In jazz, scat singing uses syllables to improvise melodies, much like an instrumental solo. Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald were among the greatest scat singers. Listen to examples in the playlist.

Scat syllables can help you develop a feel for jazz rhythms and melodic lines. In this activity, you will use them to create a 6-bar blues melody with a blues seventh accompaniment.

Watch the video: "Blues 2: Melodic Structure" before beginning. 

Instructions

• Practice the rhythm by scatting it with the suggested syllables.
• Use these rhythms to improvise a melody with the given blues scale.
  • Observe the bar form: Phrase 3 (B) should begin on the dominant and end on the tonic.
• Accompany your improvisation with a minor seventh chord (the blues seventh) in the left hand, following the harmonic plan.
• Perform with the play-along track. Note the two-bar tag ending, but do not play during it.

1. Blues Rock in Bb

Bb Blues Scale