During a Skype lesson, one of my students was having trouble using his front F key on the saxophone. He couldn’t get comfortable with it. I created this lick to show him how I often access the key.
I refer to this as an “idiomatic” lick because it lays so well on the horn. This is not the only way to use the key, but it’s a good introduction to get comfortable with the unique hand position required for front F.
Includes PDF practice notes.
LESSON 2: Major Seventh Chord Inversions
In this video lesson, I play the major seventh chords in all inversions with what I call the “top margin” of my “C” on tenor, with all notes descending: C B G E (Cmaj7), C Ab G Eb (Abmaj7), C A F E (Fmaj7), and C Ab F Db (Dbmaj7).
Playing the inversions in this manner really highlights the interval structures of the chords 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. Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.
LESSON 3: Getz Double Note Articulation Effect
In this video lesson, I demonstrate a specialized type of articulation that I call the “Getz Double Note Articulation Effect.”
This is a device that I first heard on an album called “Stan Getz Plays.” It gives the illusion of double-tonguing, but it’s single tonguing with very strategically placed slurs.
Learning to use this effect has really improved my control and speed for articulation. This is a great tool to have in your “special effects” bag of tricks to add something unique to your solos.
Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.
LESSON 4: The Blues Scale – Part 1 of 2
In this video lesson, I explore the blues scale. This part one video teaches scale construction and application of the blues scale over a dominant and a minor chord.
I share my thoughts on using the scale over the full range of the horn and demonstrate some popular techniques used by the masters with this scale, including sequencing and repetition.
Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.
LESSON 5: The Blues Scale – Part 2 of 2
This video lesson continues where part one ended, exploring options for adding extra chromatic notes to the scale.
Includes many examples in which I play some of my favorite phrases using the scale with the extra notes.
I also share my thoughts on the overuse of this scale by beginning players and explain why I look at this scale as a sort of musical spice, used to enhance the flavor of a chord progression.
Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.
