Jazz Theory and Composition
ShareThisThe lessons in this category explore theoretical concepts and their application to composition and improvisation.
Chordscale Theory
Dominant Chordscales
While the mixolydian mode is the default dominant chordscale, there exists a whole world of dominant chordscale choices, each one possessing a unique sound (more...)
While the mixolydian mode is the default dominant chordscale, there exists a whole world of dominant chordscale choices, each one possessing a unique sound (more...)
Chordscales of Minor ii-V-i Progressions
The derivation of chordscales for minor ii-V-i progressions is less straightforward than with major ii-V-Is. Each minor key has three scales whereas each major key has just one. In this lesson, (more...)
The derivation of chordscales for minor ii-V-i progressions is less straightforward than with major ii-V-Is. Each minor key has three scales whereas each major key has just one. In this lesson, (more...)
Chordscales of Major ii-V-I Progressions
Chordscales are an essential component of improvisation and major ii-V-I progressions make up most of the chords to any given standard tune. Together, these two (more...)
Chordscales are an essential component of improvisation and major ii-V-I progressions make up most of the chords to any given standard tune. Together, these two (more...)
Chordscale Theory: Modes of the Major Scale
Dorian, mixolydian, ionian, locrian. You've no doubt heard these terms tossed around in improv books and by teachers but what do they mean and what are they used for? Find out answers to these questions (more...)
Dorian, mixolydian, ionian, locrian. You've no doubt heard these terms tossed around in improv books and by teachers but what do they mean and what are they used for? Find out answers to these questions (more...)
Introduction to Chordscale Theory
Chordscale theory describes the interdependent relationship of harmony and melody. It states that chords serve specific roles within a key which determine the scales that are associated with those chords (more...)
Chordscale theory describes the interdependent relationship of harmony and melody. It states that chords serve specific roles within a key which determine the scales that are associated with those chords (more...)
Line Cliche
The line cliche is a well worn reharmonization device- and for good reason- it creates the illusion of harmonic progression over an otherwise static chord. Start using this technique in your playing by watching (more...)
The line cliche is a well worn reharmonization device- and for good reason- it creates the illusion of harmonic progression over an otherwise static chord. Start using this technique in your playing by watching (more...)
Upper Structure Triads
Upper structure triads have been an enduring feature of jazz since the early Bebop era. This chord voicing technique can be heard in big bands and solo piano alike and produces a rich bitonal effect (more...)
Upper structure triads have been an enduring feature of jazz since the early Bebop era. This chord voicing technique can be heard in big bands and solo piano alike and produces a rich bitonal effect (more...)
Four Components of Melodic Construction
Strong, harmonically clear melodic lines are composed of four primary building blocks: chord tones, arpeggios, scale passages and approach patterns. Learn more about these components and how (more...)
Strong, harmonically clear melodic lines are composed of four primary building blocks: chord tones, arpeggios, scale passages and approach patterns. Learn more about these components and how (more...)
Jazz Blues Progression
When the blues is played in a jazz context the chord progression is more sophisticated in the number and types of chords used. In addition to the basic I, IV, V chords, jazz blues incorporates major and (more...)
When the blues is played in a jazz context the chord progression is more sophisticated in the number and types of chords used. In addition to the basic I, IV, V chords, jazz blues incorporates major and (more...)
Related ii Chords
In combination with dominant chords, related ii chords can dramatically increase the reharmonization potential of any progression. Watch this lesson and see how a garden variety ii-V-I-V/ii progression (more...)
In combination with dominant chords, related ii chords can dramatically increase the reharmonization potential of any progression. Watch this lesson and see how a garden variety ii-V-I-V/ii progression (more...)
Substitute Dominants
How many times have you played the same chord changes, chorus after chorus of Autumn Leaves or Blue Bossa or All the Things You Are or any tune? Wouldn't it be nice to throw in a few new chords here (more...)
How many times have you played the same chord changes, chorus after chorus of Autumn Leaves or Blue Bossa or All the Things You Are or any tune? Wouldn't it be nice to throw in a few new chords here (more...)
Ear Training
7th Chord Ear Training | Triad Ear Training | Diatonic Interval Ear Training
| Chromatic Interval Ear Training 
| 
Tendency Tones
Ear training gets short shrift among music students- who wants to be occupied with such a mundane task when you can spend your time learning Herbie Hancock licks? Well not so fast. The benefits (more...)
7th Chord Ear Training | Triad Ear Training | Diatonic Interval Ear Training
| Chromatic Interval Ear Training | Tendency TonesEar training gets short shrift among music students- who wants to be occupied with such a mundane task when you can spend your time learning Herbie Hancock licks? Well not so fast. The benefits (more...)
Blues Progression
Jazz piano students are always asking about the blues. What are the chords? What is the blues scale? How do I improvise over the changes? Well here are the answers. The basics of the blues progression (more...)
Jazz piano students are always asking about the blues. What are the chords? What is the blues scale? How do I improvise over the changes? Well here are the answers. The basics of the blues progression (more...)
Minor ii-V-i Progression
In combination with the major ii-V-I progression the minor ii-V-i progression is the most common progression in jazz. This lesson will show you the derivation of the progression from it's parent scales and how to (more...)
In combination with the major ii-V-I progression the minor ii-V-i progression is the most common progression in jazz. This lesson will show you the derivation of the progression from it's parent scales and how to (more...)
Major ii-V-I Progression 
This lesson will introduce you to this universal and ever-present jazz progression by starting with it's derivation from the major scale all the way through to building, identifying and playing major key (more...)
This lesson will introduce you to this universal and ever-present jazz progression by starting with it's derivation from the major scale all the way through to building, identifying and playing major key (more...)
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