How to Play Modal Jazz
The basis of all music is rooted in music theory. Jazz is no exception, and modal jazz is a personification of this emphasis on theory. The importance of music theory and improvisation play heavily in modal jazz and are important in understanding and appreciating this genre for its versatility and seeming inconsistency. Learn how to play modal jazz and really tap into its vibrant core while discovering your own creativity.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Begin by learning some history behind modal jazz. Know that the best way to begin any creative venture is to learn the history of the genre and where the music originated. Pay special attention to Miles Davis' "Something Blue" and John Coltrane's musical history and theory.
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Become well versed in whatever instrument you will be playing modal jazz with. Take private instruction or some other means to help you learn basic music theory and technique before moving on to jazz technique.
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Immerse yourself heavily in standard music theory, working at least a few hours a week on strengthening your understanding of advanced music theory. Learn the nuances and structure of Dorian scales, Ionian scales, and pentatonic scales.
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Practice with a live ensemble or group and learn each others tendencies when playing. Try different technique and theory exercises together and work them into your jazz compositions. Even if you don't have an ensemble to play with, you can do this in your individual practice.
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Explore the freedom of improvisation using your new found strength in music theory. Play around with a great Coltrane or Davis song and use your improvisation methods. Tinker with scales and harmonics to help with your perfection of the modal jazz technique.
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Tips & Warnings
Use some fake books to get you acquainted with some of the jazz standards.
Find various modal jazz transcriptions to see how this genre works in a theoretical sense; you can find these through many online sources.
Remember that modal jazz should be thought of in an organic sense and not as a traditional linear form of music.
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Comments
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"The basis of all music is rooted in music theory." WRONG! First came the music, then we tried to find a theory about that music we heard. Is there a theory for heavy metal music? No, because you play what you hear.Jazz is not different.
