Located one half-step below a scale tone or chord tone, the chromatic lower neighbor (CLN) comes in handy when you want to embellish a melody. Many jazz, swing, rockabilly, and country guitarists use this technique to heat up their lines.

The basic concept. We'll start with a plain vanilla C major scale played in thirds (Ex. 1). Hmm -- not too thrilling. Now try Ex. 2. It features the same basic scale pattern, enhanced with chromatic lower neighbors -- definitely more compelling.

More edge. Now play Ex. 3a, an unadorned A7 arpeggio. With its CLN action, Ex. 3b sounds much more interesting. Notice that we're still outlining A7, but because each CLN acts as a leading tone -- half-stepping into its respective chord tone -- there is more forward momentum.

Reminiscent of Django Reinhardt, the minor swing line in Ex. 4 also sounds great played with rockabilly energy through a cranked Fender Twin. Although this passage is based on simple Dm and A7 arpeggios, the many CLN tones provide edgy propulsion.

Once you hear how CLNs work, you'll have no trouble snapping them into your favorite lines. Welcome to the hood.