"Bebop" scales

[Patrick Walters]

When I first started listening to and studying fusion and jazz (I think I'll always be studying jazz!) I was mystified that when my teacher played chromatic lines, even when there was no background chords accompanying him, I could still hear a chord progression going by. Well, as I soon found out, there are a multitude of interesting ways of looking at playing over changes. The first method that really helped me was the "bebop" scale, an 8-note scale which adds an extra note - often a b6 for scales that have a native natural 7 (Ionian, Lydian, and Melodic Minor, to name just a few) and a natural 7 for scales which have a native b7 (ie. Dorian, Phrygian, Mixolydian and Locrian). If you start your scale run on a chord tone on a strong beat (as opposed to an off-beat) you should consistently be landing on chord tones on every strong beat. This, even in the midst of a flurry of scale activity creates a strong sense of harmony - and often of chord movement.
One of my students took this video in his lesson when we were talking about "bebop" scales.

YouTube - Bebop Scales (www.myspace.com/patrickwaltersguitar)

There's a tab sheet available in the "pics" at Patrick Walters op MySpace Music ? Gratis gestreamde MP3?s, foto?s en Videoclips

A book on improv I'm just starting to look at is "Gateway to Guitar Improvisation" by Tony DeCaprio. Anybody know it?

[FatJeff]

I'm just learning this stuff, too. I've got two resources: the 3-volume "How to Play Bebop" book set by David Baker, and "A Simple & Direct Guide to Jazz Improvisation" by Robert Rawlins. Making my way slowly through the second (much thinner) book - after which I intend to tackle the Baker series.

[Patrick Walters]

I'll have to check out that David Baker set. Although, when I'm really honest with myself I know what I need to do - just sit and play I-vi-ii-V-I's in every key with Band in a Box - for the next 100 years! Na, maybe not THAT long.