The Nemesis of True Improvisation: Are Guitar Patterns Absolutely Necessary?
In the realm of music, the idea of true improvisation is often shrouded in mystery and awe. Many wonder if preconceived patterns or 'guitar patterns' are absolutely necessary for improvisation. The belief that patterns exist as a crutch is quite prevalent, but this notion fails to capture the full essence of the freedom and spontaneity that improvisation can offer.
Patterns as a Necessity for Musicians
The advent of such a belief is partly due to the nature of the guitar itself. With its conducive familiarity and rhythmic cues, guitarists are naturally prone to fall back on patterns. These patterns have become a significant force in musicians' lives, but this does not mean they are an absolute necessity. Patterns, in fact, can serve as a powerful tool for efficient and creative expression.
Think of a trip from Los Angeles to New York. There are countless routes, cities, and adventures to be had. Similarly, music is an adventure, a journey, an expression of the heart, mind, and soul. While patterns can illustrate the paths available, it is the spontaneous nature of true improvisation that truly sets the journey apart. Even accomplished jazz musicians, like Mick Goodrick, acknowledge the challenge in generating truly new ideas from scratch, making patterns a reliable fallback when artistic inspiration is faltering.
A Blend of Patterns and Pure Inspiration
Advanced guitarists often blend patterns with pure inspiration. It is not uncommon for a musician to switch between pattern-based playing and improvisation that emerges from the mind. This mix of premeditated and spontaneous elements enriches the musical experience. For instance, a guitarist might use a pattern to develop a melodic idea but then steer the line into a different key, allowing the listener to perceive the phrase in the destination key, depending on how the phrase concludes.
Patterns, while useful, can sometimes lead to laziness or a sense of uninspired playing. However, they can also serve as a foundation to build upon, especially for those who practice improvising. Some classical composers, such as Bach, incorporated patterns into their music, both in their hands and within larger structures. Similarly, many modern guitarists use patterns to add complexity and interest to their work.
An Exercise in Pure Melodic Improvisation
A unique exercise to further illuminate the role of patterns in improvisation could be to play solely from the mind, free from any reliance on patterns. This can help musicians experience a more raw, unfiltered improvisational process. Musicians like Paul McCartney often play directly from the mind, without worrying about advanced techniques or complex rhythms. On occasion, there are moments of pure inspiration that seem to transcend patterns entirely, but for most musicians, patterns have become an integral part of their improvisational toolkit.
Rhythmic Patterns and Musical Cadences
Rhythmic patterns and their permutations can be incredibly important in jazz and other forms of music. They can also make the music more enjoyable for audiences. In composition, including popular music, there are often larger structures, such as 'Home Key' explorations, modulations, and cyclic patterns that define the overall structure of a piece.
Despite the importance of patterns, it is essential to recognize that they are not the entirety of musical expression. Championship-level improvisation requires a deep understanding and mastery of musical theory, as well as the ability to break free from patterns when it is appropriate to do so. This interplay between structure and freedom showcases the true art of improvisation and highlights the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of music creation.