Four note group

In music, four note group patterns, alternately called "four-note digital patterns"^[1] or simply "four note patterns", are one of many ways to formulate improvised solos in jazz. "Four-Note Grouping is an improvisation technique that uses major and minor triads along with specific passing notes as a means of generating lines. The concept of Four-Note Groupings lets the lines be more 'out' and stretch the possibility of available notes over a chord due to the structural integrity of the triad-based line."^[2]

Four note group devices

• Diatonic scale fragment
• Arpeggio (of current chord, altered harmony or an implied passing chord)
• Chromatic approach note (a note preceding a chord tone or scale tone one semitone above or below)^[3]
• Chromatic surround notes (two notes preceding a chord tone one semitone above and below)
• Pentatonic scale fragment^[4]

Examples

• John Coltrane: "Giant Steps" solo^[5]

See also

• Sequence (music)

Sources

1. Coker, Jerry. Elements of the Jazz Language for the Developing Improvisor. Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Music. p. 8-18.
2. "Four Note Groupings Part 1", EdSaindon.com (351 KB PDF) - Ed Saindon. Caps in original.
3. Levine, Mark. The Jazz Theory Book. Petaluma, CA: Sher Music Co. Figure 4-16.
4. Porter, Lewis. John Coltrane: His Life and Music. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press. p. 151.
5. Porter, Lewis. John Coltrane: His Life and Music. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press. p. 151. Coltrane chose to construct his solo largely out of four-note patterns that could be easily transposed to fit each chord.

External links

• "Four Note Groupings Part 2", EdSaindon.com (351 KB PDF) - Ed Saindon
• Javier Arau. "Augmented Scale Theory", Javier Arau - Faculty of Saxophone/Woodwind, in NEW YORK JAZZ ACADEMY.
• Michael Leibson. "Giant Steps, Central Park West and Modulatory Cycles", ThinkingMusic.ca.