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DG 2.1 - General
A digital pattern is a combination of 2, 3, 4 or more relative note positions (described in numbers) which is progressively repeated up or down a specific scale. For example the Pattern 1231 over the C major scale progresses upwards like this :
Practice of digital patterns over scales is enormously important for all instrumentalists, but especially for improvising musicians.
The objectives are :
- To develop greater instrumental skills and fluency
- To gain a deeper knowledge of each individual scale
- To gain a broader appreciation of the variety of sounds contained within a scale
- To develop exiting sound modules for inclusion in one's improvisation
In principle any scale you learn should be subject to digitals practice. But unless you have the luxury (like I had) of unlimited practice time, it is sensible to prioritise as follows :