Exercises for Developing Jazz Improvisation

This method book covers some improvisation techniques to help the developing jazz player expand their jazz skills. It can be broken down into 3 sections:



Introducing Bebop Scales

This section introduces you to the 3 main bebop scales relating to major, minor and dominant 7th chords. It relates each scale to chord tones, moves melodic shapes through each scale type as well as giving you a few sample ?licks? to get started. There are also 2 written sample solos using these techniques with audio demonstration and backing tracks to accompany the practice exercises and sample solos.

Pentatonic Scales

This section explores 5 pentatonic scale types - major, b6, b3, minor and b4. There are 4 basic patterns which are then adapted for each scale type along with a list of suggested scale/chord applications. There are also 2 written sample solos using these techniques with audio demonstration and backing tracks to accompany the practice exercises and sample solos. .

Approach Notes and Enclosure

This section covers 2 note, 3 note and 4 note approach notes and enclosures. Each note grouping is written in all 12 keys ready to practice around the circle of 5ths. There are also 2 written sample solos using these techniques with audio demonstration and backing tracks to accompany the practice exercises and sample solos.

Although originally created for sax students, the book has now been adapted for all instruments and is available for C, Bb, Eb and Bass Clef instruments.

Exercises for Developing Jazz Improvisation Volume II

This method book covers a further 2 techniques to help the developing jazz player expand their jazz skills. These can also be purchased individually:

Examining Diminished Scales

This section looks at Whole/Half and Half/Whole step diminished scales. It includes ascending/descending broken chord exercises plus scale patterns for both Whole/Half and Half/Whole step diminished scales. There are also 2 written sample solos with audio demonstration and backing tracks to accompany the exercises.

Triad Pairs and Hexatonic Scales

This section focuses on 4 common triad pairs and their related hexatonic scales - 2 major triads a whole step apart, 2 major triads a tritone apart, major/augmented triads a whole step apart and 2 minor triads a whole step apart. There are exercises and patterns for each triad pair/hexatonic scale plus suggested chord applications for each. There are also 2 written sample solos with audio demonstration and backing tracks to accompany the practice exercises and sample solos.

Although originally created for sax students, all books have now been adapted for C, Bb, Eb and Bass Clef instruments.