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Harmony Without Chords Pt. 1 by Behn Gillece

🚨 Harmony Without Chords – Pt. 1: Diatonic Approaches to 3rds and 7ths

This lesson kicks off the Harmony Without Chords series by focusing on one of the most essential ideas in line construction: clearly outlining harmony using guide tones. In this first exercise, we work with diatonic approaches to the 3rd and 7th of dominant chords, avoiding chromatic notes, alterations, or upper extensions.

Playing in 3/4 - Pt. 10 - Tune Study - Little B's Poem

🚨 Playing in 3/4 – Pt. 10: Tune Study – “Little B’s Poem” (Advanced Comping)

Part 10 builds on the previous comping chorus by introducing more syncopated rhythms, tighter voice-leading, and additional chord-tone alterations throughout the form. This chorus is designed to feel more conversational and interactive, giving you tools to comp with texture, color, and forward motion while staying grounded in the 3/4 feel of “Little B’s Poem.”

Playing in 3/4 - Pt. 9 - Tune Study - Little B's Poem

🚨 Playing in 3/4 – Pt. 9: Tune Study – “Little B’s Poem” (Comping Chorus)

Part 9 shifts from melodic ideas to full-chorus comping, applying everything from earlier lessons to the harmonic and rhythmic language of “Little B’s Poem.” This etude explores how to support the tune’s flowing 3/4 feel using clear voicings, smooth voice-leading, and rhythmic patterns that create a relaxed yet forward-moving pulse.

Playing in 3/4 - Pt. 8 - Tune Study - Little B's Poem

🚨 Playing in 3/4 – Pt. 8: Tune Study – “Little B’s Poem” (Motivic Development)

In Part 8, we continue exploring “Little B’s Poem” with a focus on developing short melodic motifs over a full chorus. Rather than relying on long lines, this lesson uses small melodic and rhythmic cells that repeat, evolve, and shift as the harmony moves.

Playing in 3/4 - Pt. 7 - Tune Study - Little B's Poem

🚨 Playing in 3/4 – Pt. 7: Tune Study – “Little B’s Poem”

In Part 7, we shift into the modern 3/4 / 6/8 hybrid feel of “Little B’s Poem,” exploring a full chorus of melodic ideas that highlight the tune’s contrasting sections. The opening modal passages are approached with pentatonic-based shapes that sit naturally in the flowing 3-beat feel, creating open, spacious lines that fit the harmony without sounding overly dense.