Inspiration for improvisers
By
Jazz Language, Jazz Musicians, Premium Only, Transcribing
What if you had Sonny Stitt’s practice journal in your hands right now? All his genius lines and exercises written out. Everything, literally everything, complete with diagrams and descriptions of what he practiced…wouldn’t that be nice? Well, unfortunately, unless he’s your relative, chances are this will never be the case. You’ll never have those practice …
By
Jazz Musicians, Jazz Standards, Premium Only, Tunes
All the Things You Are is one of the first tunes musicians learn when it comes to jazz improvisation. But unlike many players think, it’s not exactly an “easy tune” or something that only beginners should play… This is especially true of the Bridge of this popular jazz standard. Hidden within these eight bars are …
By
Jazz Advice and Tips, Premium Only, Tunes
All the Things You Are is one of the first tunes musicians learn when it comes to jazz improvisation. But unlike many players think, it’s not exactly an “easy tune” or something that only beginners should play… The ability to create a musical solo on this tune requires a surprisingly deep understanding of harmony and …
By
Blues, Jazz Advice and Tips, Jazz Musicians, Premium Only
The Blues is an essential form to master for every jazz musician, but just like most things in jazz, there are dozens of variations to explore. One of the most exciting variations and one that’s exceptionally fun to play over for improvisers of all levels, centralizes the harmony around minor chords rather than dominant chords. …
By
Jazz Advice and Tips, Jazz Musicians, Premium Only
Herbie Hancock is one of the most renowned and creative musicians in the world – and for good reason! His career has bridged the gap from the roots of this music, performing with masters like Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter, to exploring the possibilities of improvisation with his own groups…. And for any musician looking …
By
Jazz Standards, Premium Only, Tunes
You’re on stage. In the practice room. Or rehearsing with your friends. It’s time to run through yet another jazz standard. But here’s the thing, this time you’re not going play it like you always do. You’re done sounding like everyone else with a real book. It’s time to get creative on your own terms… …
By
Chords, Composition, Jazz Advice and Tips, Premium Only, Scales
After you’ve been improvising jazz for a while, most chords are pretty familiar. You’re used to major, minor, dominant, and half diminished…but just as you thought you were getting a handle on things, a chord comes out of nowhere that makes you go “What is that?!?!” And not only do you have to figure out what …
By
Chords, Composition, Jazz Advice and Tips, Jazz Standards, Music Theory, Premium Only
When it comes to learning tunes, expanding your repertoire, and improving the way you improvise over jazz standards, most players are taking the wrong approach… You see, the secret to improving with standards doesn’t lie in making long lists, spending hours memorizing chord progressions, and then trying your best to conjure up melodic lines. …because …
By
Jazz Advice and Tips, Playing Techniques, Premium Only
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a routine? Going through the motions day in and day out. Performing the same tasks at the same time, no matter what. You can almost predict it like clockwork… The truth is everyone knows this feeling because we’re creatures of habit. We find the path of least …
By
Jazz Advice and Tips, Premium Only, Transcribing
Over the years I’ve attended dozens of masterclasses. Poured through hundreds of interviews with master musicians, and took lessons with the best players I could find. However, after a few years ONE thing kept surprising me – there was a disconnect between what these great players said and what they actually did… In fact, some …
By
How to Practice Jazz, Jazz Language, Premium Only, Tunes
The ability to play in every key is essential for all musicians. From the complete beginner, to the serious music student, all the way to the seasoned professional… And it’s especially important for musicians that are striving to get to the next level with the nuts and bolts of jazz improvisation. However, attaining freedom in all …
By
Chords, Jazz Language, Premium Only
There are certain things that you need to do if you want to improve your musical skills…Setting aside time each day to practice. Listening to important recordings. Seeking out teachers to guide you along the way. The same is true if you want to improve your jazz improvisation skills. You need to spend time listening, transcribing solos, building …