717 / 18210 · Module 16 — Improvisation from Chord Tones: How to Stop “Running Scales”← prev⊞ allnext →
16.26Guide-tone lines
Instead of thinking chord-by-chord, create a line through the whole progression.
Example:
C → B → B
over:
Dm7 → G7 → Cmaj7
or:
F → F → E
These are guide-tone lines.
Now embellish them.
Base line:
F → F → E
Decoration:
F-G-A-F | F-E♭-E
Your improvisation grows from voice leading.