Bebop Lick Integration

What Will You Learn in This Lesson?

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to blend licks into your descending scale lines using a technique called triggers.

You’ve built the foundation:
long descending scales decorated with enclosures,
arpeggios, and triplet ornaments.

Now it’s time to add licks.

The lick comes from David Baker.
The trigger concept comes from Barry Harris.

How a Trigger Works

— Step 1: Choose a trigger note, a note that activates the lick (for example, the root: C)
— Step 2: Choose a lick that starts on that trigger note
— Step 3: Every time the trigger note lands on a downbeat, play the lick

Level 1

Play a descending scale from each scale degree.
Every time you hit C on a downbeat, activate the lick.

If your line starts on the 2nd, 4th, or 6th, introduce it with a single-note ornament first.

Level 2

Same as Level 1, but when starting from the 2nd, 4th, or 6th, you now have two options:

— Play a single-note ornament before descending
— Start the descending bebop scale on an offbeat

The goal is the same either way:
set up the conditions so the trigger note lands on a downbeat.

If it happens to fall on an offbeat, don’t force it.
Just flow through without activating the trigger.

Level 3

Push the tempo.
How fast can you execute all the variations cleanly?
Repeat each variation at least twice in a row and work toward playing without the sheet music.

When Are You Done With This Lesson?

You’re done when you’ve worked through all three levels and can play Level 3 with ease,
without losing the groove.