Melody Paths with chords 1 and 4

Melody Paths is one of the most beautiful exercises in the IFR method. It takes the seven notes of the major scale and shows you how they flow through any chord progression.

Instead of scales and patterns to memorize, you discover the natural melodic paths that wind through the harmony: the connections between chord tones, the tensions and resolutions, the gentle pull of each note toward the next. This is what gives real melodies their life.

This sample video shows you exactly what this practice looks and sounds like. Notice how naturally the music flows when you understand the map you’re moving through.

"The IFR method is explained so clearly—it's logical, easy to understand, and taught in such a stimulating environment with great teachers and beautiful backing tracks to improvise with."

Annemarie PostSaxophone — Amsterdam, Netherlands

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"You can take the smallest bite out of this method and gain the nourishment to feed your musical quest for weeks at a time."

Michael SokolowskiPiano — Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

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"I was a frustrated sheet-music-playing piano student before IFR. Now, the world of music has opened up to me."

Karen YatesPiano — Austin, TX, USA

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“IFR has become my favorite method and the one I practice most. I recommend it enormously to all musicians who want to take their improvising farther.”