Check out how important dynamics are in separating the melody line from the accompaniment. It's especially noticeable in the first 8 measures of the tune.
This is a great lesson by Behn Gillece on some approaches to solo playing as well as voicings.
Yep, exercises. Yuck!
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:
Here are the major scales and some ideas on how you could practice these scales.
Here's a 4 part lesson on some concepts of chordal playing.
PART 4
Academic but still might be interesting to anyone studying Giant Steps.
Doc Chittum is a very loved faculty member at Uarts. He does a lecture each year where he ties Giant Steps all the way back to Mozart. The lecture is pretty amazing. This is a 4 part excerpt from the lecture. In the lecture he hands out music and shows this lineage that's really incredible!