This is a great bebop melody written by jazz composer Tadd Dameron. It is actually based on the chord changes to an older jazz standard called What Is This ThingContinue readingHot House (Jazz Standard by Tadd Dameron)
Bebop Fingering for Guitar (Study on “Donna Lee”)
Many jazz melodies can be difficult to play efficiently on guitar, particularly bebop melodies. Playing these melodies efficiently can require some careful pre-planning for your (left hand) fingering. This leadContinue readingBebop Fingering for Guitar (Study on “Donna Lee”)
Bittersweet (by Sam Jones)
This tune is a great variation on the blues, sometimes called “a blues with a bridge”. The bridge section in this composition features a series of suspended chords progressing downwardContinue readingBittersweet (by Sam Jones)
Hum (Jazz Standard by Bob Brookmeyer)
This is a terrific jazz composition written by trombone player Bob Brookmeyer, who frequently recorded with trumpet master Clark Terry. The music transcriptions on this site are provided for freeContinue readingHum (Jazz Standard by Bob Brookmeyer)
Using Guide Tones (Part Two)
This time we will slightly expand our previous exercise by adding fifths and octaves in the left hand. This will provide a thicker sound, ideal for solo playing.
Using Guide Tones (Part One)
This exercise follows the formula of the exercise from our previous lesson, consisting of only guide tones in the right hand and single bass notes in the left hand. ThisContinue readingUsing Guide Tones (Part One)
Introduction to Guide Tones
Guide tones are usually the third and seventh scale degree of a seventh chord, and are also the most active voices in most chord progressions, as these are the voicesContinue readingIntroduction to Guide Tones
Applying Advanced Chord Inversions
This time we will try applying these seventh chord inversions to a jazz standard. This tune is made up of mostly cliche jazz chord progressions such as ii-V-I, which isContinue readingApplying Advanced Chord Inversions