Lesson

Pick the right melody, it doesn't have to be hard!

Check out this etude. Study the chords and write in the names with the alterations. Then play the etude. It will get you moving around and weaving through the changes. Work up the speed a little bit, and transposing in one other key will go along way.

The etude PDF is attached.

Here's my last lesson before I start a bunch of lessons on rhythm changes. Sorry, my loop skipped once or twice during this, but I was only like a second, so I kept it.

Here's a solo etude on rhythm changes based upon the use of four note groupings.

Man, it's the end of the semester here. I'm working my ass off between gigs, students, classes and setting up my summer.

Musicians HAVE to think at least one season ahead. It's spring and if it isn't happening it probably won't. Get to summer. I bet the heavy cats are thinking 2 seasons or a year ahead. OK.

Anyway, let me officially announce we are working on Rhythm changes now. This is our tune of the month, officially.

So, why don't you guys blog about rhythm changes. What do you want to know? What do you think about??

Some tips on creating voicings.

Simple ideas that will help keep the harmony moving.

This is just to give you an idea of a concept and way of playing.

It eventually will let you play lines with two mallets while using your outside left mallet to comp.

Check out the pdf below.

You should know the tune. Write in the names of all the chords. Play all the voicings in time. Once you have it down, add rhythms.

I did this quickly for a student and figured I'd post it here in case any of you guys want to try it.

It's in the key of Eb. It's Fmin7 Bb7 Ebmaj7 C7 progression.

Look at each voicing and name the chord.

Remember these are vibes voicings. For many of them there will be no roots so keep the progression going in your mind.

Get it?

I see some enharmonic mistakes. Like Fb which is E of course.

Anyway check it out. If you fill it out and post it, I'll look it over.