Jazz Piano Solos

9 Incredible Jazz Piano Solos You Should Know

By Eric

The piano is a cornerstone of this music, lending some of the finest composers, soloists, and forward thinking improvisers throughout history. And as a serious musician, you should be studying jazz piano solos too… Whether it’s comping, soloing, or playing tunes, pianists are continually integrating the core elements of musical expression – rhythm, melody, and …

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Bird Blues Charlie Parker

Bird Blues: A Player’s Guide

By Eric

Charlie Parker’s iconic take on the Blues form, commonly referred to as the “Bird Blues,” is a staple of the modern jazz repertoire and a rite of passage for every serious improviser… However, this particular tune can pose a challenge for even the best players, and oftentimes it’s reduced to predictable theory devices. That’s why …

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10 Must-Know Jazz Chord Progressions

By Eric

Getting to the next level as an improviser means moving beyond the basics of chords and scales. Specifically, it’s all about focusing on the harmonic relationships in the jazz repertoire – what we call jazz chord progressions. You see, there are a finite set of harmonic relationships that pop up in the majority of popular …

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How to Create a Thematic Jazz Solo

By Eric

Have you ever felt like you’re missing a piece of the puzzle when it comes to improvisation? As if you’re following all the rules, yet still not playing the music you want to… Every musician has felt the sting of this frustration, especially when listening to all those important records and amazing players. It seems …

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