How to incorporate jazz riffs, passing tones, tritones in music piece

[spiritofelijah]

I wanted to ask yall if yall had any advice on how to incorporate different runs, riffs, passing tones, tritones, etc. in your music. I feel really frustrated b/c I'm at the point now where I can play chords and progressions, for example 6-2-5-1 or any song and I'm lost on what you do in between. How do you color your music? Is there a specific formula or way you know WHAT TO PLAY in between one chord to another? Thanks for your help! 

[4hisglory]

I wanted to ask yall if yall had any advice on how to incorporate different runs, riffs, passing tones, tritones, etc. in your music. I feel really frustrated b/c I'm at the point now where I can play chords and progressions, for example 6-2-5-1 or any song and I'm lost on what you do in between. How do you color your music? Is there a specific formula or way you know WHAT TO PLAY in between one chord to another? Thanks for your help! 

One thing to remember is that any chord can be apprached with a chord from a half step above, or below.  Also, things like arpeggiios and scales can be used to add to your music.

[Jazzy E]

 Personally I don't like how tri-tones sound, it sounds horrible to me.

[Cmajor13]

One thing to remember is that any chord can be apprached with a chord from a half step above, or below.  Also, things like arpeggiios and scales can be used to add to your music.

here is an example
this is the regular progression
D/F-A-C-E...2
G/F-Ab-B-D...5
C/E-G-B-D...1

this is with a passing chord added half step up
D/F-A-C-E...2
G/F-Ab-B-D...5
Db/E-Ab-B-Eb...passing chord
C/E-G-B-D...1

this is with a half step below
D/F-A-C-E...2
G/F-Ab-B-D...5
B/F#-Bb-Eb
C/E-G-B-D...1

[spiritofelijah]

ok thanks! I'm gonna try that out.