The ii V progression makes up the vast majority of chord changes within the jazz standard repertoire. Much of our success or failure as improvisors comes from being able to navigate this deceptively simple progression. ...Read More
The ii V progression makes up the vast majority of chord changes within the jazz standard repertoire. Much of our success or failure as improvisors comes from being able to...Read More
Let's face it. As improvising musicians, we've become obsessed with notes. Obsessed with harmony, chords, and scales. Which scales to use over which chord progressions, which diminished scales to play over dominant chords, how to...Read More
Let's face it. As improvising musicians, we've become obsessed with notes. Obsessed with harmony, chords, and scales. Which scales to use over which chord progressions, which diminished scales to play...Read More
Rhythm is often thrown to the wayside, in favor of working on harmony and melody. Perhaps this disregard is caused by a lack of understanding about how to approach this aspect of improvisation. Here's...Read More
Rhythm is often thrown to the wayside, in favor of working on harmony and melody. Perhaps this disregard is caused by a lack of understanding about how to approach this...Read More
On this site we've talked about transcribing numerous times. From the reasons you should be transcribing solos to the best method of transcription...even to the different definitions of transcription for jazz musicians. Knowing why you're...Read More
On this site we've talked about transcribing numerous times. From the reasons you should be transcribing solos to the best method of transcription...even to the different definitions of transcription for...Read More
After hours spent practicing technique: endless articulation, tone, range, and fingering exercises, are you still not matching up to what you're hearing on your favorite records? Are those same étude books and exercises you've been...Read More
After hours spent practicing technique: endless articulation, tone, range, and fingering exercises, are you still not matching up to what you're hearing on your favorite records? Are those same étude...Read More
Have you ever wondered why great pianists, guitarists, bassists, and drummers often sing along as they improvise? Ever noticed how many of the best horn players also happen to be great singers? Great musicians all...Read More
Have you ever wondered why great pianists, guitarists, bassists, and drummers often sing along as they improvise? Ever noticed how many of the best horn players also happen to be...Read More
Tran•scribe - transitive verb. A: to make a written copy of, B: to make a copy of (dictated or recorded matter) in longhand or on a machine, C: to paraphrase or summarize in writing, D:...Read More
Tran•scribe - transitive verb. A: to make a written copy of, B: to make a copy of (dictated or recorded matter) in longhand or on a machine, C: to paraphrase...Read More
A reader recently wrote in the following question: "I used to play classical guitar, then stopped for a couple of years, and am now trying to teach myself jazz guitar. Here's the thing: I'm a...Read More
A reader recently wrote in the following question: "I used to play classical guitar, then stopped for a couple of years, and am now trying to teach myself jazz guitar....Read More
Whether it's figuring out difficult double-time passages, navigating advanced technical lines, or even finding the motivation to do it everyday, transcribing can be difficult. Transcribing, while essential to learning to play the jazz language, is...Read More
Whether it's figuring out difficult double-time passages, navigating advanced technical lines, or even finding the motivation to do it everyday, transcribing can be difficult. Transcribing, while essential to learning to...Read More
Lately I've realized that to get to specific parts of a solo that I've transcribed to memory, I'm quite dependent on the material that comes before them. In other words, I've learned the solo from...Read More
Lately I've realized that to get to specific parts of a solo that I've transcribed to memory, I'm quite dependent on the material that comes before them. In other words,...Read More
I'm always trying to learn new bits of language." - Michael Brecker. There are a lot of things to practice. What is truly vital to practice if you want to get better at improvising? ...Read More
I'm always trying to learn new bits of language." - Michael Brecker. There are a lot of things to practice. What is truly vital to practice if you want to...Read More
Transcribing can be beneficial no matter how you do it. Often when I go to transcribe, I like to have a specific goal in mind of what I am aiming to accomplish, making for rapid...Read More
Transcribing can be beneficial no matter how you do it. Often when I go to transcribe, I like to have a specific goal in mind of what I am aiming...Read More
Transcribe, transcribe , transcribe. It is what you've been hearing since you started to learn how to improvise...and for a good reason. Transcribing is one of the best ways to learn the stylistic language of...Read More
Transcribe, transcribe , transcribe. It is what you've been hearing since you started to learn how to improvise...and for a good reason. Transcribing is one of the best ways to...Read More