Four note group
In music, four note group patterns, alternately called "four-note digital patterns"[1] or simply "four note patterns", are one of many ways to formulate improvised solos in jazz. "Four-Note Grouping is an improvisation technique that uses major and minor triads along with specific passing notes as a means of generating lines. The concept of Four-Note Groupings lets the lines be more 'out' and stretch the possibility of available notes over a chord due to the structural integrity of the triad-based line."[2]
Four note group devices
- Diatonic scale fragment
- Arpeggio (of current chord, altered harmony or an implied passing chord)
- Chromatic approach note (a note preceding a chord tone or scale tone one semitone above or below)[3]
- Chromatic surround notes (two notes preceding a chord tone one semitone above and below)
- Pentatonic scale fragment[4]
Examples
- John Coltrane: "Giant Steps" solo[5]
See also
Sources
- Coker, Jerry. Elements of the Jazz Language for the Developing Improvisor. Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Music. p. 8-18.
- "Four Note Groupings Part 1", EdSaindon.com (351 KB PDF) - Ed Saindon. Caps in original.
- Levine, Mark. The Jazz Theory Book. Petaluma, CA: Sher Music Co. Figure 4-16.
- Porter, Lewis. John Coltrane: His Life and Music. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press. p. 151.
- Porter, Lewis. John Coltrane: His Life and Music. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press. p. 151.
Coltrane chose to construct his solo largely out of four-note patterns that could be easily transposed to fit each chord.
External links
- "Four Note Groupings Part 2", EdSaindon.com (351 KB PDF) - Ed Saindon
- Javier Arau. "Augmented Scale Theory", Javier Arau - Faculty of Saxophone/Woodwind, in NEW YORK JAZZ ACADEMY.
- Michael Leibson. "Giant Steps, Central Park West and Modulatory Cycles", ThinkingMusic.ca.
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