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Think Like a Drummer?? -V

Here's a lesson from a while back. I didn't dig it so I never posted. I didn't think I really did a good job Illustrating it. Maybe it's not so bad, but I think the idea is important.

It's about role playing, thinking like you're a different instrument. I think putting your brain in a different point of reference can really help your playing.

Let me know what you think.

My Romance - Simple Etude by Tony Miceli

This is a very very simple etude based on the changes to 'My Romance'. Here's why I think it's cool. It simply states the changes to the tune. What you should do is:

  • Play the melody and chords first
  • Once you really here the tune and the key in your head, play the etude

Now this is an easy etude. You should be able to memorize it quickly. You should memorize it and then play it in different keys. This will be a really good harmony lesson for you if you play it through all the keys.

Pivot Chords

Pivot Chords are a great way to work on key stuff. I got the idea from Bill Evans. I liked the way he modulated different tunes and tried to make my own up. Here's how he changes key at the end of Here's that Rainy Day.

So Instead of going to G he puts what I call a pivot chord and modulates to Eb. I think of this as the Anti-Mack-The-Knife modulation. It fits with the melody and moves you to a new key seamlessly.