Basic descending chromatic lick that outlines a whole tone scale
This lick is a very interchangeable Jazz lick incorporating chromaticism while outlining the whole tone scale. This lick works very well over dominant chords as well as augmented chords.
Here is a sound sample played on trumpet over the tune Triste:
How to memorize this Jazz pattern in 12 keys:
Start by practicing the lick starting on C and then C#, whole tone, so you only need to learn the pattern in 2 sequences if you think about it. Once that becomes comfortable then try starting the lick on D, and then on D# etc, etc. The key is to become comfortable enough with the lick so you can go ‘out of the bubble’ so to speak, as long as you land on a chord tone.
If you look closely at this pattern, you’ll notice seeing a descending whole tone scale, do you see it? This should help make the pattern easier to remember in all 12 keys.
