Pitch and ear · Advanced · Jazz
Chord tones over ii–V–I
Singing the notes of each chord as the harmony moves (ii, then V, then I) is how jazz singers learn to improvise: the line follows the chords.
How to do it
- Up the ii chord, down the V chord, up the I chord.
- Listen to the chord change under you on every bar.
- Swing it lightly once it is secure.
Remember Follow the chord, not just the notes.
| Numbers | 2 4 6 1′ 2′ 7 5 4 3 5 7 2′ 1′ |
|---|---|
| Sargam | R M D Ṡ Ṙ N P M G P N Ṙ Ṡ |
| Solfa | re fa la do re ti sol fa mi sol ti re do |
| Notes | A C E G A F♯ D C B D F♯ A G |
| Sung on | doo – – – – – – – – – – – – |
Where it comes from
- Bob Stoloff, Scat! Vocal Improvisation Techniques (Gerard and Sarzin)
- Pattern: NSM original
More pitch and ear
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