This episode culminates our work on using blues phrasing in places we may not have thought of in the past. So far we have discussed using the blues on the ii-V progression, the iii-VI-ii-V progression, and we have looked at some amazing examples of legendary musicians using these techniques. Now it's time to put all of these things together in the form of an etude and see what we get. In this etude you will notice many techniques being used side-by-side in an effort to create a complete … [Read more...]

This week we take a look at some real life examples of the concepts we have been studying all week. We have lines and lessons from Hank Mobley, Sonny Stitt, and Clifford Brown that illustrate how powerful blues lines can be when used in the right place, in the right way. Enjoy the episode and happy blues-ing to everyone out there! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will … [Read more...]

This week is the natural extension of last weeks episode. We covered how to use the blues over a ii-V-I, now we also check out how the same concept can work over a cadence with more chords and motion. We look at this progressions from two different angles resulting in wildly different results so make sure you tune in and grab the PDF for maximum benefit. Enjoy the episode! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month … [Read more...]

This week starts a brand new series where we look at simplifying things in the best way possible. Many times on this show we are talking about some complicated and heady topics. This week, we learn how to play simple, soulful phrases that catch our listeners off guard and make them want to hear more. Enjoy the episode! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and every other. We will also be … [Read more...]

This week, we finish up our series on the melodic minor scale by utilizing the tune that I think gives us the best opportunities to put our studies into action. Cole Porter's composition, I Love You, is perfect for these applications as it contains a number of the progressions we have been talking talking about all month. Enjoy the episode and don't forget to grab the PDF at our Patreon page! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate … [Read more...]

This week we are taking a look at the 7th mode of the melodic minor scale and using it to achieve a great sound over an altered dominant chord. This is something that we have talked about in the past but I wanted to give you a very specific device to use. A triad pair that I think you will enjoy and be able to use almost right away. Enjoy the episode and thanks for listening! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month … [Read more...]

This week we look at an awesome application of the melodic minor scale and we get a little bit more complicated. In this episode, we dive into the 6th mode of the melodic minor scale and use it over a half diminished ii chord. This is very useful in certain situations that are explained in the episode. Get your brain ready for some complicated theory work and dive in! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month … [Read more...]

This month we dive into an extremely useful jazz scale and explore the different places it can be utilized. Melodic minor is an important sound in modern jazz and the use of it's different modes are the basis for many familiar sounds. In part 1, we will look at the pure melodic minor from the root and talk about a trio of chords we can use this over. Some of these chords may surprise you but I think you'll start to see some uses you may have never thought of before. Enjoy the episode! WANT … [Read more...]

This month is all about guitar! We will be transcribing the amazing Joe Pass on this swingin' blues, Bag's Groove. Pay attention to how much Joe does with such limited information and, of course, how much he swings! Have fun :) https://open.spotify.com/track/7JrCNEXOunX7RXlJFDvXYn?si=kfQHmXyJSdGuzisiEzZ3HQ … [Read more...]

You thought we were done with fourths, didn't you? I'm happy to say, we have one more episode that dives into this important topic. We will be using the Eddie Harris tune, Freedom Jazz Dance to explore a cool exercise taught to me by the great, James Moody when I was in college. Enjoy this 5th episode of the month and I hope you get something out of it! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG WITH THIS EPISODE?? Head over to our Patreon page and when you donate $3 or more a month you get this PDF and … [Read more...]