This is an excerpt from my book, The Vertical Saxophone, A Methodical Approach to Wide Intervals: Technique and Improvisation. In this etude I invert the notes of 7th chord arpeggios (ii7-V7-I in both major and minor keys) into patterns of larger intervals (lots of 5ths, 6ths and 7ths). Take a look at the example below:
Besides the technical challenge of playing these inversions, you’ll also be challenged with hearing (and imagining) these arpeggios in new ways. The tonality of the chord progression makes it easy to hear the contrasts between each key, and thus makes it easy to find melodic qualities with these larger intervals. The range of the etude is 3 octaves (Bb below the staff, up to Bb on the 5th ledger line), and the aim is to create as much “vertical” (wide interval) movement as possible within a melodic context.