IMPROVISATION TECHNIQUESExploring improvisation using The Blues and Arabic music.

LISTENINGIdentify the features of blues music

Discovering the sound of the blues scale

Identifying the flavour of arabic music

PERFORMANCEThe 12-bar blues chord sequenceThe blues scaleShort whole class improvisation tasksYour group compositions

An Arabic melody whole classAn Arabic improvisation

COMPOSITIONTo use the 12 bar blues chords and the blues scale to create a group improvisation.

HOMEWORKFind a famous Blues artist

e.g. B B King, Muddy Waters,

Where?When?Music?

The BluesWhere does it come from?Why?Who?When?

What Is A Chord?A chord is 2 or more notes played at the same time.

A triad is a chord of 3 notes (C-E-G)

A G B F C E D

Chord SequenceC 2 3 4 C 2 3 4 C 2 3 4 C 2 3 4F F C CG F C C

STYLE 044 (Swing)Accomp OnPlay the above notes every 4 beats.C = CEGF = FACG = GBD

The Blues Scale

CEb F F# G Bb C

Blues SongUse the 12 bar chord sequenceWrite lyrics to form at least 3 versesImprovise using the blues scaleIt should follow the structure below:Add a bass riff if you can C C C C Sing F F C C ImproviseGFC C

How to ImproviseBegin by playing the blues scale up and down on your instrument.When you are happy with the notes try and put them in a different order.Next experiment with rhythm. Try to make your notes say a sentence.

e.g. Strawberry ice-cream never have chocolate!