Tendency Tones

Of the four components of melodic construction—chord tones, arpeggios, scale passages and approach patterns—the most important are approach patterns. They link melodic phrases together at chord changes and provide chromaticism. That momentary dissonance of non-chord tones followed by the eventual resolution to chord tones gives energy to a melodic line and drives its forward motion. Without this engine propelling the line through the progression, the line falls flat and sounds weak.

By examining the natural tendencies of non-chord tones to resolve to chord tones, you will gain a powerful tool to guide your note choices while improvising.

In this lesson, learn to hear diatonic and chromatic tendency tones by studying how Hank Mobley uses them in his solo over his tune "This I Dig of You" from his 1956 Blue Note release Soul Station.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• jazz piano
• jazz improvisation
• melodic construction
• melody writing