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In this lesson, we dig into Unit 7, Sam Jones’ classic tune that blends the blues with traditional bridge. I break down the essential blues elements that define the sound of the tune, while also exploring the key substitution of Abmaj7 in place of D-7, and how to make that sound ...

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In this lesson I walk you through each measure of the tune and discuss all of the harmonization methods used for the arrangement. I love the use of open 3 note voicings and putting the minor cliche in the bass! Enjoy the preview and get the lesson with the arrangement fully nota...

A live practice session from 12/29/2023

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In this lesson I discuss the specifics of Oliver Nelson's arrangement and how to apply them to the guitar. I also discuss time feel at slow swing tempos and how to navigate the C minor blues. Tons of great information included on the 8 page PDF.

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An excellent lesson on both modal and ii-V playing. Both sections present challenges, in this video, I address ways of overcoming them. Includes 10 pages of examples and a backing track featuring Ulysses Owens on drums!

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In this lesson I walk you through the tune and discuss all of the harmony as well as some potential reharmonizations. Topics include the biii diminished chord, the I diminished chord, chromatic II-V's, turnarounds and much more. The fully notated PDF comes with great chordal and...

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An amazing lesson. Turnarounds, the I diminished, chromatic II-V's, tons of linear and chordal examples. You will love the 50 minute lesson on Dizzy Gillespie's Groovin' High.

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Wayne Shorter’s Speak No Evil is one of the great modern standards. In this lesson I show you how to disregard 7th to 3’s when dealing with II-V’s and how to deal with this tune in a “modal” fashion. Great lines and vocings included on the PDF.

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In this lesson of Miles iconic tune, I discuss chromatic ii-V's, re-tartgeting ii-V's and how to recognize the two ways dominant chords function in a jazz tune. The PDF is filled with linear and chordal examples in both notation and tab. A great lesson on an a very important tune!

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Who needs chord scale relationships?! In this lesson I show you how to use the overall shape of the melody to create interesting improvisations on the standard On The Sunny Side of the Street. I also talk about guide tone lines as well as some eye opening tips on how to look at ...

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This is one of my favorite tunes to play! I love the wide open modal section and the contrast it creates with the chord changes throughout the tune. There is so much to learn from here, secondary dominants, modal playing, voicings in 4ths and lot's more:)

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This is another very oftren requested tune👍 I present this lesson with the beginner to intermediate jazz guitar player in mind. As usual, I go through the tune from beginning to end ...

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In this lesson, I systematically go through the modes I use most often when improvising. They would include major, dorian, mixolydian, locrian, locrian#2, phrygian augmented, diminished, lydian b7 and the altered scale. There is much more in the 45 minute lesson. Includes 12 pag...

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In this lesson I discuss my methods of connecting lines through chord changes. I show you how I visualize the linear material over chord forms and how I see the connections from one position to another. After laying the groundwork for these concepts, I use the John Coltrane tune...

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In this 40 minute lesson I take a step by step look at C minor blues. Topics include comping, line playing, dominant approach, Oliver Nelson chord progression and much more. Includes 9 page PDF in notation and tab.

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Billy Strayhorn loves the key of Db! In this lesson I take a cue from the Joe Henderson recording of this tune. There are so many interesting harmonic moments especially when coupled with challenging melody notes. This is a great lesson on voice leading, minor ii-V's, altered do...

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In this lesson, I discuss Bill Evan's rehearmoniaztion of the tune. The movement of -7 chords in minor thirds was the catalyst for my idea of re-targeting II-V's. There is plenty more to discover in this deep look at "I Hear a Rhapsody".

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In this lesson I discuss one of the most popular jazz waltzes. I cover modal playing and the use of pentatonics on both Major and Minor chords. Triad pairs are also discussed in regards to modal playing. Great linear and chordal examples in this 30 minute lesson. 10 page PDF inc...

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A deep look at Miles Davis's tune Nardis using the Bill Evans 1961 recording as a reference. This tune isn't just about phrygian, there are many more harmonic elements in the tune that are rarely touched on. I explore them all. An epic composition that will broaden your understa...

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Bebop time! If you've wanted to improve your bebop playing, this lesson is for you. I have come up with a method for navigating chord changes that has worked incredibly well for me. I share it with you in this lesson on Charlie Parker's Yardbird Suite. Let's get to work! PDF and...

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In this lesson I show you all of the methods I used to create the chord melody arrangement. voicings in 4ths, counterpoint and reharmonization techniques are clearly explained. The arrangement has been fully notated in both notation and tab.

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In this lesson I show you how to use 4 different pentatonic scales on everything from modal tunes in minor to advanced jazz harmony. The pentatonics derived from melodic minor can be used on all harmony constructed from melodic minor! This would include altered dominants, major ...

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One of the most important jazz ballads ever composed. I have taken Monk's composition and arranged it for guitar. I have made it very playable while sticking closely to Monk's original chord changes. This is one of those tunes that gets played "incorrectly" very often, I have ta...

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In this lesson, I share my approach to internalizing the musical language found in bebop standards by Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. While memorizing solos is key to deepening your jazz musicianship, extracting phrases from tunes like "Donna Lee" and "Groovin' High" can off...