Etude in 5/8

The goal of this Etude is to showcase the melodic aspect of the 5/8 meter in particular the 2+3 grouping combination. The Etude is based on a 12-bar blues form in C with melodic patterns borrowed directly from our book "Melodic Ideas in 5 (2+3) with Quarter notes and Eight Notes". Through very carefully selected melodic patterns, organized into 2-4 bar phrases, a melodic continuity has been accomplished. After practicing and internalizing the phrases the student should be able to perform and “feel” the groove (swing) without counting. Students are highly encouraged to explore improvising melodic ideas/phrases in a similar matter following the context of the Etude borrowing melodic ideas and phrases from the book as well as creating their own. It is of utmost importance that the melodic ideas are organized and based on the rhythmic structure/groupings of the 5/8 meter (2+3) as opposed to performing melodic ‘licks” and “cliches” from the 4/4 meter while trying to “fit” them into 5. A completely new way of melodic/rhythmic thinking should be developed where the musician thinks and feels in 5!

The book is presented in a PDF format and contains Melody and Accompaniment and only melody parts in C, Bb, Eb and Bass clef.

Included are also 2 audio play-along parts in MM 160 and MM 180.

MIDI Play along files are available upon request.