Re: guide tones/analysis

Michael Temple ( mdtemple@ix.netcom.com )
Fri, 13 Dec 1996 06:16:13 -0800

Reed You wrote:

>>
>Why wouldnt you want to play an E note against a Cm7?
>
>I can tell you havent transcribed much (if at all).

I am just getting started in my adventures in transcription - so you
are correct Reed.

>If the next note after the E is an Eb or an F, depending on how
>you use it, you will be in very famous company playing that.
>
>For example, against Cm7, why not play:
>
>F E Eb F D C (eighth notes)
>
>or F E Eb G Bb D .

I guess I should learn Never to say NEVER. Reed I was addressing the
concept of guide tones (I think) using the Eb as a target note. When I
play I would view the use of an E or F as "connectors" to get to my
"guide tone". I generally connect using a note a half step away
(chromatic), the nearest scale tone, another chord tone, or a note that
is a fifth away. I don't really think in these terms (guide tones,
connectors) that much, but needed some way to discuss the concept.

I certainly do need to transcribe more, and think that the
transcriptions I have done have been helpful. Personally I also need
to practice "drills" of the concepts I observe through transcription to
really get the idea internalized. Transcribing and analyzing alone are
not enought for me. I really need to work on each concept oberved and
apply it in many different ways before I truely understand it (with my
hands and ears not just my head). I wish I didn't have to do this, but
perhaps I am a little slow.

Mike