3 Songs to Introduce Modal Improvisation to Your Students

The complex harmonies of many jazz standards can make learning to improvise seem like an insurmountable challenge. Modal songs, which feature chords sustained for lengthy sections, provide a nice and easy introduction to jazz improvisation. These songs help teach students how to use scales, rhythm, and motivic development, all without needless complication.

Many jazz legends have recorded modal songs, and you can find many versions of the same song online with ease. Because of these songs’ popularity, channels have made backing tracks for them, which allow your students to practice improvisation at home. 

To help point you and your students in the right direction, we have compiled a list of three great modal jazz songs.

1.) So What - Miles Davis

Miles Davis’ 1959 album Kind of Blue ranks among the most important jazz albums of all time, and it starts with a modal song. “So What’s” minimalist sound enables simple yet effective improvisation, and the laid back tempo suits beginning improvisers. Davis uses the dorian mode on his composition, and the extended sections will allow students to really familiarize themselves with the scale.

Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylXk1LBvIqU

Backing track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQjbs02TKAc

2.) Little Sunflower - Freddie Hubbard

Like “So What,” Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower” uses the dorian mode. However, it switches to lydian on the bridge. The moderate tempo accommodates developing players, and the even-eighths feel will introduce your students to a new type of groove and rhythmic structure. The simple melody also makes this song a great one to teach, whether in large or small ensemble settings.

Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZBu0ARDGxs

Backing track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp-Dsw9d32k

3.) Cantaloupe Island - Herbie Hancock

The chords on “Cantaloupe Island” shift faster than on “So What” or “Little Sunflower,” but the relaxed tempo keeps the song manageable for inexperienced players. This song also uses primarily dorian modes, but adds in four bars to use a mixolydian or lydian dominant scale. The funky groove gives your students something new to improvise over, and “Cantaloupe Island” provides a fantastic introduction to the music of Herbie Hancock.

Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otFVFLtRF_s

Backing track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMwZ-r7qDtg