In this series we’ll explore insightful nuggets from Bird we can use on the blues–and many other places. Things like guide tones, thinking numerically, visualizing shapes, mixing subdivisions to make your lines swing more, a trick to injecting more “drama” in your lines, half-tonguing, alternate fingerings, and more.
Listening Lab: David Sanborn “Hobbies” from Another Hand (a Down-Home Blues in A)
This is a great example of blues-infused bebop (or bebop-infused blues) playing in a “basic I, IV, V blues” setting.
Working the altered dominant scale – Tubby Hayes’ solo on Pint of Bitter
A very blues-y (almost Stanley Turrentine-esque) tenor solo with some great altered scale action.
Make It FEEL Good: Do This to Get Better at Keeping Your Place and Landing Your Phrases in the Pocket
Pat Metheny and Eric Clapton have it. Charlie Parker did, too. Regardless of where you are on your journey as an improviser, understanding this feel will make you sound better. Quickly. This simple exercise will help.
A Faster Path to More Accurate Playing (at Any Tempo) – Slow blues “Chi Chi” in E
When I talk about practicing slow…I mean it. 🙂
Taking It “Out” with Major Triads: Pat Metheny Solos over the Blues
Check out how guitarist Pat Metheny works his way outside the harmony on a blues, using nothing more than major triads.