Lines Emphasizing Fifths

As a recent improvisational exercise a series of melodic line patterns which emphasize the interval of a diatonic fifth were created. These patterns are shown over a C major 7th chord but can be played over any major 7th chord if transposed accordingly.

The relative minor chord can also be played over. For example if A minor 7th was the given chord a C major 7th line from these examples could be used.

Because of the wide intervals (a fifth ranges from 3 whole steps as a diminished fifth, to 3 1/2 steps as a perfect fifth and 4 whole steps as an augmented fifth) these lines have what could be called an angular sound. Scalar lines (C-D-E-F) could be described as linear whereas angular lines would have intervals greater than a third (C-F-B-E or C-G-D-A, etc.).

Click Here For Printer Version

"Arirang" Lead Sheet

Here is a melody and chord lead sheet for the Korean folk song "Arirang". This beautiful melody is generated from the major pentatonic scale (1-2-3-5-6) or G-A-B-D-E and the chords are simple triads which can be extended and added to to creating a jazz style waltz if desired.

I have experimented with the chords and suggest the following for a traditional jazz waltz sound:

Gmaj7-Bm7-Cmaj7-D7sus-Gmaj7-Em9-Am7 / D7- Gmaj7
Bm7- Cmaj7 / D7- Gmaj7- Em9- Am7 / D7- Gmaj7

(-) equals bar line (/) equals half note then quarter note

The Major Modes (moveable shapes)

This is a chart of the diagram forms of the major modes. These have their roots on the 6th string and are primarily in one position. Students should note the fingering and try other alternatives if desired. Also be familiar with both traditional and modern naming conventions. Click Here For Printer Version

"Twinkle, Twinkle" Guitar Chord-Melody Solo

A fun interpretation of an old and familiar melody this piece is a good intermediate chord-melody solo as it incorporates some extended harmony, substitutions, and inversions. The tempo is to be rubato and the indications in the music are simply suggestions based on how I play the tune.

The fingering was chosen from two perspectives: to create the richest possible timbre, and to facilitate movement between chords.

Click Here For Printer Version