This week we are going to look at something that's a bit less glamorous than a totally killing harmonic device or something that makes us feel like we are John Coltrane reincarnated. This, however, makes all of the really cool stuff we learn come to life and without it, we just sound like a dud. Accents are what makes jazz sound like jazz. If we don't understand how to use them, we won't be getting gigs anytime soon. In this episode we talk about how to use different accent patterns to create … [Read more...]

Would you ever watch TV or read the paper while you practice?? Would you like to support the creators of this podcast? If so, please head over to our Patreon page and show your love by donating $3 or more each month. You get incredible benefits and this keeps the podcast coming at you regularly. Thanks so much! … [Read more...]

This week we are going to get our listeners to add a little bit of creativity to their practice. Learning vocabulary is a necessity, but we also need to be original in our playing. What if we took the blueprint of something that we know works and put our own spin on it? That is what this week is all about. By creating a great template and then writing our own lines based on it, we get the best of both worlds. Enjoy the episode and your practicing for the week! WANT THE PDF THAT GOES ALONG … [Read more...]

This week is all about certain instruments that everyone should be able to play.... Would you like to support the creators of this podcast? If so, please head over to our Patreon page and show your love by donating $3 or more each month. You get incredible benefits and this keeps the podcast coming at you regularly. Thanks so much! … [Read more...]

Welcome to the final edition of bebop basics! This week we are looking at a really cool exercise with major triads. Most of us know our major triads but can you play them in chromatic motion starting from the root, third, and fifth? That's what these exercises are all about and this is sure to stretch your technique and knowledge to the limit! I've had so much fun showing you these exercises over the past month. I hope you all have gained something from them. Remember, these are the essential … [Read more...]

This week we bring things back to the beginnings of the art form we know and love. Are you invested in the tradition?   Would you like to support the creators of this podcast? If so, please head over to our Patreon page and show your love by donating $3 or more each month. You get incredible benefits and this keeps the podcast coming at you regularly. Thanks so much! … [Read more...]

This is the 3rd installment of our bebop basics series. This week we are taking a look at some very useful exercises involving pivoting on chords and scales. A pivot point is essential to keeping our lines interesting and unpredictable. Solos that just sound like arpeggios or running scales get stale fast. By incorporating some pivot points we keep our listeners wanting more and keep even ourselves guessing what we'll do next. Remember that these exercises are all building toward something and … [Read more...]

This week we talk about the relationship between left and right brain when we practice and why you should be making time for both. … [Read more...]

Welcome back to another episode covering bebop basics! This week we are looking at playing diatonic chords with chromatic approaches. It is absolutely vital that every jazz musician be able to nail their scales and chords for maximum effectiveness while soloing. If you haven't practiced your diatonic chord structures, you should start there. Once we get this down, it's time to add our chromatic approach tones and make things a little more interesting. Enjoy the episode and be prepared to take … [Read more...]