Chromatic Changes

Sumguy7787 · #1 02-05-2006, 10:57 AM

Hey guys, I'm playing the song Sister Sadie for my school's jazz band. In the song there is a good amount of chromatic changes (Ex: Eb13(#9),Db13(#9),C13, Cb13). There is also instances where there would be the chord Bb7 for 6 beats and then Cb7 for the remaining 2 beats.

I can walk them, but I want to know any tricks or different techniques that will make them more interesting and give them that extra zing. I remember reading a thread that related to this but can't find it. If anyone can throw me any threads or some advice of their own, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

**Freddels** · #2 02-05-2006, 11:04 AM

Many times these chromatic changes occur due to the use of tri-tone substitutions. With a ii-7 V7 (e.g., C-7 F7) there will be a substitution of the tri-tone sub of the V7 which would be B7. So now you have the start of the chromatic run with C-7 B7. Tri-tone substitutions work b/c the 3rd and 7th of both chords are the same notes (( F7 = A Eb (D#); B7 = D# A)). So you could reverse the substitution back so long as the root motion is not required by the arrangement.

Hope this helps.

TomSauter · #3 02-05-2006, 12:26 PM

Find a recording of Ray Brown playing this tune and learn his line. I think he plays it on his record "Something for Lester."

Sumguy7787 · #4 02-05-2006, 03:15 PM

For the tritone substitutions, are you saying I could play a V - ii over that? (Instead of C7 - Cb7, I can play C7 - Gm7?)

**Freddels** · #5 02-05-2006, 03:49 PM

I don't know what's in your chart but instead of /C7 Cb7/ you could play either /C7 F7/ or /C-7 F7/

You need to look at what else is going on in the chart. What's in the melody, etc.?

TomSauter · #6 02-05-2006, 04:02 PM

If you were to use tritone substitutions, then instead of C7|B7|Bb7|A7 you would play C7|F7|Bb7|Eb7. However, on this tune it will probably sound better if you just stick to the chromatic movement. That's just my opinion, of course. C-7|F7 doesn't really sound right--the tune is bluesy and it works better if all the chords are dominant. Once again I think the best thing to do if you are looking for walking ideas is to find some recordings of great players and cop their lines.

**Freddels** · #7 02-05-2006, 06:06 PM

Exactly. It all depends on the situation and the tune. Sometimes, the tri-tone subs are added to spice things up a bit. Sometimes, it the root movement that is desired. The tune dictates and the chart in this case.

Sumguy7787 · #8 02-05-2006, 08:19 PM

Nice, thanks for the advice. If anyone has some other walking techniques feel free to share.