I was interested in what you had to say Alan, I am thinking about the process one goes through after one has learnt the chords. It seems to me that learning chords/form is just the very first step. Here is my take on this tonight, thinking of real book standards. but its an evolving thing..

First base is just to be able to play the chords in root positions

This of course wont really do.

Second is to voice the chords using inversions, thinking about voice leading.

Third base is to voice chords using inversions and adding and subtracting different notes, extensions

Fourth, create melodic forms using all of the above

Fifth consider the direction of the harmony and the kind of 'intent' the piece has, echo the melody and use the structure in a meaningful way to make a statement


Of course one does not really go through each and every phase ad nasueam (although it might be a good leanring curve), but if one can use all of these methods... its effective playing..

I am just getting all this together, I have done my chores on chords and scales and the theory is there, its now about interpretation... and getting there in an instant at will..

A couple of years hard graft to get 'there' I think.. wink

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