Regarding “So What”

A Few Musical Gems In Miles Davis’ Solo

1. Learn Better Phrasing

Miles had an incredible ability to mix not only longer streams of notes together (ideas that are
approx. 4 bars or more) but also mix in short ideas as well (half measure ideas, one measure
ideas, etc.).

By mixing up his phrase lengths it brings a lot of texture and interest to the solo.

2. Soloing Using Triads

From 2:28- 2:41 Miles arpeggiates up and down C major triad. Even though he isn’t thinking
vertically (as in chordally) he is actually still playing inside the D dorian mode.

3. Using Upper Extensions Of the Chords

Another way to look at the area from 2:28-2:41 where he plays the notes C, E, and G is that
Miles is soloing using the upper extensions of a the Dminor Chord. (b7, 9, and 11).

This is truly a beautiful sound and can teach you how to get more of a contemporary sound in
your lines.

(For more licks that use upper extensions be sure to also check out these free lick videos Barry
Harris Lick or this Turnaround Lick). (You can also check out this video lesson that teaches
specifically how to play extensions on dominant chords.)

4. Learn Rhythmic Endings

Listen to the phrase that starts at 1:34 and end on 1:36. Can you hear how Miles ends his lick
with two eighth notes on beat 1 and the “&” of 1 (he plays two D’s there)?

That’s an incredible rhythmic tool right there. He end alot of his licks with that two eighth
notes on beat 1 and the “&” of 1 figure.

If you start working out your own licks with the same rhythmic endings I promise you they will
swing alot more!

5. Improve Your Swing Feel

Miles swing feel was second to none. There is a lot of things he does to achieve his incredible
groove but one of the things that is probably the most powerful is that he plays very far back on
the beat.

Your swing feel will instantly improve if you play along with Miles and try to match his beat
placement.

(If you would like more resources about improving your swing feel or your groove make sure
you also read this article on how to make your jazz melodies swing more).

6. Combining Different Minor Scales (Dorian, blues scale, melodic minor, etc.)

Miles seamlessly switches scales on his solo subtly bringing in all kinds of different
sounds. This is a great opportunity for you to learn to get the different scale sounds as well.

Here’s a couple examples: He plays the dorian mode from 1:38-1:45. He plays blues scale
from 2:15-2:26.

He plays melodic minor from 1:54-1:58. If you need some more jazz scale information check
out this lesson here jazz scales.

(If you want to learn more about these scales check out this blues scale lesson or this lesson on
minor scales.)

7. How To Solo Over One Chord

Most of this solo is over just one chord. 24 bars are over D minor. 8 bars are over Eb minor.
There are so many situation in modern music where you will have to play over only one
chord for many measures in a row.

How do you keep the solo interesting with no harmonic motion?

I did alot of funk and jam band gigs when I first moved to Chicago. Alot of time the jams we
were doing would be over Dminor or E minor for what seemed like 7 million measures.

I took many of the licks and phrasing concepts from this solo and applied to my rock, funk, and
jam band gigs. They fit seamlessly in these styles.

It is said that the the Allman Brothers were even influenced by this album as well.