Jazz Trumpet Licks

This descending major triad Jazz lick is really easy to learn because it just goes down the major scale in triads based off the major scale you’re playing in. I heard Freddie Hubbard play this Jazz lick off his album on the tune entitled Dear John which is basically an arrangement of Giant Steps.

Here is a sound sample played on trumpet:

How to memorize this Jazz triad pattern in 12 keys:

This Jazz triad lick simply starts on the 2nd scale degree of whatever key you’re in, then goes down each scale degree in the current key. You’re obviously not required to start on the second scale degree for this pattern. Feel free to start on any scale degree to accomplish this lick in any variation.

The best way I found to memorize this Jazz lick is to just start on a scale degree in the current key and think in that key as I descend down the major scale of that key. It takes practice working on the lick in 12 keys before you’ll feel comfortable performing the lick in any key.