Agility, riffs and runs · Beginner · Pop and R&B, Gospel
Three-note riffs, growing
Runs are built from small pieces. Start with three notes (3 2 1), then add notes one at a time until it is a full run.
How to do it
- 3 2 1 on "whoa" first, then on "ah".
- Add notes only when the small piece is clean.
- Then try it in a song you know.
Remember Small pieces first.
| Numbers | 3 2 1 5 4 3 3 2 1 2 3 5 4 3 2 1 |
|---|---|
| Sargam | G R S P M G G R S R G P M G R S |
| Solfa | mi re do sol fa mi mi re do re mi sol fa mi re do |
| Notes | B A G D C B B A G A B D C B A G |
| Sung on | whoa – – whoa – – whoa – – – – whoa – – – – |
Where it comes from
- Singeo: vocal runs for beginners (3-2-1 on "ah")
- Stoney: riff and run essentials (three-note riffs)
- Growing order: NSM original
More agility, riffs and runs
Fast five, twice
Fast notes need a still jaw and a steady breath; the notes move, nothing else does.
EE and AH runs
Switching vowel on every note makes the tongue move while the throat stays still: the coordination fast runs need..
Pentatonic run down
Most pop and gospel runs live on the major pentatonic (1 2 3 5 6).
Blues run
The minor pentatonic with the blue note (the sharpened 4th).