MELODIC IMPROVISATION · 10 MIN SUGGESTED
Jazz Guitar Improvisation: Motif Development
A clear question, some space, and a related answer make a phrase feel intentional.
Motif repetition and variation · By Vincent Iannone · Updated
What is a motif in jazz improvisation?
A motif is a short, recognisable musical idea that a soloist repeats and varies to build a phrase. Repetition gives the listener something to follow, and variation keeps it moving. In this lesson the original cell C–E–G–E uses the root, third and fifth of C major. The variation keeps the first three notes and changes the ending from E (the third) to D (the ninth, a whole step above C), which adds colour over Cmaj7 without changing the harmony. Common ways to develop a motif include changing one note, the rhythm, the register or the ending. Playing an idea, leaving space, then answering it with a related version makes a solo sound like a conversation rather than a list of notes.
The idea
A motif is a small idea you can remember and vary. Our original cell C-E-G-E uses chord tones of C major. C, E and G are the root, third and fifth. Keep those opening notes and move the ending from E (the third) to D (the ninth, one whole step above C). The new ending adds tension over Cmaj7 without changing the harmony.
Put it under your fingers
- Play C4-E4-G4-E4 as a short melodic cell. Sing it without the guitar.
- Repeat C4-E4-G4-D4. Listen to the open-ended ending on D.
- Play the first cell, leave some space, then answer it with the variation.
A motif and one small variation
Our original cell C4-E4-G4-E4 returns as C4-E4-G4-D4. Keep the opening three notes and hear the final E (the third of C) change to D (the ninth). The new ending adds a non-triad color tone over the same harmony.
Sounding notes: C4 → E4 → G4 → E4 → C4 → E4 → G4 → D4.
| # | Sounding note | Move from the previous note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C4 | Starting note |
| 2 | E4 | Up 4 semitones |
| 3 | G4 | Up 3 semitones |
| 4 | E4 | Down 3 semitones |
| 5 | C4 | Down 4 semitones |
| 6 | E4 | Up 4 semitones |
| 7 | G4 | Up 3 semitones |
| 8 | D4 | Down 5 semitones |
Make it yours
Play a short solo using only one motif and two variations. Leave space between your ideas.