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HIP LICKS

Module 10


LESSON 1: Hip Lick #1 Video Lesson
In this video, we’ll explore a simple technique for creating variations on Hip Lick #1. This is part of a concept that I call “High Mileage.” High Mileage means that you have the ability to create many variations on any lick or pattern. This is a very important skill for any improvisor, and one of the major differences between the aspiring player and the professional…the pro can easily create variations on a theme, while the aspiring player just keeps repeating the same exact lick. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: The “Speed Bag” for Fast Technique
In this video, I demonstrate a technique with I developed in my own practice sessions. I call it the “Speed Bag,” named for the small punching bag that boxers use to train for speed. I found that a continuous motion of notes gave me improved fluency of technique and increased speed ability. In this video, I use Hip Lick #1 to demonstrate the concept, but you can use this technique with any lick, prase or pattern. Watch this video to see one of the ways that I work on my high-speed chops. ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 3: Minor 7b5 Chords – Piano Accompaniment Video
In this video lesson, I play the piano to accompany your practicing the minor 7b5 chords in all four directions: 1. UP 2. DOWN 3. UP/DOWN ALTERNATING and 4. DOWN/UP ALTERNATING. Play your saxophone along with this piano accompaniment and match the pitch and time of the piano. This is excellent training for the chords, and it will drastically improve your tone, pitch and time. Everything is played at a comfortable eighty-eight beats per quarter note, so it will not present a technical challenge. I have included full notation of the entire exercise for Concert, Eb Alto and Bb Tenor. To ensure your success as an improvising musician, it is absolutely essential that you learn these chords by memory and practice them daily. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSSON 4: Diminished 7th Chords – Piano Accompaniment Video
In this video lesson, I play the piano to accompany your practicing the diminished 7th chords in all four directions: 1. UP 2. DOWN 3. UP/DOWN ALTERNATING and 4. DOWN/UP ALTERNATING. Play your saxophone along with this piano accompaniment and match the pitch and time of the piano. This is excellent training for the chords, and it will drastically improve your tone, pitch and time. Everything is played at a comfortable eighty-eight beats per quarter note, so it will not present a technical challenge. I have included full notation of the entire exercise for Concert, Eb Alto and Bb Tenor. To ensure your success as an improvising musician, it is absolutely essential that you learn these chords by memory and practice them daily. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Road Tips – The Db = ?
Greg shows how to keep your mind focused and sharp even when you’re away from the horn. This music theory game involves thinking of the note “Db” as different degrees of major scales. This note is a bit of a challenge, because it will sometimes be necessary to respell the scale to fit the note. For example, The key of Bb has “D” for the third note. So, that means that Bbb would have a “Db” for the third note. The problem is, that’s a “hypothetical” scale…it doesn’t really exist, because we can’t have double flats in the major scale system. So, it becomes necessary to respell the “Db” as a “C#,” which would give you that pitch acting as the third note in an A major scale. This can be confusing at first, but if you familiarize yourself with enharmonic spellings, it will get easier and easier for you to hear and place the Db (C#) as any degree of a major scale.

aprox 25 min

Module 23


LESSON 1: Hip Lick #2 – Video Lesson

This video lesson starts with a demonstration of the lick played in several keys, followed by a step-by-step approach showing you how to create the lick.

This lesson also includes strategies for using the lick for ear training, high-speed technical practice, as well as lots of cool variations on the lick. Includes detailed PDF lesson practice notes in C, Bb and Eb. Intermediate Level.

LESSON 2: 7 Modes of Major – The Mode Sandwich
In this video lesson, I explore the traditional way the modes are taught and then demonstrate my system of playing all of the modes “sandwiched” between a low and high C.
The low and high C’s act as the top and bottom pieces of bread, with the seven different flavors of modes between the two C’s. Also includes a fun device to memorize the order of the mode names. A fun video of essentials for all players. Beginning & Intermediate level, with PDF practice notes.

LESSON 3: Interactive Metronome Practice
In this video lesson, I share an approach to working with the metronome in which the metronome is an active, rhythmic part of the solo. I have the metronome clicking on 2 & 4, and I make up a solo based on the chords of “Take the A Train.”
The solo is full of playful rhythmic twists and turns which interact with the clicks of the metronome. Includes a PDF transcription of the solo for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate & Advanced Level.

LESSON 4: Hearing the Metronome on 2 & 4
In this video lesson, I show you my technique for hearing the metronome on beats two and four.
This is an essential skill for all jazz musicians. When I hear the metronome on 2 & 4, I imagine the metronome acting as a hi-hat, since that’s where the hi-hat clicks for most swing/bop tunes in 4/4 time.
If you’ve ever had difficulty in perceiving the metronome as clicking on “2 & 4,” this video is for you.


LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Dexter Gordon – Go
In this video lesson, I discuss one of my favorite Dexter Gordon albums.

aprox 29 min

Module 49


LESSON 1: Creating a melody from Three Voice Leading Lines

In this video lesson, I demonstrate how to construct a melody from three voice leading lines. This is a great way to make your playing sound both melodic and harmonically accurate.
Harmonically, this approach covers you because you’re using voice leading from three locations in each chord, leading to three new locations in the upcoming chord. Melodically, you’re covered because this approach has built-in sequencing when you switch between the three voices.
Includes PDF practice notes for Eb, Bb and C instruments.


LESSON 2: Exploring Hip Lick #3

In this video lesson, I explore Hip Lick #3 from Hip Licks for Saxophone, Volume 1. The lick highlights a iimi7 V7 chord progression, starting on the 9th of the iimi7 chord.
The video explores strategies for hearing the root movement, 7-3 voice leading and hearing how to easily locate the first note of the lick, which is the 9th of the iimi7 chord. For advanced players, I demonstrate some ways of extending the lick into a two measure
phrase. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.


LESSON 3: The High Tide Approach to Scale Practice

In this video lesson, I share my concept called “High Tide” for scale practice. This approach will improve your technical facility on the saxophone while also improving your musical memory.
This approach adds one new note each time you ascend the scale from the root. If you’ve been playing your scales the same-old-way for many years, this new approach will add extra freshness for your ears and your fingers.


LESSON 4: The Surfer Analogy & Thinking in Reverse

In This video lesson I share two key concepts that will help to give you smooth technique through efficiency of motion, minimizing any wasted finger movement while
playing the saxophone. In the surfer analogy, your fingers are the surfers, the keys are the surfboards and the keys moving up and down on the horn are the waves of water.
The “thinking in reverse” concept is something that i developed in my 30’s when exploring ways to improve my technical accuracy on the horn. I found that instead of thinking about the finger pressing the note being played, my technique improved if I focused on the keys not being pressed. Implementing these two concepts will greatly improve your technique on the saxophone.


LESSON 5: Road Tips – Location of Notes within Dominant 7th Chords

In this lesson, I show you how to think of one note in four different locations within a Dominant 7th chord. For example, C = Root of C7, but C = the 3rd of Ab7, C = the 5th of F7, and C = the 7th of D7. The importance of enharmonic notes is also discussed in the video. The first part of the video is at an easy pace.
At the end of the video I do a “speed round” for advanced players. This is a fun way to review and sharpen up your chord spelling skills.


approx 30 min

Module 05


LESSON 1: Hip Lick #4 (aka The Honeysuckle Rose Lick)
Hip Lick #4 (from Hip Licks for Saxophone Volume 1) is analyzed from a melodic and harmonic standpoint. Includes exercises to improve your ear through the addition of chord arpeggios added to the lick. Also features a section on using the lick to improve your high-speed chops with a technique called the “Speed Bag.” Greg also demonstrates various ways of playing the lick in different keys, as well as placing the lick in songs. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: The Three Middle D’s of the Saxophone
One of the ways that the master players customize their sound is to use alternate fingerings, adding or subtracting weight to certain notes. This approach adds incredible detail to your lines. In this video, Greg demonstrates the three fingerings for middle D and also explains the musical reasons for choosing one fingering over another. PDF notes for this lesson include fingerings and written examples of the lines played in the video. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 3: State Street ALTO
Greg gives a detailed analysis of “State Street” from Jazz Saxophone Etudes Volume 1. Includes tips on high speed playing, note groupings, chord substitution and moving sevenths. ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 4: State Street TENORGreg gives a detailed analysis of “State Street” from Jazz Saxophone Etudes Volume 1. Includes tips on high speed playing, note groupings, chord substitution and moving sevenths. ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Road Tips – The F = ?Greg shows how to keep your mind focused and sharp even when you’re away from the horn. This music theory game involves thinking of the note “F” as different degrees of major scales.

aprox 45 min

Module 21


LESSON 1: The Cycle – Red & Blue Card System by Greg Fishman
In this video lesson, I share my unique system for learning the cycle by combining two whole-tone scales. While I’ve shared this concept of using these scales in a previous video, I’ve had many requests to demonstrate my “shuffled cards” analogy on camera.
This lesson takes the cycle and puts it on a visual plane, making it very easy to remember. If you’ve ever had any difficulty with memorizing the cycle, this video will immediately clear things up! Be sure to have your instrument out so that you can play along as I hold up the cards and explain how the two decks will combine to form the cycle. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Speedbag with Major 2nds
Speedbag with Major 2nds
In this video lesson, I work with page 23 from my book, “Intervals in Action,” to show you how I use the “speedbag” technique with Major 2nd intervals to increase and improve the speed, accuracy and control of my technique on the saxophone. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. Includes a PDF of the page from the book that was used in the video.

LESSON 3: Major 2nd Video Lesson – Intervals in Action
In this video lesson, I demonstrate many different practice strategies for working with Section 1 of the book “Intervals in Action.” Topics covered include: Creating new rhythms, playing the intervals in a 5/4 time, playing in retrograde (backwards), playing in tritone pairs, and more! Includes a PDF of the full page used in the video lesson. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED.


LESSON 4: Hip Lick #5 Video Lesson
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to work with Hip Lick #5 from my book, Hip Licks for Saxophone, Volume 1.
This is a popular ii mi7 – V7 lick that starts on the 9th of the mi7 chord. The lesson takes you through a new way of practicing licks in twelve keys, by adding just one note at a time to the lick. Also includes a brief discussion of the indirect voice-leading from 7 to 3 used in this lick, along with a comparison to the direct 7 to 3 voice-leading used in lick 1.
PDF includes the lick written out in all 12 keys plus the add-a-note versions of the lick. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Paul Desmond & Gerry Mulligan – Two of A Mind
In this video lesson, I discuss some of my favorite elements of these two amazing player’s styles.

aprox 30 min

Module 16


LESSON 1: Hearing Your Way Down a 7th Chord
This video lesson will help you to improve your ability to play descending chords (7-5-3-1). Many aspiring players have no problem playing ascending chords (1-3-5-7), but playing that same chord backwards (descending) presents a real challenge. In this video, I explain why the descending chords can be more difficult for some players, and I share my unique approach to help you hear your way down the chords. Includes PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL

LESSON 2: 3 Four Contours of 3rds Over a ii / V / I Progression
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to highlight the third of each chord in a ii / V / I progression to create lines with four different contours. These contours have a powerful effect on the type of melodic line you’ll create. This lesson also shares tips for creating rhythmic and melodic variations in your phrases. If you ever feel like you play good notes in your solos, but your phrases are lacking in clarity of direction, this lesson is exactly what you need to take things to the next level. Includes detailed PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

LESSON 3: Hip Lick #7 Video Lesson
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to work with Hip Lick #7 from my book, Hip Licks for Saxophone, Volume 1. This is a ii mi7 – V7 lick. It’s a one-measure lick with a nice seven-to-three voiceleading move included. Very easy to play, and it nails the changes. Includes tips on hearing the roots of the chords while playing the lick, working the lick in 12 keys and creating a nice variation on the lick. PDF lesson notes included. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSSON 4: 4 Note Tape Measure® Scales
In this video, I demonstrate the four note tape measure scales. This is the first four notes of each major scale, played in the cycle. I play the four notes in four directions: 1. Up 2. Down 3. Up/Down 4. Down/Up. I also discuss and demonstrate some different phrasing techniques for the four note scales, as well as playing each grouping twice for a technical workout. Includes PDF Lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.


aprox 37 min

Module 25


LESSON 1: Hip Lick #8 – Video Lesson
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to work with Hip Lick #8 from my book, Hip Licks for Saxophone, Volume 1.
This is a popular ii mi7 – V7 lick that starts on the 7th of the mi7 chord. Also includes a brief theory discussion about ii / V chords. PDF includes detailed practice notes as well as the lick written out in all 12 keys plus. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Embracing the 4th of the chord
In this video lesson, I demonstrate how I like to use the 4th of the scale or chord to create tension and then resolve the note to the 3rd or 5th. Many aspiring players have been told that the 4th is an “avoid note.” This is very bad advice because all players need to know how to deal with this note when it comes up. You can’t just ignore it or avoid it.
I recall that I was given this advice in school, only to put on a Sonny Stitt record and hear him using the 4th extensively, especially over dominant chords. Includes detailed PDF lesson notes for C, Bb and Eb instruments. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 3: How to get a full tone on the Palm Keys
Many group members have written to me, asking for a video lesson teaching them how to get a big, powerful sound on their palm keys. In this video, I share my unique approach to getting a full, big tone on the palm keys.
The video features a demonstration of the “pro” approach and the “amateur” approach to the palm keys. In this lesson, I explain and explore the reasons for the thin, pinched sound of the aspiring player, and I show you how to fix these problems by shifting your tongue and throat position and changing your air support.

If you’ve ever had trouble getting a nice sound on your palm keys, this video will be transformative. Includes PDF lesson notes. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL


LESSSON 4: The Coltrane Triplets
In this video lesson, I share what I call the “Coltrane Triplets.” This is a way of practicing your chord arpeggios with triplets.
It’s great for your technique, and it also provides a nice rhythmic feel to your chord practice. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.
CLICK HERE to download PDF lesson materials

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Dave Brubeck – Time Out
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, Dave Brubeck’s monumental 1959 recording, “Time Out,” featuring the great Paul Desmond on alto.

aprox 33 min

Module 35


LESSON 1: Exploring Hip Lick #9

In this video lesson, I explore Hip Lick #9, extending the lick with the same ii / V chords, as well as making the lick resolve to a I maj7 chord. I also demonstrate the effect of starting the lick in four different locations; beats 1,2,3 & 4. In addition, I also demonstrate the lick in 12 keys. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb & C instruments. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.


LESSON 2: Major II V I vs. minor II V I – Apples to Apples Comparison

In this video lesson, I’ll give you an “apples-to-apples” comparison of a line played over a major ii / V / I and then that same line, harmonically adapted to fit a minor ii / V / i. If you’ve ever felt unsure about the sound of the minor ii / V / I, this video will put things clearly into focus. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.


LESSON 3: Bebop line over the bridge of “I Got Rhythm” from Two Voice-leading Lines

In this video lesson, I show you how I constructed a Bebop eighth-note line over the bridge of “I Got Rhythm,” using two voice-leading lines to nail the changes. Next time you’re playing “Oleo,” play this line on the bridge, and you’ll hear how clearly this approach outlines the changes. In the lesson, first I’ll play the eight-measure line for you and then I’ll deconstruct it, going step-by-step through the process I used to construct the line. Some very good and practical information about using the Bebop scale in this lesson, as well. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.


LESSON 4: Palm Key Hand Position Exercise

In this video lesson, I share my system for fixing years of poor palm key finger positioning. Most intermediate players, or even advanced players with poor left-hand palm key technique, tend to play with flat, straight fingers when it comes to playing the palm keys.

This causes a lack of fluency when switching between the palm keys and the lower range of the horn. In order to achieve fluency of technique, you will need to keep the fingers as curved as possible while pressing the palm keys. This lesson presents a three-step approach to gaining control over the palm keys.

There are no PDF notes with this lesson, as it’s best that you watch the video and imitate the moves on your horn. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.


LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Stan Getz – Focus

This Stan Getz masterpiece from 1961 is simply like no other record. This was Stan’s own favorite album of all of his many wonderful recordings. It’s a suite of seven pieces with a string orchestra, composed and arranged by the great Eddie Sauter.

Stan’s part is completely improvised, and the freshness and searching quality of his improvisations make this a truly unique classic. It’s not “straight-ahead,” though. Sort of a hybrid between jazz and classical. Highly recommended.


aprox 35 min

Module 20


LESSON 1: There is No Greater Love – Part 1 of 2 Mind Transcription
This is part one of a two-part video lesson which I call my “Mind Transcription” series. In this series, I share my ideas and strategies for soloing over the chords of popular standards and jazz tunes.
For this lesson, I’ve chosen the changes for There is No Greater Love. In part one of the lesson, I comp the chords at the piano, discuss the importance of hearing the chords at the piano, explore and explain voice-leading strategies and start the analysis of my original solo over the changes.
PDF practice materials to be used with parts 1 and 2 of this lesson are attached to this video lesson. Materials include 1. Voice leading example sheet. 2. The solo I created on the changes of There is No Greater Love 3. MP3 play-along tracks (short demo version and long rhythm-section only version) – Includes PDFs for C, Bb, and Eb instruments.

LESSON 2: There is No Greater Love – Part 2 of 2 – Mind Transcription
This is the second part of the lesson. Includes discussion of note groupings and use of sequence.

LESSON 3: The Cycle
In this video lesson, Greg shares his unique system for teaching the Cycle (also known as “the Circle of 4ths” or “the Circle of 5ths”). Understanding the Cycle is essential for the development of all aspiring musicians. Includes Hip Lick #1 played in the Cycle in 12 keys, plus detailed PDF lesson notes for C, Bb, and Eb instruments. INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED LEVEL.


LESSON 4: Hip Lick #10 Video Lesson
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to work with Hip Lick #10 from my book, Hip Licks for Saxophone, Volume 1. This is a ii mi7 – V7 lick often used by Charlie Parker.
The lick starts on the 9th of the mi7 chord and it’s very easy to play. Includes tips on hearing the roots of the chords while playing the lick, working the lick in 12 keys, and a demonstration of placing the lick in the beginning, middle, or end of a longer phrase. PDF includes the lick written out in all 12 keys. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Minor 3rds Video Lesson – Intervals in Action
This video lesson explores minor 3rd intervals in many different harmonic contexts with a particular focus given to the way that the interval is used by Jobim in his classic Bossa Nova, “The Girl From Ipanema.” Includes a PDF of page 65 from the book “Intervals in Action,” featuring 31 different harmonic applications of the minor 3rd.
Also includes a PDF of the chord arpeggios and the “Ipanema” application of the interval, as played in the video lesson. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

aprox 46 min

Module 24


LESSON 1: Hip Lick #11 – Video lesson
In this video lesson, we work with Hip Lick #11. This is an extremely useful lick. It’s just six notes, and it fits a Dmi7 chord, a G7 chord, or both chords, with the first four notes of the lick over the Dmi7 and the final two notes over the G7 chord.
This lesson is packed with lots of useful suggestions for creating variations on the lick. It also includes a practice strategy using my “speed bag” technique. Includes detailed PDF lesson notes for C, Bb and Eb instruments. Intermediate level.

LESSON 2: 7 Note Tape Measure® Scales
In this video lesson, I take you through the seven note tape measure® scales in all four directions, played in the cycle. There are some very interesting note groupings on this one, with some shifting accents as you change keys.
Includes PDF lesson notes. Intermediate and Advanced Level.

LESSON 3: Intervals in Action – Perfect 5ths Introduction Video
In this video lesson, we’ll explore 34 different harmonizations of a perfect 5th interval.

I have played all of the chords on the piano, placing the interval in the upper voice of the right hand. Focus on the way that the sound of the interval changes with each new chord. Important: In order to use the PDF play-along and read it without having to transpose, be sure to select and play the video that corresponds to the key of your instrument (C, Bb or Eb). Intermediate & Advanced level. Includes PDF of Intervals in Action page 69, which corresponds to the video.


LESSON 4: Perfect 5ths – Greg Fishman Tenor Sax Demo
In this video, I play the chord arpeggios, followed by the perfect fifth interval of C to G on the tenor. A transcription of this performance is included as a PDF with this lesson.
It is interesting to note that when I recorded this video, I was listening to the sound of the piano and then figuring out the chords in real-time as they were played. For me, this is great ear-training! In post video production, I have placed a graphic with the chord symbols on the screen, so that you can watch me play the notes and also seeing the chord symbols

LESSON 5: Bb Edition – Perfect 5ths Piano Accompaniment
This is the piano accompaniment video for all Bb Instruments. The piano will play all of the chords from page 69 of “Intervals in Action.” Play the notes C to G and notice the unique sound of the interval over each of the thirty-four chords.
If you need to read the chord arpeggios, please print out the included PDF with this lesson. If you do not need to read the arpeggios, you can simply play along while watching the video, arpeggiating the chord listed on the screen, followed by a C up to G on your instrument. BEGINNING PLAYERS: Don’t worry about the chord arpeggios….just play the C and G and notice the unique colors with the changing chords.
INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS: Arpeggiate each chord, followed by the C up to the G. ADVANCED PLAYERS: Improvise on each chord while incorporating either the C, the G, or both notes into your improvisation. Includes PDF with written-out chord arpeggios plus the interval, plus page 69 from “Intervals in Action.”

LESSON 6: Eb Edition – Perfect 5ths Piano Accompaniment
This is the piano accompaniment video for all Eb Instruments. The piano will play all of the chords from page 69 of “Intervals in Action.” Play the notes C to G and notice the unique sound of the interval over each of the thirty-four chords.
If you need to read the chord arpeggios, please print out the included PDF with this lesson. If you do not need to read the arpeggios, you can simply play along while watching the video, arpeggiating the chord listed on the screen, followed by a C up to G on your instrument.
BEGINNING PLAYERS: Don’t worry about the chord arpeggios….just play the C and G and notice the unique colors with the changing chords.
INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS: Arpeggiate each chord, followed by the C up to the G. ADVANCED PLAYERS: Improvise on each chord while incorporating either the C, the G, or both notes into your improvisation. Includes PDF with written-out chord arpeggios plus the interval, plus page 69 from “Intervals in Action.

LESSON 7: C Edition – Perfect 5ths – Piano Accompaniment
This is the piano accompaniment video for all Concert C Instruments. The piano will play all of the chords from page 69 of “Intervals in Action.” Play the notes C to G and notice the unique sound of the interval over each of the thirty-four chords.
If you need to read the chord arpeggios, please print out the included PDF with this lesson. If you do not need to read the arpeggios, you can simply play along while watching the video, arpeggiating the chord listed on the screen, followed by a C up to G on your instrument.
BEGINNING PLAYERS: Don’t worry about the chord arpeggios….just play the C and G and notice the unique colors with the changing chords.
INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS: Arpeggiate each chord, followed by the C up to the G. ADVANCED PLAYERS: Improvise on each chord while incorporating either the C, the G, or both notes into your improvisation. Includes PDF with written-out chord arpeggios plus the interval, plus page 69 from “Intervals in Action.”

LESSON 3: Listening Recommendation: Sonny Stitt – Personal Appearance
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite Sonny Stitt albums, Personal Appearance, recorded in 1957.

aprox 22 min

Module 14


LESSON 1: The Domino Theory (Chromatic Scale Exercise)
In this video, I share my system for practicing the chromatic scale the full range of the saxophone. This is a fun one, and it will give you very smooth technique, as long as you have the patience to follow step by step, adding one note at a time, as I describe in the lesson. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Diminished Scale in 3rds over a V7b9 Chord
In this video lesson, I show you how to take the diminished scale to the next level, playing it in 3rds over a V7b9 chord. This has a very cool, edgy sound which always reminds me of one of my old teachers, the great Joe Henderson. Although this may sound complex, I really break it down into simple steps in the video. The PDF lesson notes provide a very thorough practice guide for the lesson. INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LEVEL

LESSON 3: Major 6th Intervals – Four Directions
In this video lesson, I work with lick #25 from Hip Licks for Saxophone. This is a very cool major 7th lick. I play the lick and then break it down into separate parts, making it very easy to understand. I also share a fun analogy about the importance of developing your musical memory, so that you can compare two musical phrases with very slight differences between the two versions. I also play the lick in twelve keys, descending in half-steps. At the end of the video, I share some advanced concepts for working with the lick. PDF dowload materials include detailed notes and the lick written in all twelve keys. INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LEVEL

LESSSON 4: Hip Lick #25 Video Lesson
Many group members have asked me to create a video in which I demonstrate some of my practice techniques for working with the book, Tasting Harmony. In this video, I explain the concept of the book and demonstrate many different ways of working with the play-along tracks. The extras with this video include several pages from the book, some of the exercises from the video, plus the mp3 tracks. ALL LEVELS.

LESSON 5: Road Tips – The A = ?
Greg shows how to keep your mind focused and sharp even when you’re away from the horn. This music theory game involves thinking of the note “A” as different degrees of major scales.

aprox 30 min

Module 34


LESSON 1: Four Directions – Thinking Locally and Globally

I often mention practicing in four directions for gaining mastery over your scales, chords and intervals. In this video lesson, I explore and explain the four directions. I describe the difference between thinking “locally” and “globally” when playing a sequential pattern.

This is a major concept that will help you improve your ear and your ability to memorize songs and musical vocabulary. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 2: Finding the hidden Diminished and Augmented Chords in the Chromatic Scale

In this video lesson, I show you how to use the chromatic scale to diminished chords and augmented chords. Although I demonstrate these same chords in different video lessons (playing all of them on piano), this is an alternative approach, designed to help players that find it a real challenge learning the traditional way.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes PDF practice notes.

LESSON 3: Exploring Hip Lick #37

In this video lesson, I work with lick #37 from the book “Hip Licks for Saxophone Volume 1.” This is a two-measure C7 lick that uses part of the bebop scale, contrary motion, sequence and a diatonic enclosure.

The lesson explores the lick from many different angles, taking the first half of the lick as a stand-alone lick. I also demonstrate how to create lots of rhythmic variations on the lick, as well as how to transpose the lick not only to twelve keys but how to make the first half of the lick in one key, while transposing only the second part of the lick. Whether you’re just starting out, and intermediate player, or a seasoned pro, there’s something in this lesson for all levels.
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LEVEL. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 4: The “Dooden” Tongue

In this video lesson, I share my technique for this popular special effect tonguing used by Getz, Bird, Pres and many of the top players from the Swing/Bop era. This one is intentionally an “all-ear” lesson, so there are no practice notes on this one.

Be sure and play along with me where indicated in the portion of the lesson where we’ll trade back and forth with the rhythm on the concert G while using the dooden tonguing effect. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Clifford Brown • Max Roach

This amazing 1958 album has so many classics…Daahoud, Joy Spring, Jordu, Parisian Thoroughfare…all on the same album. The beauty and symmetry of Clifford’s playing throughout this album is breathtaking.

Also, check out the interaction between Max Roach and Clifford. Harold Land also is in great form on this album. One of my favorites.

aprox 39 min