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You are here: Home / Ask a Teacher / Are Pentatonic Scales a Major Part of Improvisation?

Are Pentatonic Scales a Major Part of Improvisation?

Teacher: Vi Wickam

From: Whaler15

Hello, I recently joined Talent Forge primarily to study fiddle improvisation. I was especially interested in Vi’s Fiddle improvisation as it pertains to fiddle tunes and the emphasis of staying within the melody as you improvise. After going through the videos, I was somewhat surprised that Pentatonic scales were not discussed as a major tool in improvisation. Why is that?

Hey Whaler15,

My fiddle tune improvising series focuses on how I approach improvising in fiddle tunes, not general improvising. I look at melodic improvising within the context of fiddle tunes differently than I look at improvising within a rock tune for example.

If I’m improvising while taking a rock solo, pentatonic scales are a key element to pull from, but not one I would focus on when I’m playing a fiddle tune. This is because in fiddle tunes, we are focused on improvising around the melody, not just the chords.

Thanks,

Vi

About Vi Wickam

Vi Wickam of Loveland, CO has been performing fiddle and writing music since before he could read. Along with his brothers and dad, The Wickam Family Band performed regularly on Blinky’s Fun Club, a nationally syndicated TV program.

Vi’s fiddling can be heard on numerous CD recordings, including two of his own. He’s played with many different bands throughout the United States, and even briefly in England.

Among his fiddling honors, Vi has won the Colorado State Championship twice, and been a finalist four times at the Grand Masters’ Fiddler Championship. He has judged fiddle contests throughout the US, and directed regional and state level fiddle contests.

Join Talent Forge to learn tunes from Vi.

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