Lesson Two

Approach Notes

The next step in our discussion of chromatic approach notes is to apply them to arpeggios. An arpeggio is simply the notes of a chord played one  at time, as opposed to all  at the same time. For the purpose of these examples we'll be looking at a Dmi7 chord/arpeggio. The formula for any mi7 chord is root, b3rd, 5th, and b7th. We are often told to emphasize chord tones when improvising so that we imply the song's chord changes. As with scales, arpeggios are simply tools, and really don't carry the music all on their own. It's the application of certain techniques, such as this one, that really make the arpeggios musical.

 

Example One shows a two octave Dmi7 arpeggio. It is important to know the names of the notes in all chords, so that you can apply this concept in all keys.

Example Two shows the same arpeggio using chromatic approach notes, i.e. each note in the arpeggio is preceded by the note a half step below.

Example Three shows the same concept descending.

Practice this in all keys, and on all types of chords (Ma7, Dom7 etc.). It may help you to write them out if you are unfamiliar with chord spellings. Combined with the chromatic approach notes we have already used on scales, this device will really open up our playing.

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