PATTERNS FOR JAZZ
It is very rare for a jazz improviser to construct a completely original solo, most players rely on scales and patterns (aka licks, phrase or in more academic circles, formulae
). Jazz is an ever evolving language, the established patterns and licks are borrowed
, adapted and mutated into new ones. New styles of jazz sometimes dictate new harmonic structures. The great players often combine spontaneous original invention with established patterns to create new and fresh yet stylistically relevant solos. Beginners and more average players may have flashes of real invention, but usually need to fall back on use of scales and patterns just to give the brain a rest.
As well as the patterns on these pages, you can also find many more on the saxophone pages, including plenty of IIm7-V7-Is, diminished and whole tone patterns and licks. These can be easily adapted for any instrument.