The set of chords below can be found in fake books everywhere. Although the song that the chords are based on is written in the key of C, the extensive use of secondary dominant chords and changing key centers mandates a more flexible approach to improvisation.

One approach is to map out the probable modal applications (Probable as opposed to certain because static chords cannot be clearly linked to scale degree function). The following chart illustrates one such set of possibilities based on the actual changes above. Try playing the designated modes in straight eighth notes with a discernable swing to hear the changes through the chords.

The above method may seem difficult if your ability to play the modes is position-based. An easier way might be to pick a single tone to revolve around. In the below example the A note was chosen because it can be used in almost each measure (measure 26 being the exception). Each mode is made to accomodate the A note in reference to the chord, this allows a minimal amount of shifts while emphasizing the changing chords.

There are other ways to navigate these changes. One such method is the chord-shape method. An easy introduction to this can be found in free lesson A-1.