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A Chromatic Approach to Jazz Harmony and Melody

Robert Frost

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Published in Jazz Improvisation: A Chromatic Approach To Jazz Harmony And Melody: Jazz Guitar Harmony

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Chromaticism is a fundamental aspect of jazz music, adding richness, complexity, and expressiveness to both harmony and melody. This approach involves the use of notes outside the traditional major or minor scales, creating a sense of tension and release that is characteristic of the genre.

Jazz Improvisation: A Chromatic Approach To Jazz Harmony And Melody: Jazz Guitar Harmony

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In this article, we will explore the chromatic approach to jazz harmony and melody, examining the techniques, scales, and concepts that define this sophisticated musical style. We will provide examples and exercises to help you understand and apply these principles in your own playing.

Chromatic Harmony

Chromatic harmony involves the use of chords that contain notes outside the traditional major or minor scales. These chords can be used to create a variety of effects, including:

* Tension and release: Chromatic chords can create a sense of tension by introducing notes that clash with the prevailing harmony. This tension is then resolved when the harmony returns to more stable chords. * Coloration: Chromatic chords can add color and richness to the harmonic texture. They can be used to highlight specific notes or melodies, or to create a sense of movement and progression. * Modulation: Chromatic chords can be used to modulate, or change, the key of a piece of music. By introducing notes from the new key, chromatic chords can create a smooth and seamless transition.

Some of the most common types of chromatic chords include:

* Secondary dominants: These are dominant chords built on the fifth scale degree of a major or minor scale. They can be used to create a sense of tension and anticipation, or to resolve to the tonic chord. * Diminished chords: These are chords that contain two or more diminished intervals, such as the diminished triad or the diminished seventh chord. They can be used to create a sense of instability and uncertainty, or to lead to a variety of different resolutions. * Augmented chords: These are chords that contain an augmented interval, such as the augmented triad or the augmented seventh chord. They can be used to create a sense of surprise or excitement, or to add tension to a harmonic progression.

Chromatic Melody

Chromaticism can also be applied to melody, creating lines that are more fluid and expressive. Chromatic melodies can be used to:

* Add interest and variety: Chromatic notes can add interest and variety to a melody by creating unexpected turns and twists. They can also be used to highlight specific notes or intervals. * Create tension and release: Chromatic melodies can create a sense of tension by introducing notes that clash with the prevailing harmony. This tension is then resolved when the melody returns to more stable notes. * Connect different sections: Chromatic melodies can be used to connect different sections of a piece of music, creating a sense of flow and continuity.

There are a variety of techniques that can be used to create chromatic melodies, including:

* Scales: Chromatic scales can be used to create melodic lines that are both complex and fluid. These scales contain all 12 notes of the chromatic scale, and can be played in any direction. * Arpeggios: Arpeggios are broken chords that can be used to create melodic lines that are both rhythmic and harmonic. Chromatic arpeggios can be used to add interest and variety to a melody, or to create a sense of movement and progression. * Passing tones: Passing tones are non-chord tones that are played between chord tones. Chromatic passing tones can be used to add interest and variety to a melody, or to create a sense of tension and release.

Chromaticism is a powerful tool that can be used to add richness, complexity, and expressiveness to jazz harmony and melody. By understanding the techniques, scales, and concepts involved, you can expand your musical vocabulary and create more sophisticated and interesting music.

Here are some exercises to help you practice using chromaticism in your own playing:

* Chromatic harmony exercises: * Play a simple chord progression in C major, such as Cmaj7 - Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7. * Add chromatic passing chords between the main chords, such as Cmaj7#5 - Dm7 - G7b9 - Cmaj7. * Experiment with different types of chromatic chords, such as secondary dominants, diminished chords, and augmented chords. * Chromatic melody exercises: * Play a simple melody in C major, such as C - D - E - F - G - A - G - F - E - D - C. * Add chromatic notes to the melody, such as C - C# - D - Eb - E - F - F# - G - Ab - A - Bb - C. * Experiment with different scales and arpeggios to create chromatic melodies that are both complex and fluid.

With practice, you will be able to master the chromatic approach to jazz harmony and melody, and use it to create your own unique and expressive music.

Jazz Improvisation: A Chromatic Approach To Jazz Harmony And Melody: Jazz Guitar Harmony

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