Lesson

Here is a two part etude on rhythm changes. The first is a solo with a pdf of the transcription.

Part 2 is a chorus of comping with the transcribed music in a pdf from.

Also are audio files with all the parts and then without the play along parts.

You should memorize both solos and play them in different keys to study them.

This is a solo that me and Tony came up with last week. I had to play it in 12 keys. It was fun! Hope you guys try it as well.

I didn't write the chords down. I think is a good exercise to try to figure them out by ear using the lines.

Have fun!! :)

Here's part 1 of a series of lessons helping you understand the tune Giant Steps.

Here is a simple exercise for brushing up on triads and also good for technique!

Step 1. Play any triad (ex. F)
Step 2. Take the 3rd of that triad and begin a new triad based off of that note!
Example: First triad is F then second triad is an A triad.
Step 3. Take the 3rd of the 2nd traid and build a triad off of that note.
Example: Second triad is A then 3rd triad is C#(Db).
Step 4. The next triad in the series would be the same as the first triad so you are back to the beginning! (ex. F) So just continue for another octave and then start a new triad!

Example:

This is a great lesson by Behn Gillece on some approaches to solo playing as well as voicings.

I've seen players put the sticks in some pretty weird positions to acheive difficult voicings. But actually you really never have to stand in any sort of weird way to accomplishing difficult voicings on the vibes. Here's a little PDF to check out with some photos and the positions.

In order to learn a blues, you'll have to get some sort of system to help you remember the notes as well as to help transpose them into different keys. There are a few different types of blues scales, however in this podcast we'll focus on the minor blues scales. In the key of F the notes would be: F Ab Bb B C Eb F.

Here's quick lick number 1. Gives you a way to use the left hand to accompany yourself over a fast moving lick.

Check the end of the lick when you hit the F chord. Just double up with your right hand to play a chord. That's a good concept/technique to get in your playing.

Quick Lick #1