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(John Scofield) - Soloing Over II-V Chord Changes
(John Scofield) - Soloing Over II-V Chord Changes
FIGURE 1b diatonic seventh chords in A Amaj7 8m7 C#m7 Dmaj7 E7 F#m7 G#m7~5 (Amaj7)
#.
13 14 12
J = 84
= nn)
C#m7 F#7
;\
ri:':
7'<-6-9-7-9
9-10-9-7 7-10---10-7-8
"
""
8~9
"
r-.
8,1-9-5-----7 7----'9-10-7--10 7-6-9----7----9 .. 1-8--11 1 9----
9-8-7-6 8-10'9
chord changes is to practice soloing over a vamp-a relatively short chord progression that loops around and repeats. FIGURES 2a and 2b illustrate examples of improvised melodies played over a four-chord vamp inA. FIGURE 2c is a longer example of a line played over this same vamp. The chord sequence in each of these examples may be analyzed as being a ii-V-iii-VI(twofive-three-six) progression in A (Bm7-E7-
C#m7 -F#7). It may also be thought of as a ii-V turnaround inA (Bm7-E7) alternating with a iiVturnaroundinB orB minor (C#m7-F#7). The beauty of this cyclical progression is that it can be repeated indefinitely, offering a soloist a challenging and inspiring framework over which to create streams of melodic resolutions from chord to chord. As you play these lines, notice the use of chord tones, as described above, as well as passing tones .