Understanding & Applying the Chromatic Scale (Foundry)

NOTE: TrueFire Foundry courses are independently-produced courses presented by a hand-picked selection of top-notch artists and educators from around the world. Filmed in the educator’s own studio, Foundry courses bring fresh educational concepts and very effective teaching methodologies to TrueFire Students.

The chromatic scale — all 12 notes played in succession, moving one half-step at a time — is considered the "mother scale.” All chords, arpeggios, and scales can be constructed from the chromatic scale. Understanding the chromatic scale, and learning how to apply it in a musical context will open up countless improvisational doors.

Frank Vignola’s Understanding & Applying the Chromatic Scale will introduce you to the chromatic scale and illustrate how to apply the scale to one of the most commonly encountered jazz progressions, the 2-5-1.

”This course will help you unravel the mystery of the 12-note chromatic scale and teach you how to apply this awesome "mother scale" to your improvisations. We’ll start with the vertical and horizontal chromatic scale to help you get the sound of all 12 notes into your head. Then, we’ll explore playing the chromatic scale in-between chord tones. This is a big step. Finally, I’ll guide you through 20 ways to apply the scale over the infamous 2-5-1 progression.”

In the first section of the course, Frank presents key concepts for applying the chromatic scale: Horizontal Chromatic Scale, Vertical Chromatic Scale, Applying Chromatic Scale In-Between Chord Tones - Major Lesson, and Applying Chromatic Scale In-Between Chord Tones - Minor.
In the second section the course, Frank shares 20 2-5-1 riffs constructed from the chromatic scale. Frank performs the riff over a backing track and then breaks the riff down explaining how and why the riff works over the c chord progression. You’ll expand your vocabulary of 2-5-1 licks and walk away with a thorough understanding of crafting your own chromatic lines in your improvisations.

Frank will explain and demonstrate all of the key concepts and approaches along the way.  You’ll get standard notation and tabs for all of the riffs. Plus, Frank includes all of the rhythm tracks for you to work with on your own. In addition, you’ll be able to loop or slow down any of the performances so that you can work with the materials at your own pace.

Grab your guitar and let's get chromatic with Frank Vignola!