In jazz, an avoid note is a term used to refer to a note that is not usually played over a particular chord or harmonic structure. An avoid note is usually considered dissonant or clashes with the chord’s harmony, and therefore, is avoided by most jazz musicians. The concept of avoid notes is fundamental in jazz improvisation, where players use scales, modes, and arpeggios to create melodies over harmonic progressions.
Avoid notes are commonly associated with the use of modes or scales that do not fit the chord progression. For instance, if a musician is improvising over a dominant 7th chord, the fourth degree of the mixolydian mode (known as the avoid note) would typically clash with the harmony. Therefore, most musicians would avoid using the fourth degree of the mixolydian mode when improvising over a dominant 7th chord.
Another example is the use of the natural 9th over a dominant 7th chord. Although the natural 9th is an extension of the dominant 7th chord, it can clash with the chord’s third or seventh, creating a dissonant sound. Therefore, some musicians may choose to avoid using the natural 9th over a dominant 7th chord, especially if the third and seventh are played in close proximity.
It is important to note that avoid notes are not necessarily “forbidden” or “wrong” notes. In some cases, jazz musicians may deliberately use avoid notes to create tension or dissonance in their improvisations. However, using avoid notes effectively requires a deep understanding of the underlying harmony and the ability to resolve dissonance in a way that sounds pleasing to the ear.
Avoid notes can also vary depending on the musical context. For example, an avoid note in a major key may not be an avoid note in a minor key or vice versa. Similarly, the use of avoid notes can vary depending on the style and era of jazz being played.
In conclusion, avoid notes are dissonant notes that jazz musicians typically avoid playing over a particular chord or harmonic structure. Although they are not necessarily forbidden, understanding and using avoid notes effectively requires a deep understanding of the underlying harmony and the ability to resolve dissonance in a way that sounds pleasing to the ear.
