JAZZ IMPROVISATION
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NOTE: Click on “Older Entries” at the bottom of this page for more lessons or see the complete list on the PREMIUM page.
How to Play & Use the Symmetrical Pentatonic Scale
In this lesson I teach you how to extract from the melodic minor scale, another scale that most guitarists aren't familiar with... the symmetrical pentatonic. Unlike the 8-note symmetrical diminished scale which is used primarily over diminished 7th chords, the...
How To Play And Use The Whole Tone Pentatonic- Part 2
In Part 1 of this lesson we learned about the origins of the whole tone pentatonic, its construction, and how to improvise over various chords using the concept of super-imposition. In this 2nd part I'm going to show you 2 four measure phrases exclusively using this...
How to Play and Use the Whole Tone Pentatonic- Part 1
In this two part lesson I'd like to show you how to play and use a scale that most guitarists aren't even aware of. I'm referring to the whole tone pentatonic. So where does this scale come from? Well, I've got some interesting news for you. You probably knew all...
The Minor 6th Chord: When & How To Use It!
How often do you use the minor 6th chord? If you're like most guitarists, your answer is probably going to be...once in a blue moon! Yet this is a very useful chord, especially when playing standards in minor keys. When used in the right places, it can add a fresh...
Jazz Improvisation and The Art of Quoting
In this lesson we are going to learn all about the Art of Quoting during a solo. In jazz, a quote takes place when in the midst of a solo we insert a recognizable melodic fragment from a different musical piece. Usually the chosen melodic fragment was written over a...
How to Solo Over Rhythm Changes Using Pentatonics | Part 2
In PART 2 of "How to Solo over Rhythm Changes using Pentatonics", I demonstrate a simple yet effective way to jazz up both the minor and major varieties of this scale. This procedure consists of incorporating chromatic passing tones. To conclude, I show you how to add...
Jim Hall’s Horn-Like Glissando Technique
This week I am thrilled to share a lesson entirely devoted to a signature technique employed by one of my all time jazz guitar heroes! I am referring of course to the late Jim Hall, known by many as the father of modern jazz guitar. Hall, known for his fluid legato...
Miles Davis “So What” Solo
This video lesson features Miles Davis' first chorus from his solo on "So What" off the album, "Kind of Blue". The download for this lesson is included with the "So What" Live version here. More Miles Davis Lessons: Miles for Jazz Guitar- Part 1 Miles for Jazz Guitar-...
Wes Montgomery’s Solo on Satin Doll
In this video lesson you will learn Wes Montgomery's solo on Satin Doll from the album: "A Dynamic New Sound". Richie's Notes: I transcribed this solo over 20 years ago before transcription software existed. Upon listening to it again and comparing it to the original...
Miles Davis for Jazz Guitar2
This is the 2nd in a series of lessons featuring transcriptions of phrases by Miles Davis adapted for guitar. This video demonstrates 4 phrases extracted from his recording of "Tune Up", off the "Blue Haze" album. Please download...