In this video lesson, I introduce you to the concept of playing all of your chords in 5ths instead of the more common thirds. In other words, most people practice their chords by playing 1-3-5-7.
This is still the most common way to practice the chords, but I have found from personal experience that there are huge ear training benefits achieved by practicing the chords in 5ths: 1-5-3-7.
This approach lets you first hear the main notes that the bass player would play – the root and fifth, and then you’ll hear the “color” notes of the chords which are often used in a pianist’s two-note voicing – the 3rd and the 7th.
Practicing the chords in this way will be a breath of fresh air for your ear and pay huge dividends with fresh ideas for soloing and improved technique from playing these larger intervals on the horn.
Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, Eb and C instruments.
LESSON 2: Identifying Approach Notes
In this video lesson, I reveal an important stylistic element used in the creation of many bebop licks and phrases – approach notes. I used to refer to these as “double-lower” or “double-upper” neighboring tones, but these days, most people just call them “approach notes.”
They’re basically chromatic upper and lower neighboring tones that highlight the arrival of a chosen chord tone. I use the dominant 7th chords from my Hip Licks book to reveal where and how I use this device. In the video, I circle the approach notes in green.
Print out the page (included in the lesson) and take a highlighter and follow along by circling the approach notes on your printed page as you watch the lesson.
Includes PDF practice page of the licks used in the video lesson.
LESSON 3: Passing Chords for the Bridge of Rhythm Changes
This is a fun one! Have you ever heard pianists adding in lots of passing chords that are not on your chart, and wanted to jump in and play on those chords? In this video lesson, I share one of the most popular sets of passing chords used by pianists, guitarists and bassist when playing the bridge of rhythm changes.
Includes PDF practice notes for Bb, C and Eb instruments.
LESSON 4: Thoughts on Playing by Key Center – Driving Analogy
In this video lesson, I share my thoughts on playing by Key Center with a fun driving analogy that demonstrates my strategy for dealing with the chords as I create a solo.
