jazz techniques

Question 1

12-bar blues

Answer 1

the 12-bar blues is a chord progression that lasts for 12 bars, or measures. These 12 bars repeat throughout the course of the song.
The chord progression is typically made up of 3 chords.
Specifically, the 12-bar blues is based around the I, IV and V chords of any given key.

Question 2

Chase Chorus

Answer 2

A series of short musical passages (trading fours or twos) played by several players at a fast tempo.

Question 3

Chromaticism

Answer 3

Notes outside of the diatonic scale

Question 4

Comping

Answer 4

Short for “accompanying,” comping refers to the chordal accompaniment played by instruments (usually piano, guitar, or drums) in jazz and other genres. It provides harmonic support for the soloist and rhythmically complements the music.

Question 5

Economic playing

Answer 5

A term used to describe a style of playing where musicians use fewer notes or simpler phrases to convey more with less. It is about playing in a minimal, deliberate, and often more expressive way, focusing on quality over quantity

Question 6

Fall-off

Answer 6

A note immediately followed by a rapidly descending group of notes.
(Fake gliss)

Question 7

Hot playing

Answer 7

emotionally intense, propulsive, and marked by aggressive attack and warm, full tone

Question 8

Inflections

Answer 8

Variations in pitch, tone, or rhythm used by a musician or singer to add expression to the music. Inflections can be subtle changes in pitch or intensity that convey emotion or emphasis.

Question 9

Rip

Answer 9

A term used in jazz to describe a fast, sharp glissando or a rapid rise or fall in pitch, often used for dramatic or expressive effect

Question 10

Scat

Answer 10

A vocal improvisation technique in jazz where the singer uses nonsensical syllables or sounds instead of lyrics, often mimicking instruments or improvising melodies in a playful, spontaneous manner. It became popularised by artists like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald

Question 11

Shake

Answer 11

A technique used in brass or wind instrument playing, where the performer quickly alternates between two notes, often to add ornamentation or expressiveness to a melody. It is similar to a “trill,” but typically involves more rapid motion

Question 12

Shout Chorus

Answer 12

section in big band jazz where the entire ensemble plays together loudly and energetically, often as a climactic part of a song. It is typically a high-energy moment that contrasts with softer, more intricate parts of a performance

Question 13

Slide

Answer 13

A technique used in brass and string instruments where the pitch is gradually altered by sliding between notes. It is particularly associated with trombone playing, where the player moves the slide to achieve different pitches.