Lesson

Every chord has a scale that in each tune fits in the context of that tune. That's because chords can have more than on scale that goes with them. I.E. Cmaj has Ionian and Lydian. 

This video talks about ways to practice these scales and then learn to weave through the scales. The scales are your basic material, like colors to a painter. Once you know all this, then you make phrases and sounds that really represent the harmony. Sure there's all types of advanced stuff to do, but if you can't do this, then you can't do the advanced stuff.

This is an etude for Donna Lee that is all 8th notes. Of course we don't necessarily want to play a solo like this, but it's a good study in weaving around the changes. 

https://youtu.be/Jb4fpTZNhAM?si=NVpREMYzSG670rEV

https://youtu.be/fdzG2r9N3go?si=KsIHrPh7Puntfols

I've made other lessons here with the same theme. Make it sound like the song. 

It's our job in a way. Sure the heavy weights do this or that. But a true heavy weight can make it sound like the song. Once you have mastered that then you can take liberties. Listen to some of the solo Chick Corea CDs. He takes liberties but he's a monster! 

I am doing a lot of teaching this semester. Probably the most I have ever done. It's really hard for a musician to turn work down. Well for me it is. 

It's a lot of fun teaching students who practice and work hard. Not as much fun teaching students with lots of excuses. 

I do have a bunch of good students though so that helps. Here's an exercise I made for one of them to work on the Bebop dom scale. Learn it, memorize it and play it fast!!!!

Check out the attached PDF!

Friedman Etude 8

I put on a  C drone and did my best to improvise through the seven modes.

Recorded in the USM School of Music 

Recorded in The USM School of Music