Bob – Page 27

2018-01-06 By Bob 7 Comments

Subdividing the beat

Playing quarter notes at 60 bpm is a worthwhile and challenging way to work on many things, but if you want real accuracy, you need to do this.

2017-12-31 By Bob 12 Comments

4 Important “Jazz” Scales Derived from Melodic Minor

Melodic minor is an important scale in jazz. But it can be a bit confusing at first. Here’s how I approach it (and 4 important jazz scales derived from it).

2017-12-23 By Bob 10 Comments

Lower Neighboring Tones – an Example from John Coltrane’s Solo on My Shining Hour

By turning Coltrane’s phrase into an exercise, we can develop facility for playing more interesting (chromatically decorated) lines over chord changes.

2017-10-30 By Bob 27 Comments

Step by Step Process to Play Scales with Speed and Perfect Execution

A rock-solid approach to getting things under your fingers—without your fingers flying—and leading you to more responsive and even execution.

2017-09-16 By Bob 2 Comments

10 Elegant Seconds of Charlie Parker on “East of the Sun” from Bird With Strings

Understanding the architecture behind what Bird plays here (not just learning the lick) will help you create similar things in your own way.

2017-08-31 By Bob

Thinking while improvising: should you do it?

What should (or shouldn’t) you be thinking about when improvising?

2017-08-26 By Bob 33 Comments

A One-Note Exercise to Significantly Improve Your Sound

Using middle D to address tone quality (and avoid “high school” tone).

2017-08-11 By Bob 13 Comments

Practicing Into a Problem

Get creative and focused in a short amount of practice time.

2017-08-04 By Bob 9 Comments

Exploring the sounds of Ionian vs Lydian—and why choose one vs the other

Practicing for chord tones, common tones, intervals, relevant, scales, and motivic ideas.