Reader,
We've been on a deep dive learning how to improvise over Rhythm Changes the last few weeks, and today we're taking a simple next step, but one which has the potential to significantly improve your lines. I call it, the Triplet Mix-In.
The Triplet Mix-In
This concept is so simple that it's easy to overlook how important it is.
When you play 8th notes in a scale you cover a 3rd in just 1 beat, like this.
If we played these over a Dm chord, you would be landing chord tones on the beat, which melodically implies that chord.
The triplet mix-in connects the chord tones in the same way, landing on the beat each time, but using a triplet rhythm instead. But to make that work, we need to insert an additional note:
- In the first example, moving by a minor 3rd, it's as easy as moving chromatically.
- When moving by major 3rd, I like to add a half-step below the top note.
Why the Triplet Mix-In is Important
In a word... variety. Running 8th note phrases are foundation of our solos. But, if that's all you play it becomes rhythmically monotonous. By mixing in these triplets, you can very easily introduce rhythmic variety into any line to keep it interesting.
Here's a longer example over the A section of Rhythm Changes, with the mix-in's colored in blue.