[ramZsax]

Here’s a web-based practice tool that I made a while back. It’s based on random root progressions, a concept I learned from Professor Mike Steinel while at UNT. I think it's a super cool and useful tool for practicing.

Unfortunately it basically only works on desktop-sized browsers, though. Try it out if you're near one. Thanks!

http://www.ramseycastaneda.com/projects/random-chord-progressions.html

 

[ramZsax]

And here's my scale / chord degree game if you're interested. It's more fun than it sounds.... I think :lol: http://www.ramseycastaneda.com/music-theory/scale-degrees.html

 

[ramZsax]

Hey all, FWIW, I updated the URL to http://www.ramseycastaneda.com/music-theory/random-chord-progressions.html. The link above should automatically redirect, but just in case there is an issue, this is the new link. Thanks!

 

[doop444]

That progression generator looks great! I'll definitely be using it in my practice sessions. Thanks for posting!

 

[osloutah]

What a cool resource! Thanks for sharing, and Happy Holidays!

Mark

 

[ramZsax]

That progression generator looks great! I'll definitely be using it in my practice sessions. Thanks for posting!

What a cool resource! Thanks for sharing, and Happy Holidays!

Mark

Thanks, doop444 and osloutah -- glad you enjoy it!

 

[blahchici]

I love it!

 

[Roundmidnite]

Looks interesting for composition-

 

[Dermot]

Thanks

 

[warp x]

Great! Thanks.

 

[Brenton]

Hey all, FWIW, I updated the URL to http://www.ramseycastaneda.com/music...gressions.html. The link above should automatically redirect, but just in case there is an issue, this is the new link. Thanks!

Does this program have audio? I can't HEAR the randomly generated chords - which I would think is essential if attempting to improve my improvising by ear. Cheers...

 

[ramZsax]

I love it!

Looks interesting for composition-

Thanks

Great! Thanks.

Thanks, all!

Does this program have audio? I can't HEAR the randomly generated chords - which I would think is essential if attempting to improve my improvising by ear. Cheers...

No audio, unfortunately... beyond my skill set at the moment. My objective wasn't for it to help improve ear-based improvising, but instead to lead the user into unexpected harmonic territory. I mostly use random progressions to work on scales, patterns, etc.

 

[JL]

I mostly use random progressions to work on scales, patterns, etc.

I think that's a great way to use a resource like this, and I do think it's an excellent exercise. Your scale/chord degree game sounds really valuable. I do that sort of thing in my mind when I wake up at night.

Not to bring up any criticism, but one thing I would keep in mind is that most progressions are not random, so this should be balanced out with a lot of practice over standard chord progressions, chromatic movement, whole step movement, and, especially important, around the circle of fourths, which is what most chord progressions are based on. (maybe that all goes without saying...)

 

[ramZsax]

Not to bring up any criticism, but one thing I would keep in mind is that most progressions are not random, so this should be balanced out with a lot of practice over standard chord progressions, chromatic movement, whole step movement, and, especially important, around the circle of fourths, which is what most chord progressions are based on. (maybe that all goes without saying...)

Absolutely! I'll update the text within the next couple days to make sure this is clear. Thanks, JL.

 

[JazzDaddy]

This is good practice and familiarization after learning the basic chords.

 

[tenorcat]

Great stuff. Set a metronome and sight read changes... in concert. haha

So many ways to organize your thoughts. I'm really interested in giving my lines shape. One thing I trip on is sequencing all kinds of short motifs and patterns through changes... trying to start/stop the ideas on sevenths and thirds so you hear the key signatures change on the beat.

Another idea I'm trying pull off is to play lines through two octaves... then turn them back on themselves. I went through a long period where I concentrated on weaving lines over the break on the horn. Like try to keep within about a tenth. I thought of it as my Chet Baker Phase. You don't really need to have a huge range to mow over changes. So, I will take the first two chords and play the first on in the bottom octave and the next one in the top octave. The idea works in reverse, top to bottom. If I play sequenced patterns like this, the motifs can stretch the time spent in a tonality... and still have a chord melody moving.

So many ways to make time and rhythm games to work through these chord ideas. You can spend two, four or eight beats... or bars... on each chord or tonality. There is a chunk of work in all that... never have to wonder what to shed. kool stuf thanx for posting this up.

 

[Saxamander]

Question about Steinel's Inversions

Question moved to new thread.

 

[ramZsax]

Great stuff. Set a metronome and sight read changes... in concert. haha

So many ways to organize your thoughts. I'm really interested in giving my lines shape. One thing I trip on is sequencing all kinds of short motifs and patterns through changes... trying to start/stop the ideas on sevenths and thirds so you hear the key signatures change on the beat.

Another idea I'm trying pull off is to play lines through two octaves... then turn them back on themselves. I went through a long period where I concentrated on weaving lines over the break on the horn. Like try to keep within about a tenth. I thought of it as my Chet Baker Phase. You don't really need to have a huge range to mow over changes. So, I will take the first two chords and play the first on in the bottom octave and the next one in the top octave. The idea works in reverse, top to bottom. If I play sequenced patterns like this, the motifs can stretch the time spent in a tonality... and still have a chord melody moving.

So many ways to make time and rhythm games to work through these chord ideas. You can spend two, four or eight beats... or bars... on each chord or tonality. There is a chunk of work in all that... never have to wonder what to shed. kool stuf thanx for posting this up.

Great ideas, tenorcat! Thanks for your comments and for checking it out!

 

[jocaef]

Are progressions totally random or they make musical sense?

 

[schuster]

something really useful! great
I will use it during my warm up! definitely!

do you mind to produce something like a streaming video with a metronome in which only current and next chord are visible?