Improvising Over Tenderly
In the first lesson on Tenderly, we played through the form voicing the chords with the roots, 3rds and 7ths. The second time through we then added some bigger voicings and extended chords.
In this lesson we will apply upper structure triads to the tune Tenderly and also discuss ways to add fills and runs in between the chords of this delightful ballad.
The melody utilises many extended and altered tones which makes upper structure triads particularly useful. There are also some alternate changes on the lead sheet which can be used as substitute harmony in the B section.
The final section of this lesson breaks down a number of fills and runs which can be used in between the chords when the melody is stationary. We also explore some basic concepts to develop an improvised solo over the form.
Related Lessons
Intros can be useful to extend the length of your performance and also to establish the tonality or the key in which the tune is being played.
Before attempting to improvise over a jazz standard or lead sheet, it’s a good idea to identify which chord scales will work in the progression.
Written in the key of Eb Major, Tenderly follows a 32 measure A – B1 – A – B2 form and has an impressionistic character similar to early Debussy.
Practice Tips
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Always have a point in mind where you resolve a scale line.
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Transcribe your own material - this is the best way to learn new improv vocabulary.
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Record yourself soloing. If you make a mistake just carry on. Try to play through the form at least 3 times and use the iReal Pro backing track if you like.
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When you listen back, you will hear things that you like, things that you don't like. Make note of these and it will give you more direction to improve your improvisation.
- Ultimately, you need to make the call on whether your improvisation sounds the way you want it to... who else is going to tell you that? Remember we play for ourselves first and others second.
Beautiful sounds, interesting ideas, lots of food for the brain, thanks!
can you provide a simple lead sheet for this that we can print?
Hayden, can you give us your lead sheet, so we can take notes and write on it?
Hi Lori, yes sure here is the lead sheet I’m working from: http://www.pianogroove.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Tenderly.pdf Anything else I can help with just let me know 🙂 Thanks, PianoGroove
Thanks ! Tons of great tips packed in just one beautiful lesson with the added benefit of being able to play in the end such a beatiful arrangement !
Nico
Thanks Nico… glad you enjoyed the lesson.
And yes, “Tenderly” is a beautiful tune to play over 🙂
Cheers,
Hayden
Hi Hayden, I learnt Tenderly a while back from Pianogroove I just saw there is an improvisation video too. I will study it.
Here’s how far I got so far.
Could you look on my page please and tell me which other video lessons have a second part please?
Hi Simon,
Sorry for the late reply here, this comment slipped past me.
You can use the search box in the header of the website to find related lessons.
If you search for the jazz standard name the search feature will return all other lesson pages on the site where it is mentioned.
Throughout the courses we reintroduce earlier jazz standards as examples and to demonstrate certain concepts.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Cheers, Hayden
Thanks Hayden, that’s fine.