Pattern 5 # 1

[Jeff Bergman]

This pattern starts on the 5 and goes like |5 3 2 3 1 7 6 7|, etc. The result is that the guide tones land on the and of each beat instead of on the beat. It sounds a bit weak to me. Should I just displace the patter and start the on 4 &, instead of 1?

[Richie]

Hi Jeff,
Why is it a problem if a guide tone in an 8th note line lands on the “and” of the beat? This is common practice in bebop and you will encounter it all over the place in countless solos! The problem is when we do this using quarter notes at a medium to slow tempo. Again, with 8th notes at a swing tempo, it is common practice. Don’t just take my word for it. Here’s a video I recommend you watch where I disprove this myth using various Charlie Parker transcriptions:

Here’s another video about Jazz Facts & Fallacies where I also touch on this:

There are tons of examples of this practice aside from Charlie Parker!

[Jeff Bergman]

Touche! Thanks for the video Richie.

[Author]

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