One of the simplest ways to vary a tune arrangement is to change octaves. But “simple” doesn’t necessarily mean “easy” to execute! Like so many things, it must be practiced.
When you learn a new tune, practice it in as many octaves as your instrument will allow. Find the limits. How much of your instrument can you use? Will the hammer patterns stay the same? Sometimes the entire tune can be played in multiple octaves. Or, you may find that only parts of a tune can be played in an upper or lower register. All good information to have! Once you are able to play the tune all over the instrument, how do you get from one place to another smoothly and with intention?
It depends on how much time you have, and where you need to go.
Entire measures and phrases may be replaced with a melodic run, or an arpeggio, or some combination of the two. Learn to use pieces of scales along with arpeggios to move…
- from a lower to a higher octave, and vice versa
- from one section/phrase to another within a tune
- from one tune to another in a medley
What’s important is filling the time accurately and landing where you want to be.
Look for space in the tune…
- quarter notes, dotted notes, half notes - fill the space
- long runs of eighth notes - do something different
- the last measure or two of an A or B part in a traditional tune can often be replaced - use that space to make something new happen
Pay attention to the chord progression. It’s your map. It tells you what notes are available. Follow the chord progression and just about anything goes. Simply find the combination of notes that fills the time accurately, gets you where you want to go, and pleases you the most.
Avoid messing with the “essence” of the tune. The basic bones of the tune should remain intact, so the listener recognizes what you’re playing.
Work with tunes you know. Play around with them. Find places to move!
