2/4 Hemiolas in ¾ and 6/8 Welcome to my second article discussing an approach to improvisation that will allow you to play longer and more interesting solo phrases in a variety of styles. As in the first part, which appeared in the April 2011 issue, the goal is to develop the facility to play ideas that are rhythmically and melodically interesting. This study starts with an accent-grid exercise in 2/4 that will help you create barline-crossing hemiolas (superimposed contrasting feels) when you play the patterns in other time signatures, like 3/4 or 6/8. First practice each measure of the grid in 2/4 until it feels comfortable. When you achieve a good level of confidence with the grid in 2/4, play it in 3/4 and 6/8. Stickings You can also apply different stickings to the grid, including double strokes and paradiddle inversions. Different stickings will offer more possibilities to move the […]

February 2013 Issue