PREMIER CLINIC
From
The Triad Matrix “The Big Book of Jazz Guitar
Improvisation”
The triad can be used to create a matrix of possibilities for routing courses through progressions. In
Diagram No. 1, all of the possible major and minor triads that can work as arpeggiated melodic material
over the chords of a ii–V7(alt)–I–vi7(alt) progression are catalogued. These choices were based on chord
tones and acceptable tensions. On the V7(alt) chords, only altered tensions are used.
Diagram No. 1—Triad Matrix for a ii–V7(alt)–I–VI7(alt) Progression
The routes taken in example 1 are all stepwise, which has the tendency to produce a smooth flow. Notice
how each arpeggiated triad acts as a springboard into each phrase. By all means, feel free to experiment
with different routes once the matrix has been established.
Triad Matrix Application—ii–V7(alt) –I–VI7(alt) Progression
