Pattern 33 – Dm7, E7#9, Bm7b5 (Cry Me a River)

Pattern 33 is called the Cry Me a River motif, named after the opening melody of the famous jazz standard.

This pattern uses a Dm(add 9) arpeggio:

Over Minor Chords

Pattern 33 works over minor chords:

Over Dominant Chords

It also works well over altered dominant chords.

You can play a m(add9) arpeggio over altered dominant chords, starting on the b9.
For example: Fm(add9) over E7#9.

Fm(add9) arpeggio	F	G	Ab	C
Played over E7	b9	#9	3	#5

This line is loosely based on an E7#9 voicing and uses an Fm(add9) arpeggio.

Here is a study over the chords changes of Blues for Alice that will help you get pattern 33 under your fingers.

Backing Track

Listen & Play-Along

Over half-Diminished Chords

Pattern 33 can also be used over half-diminished chords.

You can play a m(add9) arpeggio over half-diminished chords, starting on the b3.
For example: Dm(add9) over Bm7b5.

Dm(add9) arpeggio	D	E	F	A
Played over Bm7b5	b3	11	b5	b7

Here is an example lick over a minor II V I that uses pattern 33 over all three chords:

Other Positions

Used in (study/bar): 3/23 – 3/28 – 4/33 – 5/9