Chord Tones - 1: practice on one chord.

'Chord Tones' generally refer to the root (1st), 3rd, 5th, and 7th of a chord. The term 'lower structure' is
used for this set of notes, as opposed to 'upper structure' which refers to the 9th, 11th, and 13th.
Cmaj7 is our example (usually written with the triangle symbol, as below). First we look at C major scale,
with the scale numbers normally associated with it. [Some people use different conventions for naming
scale notes and for naming chord notes, but we will use the same notation for both].
   
     
1(R) 2 3 4 5 6 7 1(R)
The scale can be re-written if we Here is the lower structure of the chord
that we're interested in at this point:

build it up in 'scale' thirds:


from bottom to top it reads R,3,5,7.
 

 


]  ]C^

1. Play Rote Patterns

These help you get familiar with the notes in the chord and to get some fluency under your fingers.
Some example practice patterns are given below. Practice these over the whole range of the instrument
and try various rhythms and articulation patterns. Use a metronome or a one-chord play-along.

  
   
1 2

    

4  
   

3

     
 
  6 
     
5

     
  
7 3 8 3
       
3 3 3 3 3
            
   
3

2. Improvise with these notes

Using a metronome or one-chord play-along, improvise phrases using the notes of the chord that you've
just been practising rote patterns for. Compose some phrases as well. Inevitably you'll play some
fragments from the patterns above, as well as coming up with genuinely new ideas. The important thing
is to create proper 'phrases', with space either side, and rhythmic variety. This is where it has to start
sounding like music! Below is an example of the kind of thing you might improvise.

  
 
3

       
3
  
 
  
    
3
   
          
