In Part 8, we explore the altered scale (seventh mode of melodic minor) as a way to create tension over dominant chords before resolving back to the tonic or next chord. This scale contains altered chord tones—♭9, ♯9, ♯11, and ♭13—which provide a wide palette of colors for jazz soloing.
In Part 7, we explore the half-whole diminished scale as a tool for soloing over dominant chords in the blues. This symmetrical scale creates tension and color that can really open up your sound—especially when used sparingly and with intention.
In Part 6, we continue exploring scale-based soloing over the blues in F, this time using bebop dominant scale variants enriched with added chromatic passing tones. This lesson focuses on creating longer, more fluid lines that still clearly outline the changes—using the dominant bebop scale as a flexible framework, not a strict formula.
In Part 5, we shift our focus from arpeggios to scale-based soloing, using the bebop dominant scale as a framework for outlining harmony with a smoother, more linear flow. This scale includes a chromatic passing tone (usually the natural 7th in a dominant scale), allowing you to maintain a strong rhythmic flow while still landing chord tones on downbeats.
In Part 4, we take the 7th chord outlines from the previous lesson and extend them into 9ths, while also adding alterations and inversions on dominant chords. The result is a more melodic, colorful, and expressive soloing vocabulary—still grounded in chord structure, but reaching toward the sound of bebop and beyond.
In Part 3, we take our soloing a step further by outlining each chord using full 7th chord arpeggios, adding more shape and melodic possibility to our lines. Still working with Minority, this lesson is about expanding from guide tones to complete harmonic outlines—while keeping strong voice leading in mind.
In Part 2 of the series, we move beyond the blues and apply our guide tone approach to a jazz standard. This time, we’re using Gigi Gryce’s Minority—a minor-key tune with rich harmonic movement and ii–V progressions that challenge your voice leading.
Barry Harris is so amazing as a player and a teacher.
Here he talks about All The Things You and progressions. This is so amazing!!!!!!
New Lesson Series Alert: Soloing Through the Changes
Starting today, we’re launching an 8-part lesson series focused on helping you build clear, confident solos that outline harmony and stay rooted in the form.
Pt. 1 – Guide Tones Over the Blues
In this first lesson, we zero in on guide tones—the essential 3rds and 7ths that define each chord’s identity. Using a 12-bar blues in F, we’ll build strong, simple melodic lines that move smoothly through the changes. No flashy licks—just solid, musical fundamentals.
In Pt. 8, you’ll play through the entire form of Antônio Carlos Jobim’s Wave, applying developed comping ideas across all sections. The lesson focuses on maintaining time, dynamic control, and feel throughout the tune—especially as the bridge opens up and invites a more legato approach.