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An Analysis of Miles Davis's "So What"

In this essay, I'm going to talk about Miles Davis's work as a jazz trumpet player and

songwriter. I heard it live this month at a jazz show on a TV station in Manhattan. They recorded

the first version of this song, "So What," on March 2, 1959, in a TV studio in Manhattan with

Miles Davis and his band. Although short, this tape was made for a 30-minute episode of the

CBS show Roy Herridge Theater. "The Sounds of Miles Davis" was shown on TV, when the

artist was at the height of his huge fame.

Genre Definition

Jazz is a musical genre that originated in the United States at the turn of the century. Jazz

is distinguished by its improvisation, syncopated rhythms, and unusual harmonic progressions.

Modal Jazz is a subgenre of "So What" that employs musical modes as opposed to typical chord

progressions. This specific jazz piece is significant when compared to the harmonic rhythms of

jazz and blues since it was one of the early examples of modal Jazz (Szwed 174).In other words,

the amount of chord changes was reduced. They are in the A portion of the D Dorian mode. To

play this scale, simply push the white keys on the piano, making it one of the simplest scales to

learn. The B section is found a half step above, on E-flat Dorian. Using the black keys on a

piano, one can play five of the seven notes contained inside this scale. In the world of jazz

instruction, "So What" is similar to the blues in that it is basic enough that even a beginner can

play it, yet you might spend your entire life learning it and still never find out how to play it. If
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you want to learn how to improvise jazz melodies, it is highly advised that you listen to the

studio recording of Miles' solo.

Rhythm and Pitch

The tone of "So What" is slow and deliberate, making you feel comfortable and at ease.

The work is in 4/4 time, and the rhythm section is comprised of the bass and drums. Davis'

trumpet phrases, which exploit space and syncopation, also make the beat more engaging (Szwed

78). Unlike traditional chord progressions, the pitch in So What is governed by modal scales.

The piece is structured around two modes: D Dorian and E Dorian. This deviation from

traditional tonality is one of the key features of modal Jazz, which can be more flexible and

adventurous in its approach to melody and harmony.

Melody

The melody in "So What" is particularly simple and clear. An opening and closing

bassline, played by Paul Chambers, provides the melodic foundation ((Szwed 178).On this base,

Miles Davis's trumpet improvisations take off, exploring the potential within the modal structure.

Furthermore, In "So What," the bassline cries out, and the piano and horns respond. The segment

that takes place in response consists of two minor seventh chords spaced one whole step apart.

Rather than being an original idea, this riff is just one of Miles Davis's tricks. Pianists, guitarists,

and horn section arrangers have all fallen victim to this tired accompaniment cliché in Jazz.

Miles merely has the intelligence to retrieve it from the meme pool and feature it prominently in

a musical composition. The foundation of the riff is the So What chord, which is a series of

fourths topped by a third. Guitarists will find it invaluable because of its versatility and ease of

playability.

Harmony and Timbre

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It is important to note that the modal structure of "So What" is distinct from the chord-

based structure in terms of harmony. This emphasis on Dorian modes results in the creation of a

unique harmonic hue and makes it possible to produce progressions that are more open-ended,

flexible, and ambiguous. Fourth chords are an additional weapon in the arsenal of contemporary

and forward-thinking harmonies. In addition, so what is is distinguished by the use of different

timbres for the instruments. All of the instruments in the ensemble have their own distinctive

sound. The saxophone and piano contribute richness and depth to the music, while the trumpet

offers a sound that is warm and mellow. The combination of various timbres results in a sound

that is both rich and captivating.

Aesthetic Preferences

Why I chose “So What” is that its way of doing Jazz was innovative. Jazz is

characterized by its spontaneity and creativity, which are revealed through the modal framework,

improvised form, and dynamic exchange among the instruments utilized. This work, which was

composed by Miles Davis and his ensemble and which challenges the boundaries of

conventional harmony, is an enduring masterpiece that will be remembered for all of eternity

without end.

Conclusion

To sum up, Miles Davis's piece So What perfectly expresses the essence of modal Jazz,

boasting rhythmic sophistication, distinctive pitch structures, and groundbreaking harmonies. A

live performance of this composition was a landmark experience, demonstrating how beautiful

improvisation can be and the power that lies in the ensemble

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Work Cited

Szwed, John. So what: the life of Miles Davis. Simon and Schuster, 2004.