Stuck in the same monotonous pattern? Not excited about playing lately? It's time to start with a clean slate and welcome in the new year feeling motivated. Here's 100 ideas to reinvigorate your energy for...Read More
Stuck in the same monotonous pattern? Not excited about playing lately? It's time to start with a clean slate and welcome in the new year feeling motivated. Here's 100 ideas...Read More
Arecent question from a reader inquired about the blues in all keys: "I'm a sax player and have been working through the blues in all keys for the past few months, and was wondering if...Read More
Arecent question from a reader inquired about the blues in all keys: "I'm a sax player and have been working through the blues in all keys for the past few...Read More
Your mother probably taught you not to steal…That taking something that wasn’t yours was wrong or that pocketing an item from the shelves of a store could land you into a world of trouble. But what...Read More
Your mother probably taught you not to steal…That taking something that wasn’t yours was wrong or that pocketing an item from the shelves of a store could land you into a...Read More
Time and again, we've stressed on this site that scales are not the secret to jazz improvisation. However, scales can be beneficial if you practice and apply them in the right way. Once you aurally...Read More
Time and again, we've stressed on this site that scales are not the secret to jazz improvisation. However, scales can be beneficial if you practice and apply them in the...Read More
On this site, we often talk about the specifics of learning improvisation: ear training, transcribing, chord progressions, language... But what about the big picture? How do you accomplish what you want to as a musician? ...Read More
On this site, we often talk about the specifics of learning improvisation: ear training, transcribing, chord progressions, language... But what about the big picture? How do you accomplish what you...Read More
Over the years, in learning this music and working on improvisation, I've encountered a lot of educational information: how to learn, how to practice, which scales to use, how to learn bebop in a week,...Read More
Over the years, in learning this music and working on improvisation, I've encountered a lot of educational information: how to learn, how to practice, which scales to use, how to...Read More
The typical jazz transcription process usually goes something like this...you start with a solo, you listen to the recording a few times, maybe even slowing it down a bit, then you figure out the notes...Read More
The typical jazz transcription process usually goes something like this...you start with a solo, you listen to the recording a few times, maybe even slowing it down a bit, then...Read More
You know the routine…You pick out a new tune, read through the melody, and start to work on a solo. You've got a few ideas, throw in a couple of your favorite licks, and follow...Read More
You know the routine…You pick out a new tune, read through the melody, and start to work on a solo. You've got a few ideas, throw in a couple of...Read More
Paul Desmond plays the alto saxophone unlike any other…sweet, melodic, and precise, always leading the listener through a clear story from one musical idea to the next - It’s as if every single idea he...Read More
Paul Desmond plays the alto saxophone unlike any other…sweet, melodic, and precise, always leading the listener through a clear story from one musical idea to the next - It’s as...Read More
There aren't many things that we can all agree on when it comes to discussing the history of jazz, but one thing that we can come to a consensus on is that all the masters...Read More
There aren't many things that we can all agree on when it comes to discussing the history of jazz, but one thing that we can come to a consensus on...Read More
Half-diminished chords are difficult, but they don't have to be. In How to Not Suck At Half-diminished Chords, I presented a simple way to start to improve at these often neglected chords and if you...Read More
Half-diminished chords are difficult, but they don't have to be. In How to Not Suck At Half-diminished Chords, I presented a simple way to start to improve at these often...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
With its unique opening chord changes, the jazz standard I Remember You poses quite the challenge to most jazz improvisers, which is surprising because the chords themselves don’t seem that difficult. But it’s not the...Read More
With its unique opening chord changes, the jazz standard I Remember You poses quite the challenge to most jazz improvisers, which is surprising because the chords themselves don’t seem that...Read More
Think of a jazz standard that you often play. One that you've been working on in the practice room. Picture the chord progression in your mind and imagine yourself getting ready to play the first...Read More
Think of a jazz standard that you often play. One that you've been working on in the practice room. Picture the chord progression in your mind and imagine yourself getting...Read More
In a recent post: A Blueprint for Building Your Repertoire, I outlined some ideas to ponder while creating a repertoire of tunes. Concepts like how to learn, listen to, and how to approach the Great...Read More
In a recent post: A Blueprint for Building Your Repertoire, I outlined some ideas to ponder while creating a repertoire of tunes. Concepts like how to learn, listen to, and...Read More
The torrential rain won't stop. Day after day it pours, keeping us inside. After an epic winter, the weather lightens up and the sun soaks up the moisture on the rocks. Finally, rock climbing season...Read More
The torrential rain won't stop. Day after day it pours, keeping us inside. After an epic winter, the weather lightens up and the sun soaks up the moisture on the...Read More