In this session, Aaron talks about using the chord tones of a tune as an improvising device. He demonstrates this with a solo on Duke Ellington’s classic “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).” He says, “In this session, we'll explore the wonderful world of chord tones and how to use them to construct phrases for a solo on Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)." I know that the mere mention of arpeggios and music theory strikes fear in the hearts of many a musician. But worry not! We will approach this in the same accessible manner that we've discussed other tools!”
Download the notation for the lesson, as well as a lead sheet to “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” mandolin tab, and Play-Along Track MP3s, below.