This Theory is Transforming Guitar Playing (Barry Harris' Creation Theory)

Introduction

This tutorial explores Barry Harris' Creation Theory, which has been transforming guitar playing, particularly in jazz music. This approach stems from understanding the family of Dominants derived from diminished chords, offering musicians a unique way to express their creativity and find their individual voice. By applying these concepts, you can enhance your guitar skills and contribute to the evolving jazz landscape.

Step 1: Understand the Family of Dominants

• Explore how dominants relate to diminished chords:
  • Dominant chords can be viewed as extensions of diminished chords.
  • This relationship creates a rich harmonic foundation for improvisation and composition.
• Practical exercise:
  • Take a diminished chord (e.g., C diminished) and identify potential dominant chords that can stem from it (e.g., C7, D7, E7).

Step 2: Apply the Diminished Chord Theory

• Learn how to embellish your playing using diminished chords:
  • Incorporate diminished chords into your progressions.
  • Experiment with substituting dominant chords with diminished chords for a fresh sound.
• Practical exercise:
  • Create a short progression using both dominant and diminished chords.
  • For example: C7 - A7 - D7 - E7, then substitute with Cdim - Adim - Ddim - Edim.

Step 3: Explore Modal Interchange

• Understand the role of modal interchange in jazz:
  • While it's a popular technique, focusing solely on it can limit your creativity.
  • Barry Harris’ theory encourages moving beyond traditional modal approaches.
• Practical exercise:
  • Try improvising over a standard jazz progression, incorporating both modal interchange and diminished dominant chords.

Step 4: Find Your Unique Voice

• Use Barry Harris’ ideas to develop your playing style:
  • Aim to integrate elements of the Creation Theory into your improvisation.
  • Explore how this theory can help you break away from common improvisational patterns.
• Practical exercise:
  • Record yourself improvising using the family of dominants and diminished chords, then listen back to identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Barry Harris' Creation Theory offers a transformative approach to guitar playing, particularly in jazz. By understanding the relationship between diminished and dominant chords, experimenting with embellishments, and seeking your unique voice, you can enhance your musical expression. Start by integrating these concepts into your practice routine and continue to explore their applications in your playing. Embrace the journey of creativity and let this theory empower your musical endeavors.