Lesson 7: Two-Measure Riffs on Scale Degrees 3 and 7
Focus on Harmony and Form

Index - Introduction - Lessons

Longer Riffs

You now have learned all of the chord tones (scale degrees 1, 3, 5, and 7) for each of the chords in our B flat blues.  This lesson will focus on two of those scale degrees: 3 and 7.  As we will see later, the 3rd and 7th are probably the most important chord tones in terms of melodic improvisation.

Scale degrees 3 and 7 for B flat 7, E flat 7, Cm7, and F7:

In this lesson, we will expand the length of our riffs to two measures.  Instead of thinking of one-measure ideas, extend your rhythms over the span of two measures, as shown in the examples below.

 

Lesson 7 Assignment

Part 1: Compose

Compose a two-measure riff for each of the blues chords, using scale degrees 3 and 7 (For free blank staff paper, visit www.Music-Paper.com).  Here are some examples for each chord:

Two-measure riff using scale degrees 3 and 7 on B flat 7:

Two-measure riff using scale degrees 3 and 7 on E flat 7:

Two-measure riff using scale degrees 3 and 7 on Cm7:

Two-measure riff using scale degrees 3 and 7 on F7:

Part 2: Memorize

Memorize each of your riffs and repeat them many times until they are effortless and accurate.

Part 3: Improvise

Improvise using the same approach as the written composition.  Trade fours with yourself by improvising a two-measure riff and repeating it, then improvising a new two-measure riff and repeating it, and so on.

Lesson 8: Guide Tone Lines