Tecnica armonica per chitarra (Valerio Pappi)
The intent of this treatise is to clarify and expand on some aspects of functional harmony and provide suggestions on the use and execution of voicings applicable to the guitar, starting from classic triads and tetrads and moving to more elaborate solutions. I introduced the topic by briefly explaining the theory of intervals, describing the main families of chords, and exploring tonal functions within the major scale, the harmonic major scale, and the minor scales. Through the harmonic analysis of diatonic scales (major scale, natural minor scale, ascending melodic minor scale, harmonic minor scale, harmonic major scale) and symmetrical scales (whole tone scale and diminished scale), I showed harmonizations up to 7 voices and some alternative harmonizations, proposing their respective voicings. I could not overlook two important aspects of modern guitar technique: slash chords and quartal harmony. Throughout the different sections, I aimed to use a ‘functional’ symbolism that could unite jazz notation with that of classical culture (specifically referring to the nomenclature of Hugo Riemann, Wilhelm Maler, and Diether De La Motte) with some personal additions and innovations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Theory of Intervals
- Chords
- Functional Harmony and Scales
- Harmonization of the Major Scale
- Harmonization of the Natural Minor Scale
- Harmonization of the Melodic Minor Scale
- Harmonization of the Harmonic Minor Scale
- Harmonization of the Harmonic Major Scale
- The Whole-Half Diminished Scale
- The Whole Tone Scale
- Slash Chords
- Quartal Harmony
- Personal Harmonizations
- Recommended Bibliography
A few brief excerpts:
About Valerio Pappi
Valerio Pappi is a jazz guitarist, composer and writer, based in Ferrara, Italy. He has been studying musicology at the University of Cremona, Italy. Recordings: “Passo Breve” (2001, Z Best Studio) – with P. Ghetti, double bass and F. Petretti, tenor saxophone; “Duet for changes” (2005) – with A. Brunelli, double bass; “Movie From” (2007) – Loop station and classical guitar. Bibliography: Dieci anni (2011, Giovane Holden Edizioni); Il testamento di Marco (2014, Epsil Edizioni); Tecnica armonica per chitarra (2015, Casa Musicale Eco). “La scelta giusta” (2018, Nulla Die Edizioni). “Dieci anni (2018, Nulla Die edizioni). “La vendetta del lago Pacifico” (2019, Il seme bianco). Il testamento di Marco (Nulla Die, 2020). Aspettando gli altri (Nulla Die, 2020), Irreversibilità (Rossini Editore, 2023).
Since 2015 he is the art director of the 7 Virtual Jazz Club.
