This series focuses on taking a melody from Realbook to performance, using guide tones, and creating your own etudes to build confidence on a tune.
Anthropology
In this series, we’ll use the rhythm changes classic, “Anthropology,” to practice rhythm and time-feel, melodic development, and chord substitutions.
Without A Song
Constructing guide-tone-based lines, examples from Chris Potter, going beyond 1357, and using the keyboard to visualize and apply voice-leading to the saxophone.
Autumn Leaves
We’ll use this “must know” standard to examine the power of guide tones—plus a KILLER exercise for getting chord changes under your fingers.
What Is This Thing Called Love?
Tips for internalizing chord changes, one scale that works over half-diminished, altered dominant, and Lydian chords, and using a diminished major 7th chord in a ii-V-I.
Miyako (Wayne Shorter)
Learn a powerful technique to simplify complex chord changes. This will help you see “inside” changes and craft more cohesive solos.
Woody ‘N You
Minor ii-V’s got ya down? Dive deep into a brilliant Chris Potter solo over this (kinda tricky) tune and discover some new ways to simplify them.
Groovin’ High
Get your eighth notes to swing harder and work on some “in” and “out” vocabulary over ii-V-I’s.
A Night In Tunisia
Tips for learning melody—and harmony—by ear, transcribing Stan Getz, weaving together chord changes and playing along with Bob.