The Improviser’s Guide To Melodic Embellishment: Vol.1 Triads And Seventh Chords

From the introduction by Bob Hinz Melodic embellishment is the use of tones outside of a chord to decorate and ornament chord tones. It is an essential and perhaps the most important component of improvised jazz melody. In their improvised solos, improvisers interpret chord progressions by playing notes that suggest, move around, point toward, highlight, or resolve to the notes of each chord. The tones that are used to embellish a chord often referred to as non-chord tones are generally more dissonant and less stable in relation to the chord tones being ornamented. The principle of tension and resolution, accordingly, is almost always involved. These studies are an attempt to acquaint the improviser with this principle and its application through the embellishment of a number of chords that regularly appear in jazz. And don’t forget to check out Volume 2: Scales and Progressions! Check out some sample pages, and then click below to have a physical book shipped right to your door.