How to Play a b9 Like a Mandalorian

First, let’s define a few terms…

The b9 is one of the first altered extensions many an improviser learns to solo with on a V7 chord.

The Mandalorian is a Star Wars character who adheres to the Way of the Mandalore – an ancient religion with rigid rules such as: a Mandalorian must never remove his or her helmet.

So, how does a Mandalorian improvise with a b9 on a V7 chord? By resolving down a half step, of course.

Like this:

Here’s how that looks within a line:

This is the way. The ancient way. The way that Bach would resolve a b9. The way that Charlie Parker would resolve a b9.

But what if you want to make the b9 sound a little less Mando and a little more modern? Well, here’s a cool trick for ya…

Since the b9 on a G7 is an Ab, you can work it into your solo by playing an E Major triad over the G7 chord. Something like this:

So, which version do you like?

The classic? The modern? Both?

Awareness of your musical taste is helpful when it comes to developing a personal style as a soloist.

Some folks want that classic bop sound. Some want more blues and soul. And others want to sound as modern and cutting edge as possible.

Personally, I like to mix it all together.

Whatever the case may be for you, my brand-new collection of lick books, Sick Licks, has something for everyone.

It’s a six-book series organized by genre, skill level, and chord progression.

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But the discount expires in just a few days, so click the link below and enter code SICK20 at checkout today!

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Happy Shedding,

Jeff