does anybody here use patterns and colors for playing instead of scales and chords?

offnote


I mean technique that doesn't use classical music rules like scales, chords etc just coloring ad-hoc with notes and patterns.
I found playing with classical rules limiting and tiresome becasue you always have to know where are you, plus all those circle of fifths can limit your potential choices. Besides playing music I paint also and I like apply same ideas for tunes and for painting. 
I understand though this technique requires of course great ears. 


p.s.
after all there are no real chords or scales, we have just notes right? 

Be warned it is not wise to get "philosophical" with said user! (You are in for it now!)


Seriously, no I don't do that though I have seen such graphical music programs, but may I ask you and I don't mean this snobbily, but what exactly is PRV or the GUI when it comes to writing enevlopes, controllers or both as these things affect the notes as well?


What exactly is Tabulature? (I know what it is, just making a point)


if you really wanna get deep, why do people say "The sky's the limit,: but in the same breath say: "Know your/its limitations"? This is because everything and everybody has limitations. You of course refer to these as rules in classical music notation; however, theory and practice are two totally different idioms or scale degrees (pun intended)


And for your PS: I realize music and math go together, but "imaginary notes" (numbers), really? Let's not forget limits!


Definitely, in all seriousness, techniques vary from person to person. Some paint/color in a striaght motion. Others do so in a circular motion. I used to do the former until I watched a painter on a DIY show say that it's better to utilize the latter technique to avoid going outside the boundaries. I definitely can relate being a perfectionist although in other areas, but especially writing music.


There no one way to write music, but in practice it does have its limits. I do find it odd how in theory courses, you're taught more along the lines of practice; however, the inverse wouldn't surprise me either. Music Practice 101, but discussing theoretical ways around practical limits! 

Even if I did, I'd still think in terms of chords and scales given that was how I was taught.

I'd like to hear what you've done using a unconventional technique! (It's not bad, but may be unusual for most. This includes myself)

^ And they probably had no issues grasping it. I must lament though. I thought by your OP that you meant this is a technique you use on your own as well. Do you and what's the % swing on using both?

I frequently heard the standard notation vs. TAB argument for guitar players, so that is why I asked. As I said, for me, classical notation was how I was taught and taught myself to play by ear. And I can only speak for myself, but PBE is how I grasped being a composer sice I hear tunes - moreso, arrangements of them in my head.

And note that said techniques work in other genre, too - especially improvisation. It's just more prominent (studied and talk abot in jazz - moreso, than say Western music (ie: Pop)

Of course, my spiel is more along the lines of interpretation!

Funny story - regarding my confusion of the two. (This is way before I started watch Who's Line lol)

I thought they were the same thing having asked:

"Is improv where you play a song a different way?" I was told no, but again, I didn't know what improv was. However, the misnomer that improv can't/doesn't happen in other genres just. Much like how "fancy chords" are only suited for jazz/latin music. 

I haven't heard that said out loud, but I wouldn't be surprised knowing about leadsheets which can also be used in other genres.

Blossoms has a host of 7b9s, 7b9b11s, 7#5#9s, but it's a pop tune! Then again, I arranged it and using such chord names is obviously my intention as I have a very good idea and feel for how the song progresses! (V-V cadence, although diminished(iv-ii) with appropriate roots is fine, the former is the stronger one for me despite both being the "same" when heard)

I went somewhat OT, but again, though I may or may not try it, I do see how your technique works.

www.virtuosomethod.com

Is this what you are looking for?

@

+1 to GH for mentioning color. Though it's the same song, (Blossoms) has a different vibe - it's somewhat darker in tone and the progressions - moreso, how the chords are spelled, but indicates this along with the rhythm section (instruments) that accompanies it. Of course, the part (Bridge) I've added really emphasizes how much darker it is. Then again, the whole song is darker.

I was just thinking of this and remember being taught about how the quality of chords sound.

Major, minor, diminished, augmented - your basic triads! Triads 1 and 4 are pretty + bright while 2 and 3 are somber + dark. The fact remains even if you inverted them. If they are played by themselves, of course.

Yet, you run into a tug-o-war with 7ths and upwards!

Bb-D-F-A sounds wonderful, but its inversions "don't" as the root sits on top of the seventh on all three occasions. Turning a once bright chord into a darker one. For me, I like the 4/3 version though I use the 4/2 one as well. IOW, the only times when 7ths and upwards are at the brightest is when they are in root position. (Whether or not they are open or close)

Again, it doesn't seem like much alone, but play or hear the progressions in context and you won't escape the intended timbre. So, yeah, timbre makes a world of difference!

"It's all downhill from here..."

Here is what I see in my mind's eye:

Cmaj - Red
Dmaj - Green
Emaj - Blue
Gmaj - Purple
Amaj - Yellow

I see color only for those 5 chords, always have as far back as I can remember. And for the minors of those 5 I see dark red, dark green, dark blue, dark purple, and dark yellow, respectively.

It helps a lot with memorization for me and makes music into a visual art inside my head when I'm playing.


I have also heard that people use the colors of the chakras as well:

C - Red
D - Orange
E - Yellow
F - Green
G - Blue
A - Indigo
B - Purple

Offnote - I would be curious to hear some of your music you speak of.