Gary Campbell - Triad Pairs For Jazz
Gary Campbell - Triad Pairs For Jazz
Gary Campbell - Triad Pairs For Jazz
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USA: 15800 NW 48th Avenue, Mlami, FL 33014
Pairs?
\\'hr Practice Triad ....................3
Pairs
Stacked Triad .......91
Variations..... ..............100
Variations
Rhythmic ...................11()
1icks............. .............117
Working with triad pairs is a very effective strategy for constructing fresh sounding melodic
lines. Here are some reasons why:
1. By limiting note selection to six tones (each triad consisting of three), a more concise sonority
is created. For example, the conventional chords used in tt'e jazz idiom are oftentimes associated with
parent chord-scales of seven or more tones (melodic minor, major, harmonic minor, and so on).
Rendering these scales in the form of triad pairs yields more variety in tone color and suggests novel
melodic possibilities. (I'll present a brief procedure for extracting triad pairs from these seven-tone
scales later on.)
2. Each of the triads expresses a tonality. By using two triads, bi-tonal effects are created. This
effect is multiplied when the triad pair is used over a root tone that is not present in either triad.
3. The structure and "tensile strength" of triads give the melodic line an independent internal
logic. The "stand alone" sound is oftentimes enough to make a strong, effective melodic statement
regardless of how it is (or isn't) relating to the harmony over which it is being used. It sounds "right."
4. The triads offer a skeleton structure to base lines on. This can be very helpful in modal set-
tings where there are no diatonic, cycle-of-fourth root movements or resolutions and where each chord
change may last a long time (for instance, four, eight, or sixteen measures.)
An in-depth study of this subject is presented in my book Connecting Jazz Theory (Houston
Pub. - Hal Leonard). I also highly recommend Walt Weiskopf's book Intervalic Improvisation
(Aebersold).
Applying Triad Pairs
Perhaps the clearest way to conceptualize the ways in which triad pairs can be used is to consid-
er them as an alternative to using a chord-scale (parent scale) over a given chord or chord progression.
How do we determine which triad pairs can be used in place of of the given scale? Simple:
1) Major Scale
C Major Scale
pair pair
3) Melodic Minor Scale
pair
The symmetrical scales present a radically different chordal environment from that of the con-
ventional seven-tone scales. kt's examine the auxiliary diminished and augmented scales
0ü'É'q'ürc$oumilro
Major and minor chords include:
The auxiliary diminished scale yields two diminished seventh chords, four major triads, and four
minor triads. (Note their symmetry.) Any two of these chords that do not share a common tone consti-
tute a viable triad pair.
Starting with a C major triad, we can move each chord-tone up stepwise to get this progression
of diatonic triads. Of course, any two adjacent triads constitute a viable triad pair.
2) Augmented Scale
C Augmented Scale
0huq qAuq
The augmented scale yields two augmented triads, three major triads, and three minor triads.
Any two of these that share no common tones constitute a viable tiiad pair.
Triad Pairs as Individual Entities
Within Various Environments
For ease of reference, let's consider triad pairs in generic terms. That is, the quality of each triad
(major, minor, augmented, and so on) and the distance between the two (for example, half-step, whole-
step).
As we go through the process of determining the triad pairs contained within various scales, we
begin to notice that most generic triad pair types can be found within more than one class of parent
scales. For instance, Cmin/Dmin can be found among the diatonic triads of the C melodic minor scale
as well as those of the Bb major scale.
0t'tr Or'tr
oHr our
So, theCmin/Dmin triad pair can function the same as the C melodic minor scale, as well as the
Bb major scale. In generic terms: Two minor triads a whole-step apart may be interpreted as the i and
ii triads of melodic minor as well as the ii and iii triads of major.
D etermining Applications
The focus of this book is on mastering the manipulation of triad pairs while presenting a gener-
al guide to determining chord applications. All the fundamental information you need has been pre-
sented in the preceding pages. For an in-depth study of applications, I recommend my book
Connecting Jazz Theory (Houston Pub. - Hal Leonard). I will, however, illustrate the application
process with two scenarios.
cut/ottt Étruq/íH^{íilílq!il{
Conclusion:
The above triad pairs can be used wherever you would use the C melodic minor scale.
Experiment and determine which sounds best.
t0
2) Starting With a Tiiad Pair
Let's say I've mastered the triad pair F Maj/G Maj and I want to determine over which chords I
can use it' I have examined the diatonic tÍiads within several parent scales and have found this triad
pair within the C melodic minor scale and the C major scale.
fuA{ qHA{
^í
Conclusion: The triad pair F Maj/G Maj may be applied to all of the above chords. Experiment.
Remember the criteria mentioned under Starting With a Chord-Scale on the previous page.
11
I{ow to Practice
TrÍad Pair Patterns
The exercises in this book illustrate the inexhaustible possibilities for playing triad pairs. By
practicing these exercises daily, you can absorb the overall sound of the triad pairs and learn many
ways to weave melodies from them. Then the process of integrating these sounds into your playing can
begln.
The exercises also serve as great exercises for developing instrumental technique. Some will lay
easily on the instrument while others may be quite awkward. Always practice slowly with a
metronome, maintaining precision and relaxation throughout the range of the instrument. This is not
always easy to accomplish because your mind's eye is concentrating on the triadic patterns. When the
mind is stressed, physical tension can creep in and debilitate technique and sound production. So take
your time! This way of practicing is great discipline for Íhe jazz improviser.
In this book I've put the practice patteÍns and the application StlategieS ín separate chapters.
My approach has always been to first practice the patterns as isolated entities, like technical etudes,
concentrating on how they sound, developing a mind's-eye image of them, and learning to manipulate
them in various ways. Then! once they are mastered, I'm ready to determine which application possibil-
Íties I prefer and begin practicing the triad pairs within a given musical context. Detailed suggestions
and illustrations of this process are included in my book Connecting Ja77 Theory (Houston Pub. - Hal
Leonard).
The first exercises are simple, conjunct patterns with basic variations. As we go, the patterns
become more involved and perhaps more difficult to grasp. For this reason, I suggest mastering the
beginning exercises before proceeding to the more complex ones. Otherwise, you will easily get lost
and disoriented. Remember: These exercises are wÍitten out in only one key! You must transpose them
into all 12 keys in your head. When needed, brief explanations or comments will accompany each
group of patteÍns.
l2
Basic Three-Note Patterns
NoÍe:
Most of the patterns presented hereafter are in the following order:
knportant: Don't forget to do all of the transpositions for each pattern, and reverse the order in alter-
nating patterns. For maximum results, be thorough!
Notation: With regard to the use of accidentals-I have notated sharps and flats in such a manner as to
facilitate reading and to help identify each triad as a separate entity. Accordingly, accidentals may be
marked more than once within a given measure, and sharps and flats may coexist within a given meas-
ure.
Descending
13
Ascending
culí 0HAí
Descending
Ascending
0HAí 0HA,!
Descending
With all altemating patterns, also start on the second triad to leveÍse the alternation order.
osA{ gHA{
1.4
Before going on to the next section, I'd like to suggest something. The preceding patterns were
majoÍ tliads a whole-step apart based on the C major triad as the starting point' The second triad was
D major, a whole-step up from C major. Now, when I practice these whole-step apart pattems I like to
think of them two ways: 1) as starting on the "central triad" (in this case C) followed by the triad
either a whole-step above (D), as in the preceeding patterns or 2) as the central triad (C) followed by
the triad a whole-step below (Bb).
Despite the fact that these two sets of patterns are both major triads whole-step apart, I beiieve
it is useful to think of them as sepalate patterns rather than as the same patteÍn eithel starting on C
major going up to D major, or starting on Bb major going up to C major. This way of imagining triad
pairs around a "central triad" is useful when you get to the application stage of this study.
For example, with a C7f 11 chord we might think of the triad pair C Maj/D Maj. Whereas, with a
C7sus11 chord we would think of the triad pair C MajiBb Maj.In both cases the C Maj. triad is the
"central triad" accompanied by one of the two others.
Therefore, I will include both versions of these patterns.
Ascending
curí Úlurt
Descending
15
Ascending
CHr{
Descending
Descending
l6
2) Major Triads A Half-Step Apart
Ascendins*
0.urí Olur,l 0HAí
Descending
Ascending
CHA( obult
Descending
).1
Ascending
0vrr Olurt
Descending
Don't forget to reverse the order, Db -up, C down. Also, the transpositions.
Ascending
c'HAí gHlí
Descending
18
Ascending
gHlí 8urí
etc.
Descending
l9
3) Major Triads A Tiitone Apart
Ascending
c'urí ílult
20
Ascending
CHr{ Í{xlt
Descending
2I
4) Minor Triads A Whole-Step Apart
22
Ascending
0ut 0vr
Descending
Ascgnding
0'ur $lur
23
Ascending
0ur 6lyr
24
5) Minor Triads A Half-Step Apart
Ascending
Ovr Obur
Descending
25
Do transpositions and reverse alternation.
Descending
zÓ
Ascending
0r'rr 6xr
Descending
Descending
28
Ascending
0vr r{yr
29
7) Whole-Step Apart
Ascending
clrí slrrr
Descending
Ascending
cn,Í 6lur c Hrí
Descending
Also do alternating.
30
Ascending
0'xr 6lult
Ascending
O'ut s'}'(lí
31
Ascending
gxr oxll
Descending
Do alternating patterns.
32
8) Half-Step Apart
Ascending
0'vr Obum
Ascending
0vr
- Obulr
33
Descending
Ascending
Cua,r Sur
Descending
Do alternating patteÍns.
34
9) A Tritone Apart
Ascending
0MAí tftlr
Aiso do the "triads going down" version, as well as the alternating versions.
Ascending
0'ur F{xlc 0r'rr ffull
Descending
Also do the "triads going down" version, as well as the alternating versions.
This concludes the basic three-note patterns for major/major, minor/minor, and major/minor
triad pairs. There are, of course, more possibilities for combining major tÍiads with minor triads. Some
of these may be found in the chapter Tiiad Pairs Within Symmetrical Scales.
Now we will continue, exploring basic four-note pattelns oveÍ many of these same triad pairs.
These should be a bit easier to get a grip on if you have mastered the preceding three-note patterns.
Later, as we continue into more and more complex patterns, the process should actually become easi-
er. Tirrn on your metronome.
35
BasÍc Four-Note Patterns
The most basic four-note pattern is essentially the same as the basic three-note pattern, the dif-
ference being the addition of the fourth note, one octave above the first note.
Go back and practice the triad pairs you've already done, now in the above four-note pattern.
Assuming you have put in considerable time practicing the three-note patterns, this transition should
be pretty easy. Please observe that I do not illustrate these very basic four-note versions. Instead, we'll
start with another simple four-note pattern in which the fourth note of each unit is a repetition of the
first note.
36
1) Major Triads A Whole-Step Apart
0ulí ouAí ouA{ oyA,Í etc.
Ascending
cHA( ouA{
Descending
3'7
Tiy to figure out what the alternating version of the preceding pattern would be.
Ascending
0uA{
Descending
Descending
38
2) Major Triads A Half-Step Apart
Ascending
0HAí cyA{ o'HAí etc'
'lutt
Descending
Ascending
0ur{
Descending
Ascending
0HA{
Ascending
cuA,Í
Descending
40
3) Major Tiiads A Tritone Apart
Ascending
0uAí F{xm cuA,Í í#uM etc'
Ascending
CrA{ Éfult
Descending
Tiy alternating.
4) Minor Tiiads A Whole-Step Apart
Descending
ltttT l
Descending
Ascending
0ur
Descending
Ascending
Cvr
5) Minor Triads A Half-Step Apart
Descending
Descending
Ascending
0ur
Descending
-T--Í-T
Ascending
0vr 8ur
Descending
6) Minor Triads A Tritone Apart
Ascending
0ur í#vr 0'ur tlur
Ascending
c'H
L
Selected Mixed Pairs - Major With Minor
7) Whole-Step Apart
Ascending
0'HAí slut cllAí 6but
Descending
Ascending
cyA,Í
Descending
Descending
Ascending
Clt ouAí
Descending
Descending
8) Half-Step Apart
Ascending
0rr
Descending
Descending
Descending
Ascending
0HAí
Descending
Alternate.
51
9) Tritone Apart
Ascending
0yA'Í Í+!r
Descending
ttt
lt
Ascending
CHA{
Ascending
Cxr í+t{M
Ascending
0ur í {xll
Descending
This concludes my selections for mixed triad pairs - major and minor. Other possibilities can be
found in the chapter Tiiad Pairs Within Symmetrical Scales.
53
Linking Triads
Six-Note Patterns
In the patterns presented thus far' the basic unit of patteÍnization was a single triad, either in
three-note or four-note form. Now we will link the two triads of the pair together, forming a basic unit
of six notes or eight notes. Let me illustrate some of the possibilities.
The above pattern is formed by alternating between C major and D major triads in root position, first
inversion, second inversion, root position, and so on. Now, when we "link" the triads we first play C
major in root position. Rather than proceeding with D in root position, we go down from the third
note of the C triad (G) to the closest note of the D triad (F#) and build the D triad from there. This
forms a six - note unit. Then, we build six - note units from each successive inversion of the C major
triad.
Important: As with all of the preceding pattems, the pattems that follow are written out relative
to C only. Be sure to practice the other 11 transpositions.
54
1) Major Triads A Whote-Step Apart
Ascending
c'ua( oyll
Descending
Alternating.
Ascending
0Hr{ oHr{
Ascending
oua{ Sbult
Alternating.
Ascending
ouA( 6'H^í
56
2) Major Tiiads A Half-Step Apart
obvr{ oHA'!
Ascendíng
oHA{ obHA{ cur,í
57
Ascending
c'uAí 8lrt
Ascending
0xrr 6rlí
58
3) Major Triads A Tritone Apart
Ascending
cuÁí F{ttll
59
4) Minor Tiiads A Whole-Step Apart
Ascending
CHr Our 0'ur Our etc.
60
Ascending
0r 6bur
61
5) Minor Triads A Half-Step Apart
Descending
Descending
62
Ascending
0ur 0ur Bur
b-t
6) Minor Triads A Tritone Apart
64
Selected Mixed Pairs
7) Major With Minor
guAí sul etc.
Ascending
cHM 8$ CYA,r
65
Ascending
0'ur Obvlr
Descending
Ascending
c'r'u otHA(
66
Ascending
curí 6lyl
Ascending
cH^í 8byt
67
Ascending
0,ur 6lutl
68
Continuous Chain
Based on Six-Note Links
Ascending Descending
ouAí oMA{ 0ult
Ascending Descending
oulí $blArí
Ascending Descending
ouAí olult
Ascending Descending
0tll,í
69
Ascending Descending
Likewise, construct six-note continuous chains with the other triad pairs:
By now, you should be familiar with the sequence and procedure I've been using to assemble
the various patterns - major triads at various intervals, minor triads at various intervals, mixed triads at
various intervals, and so forth. Therefore, from now on, I'll write out only the first few examples of
each new patteÍn. If you have difficulty' refer to the sequence I've used up to this point and write out
the new patterns for yourself.
70
Eight Note Patterns
1) Major Tiiads A Whole-Step Apart
Descending
Ascending
0uAí
Descending
Descending
Descending
1Z
2) Major Tiiads A Half-Step Apart
Ascending
cHAí olult
Descending
Ascending
0HA{
Descending
73
Descending
14
3) Major Triads A Tritone Apart
Descending
Ascending
0Hlí
'75
4) Minor Tiiads A Whole-Step Apart
Ascending
out oul out olt etc'
Descending
76
Ascending
c,ttr Bbyr
Ascending
Cvr
Descending
71
5) Minor Triads A Half-Step Apart
Ascending
0ur
Descending
78
Ascending
c'r'u 6r'rr
Descending
79
6) Minor Triads A Tritone APart
Descending
80
7) Selected Mixed Pairs
Ascending
0uAí
Descending
Ascending
0HA{
81
Ascending
0xr
Ascending
0ur
82
Ascending
cMAí
Descending
Ascending
c yAí
Descending
83
Ascending
0vr
Descending
Ascending
0vr
84
Triad Pairs Linked With A Chromatic Passing Tone
It is possible to link tÍiads together with a chromatic passing tone (that'S not part of either
triad.) Where there is the ínterval of a whole-step between the last note of one triad and the fiÍst note
of the other triad, a chromatic passing tone can be inserted, tinking the triads together. This type of
link is verli tricky. Unlike our basic patterns, these patterns often work only if the they start with the
first triad in a particular inversion (root position, first inversion, or second inversion.) Furthermore,
the order of the triad alternation (in which one goes first) may be reversed in the descending version
of the pattem.
In the following few pages, I have illustrated some of these tricky patterns that work. In each
new pattern, observe the features mentioned above very carefully. Then proceed with the transposi-
tions. I'm sure that lf you play with these enough, you'li find othór possibilities.
In the pattem above, notice that the ascending veÍSion Starts with C major whereas the
descending version starts with Bb major. Also, the ascending pattern only works when the C major
chords are in root position and the descending veÍSion starts with the 3rd of the Bb major chord.
8-5
2) Minor Tiiads A Whole-Step Apart
86
3) Augmented Triads A Whole-Step Apart
Ascending
Ascending
o^uq Sbruq
87
4) Major and Minor Triads
A Whole-Step Apart
Ascending
0ur
etc.
ffitJ,
5) Major Triads A Tritone Apart
Ascending
0ua{ Élult
Descending
Ascending
6) Minor Triads A Tritone Apart
The possibilities for linking triad pairs are many. The preceding section dealt with linking triads
with a chromatic passing tone, joining the last note of one triad with the first note of the other triad.
This creates a smooth, connected sound.
Tiiad pairs can also be linked in a number of other ways. First, select two triads to be linked.
(As before, we define a triad pair as having no common tones.) If the distance between the last note of
the first triad and the first note of the second triad is greater than a whole-step, we have a choice of
two possible passing tones. If the notes to be linked are a half-step apart, an approach tone from the
other direction can be used.
For instance:
Ascending
0HAí oyAí
In Jhe example above, I chose a chromatic approach tone to link Db to C (bar 1 to bar 2).I
could have opted for a whole-step approach tone (In the ascending version).
0HAí
The choice of Bb as the (whole-step) approach tone would imply the parent scale of F harmonic minor,
whereas the original choice of a B natural (chromatic) approach tone would imply a C Byzantine or
double harmonic parent scale. Accordingly, different overall sonorities can be created from the same
two triads depending on the choice of linking tones. This is an area for experimentation.
89
Another possibility:
, ,r/
90
Stacked Triad Pairs
We can stack triads, one on top of the other, to create one large broken chord. Owing to the
extensive range of the piano, pianists are able to stack many chords. The same holds true for guitarists.
Wind instruments, on the other hand, have a much more limited range. So, limiting our discussion to
triad pairs (two triads only) witl be particularly applicable to wind instruments. Assuming that the
reader has spent ample time practicing the basic patterns, these stacked patterns shouldn't present any
major difficulty. The challenge here concerns the visualization (in the mind's eye) of the greater
expanse of a stacked broken chord. The units within the basic patterns usually fit within one octave or
possibly a ninth. The stacked triads usually extend to an eleventh-a little harder to "see" on a horn.
These exercises are not easy. They require intense concentration. Go slowly.
Ascending
CMI( ouA{ 0YAd curí
Descending
91
Ascending
c'HA( 6butc
Descending
9Z
Ascending
cHAí íul{
93
4) Minor Tiiads A Whole-Step Aparr
94
5) Minor Tiiads A Half-Step Apart
Ascending
O'ur Ohl
Descending
95
6) Minor Triads A Tiitone Apart
96
7) Augmented Triads A Whole-Step Apart
Ascending
oAUq Sbluq 0Auq Cauq
Descending
Ascending
Úluq AAuq
97
8) Augmented Tliads A Half-Step Apart
Ascending
0luq úluq Cruq
.
tlons:
The pattern above yields an augmented scale. Don't forget that
there are three other transposi_
Db aug/E aug
D aug/F aug
Eb aug/F* aug
As always, when dealing with augmented triads, they are symetrical and any of the
three chord
tones could be considered as being the root, for example:
C*+5=F+5=A+5
D+5=Fil+5=Bb+5
98
9) Diminished Chords A Half-Step Apart
Ascending
Cou 0borv CoM
The above stack forms a C auxiliary diminished scale. There are two other transpositions: Db dim/D
dim and D dim/Eb dim.
10) Mixed Triad Pairs
Stack mixed triad pairs following the same procedure. I'11 illustrate only one example.
Ascending
oyrí -
Descending
99
VarÍations
100
Variations on BasÍc Four-Note Patterns
We'll start with simple variations on the Basic Four-Note Patterns (see page 36). I'll illustrate
these using only the basic Two Major Tiiads triad pairs. Of course, you must alio practice these varia-
tions with all of the others-minor/minor and mixed pairs.
Ascending
OxAí Ourr
Descending
etc.
Ascending
0)il{
Descending
Ascending
0 urí
l0r
Ascending
c uAí
The following are similar to the preceding variations, except the direction of every second four - note
group is reversed:
Ascending
cHA{ 0! í
etc.
Descending
etc.
r02
Descending
etc.
Ascending
C Hr{
Descending
Ascending
C ur{
Descending
etc.
103
Ascending
Cntt
There are many other possible variations of this type. To use triad pairs successfully in your
improvisation, fluidity is essential, so experiment!
104
Interchanging Patterns and Altering
the Chord Sequence
Here I have selected a few basic patterns and illustrated some ways to make them more inter-
esting (I hope). In the first example, I alter the basic Two Major Tiiads a Whole-Step Apart, the central
triad being C major. Rather than pair it with D major only, I interchange Bb major (for D) every other
time.
Descending
105
This time I have C major as the central triad and pair it with Bb major and then F* major.
Ascending
0i4l{ íbutl 0uAí Í#utt etc.
Descending
Using the same triads (C, Bb, and F{, here is a variation on one of the Tiiad Pairs Linked With A
Chromatic Passing Tone patterns.
106
Approach Tone Variations
First the approach tone is placed before the lowest tone of each triad.
Ascending
CvA{
triad
Descending
CHr{
tÍlad
For the following patterns, I'll show only the ascending patterns. Figure out the descending versions
similar to the pattern above.
triad
107
CHA6 t{*r
Here the approach tone is placed before the uppermost note of the triad.
0 H{í
approach tones
6l*o ,nuo
approach tones
approach tones
108
109
Rhythmic Variations
In Íhe jazz idiom in particular, rhythm has always played a dominant role' The basic pulse of the
music underpins syncopations, rhythmic displacements, feeling of "swing," rendering the clave (particu-
larly in Afro-Cuban music), sensations of pushing or pulling back, and all other rhythmic elements
essential to the music.
The patterns presented in this book have all been rendered in straight three-or four-note
groups. Here ale some Íhythmic variations to use when practicing the patterns. The rhythmic variations
and displacements not only break up the monotony of constant eighth notes, but they can also mask
or disguise the nature of the pattems, making them sound less "patterny." They also rhythmically shift
or displace the points at which each triad sounds.
Having practiced these variations myself as well as assigning them to many students, I can testi-
fy to the fact that they can be very difficult! You may think you really know how a particular pattern
sounds until you try the rhythmic variations! Be patient and use a metÍonome (slowly). Good luck.
110
Here is a basic three-note triad pattern in triplet form:
Here is the same pattern rendered as eighth notes rather than triplets:
Now as triplets:
Crr( 01,(A,r
gl
111
Here is an approach tone pattern, rendered as eighth notes, starting on the downbeat of one:
cuA'Í ouAí
0HAí 0MAí
0MAí
0tl^í 0ra{
These few simple rhythmic variations are enough to keep anyone busy for quite some time.
Remember: Practice these pattems with all triad pairs-maj/maj, min/min, maj/minor, and so on.
112
Triad Mutation
Another interesting way to vary the patterns is to actually change the structure of the triads. In
this case, I use only two tones of the first triad, and then four tones (doubling the first tone) of the sec-
ond. This i) shifts the harmonic rhythm of the triads to form a longer, irregular design and 2) effects
the relative presence of the triads, giving more emphasis to the sound of the four-note chord.
113
Using the Rhythmic Variations procedure illustrated in the last section, these eíght-note mutated triads
can be rendered as triplets, creating a very interesting effect.
r14
0urt ífilt
Reversing the preceding pattern, use four tones of the first triad and then two tones of the second.
0Hrí
115
Again, convert the eight-notes to triplets.
Slult 0vlt
The possibilities for variations on all of these pattems is almost limitless. (Apply these patterns
to all of the pairs (maj./rnaj., min/min, mixed) shown in the Basic Patterns sections of this book.) This
is fantastic ear training and great discipline to get your fingers away from their old habits. Go slowly,
using your friendly metronome.
116
Licks
1r7
Although the purpose of this book is to present a method for practicing and mastering triad
pairs outside any specific musical context, I will show how these pairs might be applied to a few stan-
dard chord progressions (functions). After a thoughtful and thorough study of the opening chapters of
this book (Applying Tiiad Pairs), you should be able to determine which triads can be used in given
situations. Therefore, I'll keep explanations in this regard to a minimum. Although these licks are illus-
trated in a pretty basic from, I encourage you to experiment with other pattern combinations, rhythms,
displacements, and so on, to suit your playing style.
A downward progression of Major triads (two pairs) in whole-steps, starting on the V chord
performs a ii minT-V7 alt function.
ii min7-V7 alt
0uíl q7ALí 0urí?
G triad F triad
Using a chromatic passing tone link, here are three inversions of the same pattern:
118
0
'?rLí Eb triart Db rriad
cuAí?
0r.u? 0?^Lí
' vrrl
-,-
0
G triad F triad Eb triad
bE
q?ALí 0Hrr?
Eb triad Db triad
119
A combination of patterns:
0vr? q7Atí 0u^í7
G triad F tÍiad Dt triad
Rendered as triplets:
0v17 q?ALí 0ul,Í?
r20
Approach tone to the uppermost chord tone:
(delayed cadence)
121
Y7-r
Here are some V7-I pattems, first using major triads a tritone apart.
Mutated triads:
s?di) CxArl
Gmaj Dbmai
Dbmal
q?df)
q?di) 0l^í7
€
r22
c?df)
Passing tone links using minor triads a whole-step apart (i and ii of the Ab melodic minor scale) in
three different inversions:
q?Atí
Curr?
Blmin
Abmin
b*l
Solos
The following solos illustrate some possibilities for triad pair application over the chord changes
to a few well-worn tunes. The solos are intentionally over-saturated with triad pairs, an indulgence I
wouldn't recommend in an actual playing situation. Overused, any device can sound contrived and
become boring. even annoying.
Today, the world of improvised music is very broad. Jazz is experiencing the growing influence
of music (musicians) from the Caribbean, Brazil, Africa, Europe, and other countries. Established con-
cepts of melodic structure and phrasing must expand and mutate to suit and serve stylistic evolution.
The phrasing, rhythms, and melodies that are effective in one context may fail in another. Even within
the existing realm of "straight-ahead" American jazz, possibilities are vast. For these reasons, style is
an issue I prefer to shy away from in discussions ofjazz theory. So, I have constructed the following
solos in a pretty generic fashíon, basing the melodic lines on eighth notes.
Analysis
It is your task to identify the triad pairs within these solos and determine in which parent scales,
chord alterations, or chord substitutions they are being used to express. To facilitate this analysis, I
made a Solo Application Guide that shows some of the applications I have used in the solos.
Note: I have written these solos with no key signatures, with all accidentals indicated. Both sharps and
flats often appear within the same measure. I have chosen these enharmonic spellings to facilitate the
reading and identification of the individual triads used in each particular situation. The chord symbols
reflect only the basic chord changes, occasionally indicating the upper-structures of dominant seventh
chords.
Each solo is written for Concert, B-flat, and E-flat instrurnents.
1?4
Solo Application Guide
or - used in place of a Major Scale, triads built off of the 4th and 5th degrees of the scale.
Fvr'r Qurr
Used for: oui? Q?ara
C Melodic minor
12,5
Two Major Triads A Half-Step Apart
Used as part of a Diminished Scale, to create the "Maj7 diminished sound,"
uses the Major triads off the root and the 7th - CMaj/BMaj
0oru(ult1)
C Melodic Minor
126
8b fiuues
0o*cecr
sl lrrsíeuuailtc
8b Suues
ÉblNsre'uueNts
8b Suueg
0oriceer
floEgl'
(n Crotus)
Cnr(nrr?
Cxr(ml?
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0ur(ulr?)
lJ ul0.4Aí i /
0xr(xrr?)
É,lHÉíeuuÉNíi Sosge
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Gary Campbell
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re to thc nert ler.c1. Designe<l tbr individuals or gror.rps,
''t t ltc
r<rrrg
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FoLrr pages clcCicatcd to each nrne, so vou rrdll_y gct to knolv the
\ong. Not just plav along.
FEATURESI
. Blues/Íhylhm changes
. Playino in lime
. Compositional prosess with piano
. Motive devel0pmenÍ
" Use oÍ space and pacing your solos
. Soloing with dtums
. Harmonie tension . PerÍorming
. Latin considerations . D iscogra phy/Biog
effi{
AW
4 "Ít
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$z t .9s
in USA
0482ts
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