Line Clichés
(from www.thejazzpianosite.com)
Introduction
A line cliché is a stepwise line (either descending or ascending) that moves against a single stationary chord. It allows the composer to sustain a particular chord while adding some movement and interest to an otherwise boring and static progression.
Line Clichés
The characteristics of line clichés are:
They usually occur at the top or bottom (often using slash chords) of a chord voicing, but may occur in the middle also;
The line movement is always in the root, 5th or 7th (never the 3rd);
They are generally found on minor chords, but can occasionally be found on Major chords;
They are generally found on the Tonic chord, but can occasionally be found on other chords;
They can ascend, descend or change direction;
They usually move in semitones, but can move in tones.
Below are some common line clichés which you may come across:
Introduction
A line cliché is a stepwise line (either descending or ascending) that moves against a single stationary chord. It allows the composer to sustain a particular chord while adding some movement and interest to an otherwise boring and static progression.
Line Clichés
The characteristics of line clichés are:
They usually occur at the top or bottom (often using slash chords) of a chord voicing, but may occur in the middle also;
The line movement is always in the root, 5th or 7th (never the 3rd);
They are generally found on minor chords, but can occasionally be found on Major chords;
They are generally found on the Tonic chord, but can occasionally be found on other chords;
They can ascend, descend or change direction;
They usually move in semitones, but can move in tones.
Below are some common line clichés which you may come across:
Line clichés may be used to reharmonize a song where:
There is a single chord played for a long time (Summertime)
There is a II-V or repeating II-V’s (Satin Doll)
The melody is primarily in a single diatonic key (Black Orpheus)
When improvising over a line cliché use the regular diatonic scale but change the relevant degree to accommodate the moving line (so over an AmMaj7/G# chord, play any A minor scale that has a G# in it – like A harmonic or A melodic minor). Or just use the Blues Scale! (if it’s a minor chord line cliché).
There is a single chord played for a long time (Summertime)
There is a II-V or repeating II-V’s (Satin Doll)
The melody is primarily in a single diatonic key (Black Orpheus)
When improvising over a line cliché use the regular diatonic scale but change the relevant degree to accommodate the moving line (so over an AmMaj7/G# chord, play any A minor scale that has a G# in it – like A harmonic or A melodic minor). Or just use the Blues Scale! (if it’s a minor chord line cliché).
Have a Listen to
Blue Skies
My Funny Valentine
In Walked Bud
What are you doing the rest of your life?
Yesterdays
In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
Blue Skies
My Funny Valentine
In Walked Bud
What are you doing the rest of your life?
Yesterdays
In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning