As melodic improvisers, we are naturally focused on the harmonic aspect of what we are playing. After all, there's nothing worse than playing wrong notes, right? Our minds are so concerned with what key a...Read More
As melodic improvisers, we are naturally focused on the harmonic aspect of what we are playing. After all, there's nothing worse than playing wrong notes, right? Our minds are so...Read More
Recently we received a question about non-standard progressions, specifically the type of progressions you see in Wayne Shorter and Joe Henderson tunes... These types of tunes are notoriously difficult, as they don't seem to use...Read More
Recently we received a question about non-standard progressions, specifically the type of progressions you see in Wayne Shorter and Joe Henderson tunes... These types of tunes are notoriously difficult, as...Read More
There are certain components to playing jazz that must be happening for any line to sound good. These overlooked skills are what make a line shine. If you get these things together, suddenly you'll realize...Read More
There are certain components to playing jazz that must be happening for any line to sound good. These overlooked skills are what make a line shine. If you get these...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
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
Asignificant part of practicing jazz improvisation consists of working on scales, chords, and patterns. Practicing them in a thorough manner will enable you to obtain the most benefit in the shortest amount of time. Unfortunately,...Read More
Asignificant part of practicing jazz improvisation consists of working on scales, chords, and patterns. Practicing them in a thorough manner will enable you to obtain the most benefit in the...Read More
No pianist has influenced the modern approach to jazz piano more than McCoy Tyner. From players like Chick Corea and Mulgrew Miller to non-pianists like Woody Shaw and Michael Brecker, McCoy has left his mark...Read More
No pianist has influenced the modern approach to jazz piano more than McCoy Tyner. From players like Chick Corea and Mulgrew Miller to non-pianists like Woody Shaw and Michael Brecker,...Read More
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...Read More
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....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
If you’re serious about reaching your musical potential or stepping up your jazz improvisation game then the majority of your time as a musician should be spent in one place: The practice room. It’s where...Read More
If you’re serious about reaching your musical potential or stepping up your jazz improvisation game then the majority of your time as a musician should be spent in one place:...Read More
While we typically focus on ways to improve, this article is all about how to be mediocre. Now, chances are you don't want to be mediocre, so while many of these listed points are tongue-in-cheek,...Read More
While we typically focus on ways to improve, this article is all about how to be mediocre. Now, chances are you don't want to be mediocre, so while many of...Read More
In the recent article Hearing in Color, Forrest discussed the technique of how to develop hearing individual chord tones in the context of triads and 7th chords. Just as the individual chord tones in a...Read More
In the recent article Hearing in Color, Forrest discussed the technique of how to develop hearing individual chord tones in the context of triads and 7th chords. Just as the...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
The melodic minor scale is a scale that you've probably learned early on in your musical development, but it can take on a whole new life when applied to jazz. This scale is a very...Read More
The melodic minor scale is a scale that you've probably learned early on in your musical development, but it can take on a whole new life when applied to jazz....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
The infamous ii V is everywhere in jazz chord progressions. In fact, the ii V defines a sense of tension and release that prevails throughout all western music... An essential key to understanding how to...Read More
The infamous ii V is everywhere in jazz chord progressions. In fact, the ii V defines a sense of tension and release that prevails throughout all western music... An essential...Read More