Category: Improvisation

05/19/2020

Scales-What do I do with these things!!

One question I get a lot is, “I’ve learned my scales, now what do I do with this knowledge?” Comments like, everything I play sounds like I’m running up and down scales, I know the fingerings but I can’t make up any good melodies. A…

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04/26/2020

Mixolydian Madness

When can you use Mixolydian? Over Modal Songs: Think Old Joe Clark, Wheel Hoss, Salt Creek, Redhaired Boy or Seven Bridges Road by the eagles if Rock is your thing. Over the V chord in MAJOR keys. For example, a G7 chord going to C…

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04/04/2020

Five COOL D minor licks (melodic style)

Why D minor? D minor is one of the most common keys and chords in music. Whether it be bluegrass, jazz or classical, you will encounter it bunches. You want to have so much material for D minor chords that you are NEVER at a…

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02/07/2020

Listening Hints | Hearing Chord Changes

In my latest teaching video I go over some listening hints for hearing chord changes. These are sounds I often listen for to help me anticipate the next chord change. I think knowing a little more about what to listen for will help you increase…

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01/18/2020

Increase your Music Reaction Time

What could be wrong with your practice time? Are your practice sessions preparing you for real life jam situations? Are your practice sessions failing to address the necessary skills required to play songs you’ve never heard- Can you show up at a jam and follow…

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12/29/2019

Jazz Licks part 2 |Expanding on Fragments

In this video, I demonstrate another Jazz Lick. This time I also go over how to expand on licks, the importance of playing in all 12 keys. Not to mention, the importance of varying up how you enter and end these licks.