Jazz is a genre built on risk, creativity, and innovation, and no one embodied these qualities more than Miles Davis.
A towering figure in jazz history, Davis had a way of pushing his bandmates to think differently about their craft.
One such moment came when he famously told Herbie Hancock during a performance: “Don’t play the butter notes.“
This seemingly simple statement has become a legendary piece of advice in jazz lore, but what did Miles mean by it? Let’s unpack the story, its meaning, and why it’s relevant to jazz musicians and fans alike.
The Story Behind the Quote
In the 1960s, Miles Davis was leading his Second Great Quintet, a group widely celebrated for its boundary-pushing approach to jazz. Among the members was pianist Herbie Hancock, then in his early 20s and already showing exceptional promise as a musician.
During one performance, Herbie played a series of chords that he thought fit perfectly. However, Miles turned to him and said, “Don’t play the butter notes.”
As Herbie later recounted, he wasn’t entirely sure what Miles meant at first, but it forced him to rethink his approach on the spot. Instead of gravitating toward the “easy” or predictable notes that might resolve a phrase smoothly, Herbie started exploring more unexpected choices.
To hear Herbie Hancock explain this moment in his own words, watch his brief video recounting the story:
What Are the “Butter Notes”?
The term “butter notes” isn’t a technical musical term, but in context, it’s often understood to mean the comfortable or predictable notes—the ones that feel “safe” because they fit easily into the harmony.
These are the notes that smoothly resolve tension, much like butter melts and blends effortlessly into a dish.
However, the idea of “butter” also carries a connotation of excess or richness, as butter is a luxurious and sometimes overindulgent ingredient. In this sense, “butter notes” could also mean playing too much – adding unnecessary embellishments or overloading the music with complexity that detracts from its essence.
For Miles, avoiding the “butter notes” was about stripping down to what mattered most: the raw, unadorned truth of the music.
Why Was This Advice So Powerful?
Herbie Hancock’s response to Miles’ advice was transformative.
By avoiding the “butter notes,” he learned to embrace tension and find beauty in unconventional choices. This philosophy became a cornerstone of his playing and, later, his composing. It allowed him to develop a style that was both innovative and deeply personal.
For Miles, this was part of a larger ethos.
He famously sought out musicians who were not only skilled but also open to experimentation. The Second Great Quintet’s music is a testament to this philosophy, with its complex rhythms, modal explorations, and harmonic ambiguity. Miles understood that growth and innovation often require stepping out of one’s comfort zone—or, in this case, avoiding the buttery smooth or overly indulgent path.
Lessons Beyond Music
While the phrase “don’t play the butter notes” comes from a musical context, its wisdom extends far beyond the bandstand. Here are some broader takeaways:
- Embrace Risk: Great achievements often come from taking risks, whether in music, art, or life. Staying in your comfort zone may feel safe, but it rarely leads to innovation.
- Challenge Expectations: Predictability can be comforting, but it’s the unexpected twists that captivate and inspire. Don’t be afraid to disrupt the norm.
- Growth Through Discomfort: True growth often comes from moments of tension or uncertainty. By leaning into these moments, you open yourself up to new possibilities.
- Avoid Excess: Just as too much butter can overpower a dish, too much embellishment or indulgence can dilute the core message. Focus on what truly matters.
Why This Matters for Jazz Fans
Understanding the philosophy behind Miles’ advice gives listeners a deeper appreciation for the music.
When you hear a musician take an unexpected turn or create a moment of unresolved tension, it’s often the result of a deliberate choice to avoid the “butter notes.” It’s these choices that make jazz so dynamic and compelling.
So, the next time you listen to Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, or any other artist inspired by this ethos, pay attention to the moments where the music surprises you. Those moments—the ones that make you sit up and take notice—are often where the magic happens.