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JAZZ LANGUAGE

Module 46


LESSON 1: Introduction to Major Seventh Chord Inversions

In this video lesson, I share my technique for hearing all inversions of a major seventh chord.

I explain why this unique approach helps the ear to hear the differences between the intervallic structures of root position, first inversion, second inversion and third inversions of the major seventh chord.

Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.


LESSON 2: Major Seventh Chord Inversions Echo Game

In this video lesson, I play the major seventh chords in all inversions with what I call the “bottom margin” of my “C” on tenor: C-E-G-B (Cmaj7), C Eb G Ab (Abmaj7), C E F A (Fmaj7), and C Db F Ab (Dbmaj7), followed by the remaining eleven notes in the cycle acting as the “bottom margin notes.”

Playing the inversions in this manner really highlights the interval structure and improves the accuracy of the ear.

This is a great practice approach for ear training and improved control of your major seventh chords. Advanced level.


LESSON 3: Hip Lick #73

In this video lesson, I explore Hip Lick #73 and demonstrate how I adapt the lick to change it from a Bossa Nova style lick into a Swing style lick, with extra notes and less syncopation.

Hip Lick #73 is based on a popular chord progression known as “Parallel Major to Minor.” This means that the chord changes from Cmaj7 to Cmi7. Many of the old standard songs, including Green Dolphin Street, I’ll Remember April, How High The Moon, I’m Glad there Is You, etc., use this chord progression.

The video concludes with and ECHO GAME of the lick in all twelve keys, played in the cycle. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate Level.


LESSON 4: Echo Game with Random Chord Types

I’ve had many member requests for a video in which I play the “big five” chords in the cycle, but randomize the chord types instead of just playing them in a preset order.

In this video lesson, the first half is designed for intermediate players and I reveal each chord type after I leave space for you to echo the chord arpeggio that I have played. The second part of the video is slightly more challenging.

I randomize the chords again through the cycle, but this time I don’t reveal the type played. The final part of this echo game is for more advanced players, with the randomized chords descending from the seventh.

This is an excellent way to improve your ear and your ability to focus on the unique sound of the “big five” chord types: maj7, dominant 7, minor 7, half-diminished and diminished chords. Intermediate & Advanced level.


approx 30 min

Module 12


LESSON 1: 1 Lick in 12 Keys vs. 12 Licks in 1 Key
Two Great Approaches to Fluency in All Keys – In this video lesson, I’ll share a practice concept which has been great for the development of my playing fluently in all twelve keys. Many are familiar with what I call the “1 in 12 approach.” With this approach to practicing in twelve keys, you take one lick, pattern or song, and play it in 12 keys. However, the “12 in 1 approach” is the reverse…You take twelve different licks and put them all into just one key. This gives you a LOT of material under your fingers in one particular key, and it really improves your hearing in a particular key center. Both approaches are vital, but this 12 in 1 approach is new for most players. Give it a try! I’ve included PDF’s with the 12 in 1 approach for all keys for the first 12 licks of Hip Licks. However, do try them by ear for the best results! INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Application of the Diminished Scale over a II-7/V7/Imaj7
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to apply the diminished scale over the V7 chord in a ii-7/V7/Imaj7. This is a great video to watch if you’ve always wondered just how to implement the diminished scale in a moving phrase. First, I’ll play the idea diatonically, using just the notes of the major key. Next, I’ll explain and demonstrate, how to use the notes of the diminished scale in the phrase. In this video, I teach the lesson while playing the examples on the VIBRAPHONE. The vibraphone is great for this type of training, because it’s visual, making it easy to see what I’m doing as I give harmonic analysis. The vibes are also great for working on your saxophone intonation. When you play along with the vibes in the video, you can easily hear if you’re out of tune, because the sound of the vibes is such a pure tone. In addition, the vibes, allow you to hear multiple notes at once, which is great for hearing in harmonic context. PDF NOTES include transposed examples for all C, Bb and Eb instruments. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 3: The Four Middle Eb’s of the Saxophone
In this video lesson, I explore four different fingerings for middle Eb on the saxophone. The old-school players like Dexter, Stitt, Getz, Coltrane, Etc., liked to customize the timbre of their notes. Developing the ability to customize the weight and timbre of your notes will add a pro-level touch of detail to everything you play. If you’re not taking advantage of these four middle Eb options every time you play your horn, you’ve been missing out. Join in the fun with these cool sounds! INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSSON 4: Major 7th Intervals as 3rds & #9ths on V7 Chords
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to apply the major 7th interval to one of my favorite harmonic settings, using the notes of the interval as the 3rd and #9th on a dominant seventh chord. While this is not technically difficult to play, harmonically speaking, for some players, it will take the ear a little bit of time to get used to the sound. In the video, I demonstrate the sound several different ways, so that it’s easy for your ear to hear the interval in this new setting. I first heard Sonny Stitt use this sound when I was learning to play, and have used it ever since. This sound will add a very nice harmonic edge to your playing. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Road Tips – The B = ?
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 “B” as different degrees of major scales.

aprox 30 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 31


LESSON 1: Ogden Avenue (Take the A Train) – Melodic Embellishment
In this video lesson, I demonstrate the concept of melodic embellishment, using my composition “Ogden Avenue” from “Jazz Phrasing for Saxophone, Volume 1.”
This is a medium tempo swing piece based on chords similar to “Take the A Train.” In the lesson, I’ll show you how I embellish the original melody by connecting ideas with additional notes or sequences. This is an essential skill for all improvisers. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, Includes PDF notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 2: Cake, Frosting & Sprinkles – Part 1 of 3 – Lower & Upper Neighboring Tones on Triads
This is part one of a three part in-depth lesson on the usage of lower and upper neighboring tones.
I use the fun analogy of cake, frosting, and sprinkles to show you how to apply lower and upper neighboring tones on major and minor chords. The upper and lower neighboring tones are an essential part of the musical language.
Once you’ve learned how to apply these concepts, your playing will have a new level of fluency and polish. Includes extensive practice PDF notes for each of the three videos. Includes parts of Bb, Eb and C instruments. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 3: Cake, Frosting & Sprinkles – Part 2 of 3 – Lower & Upper Neighboring Tones on Triads
This is part two of a three part in-depth lesson on the usage of lower and upper neighboring tones. I use the fun analogy of cake, frosting, and sprinkles to show you how to apply lower and upper neighboring tones on major and minor chords.
The upper and lower neighboring tones are an essential part of the musical language. Once you’ve learned how to apply these concepts, your playing will have a new level of fluency and polish.
Includes extensive practice PDF notes for each of the three videos. Includes parts of Bb, Eb and C instruments. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. Part two focuses specifically on the usage of the upper neighboring tones.

LESSON 4: Cake, Frosting & Sprinkles – Part 3 of 3 – Lower & Upper Neighboring Tones on Triads
This is part three of a three part in-depth lesson on the usage of lower and upper neighboring tones. I use the fun analogy of cake, frosting, and sprinkles to show you how to apply lower and upper neighboring tones on major and minor chords.
The upper and lower neighboring tones are an essential part of the musical language. Once you’ve learned how to apply these concepts, your playing will have a new level of fluency and polish. Includes extensive practice PDF notes for each of the three videos.
Includes parts of Bb, Eb and C instruments. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. Part three focuses on combining the lower and upper neighboring tones, how to apply both upper and lower neighboring tones to minor chords, and includes extensive playing examples.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Count Basie – E=MC2
One of my all-time favorite Count Basie albums, E=MC2. Neal Hefti arrangements. The band is just smokin’ on this one. I love the close miking, as well. Feels like we’re in the same room with the band. The Basie band conveys such power, but it’s never forced. Beautiful buoyancy to the feel. Great solos. A great addition to any serious jazz collection.

aprox 35 min

Module 30


LESSON 1: The JS Bach Effect
In this video lesson, I explore what I call the “JS Bach” effect. With this effect, Bach turns a basic triad into a melodic masterpiece.
He does this by raising the 3rd of the chord by an octave and changing the note order from 1-3-5 to 1-5-3. This may sound like a simple device, but since it involves some large intervals, it takes a little bit of practice to get comfortable playing it on the saxophone.
I first noticed this great effect when I hear the Bach Cello Suites. This effect is one of my favorites on any instrument, and it really gets your ear to hear the 3rd of any chord very clearly. I demonstrate the JS Bach effect with diatonic triads and also major and minor triads played in the cycle. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 2: Melodic Embellishment
In this video lesson, I demonstrate the concept of melodic embellishment, using my composition “Milwaukee Avenue” from “Jazz Phrasing for Saxophone, Volume 1.”
This is a medium tempo blues with plenty of space in the melody, similar to a “standard.” In the lesson, I’ll show you how I embellish the original melody by connecting ideas with additional notes or sequences. This is an essential skill for all improvisers. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, Includes PDF notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 3: The Dexter Bb Shake
In this video lesson, I show you what I call the “Dexter Bb Shake.” I named it for Dexter Gordon because I first noticed the way that he used the effect.
Although many other tenor players also use this expressive device, I still associate it with Dexter. This is a fun lesson and it helps you work on what I call “timbral shading,” which means modifying the timbre of the note. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.
Includes PDF practice notes. Since this lesson is dependant on this exact fingering to produce the effect, the PDF is only in the tenor key. This effect will work well on alto with the same fingering, as well.

LESSSON 4: Sonny Rollins Style Articulation
In this video, I demonstrate an intense style of articulation that I learned from listening to one of my favorite players, the great Sonny Rollins. Sonny has an incredible amount of energy and power in his playing, and he’s developed an incredibly percussive style of articulation which introduces short notes in the middle of fast-moving eighth-note lines.
The video includes a demonstration comparing the smoother Sonny Stitt approach to this more percussive approach. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL. Includes PDF for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Sonny Rollins Plus 4
In this video, I discuss one of my favorite Sonny Rollins albums, “Sonny Rollins Plus 4.” This is on the Prestige record label, recorded in 1956.

aprox 33 min

Module 29


LESSON 1: Basic Voice leading for a ii – V – I – PART 1 of 2
In this video lesson, I share some essential voice-leading strategies which will transform your chord arpeggios, making them sound smooth and professional.
f you’re used to just arpeggiating your ii – V – I chords as 1-3-5-7, one after another, this video (in two parts) will take you to the next level! Part one of the lesson deals with major ii V I progressions. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 2: Basic Voice leading for a ii – V – I – PART 2 of 2
In this video lesson, I share some essential voice-leading strategies which will transform your chord arpeggios, making them sound smooth and professional.
If you’re used to just arpeggiating your ii – V – I chords as 1-3-5-7, one after another, this video (in two parts) will take you to the next level! Part two of the lesson deals with minor ii V I progressions. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 3: Hip Lick #49
Hip Lick #49 is based on Cmi7. It’s a two-measure lick that outlines the primary notes of the chord (7-5-3-1) while also including some popular bebop elements, such as the opening triplet rhythm on the first beat.
I demonstrate how to use dynamics to liven up the lick and I also play it in 12 keys, descending chromatically. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSSON 4: Why Does My Playing Sound so Choppy (and how do I make it Smoother)?
Many students come to me with the same issue…they want to have a smooth sound when playing eighth-note lines, but no matter how slowly they practice, they still have a “choppy” sound. This is a tricky problem to correct because it has several causes.
I explore the three main reasons for the “choppy” sound issue and provide effective solutions for this frustrating issue. When I show these techniques to my students, it immediately raises their playing level, and many years of frustration go away very quickly.
While it will take some time and effort to fix the problem, with the tips from this video lesson, you’ll be sounding smoother than you ever thought possible. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Marcos Valle – Samba 68
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, Marcos Valle’s “Samba ’68.” It’s deceptive because it sounds so light and fluffy and simple. Actually, it’s incredibly deep, sophisticated writing with some of the catchiest melodies I’ve ever heard.
Each tune is a masterpiece of melodic construction, performed in a charming, relaxed manner, by the composer himself, singing and playing guitar.
The lush orchestrations are by Deodato. Recorded in 1967 and released in 1968, at the tail-end of the bossa nova craze, this is a rare gem of a record.

aprox 35 min

Module 28


LESSON 1: How to Play What You Hear in Your Head
In this video lesson, I share some of my techniques for getting the sounds in your head to come out on your horn.
This is an all “by ear” lesson. Includes a detailed description of the process involved in practicing to develop this unique skill. This lesson is a must for all playing levels, from beginner to advanced level

LESSON 2: Stan Getz Minor 2nd Interval placement – as the 3rd and 9th over a mi7 chord
In this video lesson, we’ll explore one of my favorite harmonic settings a minor second interval, acting as the 3rd / 9th / 3rd of a minor seventh chord. This has a very Getzian kind of sound…smooth and melodic. Includes page 22 from “Intervals in Action,” plus detailed PDF practice guide for C, Bb and Eb instruments. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

LESSON 3: Phil Woods Turnaround Lick
In this video lesson, I explore what I call the “Phil Woods” turnaround lick. It uses two voice-leading notes to create a beautifully balanced, melodic line of eighth-notes.
We’ll work with a progression of: Emi7 A7b9 / Dmi7 G7b9 / Cmaj7 in the video, but the included PDFs have transposed parts for Eb, Bb and C instruments. Intermediate Level with some additional tips at the end of the video lesson for advanced players.

LESSSON 4: Bebop Tradition: How to Mix a Minor Triad with a Diminished 7th Chord
Part of the bebop tradition involves the usage of both upper extensions and implied harmony. The mixing of the minor triad with a diminished seventh chord adds a strong harmonic boost to any minor passage.
When you mix the diminished seventh chord in with the minor triad, the implied harmony is a temporary V7b9 chord that switches back to the i minor chord.
If this description sounds really complicated, let me just say that it’s a really cool sound, and it’s really easy to add this to your playing. You’ll definitely recognize it when you hear it. INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED level. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb, and C instruments.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Charlie Parker with Strings
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, Charlie Parker’s masterpiece album, “Charlie Parker with Strings.” The album features popular standards from the Great American Songbook, arranged for the strings-plus-rhythm section. Parker at his most eloquent. One of my all-time favorites.

aprox 26 min

Module 27


LESSON 1: Double-time Passage from Ravenswood Avenue
In this video lesson, you’ll observe me working with my Skype student Ritchie Graham (in Scotland). Over the years, many students have struggled with this double-time passage that I composed for my etude “Ravenswood Avenue.”
I share some unique practice techniques for gaining control over this tricky passage. Rather than just playing the phrase myself, I felt that it would be very instructive for our group members to observe how quickly Ritchie improves his command of the phrase by simply following my unique practice approach. Includes PDF of the phrase in Bb, Eb and C.
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Confirmation Changes / Hyde Park Blvd w/Aebersold
In this video lesson, I’ll show you how to nail the changes on Confirmation through good voice-leading, demonstrated in my contrafact for Confirmation, titled “Hyde Park Boulevard.”

This video includes me playing along with the fantastic Jamey Aebersold Volume 6 “All Bird” featuring Kenny Barron, Ron Carter and Ben Riley. I also play an improvised solo, demonstrating what I call “first gear,” which is a very melodic way of navigating the changes.
The lesson includes a full PDF transcription of my improvised solo, as well as written out voice-leading lines over the chords for the A section of Confirmation. PDFs are for C, Bb, and Eb instruments. Intermediate and Advanced level.

LESSON 3: Lifting Weights – The Importance of Daily Practice
In this video, I read the first chapter of my book, “The Lobster Theory.” This chapter is called “Lifting Weights,” and it’s about the importance of practicing each day.

LESSON 4: Sonny Stitt Triplets
In this video lesson, I’ll show you a very cool Sonny Stitt triplet pattern that works great over a ii mi7 / V7 progression.
Features analysis of chord tones used in the lick, as well as ear training advice on hearing the lick over the chords. Includes detailed PDF practice notes plus the lick written out in 12 keys for Bb, Eb and C instruments. Intermediate Level.

LESSON 5: Listening Recommendation: Wes Montgomery – Tequila
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, guitarist Wes Montgomery’s 1966 Verve album, “Tequila.”
The album features Wes on guitar plus Ron Carter on bass and Grady Tate on drums. The album features spectacular playing by the group, plus beautiful string writing by Claus Ogerman. One of my all-time favorites.

aprox 27 min

Module 26


LESSON 1 – 4: Four part series, how to Transcribe Solos 
In this four-part lesson, I’ll show you my process for transcribing solos. This lesson is really dense and packed with tips and techniques for transcribing. For the demonstration of how to transcribe, I’ve selected the first chorus of a Sonny Stitt blues called “Down With It.”
You’ll see me listen, figure out the notes and then write them on the staff paper in music notation with the correct pitches, rhythms and chords. Along the way, I’ll share many tips and suggestions about the transcription process. Includes PDF of the solo I transcribe in the video lesson for Bb, Eb and C instruments, as well as a page of blank staff paper.
To make this lesson really interactive, print out the staff paper and transcribe along with me, mirroring what I write on the sheet on screen. This will give you the very satisfying feeling of what it’s like to start with a blank page and end up with a beautiful transcribed solo.
NOTE: THE AUDIO SOFTWARE I USE IN THIS VIDEO IS CALLED “ANY TUNE.” Other similar apps are called: TRANSCRIBE, AMAZING SLOW DOWNER, AND MUSIC SPEED CHANGER. If you do a search for “10 Best Slow Down Music Apps (Android/IPhone) 2020” you’ll get a nice listing of similar apps and a brief review of their features.

In the old days, none of this technology existed, and I would transcribe from a cassette player, and then directly from a CD player (which still actually works pretty well). The main thing to remember is to be very patient while transcribing and to have lots of patience with yourself and with the process.


LESSON 5: The Chromatic Triplet Trick
In this video lesson, I’ll show you a very cool and useful pattern based on a triplet rhythm, using the chromatic scale. This pattern works incredibly well to nail the changes of a minor ii / V / i chord progression.
I’ll show you how to use this pattern from the root, third and fifth of the mi7b5 chord, and also explain how the pattern creates a very pleasing voice-leading move from the ii chord to the V7 chord. Includes detailed PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.

LESSON 6: Listening Recommendation: Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane
In this video, I discuss one of my all-time favorite albums, the Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane album on the Prestige label. The album features lots of catchy bebop-oriented tunes plus one ballad with Coltrane duet with Kenny Burrell on guitar. Great album!

aprox 33 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