"Fake" Jazz Arpeggios - Why Scale/Arpeggio Formulas Don't Work For Jazz Guitar

About this Video

• Video Title: "Fake" Jazz Arpeggios - Why Scale/Arpeggio Formulas Don't Work For Jazz Guitar
• Channel: Denis Chang
• Speakers: Denis Chang
• Duration: 00:25:27

Introduction

This video discusses the limitations of applying scale/arpeggio formulas to jazz guitar improvisation. Denis Chang uses analogies to language acquisition (French, Japanese, English) to illustrate that while formulas provide a foundation, mastering jazz improvisation requires deep listening, absorbing musical phrasing, and developing a feel for what sounds natural, rather than solely relying on theoretical rules.

Key Takeaways

• Jazz improvisation is like a language: Mastering it requires more than just knowing formulas; it involves developing a feel for the music.
• "Correct grammar" vs. "what is actually done": There's a difference between theoretically correct musical phrasing and what experienced jazz musicians actually play. The latter often involves stylistic choices that deviate from strict rules.
• The importance of listening: Deep listening to recordings of great jazz musicians is crucial for internalizing their phrasing, style, and approach to improvisation.
• "Fake arpeggios": The video explores how common jazz phrases use arpeggios in unconventional ways, often skipping notes or emphasizing certain tones to create a unique sound. These "fake" arpeggios highlight the limitations of rigid formulas.
• Decorating chords: Experienced jazz players often focus on decorating chords with extensions and alterations, rather than solely adhering to theoretical scale patterns.