"Good improvisation communicates harmonic progression melodically. Effective melodies manipulate harmonic content through the use of guide tones and preparatory gravity notes, masterfully woven in systematic tension, release, and transparent harmonic definition."
August 5, 2010 | Don Stiernberg on scale degree "feelings"
The research staff has abandoned the JazzMando offices this week to squeeze in a little vacation before the kids have to get back in school, so this week we're borrowing a video from the mandolin jazzmaster himself, Don Stiernberg in this incredible workshop at the April 2010 Mandolin Camp North in Ocean Park, Maine.
Don discusses both the functional and emotional impact of scale degrees in this vivid workshop demonstration. We've examined this concept in detail in previous articles on the site, but there's nothing like hearing them in a moving, aural context. Guest "chopper" in the background by the way, is master Gibson luthier Dave Harvey, establishing the key.
Don maintains an exhaustive clinic schedule, and with as much travel throughout the US and Europe, there is no excuse to not get to one of his sessions. You'll see why he's in such demand in this video!
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August 5, 2010 | Don Stiernberg on scale degree "feelings"
