Four note group
Open-knowledge reference entry
In music, four note group patterns, alternately called "four-note digital patterns" 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."
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)
Chromatic surround notes (two notes preceding a chord tone one semitone above and below)
Pentatonic scale fragment
Examples
John Coltrane: "Giant Steps" solo
See also
Sequence (music)
Sources
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.
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