Pick a pitch (e.g., C). Improvise using only major 3rd intervals up and down (C–E, E–G#, G#–C, C–Ab, Ab–E, etc.). Do this over a blues or modal tune. Gradually introduce different intervals (4ths, tritones, minor 7ths).
The Intervallistic Concept was written to solve a specific problem observed by Harris: many horn players were limited by "scalar" thinking (moving stepwise) and "pattern" playing (relying on memorized licks). Harris believed that true freedom on the instrument came from mastering intervals—leaps across the instrument's range—which forces the musician to hear and execute non-adjacent notes instantly. eddie harris intervallistic concept pdf
Instead of thinking in scales or chords, the improviser builds melodies and lines using intervals (the distance between two notes) as the primary building blocks. This frees the player from predictable scale patterns. Pick a pitch (e
Introduces complex applications such as superimposing intervals, polytonality, and asymmetrical meters. Volume III (Application): Instead of thinking in scales or chords, the
The work is typically presented as a three-volume set, often found today in a single compiled edition: