Rhythmic Solfege for Jazz

Introduction

• Video by Jason Klobnek, jazz trumpeter from Denver, Colorado.
• Purpose: Master phrasing, articulation, and feel in jazz through rhythmic solfege.
• Focus: Correct beginner mistakes, improve rhythm and swing feel.

What is Rhythmic Solfege?

• Traditional solfege: Assigns syllables to pitches (Do, Re, Mi, etc.).
• Rhythmic solfege: Assigns syllables to rhythms to mirror the desired sound of notes.
• Benefits: Improves timekeeping, articulation, and phrasing, making playing more natural and expressive.
• Origin: Learned from Craig Swartz, beneficial for individual musicians and educators.

Why Use Solfege for Rhythm?

• Jazz requires more than just notes: Includes swing, syncopation, dynamics, and feel.
• Syllables help internalize rhythmic elements and are useful for beginners.

Rhythmic Solfege System

Long Notes

• For notes longer than a half note (e.g., whole notes, half notes, dotted half notes):
  • Use "Do" or "Da" depending on context.
  • Long vowel sounds at the end (smooth articulation).
  • Use "T" for a harder attack if needed.

Quarter Notes

• Syllables: Do, Da, Dot.
  • "Oo" sound for downbeats, "Ah" sound for offbeats.
  • Alternation creates natural swing feel.
  • "Dot" used for ends of phrases or marcato accents.

Eighth Notes

• Downbeats: "Do"
• Upbeats: "Da"
• Ends of phrases: "Dot"
• Pattern: Do-Da-Do-Da (creates swing through vowel exchange).

Sixteenth Notes

• Use Clark Terry's doodle tonguing technique.
• Syllables: Do-Da-oo-dle (works well for faster phrases).
• Ends of phrases: "Dot".

Triplets

• Syllables: Tri-ple-lit (universal for triplets, helps prevent rushing).
• Additional articulations: Use vowels for effects (e.g., "Dowel" for falls).

Common Mistakes and Tips

What Not to Do

1. Overthinking: Avoid analyzing every detail, trust the rhythm flow.
2. Stiff Articulation: Keep contrast with vowel sounds, avoid uniformity.
3. Rushing Practice: Focus on mastering rhythm quality over speed.

Practice and Application

• Use rhythmic solfege individually or with an ensemble.
• Focus on progress and feel, not perfection.

Example Phrases

First Phrase

• Two measures of eighth notes: Do-Da-Do-Da-Da-Da-Do-Da-Do-Da.
• Focus on rhythm, not pitch.

Second Phrase

• Three measure phrase with offbeats: Dot-Do-Dot-Dot-Da-Dot-Do-Da-Do-Da-Do-Dot-Do-Da-Do-Dot.
• Apply rhythmic solfege to enhance swing feel.

Conclusion

• Explore more content through Jason's member area or free resources.
• Engage with community: like, subscribe, share.
• Final encouragement to apply rhythmic solfege for enhanced jazz improvisation.