Play better jazz solos – Learn Jazz Standards: Recent Episodes
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Welcome to another episode where Brent answers your jazz and music questions five days a week. Today, we have an intriguing question from Ken Bryan from York, Pennsylvania, about resources and advice for a jazz guitarist aiming to perform solo at venues like bars, restaurants, and parties. Brent discusses this topic, sharing his personal experience […]
The post How Do I Perform Solo? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent tackles a listener’s question about avoiding overthinking during solos. Anton Visser, a long-time listener, asks how to play more intuitively without feeling compelled to fill every bar with notes. Brent advises that while it’s important to practice and understand the theory, the key to natural-sounding solos is to let intuition and […]
The post How Do I Not Overthink When I Solo? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent talks about the nuances of soloing over dominant chords in jazz, responding to a question from Alan Clayton, an Inner Circle member from Melbourne, Australia. Brent emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of dominant chords within a progression, highlighting that knowing the chords before and after is crucial for effective […]
The post How to Improvise Over Dominant 7th Chords appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this engaging episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent tackles a question from Neil, a tenor saxophonist from the UK, who wants to master sight reading jazz standards and improvising melodic solos on the fly. Brent breaks down the essentials for achieving this goal, emphasizing the importance of solid jazz improvisation skills and […]
The post How Do I Improvise While Sight Reading? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Join Brent as he explores the art of jazz improvisation. In this episode, Brent answers a listener’s question, Steven Hayworth about incorporating enclosures into chord tone maps, offering valuable insights into bebop language and improvisational techniques. Through clear explanations and practical examples, he guides listeners on a journey to enhance their improvisational skills and deepen […]
The post How Do I Practice Enclosures? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent responds to a thought-provoking question from Peter Hakenan, a classically trained trumpet player seeking guidance on bridging music theory with improvisational prowess. Brent unravels the complexities of jazz improvisation, emphasizing the transformation of theoretical knowledge into musical expression. Through engaging examples and step-by-step guidance, Brent empowers aspiring improvisers to transcend scale-based […]
The post How Do I Use Music Theory to Improvise? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent explores the intricate art of jazz phrasing, responding to a query from Suze, an Inner Circle member seeking guidance on refining her improvisational skills. Brent elucidates the essence of jazz phrasing, emphasizing its rhythmic nuances and expressive elements that transcend mere note choices. By dissecting the rhythmic patterns and melodic contours […]
The post How Do I Get Great At Jazz Phrasing? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent addresses an essential aspect of jazz improvisation raised by listener Keith Cramlinger: creating space in solos for a more melodic and musical expression. He shares practical insights and strategies to overcome common challenges faced by jazz players, whether it’s developing longer musical phrases or avoiding overwhelming density in improvisations. Brent highlights […]
The post How Do I Create Space In My Solos? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent addresses a pivotal query posed by Kevin Mummy: how to strike a balance between imitation and innovation in jazz practice. Brent underscores the importance of emulating jazz luminaries as a means of mastering the musical vernacular, advocating for techniques like solo transcription to absorb the language’s nuances fully. By exploring improvisation […]
The post How Do I Balance Imitating and Innovating for Jazz? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent tackles a thought-provoking question from Kevin Pritchett about the balance between learning at different speeds and knowing when to move on. Through insightful commentary and practical advice, Brent navigates the complexities of musical learning, offering strategies for maximizing practice time and achieving musical goals effectively. Drawing on his experience as an […]
The post Should I Learn a Jazz Solo at Original Tempo? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent talks about the nuances of jazz blues, responding to a listener’s query about the differences between traditional 12-bar blues and its jazz counterpart. With clear explanations and musical demonstrations, he breaks down the chord progressions and structural variations characteristic of jazz blues, offering valuable insights for jazz musicians of all levels. […]
The post How Do I Play a Jazz Blues? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent addresses a listener’s question about soloing over modal tunes like “So What” or “Maiden Voyage.” He breaks down the concept of modal jazz and offers practical advice for creating engaging improvisations over limited chord changes. By explaining the modal scales associated with each chord and emphasizing the importance of melody creation, […]
The post How to Solo Over Modal Jazz Songs appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent addresses a fundamental question posed by Philip Sorge: What distinguishes a beginner jazz soloist from a master jazz soloist? Exploring the differences in mindset and approach, Brent touches on how beginners often rely on scales and patterns, while seasoned improvisers prioritize spontaneity and a deep […]
The post What’s the Difference Between a Beginner and Pro Jazz Solo? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent explores the foundational elements of jazz improvisation, answering a compelling question posed by Martin Kendall: Can we establish globally applicable first three steps to jazz improvisation basics? With his trademark enthusiasm and expertise, Brent introduces the concept of the “three pillars of jazz improvisation,” offering a comprehensive roadmap to enhance improvisational […]
The post The 3 Steps for Jazz Improvisation appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Join Brent on another exciting episode for a deep dive into jazz solos worth learning. In this special Fast Track Friday edition, he reflects on the week’s episodes and shares invaluable insights into the art of storytelling through jazz improvisation. From Miles Davis’s iconic solo on “So What” to Chet Baker’s emotive vocal solo on […]
The post 10 Jazz Solos You Should Learn appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Don’t miss today’s podcast where Brent answers a question by Anthony, a seasoned music educator who poses a thought-provoking question about developing the ability to create narrative-driven solos rather than relying on pre-learned licks. Brent dives deep into this topic, offering actionable strategies to help musicians of all levels infuse their improvisations with compelling storytelling. […]
The post How Do I Tell A Story With My Solo (Not Just Licks)? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent explores the intricacies of resolving licks and lines on chord tones, shedding light on why certain resolutions are more effective than others. Drawing from a listener’s question about chord resolutions, he breaks down the importance of targeting specific chord tones like the third and fifth, rather than solely relying on the […]
The post How to Resolve Your Jazz Lines Effectively? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this week’s episode, Brent addresses one of the most common challenges faced by jazz musicians: staying within the form while improvising. Through an insightful listener question, Brent explores practical strategies to overcome this hurdle, emphasizing the importance of preparation and developing a strong sense of rhythm and time. Valuable insights and actionable advice are […]
The post How Do I Avoid Getting Lost In The Form? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent tackles a common question: How can jazz musicians seamlessly integrate learned licks into their solos? He breaks down the purpose of learning licks as a means of understanding the jazz language and offers practical strategies for internalizing them effectively. Through insightful analogies and step-by-step guidance, […]
The post How Do I Get Licks To Come Out In My Solos? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this Fast Track Friday episode of the Learn Jazz Standards podcast, Brent reflects on the week’s discussions, focusing on the theme of turning theory into practical musical expression through improvisation. He introduces composition as a powerful tool for jazz musicians to internalize musical language and develop their improvisational skills. By likening composition to slowed-down […]
The post Using Composition to Improvise Great Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In today’s Fast Track Friday episode, Brent unveils the Bad Jazz Solo method, an innovative approach designed to revolutionize your practice routine. The Bad Jazz Solo, represented by the acronym B-A-D, is a strategic tool for self-improvement. Brent walks you through the process, emphasizing the importance of bravery in leaving your ego at the door, […]
The post The B.A.D Jazz Solo Strategy appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode, Brent celebrates his birthday by making a simple request. A question from Rob about how to learn improvisation without extensive music theory knowledge is discussed. Brent offers a comprehensive approach to improvisation, beginning with a simple yet effective tool. He underscores the importance of experimentation and gradual improvement, encouraging embracing the process […]
The post What’s the Best Way to Learn How to Improvise? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this podcast episode, Brent is back to tackle another round of jazz music questions. Bernard from Germany asks a crucial question: how can he make his solos sound more like bebop without diving deep into learning all the different bebop scales? Brent dives into the essence of bebop, highlighting its significance as the foundational […]
The post How Can I Play Bebop Solos Without Learning Scales? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this podcast episode, Brent answers a question from Ed from St. Louis on how to construct killer solos when the breaks are short and snappy. Whether facing a 12-bar blues or navigating complex jazz standards, Brent discusses his principles that hold the key to unlocking improvisational prowess. Listen as he provides examples and encourages […]
The post How Do I Analyze Chord Changes And Construct Solos? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this podcast episode, Brent breaks down the application of bebop scales in major, dominant, and minor chords, revealing the magic of chromatic passing tones. He emphasizes viewing the bebop scale as a tool to grasp chromaticism in jazz language rather than as rigid improvisational rules. Discover the art of improvisation and learn how bebop […]
The post How to Use the Bebop Scales In Jazz appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent addresses Gary Cavallar’s question on shifting focus from playing notes to creating more organic saxophone solos. Brent explores ways to enhance creativity and improvisation. He suggests analyzing habits and incorporating new tools to break repetitive patterns. Learning more jazz language, including licks and solos from […]
The post How Do I Play More Creative Ideas in My Solos? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this podcast episode, Brent addresses a question from Roxanna, a classically trained pianist struggling with jazz rhythm and phrasing. Brent explains the essence of the swing feel in jazz, emphasizing the triplet-based rhythm. He advises starting with simple exercises, such as playing major scales with a swing feel. The discussion extends to jazz phrasing, […]
The post How to Get Better At Swing Feel and Jazz Phrasing appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this podcast episode, Brent addresses Jacqueline’s question about chromatic passing tones and accents. He emphasizes the importance of understanding swing feel and how it influences accenting in jazz. Brent introduces two types of chromatic note and provides insights into accenting these notes, highlighting that accents often depend on individual musical intuition and can vary […]
The post What’s the Best Way to Play Chromatic Jazz Lines? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast, Brent addresses a strategy to improve improvisation. He discusses the common issue of playing short and choppy phrases in solos and suggests an exercise called the “subdivisions exercise” to overcome this habit. The exercise involves playing continuous quarter notes, eighth notes, and triplets against a metronome […]
The post How to Create Less Choppy Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
In this podcast episode, Brent addresses a question from Cliff Dunn about counting while soloing. Brent advises against counting while soloing, emphasizing the challenge of trying to coordinate two different tasks simultaneously. Instead, he recommends practicing feeling the time and provides various strategies, such as listening to recordings, working with a metronome, and breaking down […]
The post Should I Be Counting When I Solo? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
This is another exciting episode where Brent answers a question from an inner circle member of the Learn Jazz Standards community, on whether musicians should think while improvising or just play what they feel. Brent explains that the best improvisers utilize both conscious thinking to guide their playing and subconscious reactions to melodies and emotions. […]
The post Should I Think When I Improvise? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
During the month of August, we are doing a themed month called Free Masterclass August. For over the next four weeks, I’ll be sharing with you different masterclasses that we’ve come out with in the past on Learn Jazz Standards. Masterclasses that range from topics on jazz improv and practicing and theory and really just […]
The post Free Masterclass: How to Effortlessly Improvise Amazing Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
During the month of August, we are doing a themed month called Free Masterclass August. For over the next four weeks, I’ll be sharing with you different masterclasses that we’ve come out with in the past on Learn Jazz Standards. Masterclasses that range from topics on jazz improv and practicing and theory and really just […]
The post Free Masterclass: How to Effortlessly Improvise Amazing Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
I recently ran a poll of over 2000 musicians playing all sorts of instruments over on our YouTube channel. And the question was, “What do you find most challenging about jazz improvisation?”. And here were the options that we gave: a) Creating melodic and cohesive solosb) Understanding and applying jazz theory during improvisationc) Developing a […]
The post 5 Struggles With Playing Great Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
So, we just got our Inner Circle Retreat this last weekend, and my friends, it was an absolutely amazing time. So motivating and so inspiring. A lot of our Inner Circle members came together. We did workshops, we did masterclasses, and we did group breakout sessions. It was an amazing time and we learned a […]
The post The Art of Taking B.A.D. Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Today, on the podcast I’m going to be sitting down and improvising a little bit over a jazz standard that I like to play and just giving myself an opportunity to explore some new ideas, to allow myself to get musically creative. I like you to join me in the process and see what you […]
The post I Improvised A Jazz Solo in 6 Different Ways appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Today on the podcast, I wanna show you 2 ways you can start improving your jazz improvisation today. And I wanna share with you a few different people that I know who recently have implemented these things and have made clear progress in their jazz playing. Welcome to episode 393 In this episode: 1. How […]
Today, on the show, we’re talking about 3 elements that make up really, really, really good jazz solos. These are things I’m hearing from the best jazz musicians in the world, things that we wanna start implementing in our own solos. So, let’s talk about those. Grab your favorite drink and snacks. Welcome to episode […]
The post The 3 Essential Elements of An Amazing Jazz Solo appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at jazz improvisation and unsure of where to get started, today I’m going to show you exactly how it works, make it simple so you get headed in the right direction. Listen to episode 377 In this episode: 1. How to start improvising over 2-5-12. The most basic notes you […]
The post Quick Win: Jazz Improvisation For Beginners (How to Get Started) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Giant Steps is notoriously one of the most feared jazz standards for musicians to learn and improvise over, not only because of the complex harmony but also because of the speed. So today, I’m gonna talk about how we can learn the chords most efficiently so we can improvise over them well and find out […]
The post Quick Win: Pro Jazz Musician Reacts to His Playing From 10 Years Ago appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
I’m gonna show you 5 jazz licks to have you sounding like a pro and unveil some of the secrets that jazz musicians are using in their solos. Listen to episode 368 In this episode: Intro Lick #1: What musicians would do over top of V to I chord progressions Lick #2: Over a I-IV-iii-vi […]
The post Quick Win: 5 Pro-Level Jazz Licks You Need to Know appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
The best jazz musicians in the world can play a solo, unaccompanied and you know exactly the tune they were playing. You can do that, too. Listen to episode 357 In this episode: 1. Intro2. The secret to playing chord changes3. A great jazz-blues solo4. Targeting Chord tones5. What are guide tones in a chord?6. […]
The post Quick Win: How to Play Changes In Your Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 354 Today on the podcast, I’m answering the question, “How long does it take to become a great jazz improviser?”, from day 1 until that day when you’re really playing solos that you’re enjoying, hearing back, and feeling happy about. Listen to episode 354 In this episode: 1. Variable that will influence how […]
The post How Long Will It Take to Play Great Jazz Solos? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
If you know the pentatonic or the blues scale you can actually play really amazing jazz solos using just those notes. Listen to episode 353 In this episode: Intro Demo: SOUL STIR BLUES – A jazz blues solo Kinds of Pentatonic Scales used in Soul Stir Blues How I put the solo together Applying rhythmic […]
The post Quick Win: Using Pentatonics for AMAZING Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 352 If you’ve been studying jazz for a little while, you’ve probably heard from somebody, whether it would be me or somebody else, that it’s a good idea to learn jazz solos or jazz etudes. And you may or may not fully understand why it’s a good idea to do, and if […]
The post Is Learning Jazz Solos Worth It (And How to Get Results From Them) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
So, if you’re practicing over jazz standards but you continually feel like you’re not improving, not getting any better, it could be that you’re just practicing them wrong in the very first place. So, I’m gonna show you strategies for practicing over jazz standards and actually improvising over them. Listen to episode 351 In this […]
The post Quick Win: How to PRACTICE Improvising Over a Jazz Standard appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
If your jazz solos feel like they’re missing that secret sauce that pro-level jazz musicians have, then you could be missing out on one of these strategies. Listen to episode 347 In this episode: 00:00 Intro Example/Demo 1st Strategy 2nd Strategy 3rd Strategy Video recommendation Important Links: LJS Inner Circle Membership Free Guide to learn […]
The post Quick Win: Instantly Improve Your Jazz Solos (3 Strategies) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 341 where today I talk about one of the most important skills you should focus on when it comes to jazz improvisation. If you master this, you could literally play any note (in the key or out) and make it sound great. Learn what it is and how you can start mastering […]
The post How to Play Wrong Notes and Still Sound Good In Your Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 335 where today I talk about how to get unstuck from playing the same stuff over and over again in your jazz solos. It's easy to get comfortable playing the same stuff, because we know it will sound good every single time. But this also keeps us stuck, unsatisfied, and wishing for more. I go over my simple solution for turning this around.
Main Points:
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Why do we get stuck playing the same stuff
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Making conscious decisions when we play
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Practicing making mistakes
Important Links
Show Notes:
https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode335
LJS Inner Circle Membership https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/ljs-inner-circle
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/op/learn-jazz-standards-the-smart-way/
The post How to Get Unstuck From Playing The Same Stuff Over and Over appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
How do you craft amazing bebop lines over a minor blues so that you sound like a jazz pro? I’m gonna walk you through the perfect minor blues solo. Listen to episode 334 In this episode: Intro What actually are the chords in the Dminor blues? Try to add these to make your solos sound […]
The post Quick Win: Perfect BEBOP Minor BLUES Solo appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
I’m about to show you a powerful 3-step process for how to get jazz licks to come out naturally and effortlessly in your solos. Listen to episode 330 In this episode: CHAPTERS: CHAPTERS: 1. Intro 2. Learn this “L” first 3. Do not skip this “C” 4. “I” is for reacting! Important Links LJS Inner […]
The post Quick Win: How to Use Jazz Licks In Your Solos (3 Steps) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 329 where today I talk about 3 mindsets that helped me start enjoying music more. It's a strange thing when something you used to enjoy doing a lot starts to lose its appeal for a variety of different reasons. For me is always comes down to mindset, and I share a few that have really helped me continue to have fun playing music.
Main Points:
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How skiing taught me non-judgemental curiosity
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How installing closet systems taught me patience during a challenge
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How cooking taught me to appreciate my playing more
Important Links
Show Notes:
https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode329
LJS Inner Circle Membership https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/ljs-inner-circle
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/op/learn-jazz-standards-the-smart-way/
The post 3 Mindset Shifts That Helped Me Enjoy Playing Music More appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 327 where today I talk about how to effectively practice improvising. Often on this show we talk about tactics for learning how to play great jazz language, like learning jazz solos. But we also need to actually practice improvising. So how do we do this effectively other than just doing it? That's exactly what you'll learn.
Main Points:
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Why practicing improvising is different from improvisation tactics
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Batching your improvising
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Importance of slow practice
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The mindset shift behind improv practice
Important Links
Show Notes:
https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode327
LJS Inner Circle Membership https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/ljs-inner-circle
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/op/learn-jazz-standards-the-smart-way/
The post How to Effectively Practice Improvising appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
So what are the secrets that pro-level jazz musicians know that allow them to play incredible jazz solos? Well, today I’m gonna go over 4 tips so that you can start playing like them, too! Listen to episode 326 In this episode: CHAPTERS: Intro Tip #1 You don’t need to be a Spelling Bee Champion. […]
The post Quick Win: How to Go From Amateur to Pro Level Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Show Description
Welcome to episode 319 where today I go over a common frusturation many have which is feeling like their jazz improvisation is not improving, even if they are doing all of the right things. I go over some questions to ask yourself as well as some possible solutions to help bridge the gap.
Main Points:
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The things you should be practicing as a jazz musician
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Memorizing vs. not memorizing
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Composing your own solos and lines
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Managing expectations
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Why practicing in different keys is important
Important Links
Show Notes:
https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode319
LJS Inner Circle Membership https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/ljs-inner-circle
Get Tickets to Learn Jazz Live 2022 Virtual Summit https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/sp/ljs-live-2022/
Free Guide to learn standards by ear: Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way https://members.learnjazzstandards.com/op/learn-jazz-standards-the-smart-way/
The post Why Is My Jazz Improvisation Not Improving? This Could Be Why… appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
So how can you start playing amazing jazz solos using jazz chords to your full advantage? Well, today I’m gonna show you 3 levels to do exactly that. Listen to episode 318 In this episode: 1. Level 1 – Start playing this instead of scales. 2. Level 2 – How to creatively resolve these tones […]
The post Quick Win: Creating AMAZING Jazz Solos Using Jazz Chords (3 Levels) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
So how do you learn jazz solos by ear without sheet music so you can start improving your jazz improv exponentially? Well, today I’m sharing with you my full step process for doing exactly that. Listen to episode 314 In this episode: 1. Intro 2. Two Things You Need To Become A Better Jazz Improviser […]
The post Quick Win: How to Learn a Jazz Solo by Ear (Step-by-Step) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
A huge mistake that many jazz players are making is not utilizing rhythm. So today I’m going to show you 3 common jazz rhythms and how to use them in your solos. Listen to episode 311 In this episode: 1. Jazz Rhythm #1 2. Jazz Rhythm #2 3. Jazz Rhythm #3 4. Rhythmic Motif Exercise […]
The post Quick Win: Using Rhythm for AMAZING Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
How do you play scales over jazz chords so that you are playing the right notes but not making it sound like you are just playing scales? Well, today I’m going to show you a melodic approach to making scales musical. Listen to episode 299 In this episode: 1. Intro 2. The Big Problem with […]
The post Quick Win: How to Play Scales Over Jazz Chords (Without Sounding Like Scales) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
So how do you play killer bebop solos like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie? Well, today I’m going to show you a simple bebop hack that will help you start playing amazing bebop solos instantly. Listen to episode 297 In this episode: 1. Intro 2. Target Notes and Approach Notes 3. 2 Different Kinds of […]
The post Quick Win: How to Play Instant Bebop (On Any Instrument) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 292 where today we listen to a recording of me improvising over a popular jazz standard and try to understand what I’m thinking as I improvise. Improvisation can be a mysterious thing, and it can feel difficult to connect the dots between the scales, licks, and patterns you are practicing to actually […]
The post What I’m Thinking About When I Improvise appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Today I’m going to show you a tasty jazz lick that’s going to make you sound like a bebop pro over minor 2-5-1 chord progressions. Listen to episode 291 In this episode: 1. What’s a minor 2-5-1 2. How to get that bebop sound 3. What a Minor Bebop Altered Lick sounds like 4. What […]
The post Quick Win: Tasty Minor Bebop Altered Lick appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 286 where today I talk about 3 different ways to spice up minor 2-5-1 chord progressions. Minor 2-5-1s can be found everywhere in jazz standards, so how do we make our comping, bass lines, and improv more interesting over them? I give several different ways we can utilize harmonic movement in our […]
The post 3 Ways to Spice Up Your Minor 2-5-1 Playing appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 285 where today I talk about how to play more melodic jazz solos. What separates the amateurs from the experts is how melodic a jazz solo is. So if you are stuck with boring solos, or solos that sound like scales, this episode will give you actionable steps for transforming your solos […]
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Welcome to episode 282 where today I talk with a member of team LJS, Brett Pontecorvo, about the 3 Pillars of Bebop. Bebop is a style of jazz that has greatly influenced the way jazz improvisers play today. But bebop is no walk in the park. It requires a degree of virtuosity and strong knowledge […]
The post The 3 Pillars of Bebop for Improving Your Bop Solos (feat. Brett Pontecorvo) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 279 where today I share with you 6 reasons your jazz solos may sound bad. These are things I commonly witness in the playing of beginner and intermediate players, and even with some slight changes and focus on these areas, you can start taking your jazz solos from bad to mediocre, to […]
The post 6 Reasons Your Jazz Solos May Sound Bad appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 258 where today I’m having you sit in on a practice session where I explore a I-VI-ii-V chord progression, experimenting with whatever ideas come up in the moment. A lot of times we get wrapped up on playing the “right notes” that we forget that we have to experiment creatively to find […]
The post Experimenting with Your Improvisation (Practice Session) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 256 where today I walk you through some different steps for beginning to develop a great jazz solo. A common mistake I hear is beginning a jazz solos with lots of notes and a myriad of ideas, rather than using call and response and a thematic building ideas. I show you actionable […]
The post How to Develop a Jazz Solo (First Steps) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 255 where today I’m sharing a short excerpt from a recent live Q&A call I had with my LJS Inner Circle members that answers the question: why is analyzing jazz standards helpful for improvisation? I discuss two aspects that make analysis helpful for the learning process and why it’s worth spending some […]
The post Why is Analyzing Jazz Standards Helpful for Improvisation? appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 253 where today we talk about scales and how to know which ones to play over chords and chord progressions within jazz standards. When it comes to scales, there are so many options to choose from, and it can be a bit overwhelming. Learn how to boil it down to the essentials […]
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Welcome to episode 251 where today we have on special guest guitarist and professional musician Quist. He shares with us his tips for internalizing jazz licks using jam tracks as a tool, as well as a host of other topics and insights to how he developed his musicianship to a high level. Listen to episode […]
The post Internalizing Licks with Jam Tracks and Improving Your Musicality (feat. Quist) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 247 where today we discuss strategies on Charlie Parker’s variation on a blues which has been dubbed a “Bird Blues.” Using this song form as a vessel, I show you how you can take fast moving changes, simplify them, and start navigating them without playing a bunch of notes. Listen to episode […]
The post How to Crush It On a “Bird Blues” and Simplify Your Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 241 where today we are diving into Strategy #3 of Minor Blues Month! In the last episode we pick up where we left off with an etude that was re-composed to add chord tones and scales. This time we implement bebop language utilizing enclosure and chromaticsm to take it to the next […]
The post [Strategy #3] Sky-rocketing a Minor Blues with Bebop Language appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 240 where today we are diving into Strategy #2 of Minor Blues Month! In the last episode we composed a 12 bar minor blues using the minor pentatonic and blues scale almost exclusively. This time we build on that etude by incorporating chord tones and a few scales to level-up the jazz […]
The post [Strategy #2] Elevating a Minor Blues with Chord Tones and Scales appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 239 of the LJS Podcast where today we kick off “Minor Blues Month” on the podcast! We’ll be uncovering 3 strategies for improvising over a minor blues and then my master practice plan for dominating a minor blues. Today is Strategy #1: Minor Pentatonics and “Blues Scales.” Listen to episode 239 October […]
The post [Strategy #1] Crushing a Minor Blues with Minor Pentatonics appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 238 of the LJS Podcast where today I sit down and learn the first A section of a jazz etude I’ve been wanting to learn. Listen in as I walk through my process for learning a jazz solo by ear off of a recording. You’ll find observing the process helpful as well […]
The post I Learn Part of a Jazz Solo by Ear (My Process) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 236 of the LJS Podcast where today I show you a simple technique that will help you take your jazz ballad playing to the next level. One of the challenges of playing ballads is the slow tempo and chords that seem to last forever. Side step 2-5’s will help you add more […]
The post Spice Up Your Jazz Ballad Playing with Side Step 2-5’s appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 233 of the LJS Podcast where today I show you 4 jazz blues licks that I know you’re going to love. We listen to them and I explain what makes them work and sound so great. Prepare to have your face melted. Listen to episode 233 Now if you’re an avid listener […]
The post Learn These 4 Jazz Blues Licks (You’ll Thank Me Later) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 230 of the LJS Podcast where today I go over my 3 step LIT Process for learning and applying jazz licks. Learning licks and then copy/pasting them into your solos rarerly sounds natural, so we need to learn and apply them in a way that allows them to come out organically and […]
The post 3 Steps to Playing Licks Organically in Your Jazz Improv appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 229 of the LJS Podcast where today I have on special guest Brett Pontecorvo to teach us how to properly use scales to build great solos. Scales are useful tools, but if applied in an un-musical way, can be problematic. Brett walks us through some solid tips for taking vanilla scales and […]
The post How to Turn Scales Into Killer Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 228 of the LJS Podcast where today I teach you a few principles and techniques that will help you play “outside” of the changes without it sounding avante garde or playing wrong notes. I use a lick from an etude in our Inner Circle membership as an example. Listen to episode 228 […]
The post How to Play “Outside” and Sound Good appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 216 of the LJS Podcast where today I go walk you through a 12 jazz blues etude I’ve composed, and help you learn it by ear. Learning jazz solos by ear is important, so instead of talking about it and giving strategies, we actually do it on the episode. Listen to episode […]
The post By the End of This Episode You’ll Have Learned a Jazz Blues Solo appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 213 of the LJS Podcast where today we talk about all thing comping. This isn’t just an episode for the guitarists and pianists – everyone can get benefit out of the concepts discussed in this episode. You learn 3 things to keep in mind while you are comping so that you are […]
The post How to Comp Over Jazz Standards Like a Pro appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 210 of the LJS Podcast where today I take out my guitar and do a little bit of practicing with you. We explore some incredible jazz language over 1-6-2-5 chord progressions while listening to a Dexter Gordon recording of a rhythm changes. I learn and pick apart licks from scratch to help […]
The post 1-6-2-5 Licks Over Rhythm Changes (Learning From Dexter Gordon) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 208 of the LJS Podcast where today I have on special guest Dani Rabin from the prog jazz-rock band Marbin. Dani is not only a phenominal musician, but a great musical mind and educator. We discuss his philosophy on learning jazz improvisation, and effective strategies to practice towards making great musical decisions when improvising.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode208
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The post Making Good Musical Decisions Through Effective Practice (feat. Dani Rabin of Marbin) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 207 of the LJS Podcast where today I demonstrate three strategies you can practice to help you develop more melodic jazz solos. Often, we are tempted to jump straight to bebop lines and complex theory applications when improvising. But simple melodies are often skipped, and therefore missing an important aspect of making meaningful solos. Learn how to start practicing this.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode207
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The post 3 Strategies for Melodic Improv on Jazz Standards appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 201 of the LJS Podcast where today I talk about 3 ways to start improvising organically when you play jazz solos. A common problem I hear from subscribers is the struggle to let go of pre-meditating or thinking about what they need to play. It can be tough to let go, "forget" what you've been practicing, and just improvise freely. I share some simple ways you can start training yourself to do this better.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode201
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The post 3 Ways to Start Improvising Organically appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 186 of the LJS Podcast where we continue onto week 3 of "Jazz Blues Month!" In this episode, I cover the 2nd strategy of this series which is understanding the 3 pillars of jazz blues language. Not only do we discuss what they are, I tell you what to practice and a few tools that can help for each.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode186
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The post [Strategy #2] 3 Pillars of Jazz Blues Language appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 183 of the LJS Podcast where today we listen to two solos I've recorded in the past. We'll listen to one that I'm proud of and checks off the boxes of a good jazz solo, and we'll also listen to one I'm not so proud of. I analyze what made the good one good, and the bad one bad.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode183
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The post Analyzing a Good and Bad Jazz Solo (What Makes a Good Solo) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 177 of the LJS Podcast where today I demonstrate a solo I composed over a minor blues. Composing jazz solos is one of the best ways to solidify the jazz language you already know and get it to come out in your playing.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode177
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The post Composing a Jazz Solo Over a Minor Blues appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 175 of the LJS Podcast where today I talk about using pitch collections to create jazz lines over static chords. I personally don't enjoy thinking about playing scales over chords. I think a better way to think about scales is as "pitch collections" which can be especially helpful when learning to improvise over different qualities of chords. I go over the concept and demonstrate some licks.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode175
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The post Using Pitch Collections to Create Jazz Lines Over Static Chords appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 169 of the LJS Podcast where we conclude "Jazz Standards Month." This lesson goes over composing target notes over the jazz standard There Will Never Be Another You and then using those target notes to create a jazz solo. This is a great way to start developing improv skills by slowing things down and intentionally composing jazz lines under the parameter of target notes.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode169
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The post Composing Jazz Solos Using Target Notes (Over There Will Never Be Another You) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 168 of the LJS Podcast where we continue "Jazz Standards Month." Oftentimes in jazz education, we place an emphasis on harmonic and melodic elements. We typically don't place enough emphasis on rhythm. However, rhythm is important for understanding jazz music and becoming a better jazz improviser. In this episode, we learn how to apply rhythmic motivic development to the jazz standard Someday My Prince Will Come.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode168
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The post Making Rhythms the Foundation of Your Jazz Solos (Someday My Prince Will Come Study) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 167 of the LJS Podcast where we continue "Jazz Standards Month." My subscribers often wonder what scales to play over jazz standards to help them improvise. However, scales are rarely the answer to creating great melodic solos. With that being said, they should not be discarded and in the right hands can be used to create great music. In this episode, we take the pentatonic scale and apply it over the jazz standard Just Friends.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode167
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The post Making Pentatonic Scales Musical Over Just Friends (Analysis and Improv Lesson) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 165 of the LJS Podcast where today we have a fun show where we discuss how to improvise over the LJS Podcast theme song. It's an episode mixed with a bit of education, and just plain having fun. Best yet, we listen to several recordings of LJS community members improvising over the theme. Listen in!
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode165
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The post Improvising Over the LJS Podcast Theme Song (feat. Listener Improvisations) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 162 of the LJS Podcast where today we have on special guest Aimee Nolte on the show to share with us how to develop an engaging solo that tells a story. Aimee thinks the biggest mistake she sees jazz improvisers make is coming out of the gate playing a slew of notes and run-on lines. She shows us how she develops a great jazz solo and let's loose and some amazing tips.
View Show Notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode162
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Aimee's website: https://www.aimeenolte.com/
The post Developing an Engaging Story Line for Your Jazz Solos (feat. Aimee Nolte) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 158 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about how to add chromaticism into your jazz lines. Chromaticism is one of the characteristics of a classic "jazz sound" and so we take a close look at how to implement it. We go over 5 different licks and gradually introduce chromaticism into them.
View the show notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode158
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The post Using Chromaticism to Develop Your Jazz Lines appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 155 of the LJS Podcast where today we have special guest Christopher Sutton back on the show to talk to us about improvisation. What I love about this interview is Christopher is not a jazz musician, and he offers some unique perspectives on improvisation that are really refreshing. Learn about musical playgrounds and how thinking this way will enlighten your improv.
View the show notes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode155
Christopher Sutton's website: https://www.musical-u.com/
Sign up for the newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter
The post Using “Musical Playgrounds” For Better Improvisation (feat. Christopher Sutton) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 154 of the LJS Podcast where today we have special guest Jeff Schneider back on the show to talk to us about avoiding meandering jazz solos. Jeff talks about how to create jazz lines that sound more like a conversation than just a stream of notes. This one is packed full of jazz truth nuggets. Listen in!
View the shownotes: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/episode154
Jeff Schneider's website: https://www.jeffschneidermusic.com/
Sign up for the newsletter: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/newsletter/
The post How to Avoid Meandering Jazz Solos (feat. Jeff Schneider) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 151 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about how you can apply different pattern exercises over scales. Patterns are great technical exercises that can help us become more flexible on our instrument. I give several different examples that you can put to use. Listen in!
This lesson comes out of my jazz theory and improv eBook and companion course "Zero to Improv": https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/zerotoimprov/
The post Applying Patterns to Scales for Jazz Improv Flexibility appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 150 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about a technique called "enclosure." Enclosure is a way to conceptualize bebop language, and how jazz musicians approach important chord tones. We learn the basics of enclosure and then apply it over a jazz blues. Listen in!
The post Using Enclosure to Create Bebop Lines Over a Jazz Blues appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 146 of the LJS Podcast where today we are covering 3 awesome strategies for improvising over a jazz blues. The blues is an important song form in jazz that every aspiring jazz musician needs to be proficient at. These strategies will help set a strong foundation for improvising freely over the blues. Listen in!
Sign up for my free mini-course "Accelerate Your Jazz Skills": https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/accelerate-your-jazz-skills/
The post 3 Strategies for Improvising Over a Jazz Blues appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 142 of the LJS Podcast where today we are sitting in on a coaching call with 30 Steps to Better Jazz Playing student, Dan Sich. Dan asks how he can better outline chord tones, guide tones and other techniques without losing focus and getting off track. Brent gives out some exercises that take things in a slightly different direction. Listen in!
If you're interested in joining 30 Steps to Better Jazz Playing, go here: https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/30-steps-to-better-jazz-playing/
The post Creating Melodic Jazz Solos and the Art of Not Thinking (Coaching Call with Dan Sich) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 141 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about what I am thinking when I take a jazz solo. This is a question I get a lot so we talk about what the end goal should be and I record a solo and analyze it. Listen in!
The post What I Think About When I Take a Jazz Solo appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 140 of the LJS Podcast where today we have a short but sweet episode demonstrating 3 hip I-VI-ii-V licks. This is an important chord progression found in jazz and it's important to learn some jazz language over it. Listen in!
Sign up for our free eCourse "Accelerate Your Jazz Skills": https://www.learnjazzstandards.com/accelerate-your-jazz-skills/
The post 3 Hip 1-6-2-5 Licks to Practice appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 132 of the LJS Podcast where today we are answering a question from a podcast listener who asked about avoid notes. Avoid notes are used in music academia to help identify which notes to not play over given chords or chords in the context of chord progression. But should you really "avoid" avoid notes? Listen in!
The post Avoiding “Avoid Notes” and When Not to Avoid Them appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 128 of the LJS Podcast where today we are exploring 3 hip 2-5-1 licks. Learning licks is always a good practice for learning jazz language, and 2-5-1 chord progressions are arguably the most common in jazz harmony. This is a great episode to help you take action and practice. Listen in!
The post 3 Hip 2-5-1 Licks for You to Practice appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 122 of the LJS Podcast where today we are joined by special guest Jens Larsen to talk about using target notes to create melodic jazz lines. Jens is a pro jazz guitarist, teacher, and he lays down his tips on how to bring out the chord tones in your jazz solos and use them to make real melodies. Listen in!
The post How to Use Target Notes to Create Melodic Jazz Lines (Feat. Jens Larsen) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 112 of the LJS Podcast where today we have on special guest renowned saxophonist and educator Greg Fishman. Greg shares his story of how he has developed such a successful career in jazz and talks about one of his secret weapons: transcribing. Can you guess how many solos Greg has transcribed? Listen in!
The post Mastering the Art of Transcribing (feat. Greg Fishman) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 110 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking with Nick Mainella from The 10 Minute Jazz Lesson Podcast all about the Blues and how to start playing it with confidence. Blues is a foundational element of jazz music and Nick teaches you the ins and outs and everything you need to know to get started. Listen in!
The post How to Start Crushing It On the Blues (Feat. Nick Mainella) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 108 of the LJS Podcast where today we are concluding "Jazz Standards Month" with the topic of motivic development and how we can utilize it to develop musical themes, and structure into our jazz solos. Brent tells you what motivic development is and gives some examples. Listen in!
The post Using Motivic Development to Create Musical Themes appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 107 of the LJS Podcast where today we are continuing "Jazz Standards Month" talking about composing contrafacts to develop melodic ideas. Composition and melody are huge aspects of great improvisation. Learn why, and the great benefits composing contrafacts can have. Listen in!
The post Composing Contrafacts to Develop Melodic Ideas appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 93 of the LJS Podcast where today we have on special guest jazz saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz-Brown to talk about developing bebop language. Chad talks about his musical journey and the lessons he's learned along the way to becoming a renowned jazz musician and recording artists. Specifically, he hones in on Bebop, and gives us some great exercises to work on. Listen in!
The post How to Unlock Bebop Language (feat. Chad Lefkowitz-Brown) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 90 of the LJS Podcast where today we are answering a question from a listener who wants to know how to analyze solo transcriptions to get the most out of them. This episode discusses what you should look for, and how you can break the solo down to identify the most important parts. Listen in!
The post How to Get the Very Most Out of Your Jazz Solo Transcriptions appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 88 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking all about a great 4 step process for learning jazz solos by ear. This is a practice that has a ton of benefits for your jazz musicianship and every aspiring jazz player should be doing this. Learn the LIST method and how it can help. Listen in!
The post Using the LIST Method to Learn Jazz Solos by Ear appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 83 of the LJS Podcast where today we are answering a question from a caller who asked how to improve speed and accuracy in his jazz solos. Brent goes over a great exercise that you can start working on today to develop your time and rhythm feel, as well as technique. Listen in!
The post How to Improve Speed and Accuracy in Your Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 77 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about an important chord progression, the Major 1-6-2-5. This is a chord progression that shows up all of the time in jazz repertoire and you will want to learn how to navigate it. You'll learn a helpful exercise and a few licks. Listen in!
The post LJS 77: How to Navigate Major 1-6-2-5 Chord Progressions appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 73 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about the major 2-5-1 chord progression and 4 strategies for how to improvise over it. The 2-5-1 (ii-V-I) is one of the most common chord progression in jazz and other styles of music. You will see it come up all of the time in jazz standards so it's important you have a good handle on it. Listen in!
The post LJS 73: 4 Strategies For Improvising Over Major 2-5-1’s appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 68 of the LJS Podcast where today we are asking talking about how to compose a jazz solo from scratch. Podcast host Brent Vaartstra composes a jazz solo live on the show and walks you through his process of building a jazz solo he would love to improvise. Listen in!
The post LJS 68: How to Compose a Jazz Solo From Scratch appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 65 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about how to create killer jazz solos by thinking like a composer. Joining us to talk about this today is Downbeat award winner and three-time recipient of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award, Jeff Schneider. Learn how to think like a composer and start building jazz solos that really stick out. Listen in!
The post LJS 65: How to Create Killer Jazz Solos By Thinking Like a Composer (Feat. Jeff Schneider) appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 62 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about 4 steps for playing what you hear in your jazz improvisation. This is a question that we get a lot. "How do I play what I am hearing in my head?" There is no easy answer, but these 4 steps will get you headed in the right direction. Listen in!
The post LJS 62: 4 Steps for Playing What You Hear In Your Jazz Improv appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 61 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about how to use scales in your jazz solos the right way. You'll learn what scales are good and bad for, how to think about scales as pitch collections, and examples of how to convert them into actual melodies. Listen in!
The post LJS 61: How to Use Scales In Your Jazz Solos the Right Way appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 53 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about how you can improve your jazz solos by using guide tones. One of the big questions students have is how do I navigate chord changes in my improvisation? Guide tones are a great springboard into identifying the important chord tones to focus on. Listen in!
The post LJS 53: How to Improve Your Jazz Solos By Using Guide Tones appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 49 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about 3 ways practicing in all 12 keys will make you a better jazz musician. This is a practice that can have profound effects on your playing. Be sure to take the challenge at the end of the episode! Listen in!
The post LJS 49: 3 Ways Practicing in all 12 Keys Will Make You a Better Musician appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 40 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about an important jazz improvisation technique called enclosure, and how to use it. This a great technique to help you conceptualize jazz language. Listen in!
The post LJS 40: An Important Jazz Improv Technique and How to Use It appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 37 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about how to tell stories with your jazz solos. If you think about it, some of the best solos out there tell captivating stories. Each phrase has a trajectory, and we want to learn how to do this. Listen in!
The post LJS 37: How to Tell Stories With Your Jazz Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 30 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about 5 jazz solos you should learn and why. Learning jazz solos by ear is a practice that all jazz musicians should be doing and is incredibly important for becoming a better jazz musician. If you are having trouble finding good solos to learn, these are definitely some to consider. Listen in!
The post LJS 30: 5 Jazz Solos You Should Learn and Why appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 29 of the LJS Podcast where today we are introducing Jazz Challenge #4 of our 4 part series of jazz challenges. These challenges will be leading up to the release of our first eCourse 30 Days to Better Jazz Playing in October 2016. Today’s challenge is to learn a new jazz lick. Listen in!
The post LJS 29: Jazz Challenge #4 Learn a New Jazz Lick appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 28 of the LJS Podcast where today we are introducing Jazz Challenge #3 of a 4 part series of jazz challenges. These challenges will be leading up to the release of our first eCourse 30 Days to Better Jazz Playing in October 2016. Today’s challenge is to write your own jazz solo. Listen in!
The post LJS 28: Jazz Challenge #3 Write Your Own Jazz Solo appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 27 of the LJS Podcast where today we are introducing Jazz Challenge #2 of a 4 part series of jazz challenges. These challenges will be leading up to the release of our first eCourse 30 Days to Better Jazz Playing in October 2016. Today's challenge is to practice the blues in all 12 keys. Listen in!
The post LJS 27: Jazz Challenge #2 Practice the Blues in all 12 Keys appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 26 of the LJS Podcast where today we are introducing Jazz Challenge #1 of a 4 part series of jazz challenges. These challenges will be leading up to the release of our first eCourse 30 Days to Better Jazz Playing in October 2016. Today's challenge is to write your own contrafact. Listen in!
The post LJS 26: Jazz Challenge #1 Write Your Own Contrafact appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 22 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about how to play at fast tempos and not get burned. Up tempos tunes are something that all jazz musicians must confront, and we've all been burned by them before! In this episode we go over some tips for playing fast tempos and how we can start getting better control over them. Listen in!
The post LJS 22: How to Play at Fast Tempos and Not Get Burned appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 15 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about 5 steps to learning jazz language by ear. In this episode we talk about why it's important to learn jazz language by ear rather than from sheet music, and 5 practical steps to do it. Learning music by ear is certainly the road less traveled, but the rewards are well worth it! Listen in.
The post LJS 15: 5 Steps to Learning Jazz Language By Ear appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 11 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about 4 ingredients to becoming a better jazz musician. These "ingredients" aren't things you should practice or what licks or solos you should learn. These are some really important things to be and do outside of the practice room, if you are serious about becoming a better jazz musician. Listen in!
The post LJS 11: 4 Ingredients to Becoming a Better Jazz Musician appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 8 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about 2 exercises for hearing chord changes in your solos. As jazz musicians, we want to be able to clearly hear the harmony of the tune we are playing in our solos. This is a skill that can really take your solos from sounding amateur and bland to professional and full of life. Listen in!
The post LJS 08: 2 Exercises For Hearing Chord Changes In Your Solos appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 7 of the LJS Podcast where today we are talking about how playing free can make you a better improviser. Our special guest saxophonist and composer Josiah Boornazian walks us through some enlightening ways to bring free improvisation into the practice room, rehearsals, and even gigs. Listen in!
The post LJS 07: How Playing Free Can Make You a Better Improviser appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.
Welcome to episode 4 of the LJS Podcast where today we will be talking about 3 Things Every Jazz Musician Should Be Practicing. In this episode we go over three things to practice that are proven to be very effective in improving jazz soloing and jazz playing in general. If these are not a part of your practice routine now, you are going to want to pencil them in!
The post LJS 04: 3 Things Every Jazz Musician Should Practice appeared first on Learn Jazz Standards.