Sorry, you have selected a members only page.

The packages featured below offer complete access to nearly 200 detailed lessons across 38 course modules with full downloadable lesson documentation, including relevant PDFs and MP3s for each video. More lesson modules are added each month.

JUMP IN AND START LEARNING

Some of the lessons and course modules featured at Greg Fishman Jazz Studios

PRACTICE STRATEGIES FUNDAMENTALS

Hearing the Metronome on 2 & 4
Interactive Metronome Practice
Lifting Weights – The Importance of Daily Practice
Four Directions – Thinking Locally and Globally

SCALES [FUNDAMENTALS]

Bebop Scale Highway – Part 1 of 3
Bebop Scale Highway – Part 2 of 3
Bebop Scale Highway – Part 3 of 3

TRANSCRIPTION [FUNDAMENTALS]

How to Transcribe Solos 1 of 4
How to Transcribe Solos – Part 2 of 4
How to Transcribe Solos – Part 3 of 4
How to Transcribe Solos – Part 4 of 4

ELEMENTS OF STYLE [FUNDAMENTALS]

6 Essential Elements – The Six of Diamonds
Melodic Embellishment
Cake, Frosting & Sprinkles – Part 1 of 3 – Lower & Upper Neighboring Tones on Triads
Cake, Frosting & Sprinkles – Part 2 of 3 – Lower & Upper Neighboring Tones on Triads
Cake, Frosting & Sprinkles – Part 3 of 3 – Lower & Upper Neighboring Tones on Triads

SAXOPHONE TRAINING [FUNDAMENTALS]

Breathing – Video Lesson
How to get a full tone on the Palm Keys
How to Play What You Hear in Your Head

ARTICULATION [FUNDAMENTALS]

Getting more impact from your short notes
The “Dooden” Tongue

VOICE LEADING [FUNDAMENTALS]

Basic Voiceleading for a ii – V – I – PART 1 of 2
Basic Voiceleading for a ii – V – I – PART 2 of 2
Voice Leading 101 – Part 1 of 2
Voice Leading 101 – Part 2 of 2

CHORDS [FUNDAMENTALS]

Diatonic Triads
The Coltrane Triplets
Sonny Stitt Triplets
Finding the hidden Diminished & Augmented Chords in the Chromatic Scale

VOICE LEADING [FUNDAMENTALS]

Basic Voiceleading for a ii – V – I – PART 1 of 2
Basic Voiceleading for a ii – V – I – PART 2 of 2
Voice Leading 101 – Part 1 of 2
Voice Leading 101 – Part 2 of 2

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 13


LESSON 1: Dorian Mode – New System Focuses Ear on Chord Extensions
In this video lesson, I take you though my system for practicing the Dorian scale. You may already know the scale, having learned it the traditional way, as the second mode of a major scale, going from the second note of the major scale to the ninth note. While that method does give you the right notes for Dorian, it doesn’t really train the ear to hear the upper extensions of the minor chord contained within the scale. With my system, your ear will be trained to hear the difference between the sound of the 9th, 11th and 13th. This is a really fun system, and in addition to great ear training, it’s also good workout for your technique. If you already know the Dorian scale, you should watch this video to experience the sound of the scale in a new way. If you’ve never learned the Dorain scale, this is the best way to get started! INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 2: The Pencil Trick
In my 20’s, I was transcribing many hours each day. I got tired of putting down the pencil and picking it up again to write a just few more notes. For the sake of efficiency, I just started to hold on to the pencil, even when I was playing the horn. To my surprise, it really helped my technique. Holding the pencil dramatically improved my hand position on the horn. In this lesson, I’ll take you through the process of practicing the “pencil trick,” and also share a few other crazy strategies that I’ve used to getting my fingers in a better position on the horn. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 3: Tritone Substitution Tutorial
In this music theory video, I’ll take you through from the very basic application to of the tritone sub, all the way through the relationship between altered notes on the native V7 chord and extensions of the tritone substitute. PDF extras include scans of the actual sheets I created during the filming of the video lesson. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL

LESSSON 4: Tasting Harmony – Practice Strategies
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 E = ?
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 “E” as different degrees of major scales.

aprox 42 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 11


LESSON 1: Minor 7th Intervals – Four Directions
In this video, I’ll take you through my system for practcing the minor 7th intervals in all four directions. Great for ear training, breathing and control of the horn. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: The Hip Lick #143
In this video, we’ll work with Hip Licks #143 (from the book Hip Licks for Saxophone, Volume 1). This is a dminished lick which brings out the sound of some of the most powerful notes in the the chord; the major seventh and the flatted thirteenth. Includes harmonic analysis of the lick as well as a performance of the lick in 12 keys in the cycle. ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 3: Rush Street Etude – Alto Version
In this video lesson, we’ll explore the etude “Rush Street” from my book, Jazz Saxophone Etudes, Volume 1. This is based on chords similar to “Satin Doll.” Lot’s a great tips in this video, including strategies for simplifying complicated technical passages by changing triplets to eighth notes. There is also some discussion of use of the bis key, side key and 1&1 for Bb. Also includes some demonstration of lower neighboring tones and use of sequence. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSSON 4: Rush Street Etude – Tenor Version
In this video lesson, we’ll explore the etude “Rush Street” from my book, Jazz Saxophone Etudes, Volume 1. This is based on chords similar to “Satin Doll.” Lot’s a great tips in this video, including strategies for simplifying complicated technical passages, some discussion of use of the bis key, and use of sequence. Also includes discussion of voiceleading. INTERMEDIATE & 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. While the note “Gb” also can be used in some scales, “F#” is a better choice for this music theory game, because it easily fits with all of the standard key signatures of the major scale system.

aprox 50 min

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 09


LESSON 1: Cry Me A River Lick (Rosetta Stone of Licks) Sax Version
In this video lesson, I teach eight applications of the famous CMAR lick (Based on the first few notes of “Cry Me A River”). I call this the “Rosetta Stone” of licks, because it can fit in 96 different places. I apply the lick to: mi7, altered dominant, mi7b5, maj7#11, straight dominant, mi13, maj7 and sus7b9 chords. Be sure to also watch the companion video in which I demonstrate this same material at the piano. In that video, I have additional commentary about the changing “mood” of the lick as it is applied to the various settings. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Cry Me A River Lick (Rosetta Stone of Licks) – Piano Version
In this video, I demonstrate eight different harmonic settings for the “Cry Me A River” (CMAR) lick. I call this the “Rosetta Stone” of licks, because it works over so many different types of chords. This video is different than the saxophone version–In this video. Toward the end of the lesson, I mention my interpretation of the “moods” implied by each of the different harmonic settings. Also, this version lets you hear the lick against a chord voicing,, with all of the notes sounding together, while the sax version features a chord arpeggio, followed by the lick. Both videos are fun and packed with essential materials. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 3: Dominant 7th Chords – Piano Accompaniment
In this video lesson, I play the piano to accompany your practicing the dominant 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.

LESSSON 4: Major 7th Chords – Piano Accompaniment
In this video lesson, I play the piano to accompany your practicing the major 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: Minor 7th Chords – Piano Accompaniment
In this video lesson, I play the piano to accompany your practicing the minor 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 6: Road Tips – The Ab = ?
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 “Ab” as different degrees of major scales.

aprox 35 min

Module 08


LESSON 1: Dressing up a Dominant 7th Arpeggio with enclosure around the 3rd
In this lesson, I’ll show you how to go beyond a basic chord arpeggio by changing the order of the notes, switching from 1-3-5-7 to 1-5-3-7 and then adding an enclosure to the 3rd. Also includes some very cool idiomatic fingerings to fatten up the sound of some notes. PDF includes transription of the exercise in 12 keys. INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Diatonic 7th Chords
In this video, I show you how to practice diatonic seventh chords on the piano. This lesson is very important for all musicians, whether they play saxophone or trumpet…the piano is the most complete instrument, harmonically speaking, and practicing chords on the piano really took my hearing (and sax playing) to a new level. This material in this video is essnential for all levels. BEGINNING / INTERMEDIATE LEVEL.

LESSON 3: Chromatic Bebop Scales with alternating starting points
In this video lesson, I show you how to practice the bebop scale from two different starting points–the root from the top, descending, and also from the 3rd, ascending. This pattern has a very smooth sound and it will give you great control of the scale. The transition between the two scales includes an enclosure that sets up the new scale. I’ve also included special tips on sneaking in a breath during a long-phrase, as well as some optional rhythms which can be used for the ascending scale. If you have your basic bebop scale under control (starting from the root and ending on the root), you’re ready for this next step. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSSON 4: Locrian Mode – A new system for learning the scale
In this video, I show you a different approach to learning the Locrian scale. First, I review the traditional way the scale is taught. Next, I show you a different system that has worked well for me. The system involves combining two chords to form the scale. In the second half of the video, I show you a nice iimi7/V7b9/i mi line which nails the changes. Also includes a discussion of the application of the descending Harmonic Minor scale. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 5: Walking and Thinking in Regulated Time – Scales & Fitness
In this video lesson, I share one of my personal practice techniques of walking and practicing my scales in time, coordinated with my footsteps. This is a great way to get your scales and chords together while getting out of the practice room for some exercise and fresh air. When you come back to the horn after this type of work, you’ll be amazed at how easy it feels to play through your scales and chords. I’ve been doing this for many years, and it really works! Have fun with it.

aprox 35 min

Module 07


LESSON 1: The Fork in the Road (Perpetual Cycle Pattern)
In this video lesson, Greg shows you how to keep a constant flow of notes going through the cycle while alternating between two different patterns. Great for technique, concentration, ear-training and voiceleading. Every jazz saxophonist should know these two essential patterns. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Altissimo “G” on the Tenor Saxophone
In this video lesson, Greg shares his unique approach to teaching altissimo. Rather than the traditional method of playing overtones from low Bb to achieve the altissimo notes, Greg has a different approach, showing you how to play overtones on the neck to give you a more accurate feeling of the way that the reed needs to vibrate when playing in the altissimo range of the saxophone. PDF notes include a fingering chart for both alto and tenor to play an altissimo “G.” INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 3: Grand Avenue Etude – Alto Version
Greg takes you through a detailed anaylsis of musical highlights in the etude “Grand Avenue,” from “Jazz Saxophone Etudes, Vol. 1.” This etude is based on chords similar to the old standard, “Out of Nowhere.” The etude is packed with examples of classic Bebop devices, including enclosures, chromatic scale usage, voiceleading and more. This lesson includes a very detailed PDF, packed with exercises and insights practicing the compositional devices used in this etude. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 4: Grand Avenue Etude – Tenor Version
Greg takes you through a detailed anaylsis of musical highlights in the etude “Grand Avenue,” from “Jazz Saxophone Etudes, Vol. 1.” This etude is based on chords similar to the old standard, “Out of Nowhere.” The etude is packed with examples of classic Bebop devices, including chromatic scale usage, voiceleading and more. This lesson includes a very detailed PDF, packed with exercises and insights practicing the compositional devices used in this etude. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

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

aprox 35 min

Module 06


LESSON 1: Exploring the V7sus Chord
The V7sus chord is a mystery for many aspiring players. Greg breaks the chord down into simple, understandable terms, demonstrating a very clear approach to spelling the chord while providing exercises to train the ear to differentiate between a V7 and a V7sus chord. Next, Greg shares two different systems for hearing and practicing the chord with a more sophisticated sound and approach. INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED LEVEL.

LESSON 2: Use of the bis Key on the Saxophone
This is one of my most requested video lesson topics. The use of the bis key is a controversial subject among saxophonists. Some teachers have very strict rules regarding the usage of the bis key. In this video, I share my personal approach to using the bis key. Includes exercises for practicing with the bis key, do’s and don’ts about hand position, and brief discussion of proper horn setup to ensure ease of use. ALL LEVELS

LESSON 3: North Avenue – 1st Sax Part
Greg Fishman plays the 1st sax part for the duet “North Avenue” from his book, “Jazz Saxophone Duets Volume 1.” Play along with great on the first part to match pitch and style, or play the 2nd sax part to complete the duet, with Greg playing lead. Looking forward to members posting videos playing this fun duet with Greg!.

LESSSON 4: North Avenue – 2nd Sax Part
Greg Fishman plays the 2nd sax part for the duet North Avenue from his book “Jazz Saxophone Duets Volume 1.” Play this part along with Greg to match his phrasing and style, or play lead while Greg plays this second part. Looking forward to video posts of lots of members playing this fun duet!

LESSON 5: North Avenue – Saxes 1 & 2
Greg Fishman plays both parts for the duet North Avenue from his book, “Jazz Saxophone Duets Volume 1.” Listen to this video to hear how the 1st and 2nd sax parts interact with each other, sometimes trading off the lead line.

aprox 25 min