Jazz Tutorial: Advanced Arrangement of Someday My Prince Will ComeYou can check level 2 (Intermediate level) in this post here: How to Play the Real Book: Level 2 Arrangement of “Some Day My Prince Will Come”

Someday My Prince Will Come is a classic jazz standard that has been recorded by numerous jazz musicians. In this tutorial, we will explore an advanced arrangement of this song and discuss some techniques that can be used to create more complex and interesting arrangements.

Before we get started, let’s talk about what to expect in this level 3 arrangement. We’ll be using techniques from the previous levels, such as embellishing the melody, enclosures, and broken chords on the left hand. However, we’ll also be introducing some new techniques like borrowing from the minor key, modal interchange chords, and a more advanced rhythmic grid.

Setting Up an Introduction

The first thing we’ll discuss is the introduction. The intro sets the tone for the entire song and is a great way to build tension and establish the key. In this arrangement, we’re using a dominant pedal point in the key of F to build tension. The dominant of our key is Bb, so we’re using the note F as a pedal point in the bass. This creates a clearly defined anchor for the listener and allows us to introduce chords that aren’t in the key, like the Db/F and C/F in the intro.

Borrowing from Minor

Another technique used in this arrangement is borrowing chords from the minor key. We can borrow chords from the parallel minor key to add a bit of color to the arrangement. For example, in the first line of the arrangement, we’re using the bVI chord from the Bb minor key, which is Dbmaj7.

Modal Interchange Chords

Modal interchange chords are another way to add color to your arrangement. These are chords that are borrowed from a parallel mode or key. In this arrangement, we’re using modal interchange chords to create an intro and outro. We’re using chords from the Bb Mixolydian mode to create an intro that leads us into the song. Then, in the outro, we’re using chords from the Bb Aeolian mode to create a sense of resolution.

Advanced Rhythmic Grid

The rhythmic grid is another important aspect of this arrangement. We’re using an eighth-note subdivision to define our grid, which creates a more complex and interesting rhythmic feel. The left hand is also filling in the spaces offered up by the right hand, which creates a more clearly defined bass line.

Upper Structure Chords

Finally, we’re using upper structure chords in this arrangement. Upper structure chords are chords that are built on top of a basic triad or seventh chord. They allow us to highlight tensions within the chord and create a unique and interesting voicing. In this arrangement, we’re using a D/F7 chord as an upper structure chord in the intro.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we’ve explored an advanced arrangement of Someday My Prince Will Come and discussed some techniques that can be used to create more complex and interesting arrangements. By borrowing chords from the minor key, using modal interchange chords, and creating a more advanced rhythmic grid, we can create an arrangement that is both sophisticated and accessible. We hope this tutorial has given you some ideas and inspiration for your own arrangements. If you’re interested in learning more about jazz theory and improvisation, be sure to check out mDecks Music‘s other resources.

If you want access to all of these arrangements (Beginner’s • Intermediate • Advanced • Pro) you can download them here: Someday My Prince Will Come in 4 levels

You can read the next level jazz tutorial (Pro Level) of Someday My Prince Will Come here:Jazz Tutorial: Creating an Artistic Interpretation of a Song with Piano. Someday My Prince Will Come – Pro Level