Tips on Patterns part 1

Although this seems like a difficult concept to grasp, the idea of using patterns in an improvisation is easier than you think!

Basically, it all comes down to intervals. If you are working in the key of C (which makes it easy since there are no sharps or flats), then you probably already know the C major scale. If so, then you're in great shape, because all it takes now is creating a short pattern with the intervals of that scale! And for this reason, I recommend thinking in scale tones rather than note names. This way you can transfer these patterns to other keys, whether major, minor, or in a mode. Here are some short, simple ones for you to try out (keep in mind that the rhythm of these notes is completely up to you to create! Just keep it the same rhythm at first):

• 1 2 3 5, 2 3 4 6, 3 4 5 7, 4 5 6 8, etc.
• 1 3 2, 2 4 3, 3 5 4, 4 6 5, 5 7 6, etc.
• 1 7 5 6, 7 6 4 5, 6 5 3 4, 5 4 2 3, etc.

I think by now you can see how simple creating patterns work. For now, try using these patterns on your instrument and just play them. Don't worry about rhythm just yet. Just get used to the intervals. The next post will go a little bit into the rhythm of patterns.