioning as "triads" or "seventh chords" in any real harmonic sense. To me a triad has a harmonic function (even if arpeggiated) and this is just moving through a scale in a pattern. People can call it whatever they want, that's just what I call it.

Peace,
Kevin