Publisher: Berklee Press
Format: Softcover Audio Online

Develop jazz solos using melodic fragments from traditional fiddle tunes. These etudes show how melodic cells can be used to create extended improvisations. In each example, fragments of a traditional fiddle tune (“Turkey in the Straw,” “Arkansas Traveler”) are developed over jazz standard chord progressions. Each etude is preceded by a short introduction, discussing the development techniques at work.

The accompanying audio tracks feature swinging interpretations of each etude, and provide play-along tracks so that you can practice each concept.

You will learn to:
• Develop jazz solos using familiar melodic material
• Create coherent improvisations built on melodic cells
• Modify melodies to suit jazz chord changes
• Fuse traditional fiddle music and jazz styles
• Flow from the “groove” of American fiddling, to the swing feel of jazz

These fiddle etudes are also suitable for mandolin, banjo, guitar, and other traditional instruments.

• Blues Fiddling Classics
• Getting into... Fiddling
• Western Swing Fiddle
• Fiddle Tunes on Jazz Changes