Octave displacement, a melodic tool that generates large interval leaps, is a great way of adding more interest to a melody. In octave
displacement, we move a note that would otherwise be only a step away from the last either an octave higher or lower. The technique
of string skipping is required to perform most octave displacement licks. Eric Johnson and Joe Satriani often use this technique.
Example 1
This example shows the notes of an A Aeolian scale played in order, ascending and descending using octave displacement. The octave
above is used for the ascending passage; the octave below is used for the descending passage.
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Example 2
In this example, the notes are broken up a bit more and the pattern is not consistent or predictable.
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Example 3
This idea starts out sounding smooth and then opens up into larger intervals. D Aeolian is played over Dminadd9.
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Example 4
This 9-bar octave displacement example is in A Minor and uses the A Minor Pentatonic scale. It starts in the 12th position
and descends to the 2nd position. Close attention to the finger slides is important for playing this etude with precision.
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Gotta Get Outta Dis Place Blues
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