Scot Ranney's LearnJazzPiano.com archive: Technique and Exercises

LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Technique and Exercises
Gaxton -- 02/05/2004, 04:45:40 -- #1075985140
scale SPEED
Pleasse I'm an intermediate piano player and would like to know more about how u can improve on scale speed... please help
Scot -- 02/05/2004, 08:08:44 -- #1075997323

Do you practice with a metronome? Velocity can only be had by first being able to play thing perfect at a slower tempo. Once you can do some things slowly, then jump several notches and try them at a faster tempo. Then after that, try them as fast as you can, but always play at a speed where things are perfect. Now, there are also some tricks. When playing scales super fast, one of the things that is important to think about are "target notes". So, for the key of C, your target notes are F (the passing of the thumb) and the next C where your thumb passes again. You might try an exercise where you only play: C E F B C and get the thumb passing down. If you concentrate on the "target notes", and can play them pretty fast, then it's not usually difficult to put in all the "filler notes", that is, D G and A. It's actually easier to play a very fast Db scale. But, all scales can be thought of as having target notes. So give that a try and see what happens.
gbemi -- 02/05/2004, 11:16:51 -- #1076008611
solo and improvisation
Please what is the on solos and improvisation. And give a clear difference between solos and improvisation.
Scot -- 02/05/2004, 11:29:22 -- #1076009361

Solos and improvisation can be different and they can be the same. In symphonic band, the music might call for any instrument to take a solo. Such as Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring". It opens up with a solo... oboe or bassoon I think (I could be wrong!). Those players are not improvising. They might interpet the solo differently than other players, but they are all playing what the composer wrote. Improv on the other hand is like instant composing. In a jazz band (Basie, Kenton, Ellington, etc) an individual instrument might have a solo. In most cases, they will improvise their solo, that is, look at chords and create their own melody based on those chords. In some bands, especially younger bands in junior high and high school, a lot of solos that should be improvised are written out. There are even bands where EVERYONE improvises over the chords (traditional jazz is like that), and some bands where everyone improvises on nothing at all and still make music. Basically, improvisation is the art of creating a melody where none existed before. And the art of playing a solo is simply playing a melody by yourself without the rest of the band, or with the rest of the band playing background.
The Latin Real Book
Kathryn -- 02/10/2004, 11:26:01 -- #1076441161
4 over 5
Can you explain more clearly the phrase 4 over 5 resolves to 1 and give me an example.
7 -- 02/10/2004, 12:56:59 -- #1076446619

A IV chord over a V chord yields a dominant 11th. Example: V of C = G major triad = G-B-D IV of C = F major triad = F-A-C Stacking them ( IV over V ) yields: notes: G B D F A C degrees: 1 3 5 b7 9 11 name: G dominant 11th When resolving to C major: G stays on G B goes up to C D dissappears F goes down to E A goes down to G C stays on C Did I get the answer right? Is this on a test? 7
Smooth Jazz: David Benoit, Spyro Gyra, etc
Scot -- 02/10/2004, 13:56:15 -- #1076450175

To make it really easy, let's look at F/G in the key of C. F/G is VERY basically a G7 chord, and a G7 resolved easily to C, which is your basic 5 to 1. In reality, F/G isn't quite a G7, it's more like a G7sus4, or G11 chord. But the sound is what is important, and it resolved to the 1 like any other 5 chord will.
Carol Feagan -- 02/10/2004, 19:56:43 -- #1076471803
left hand technique and harmony
from Carol Feagan: The exercises room has no files in it. Help please
Scot -- 02/11/2004, 01:08:48 -- #1076490527

Should be OK now.
albetan -- 02/11/2004, 11:44:31 -- #1076528671
Refer to post 898 from Scot
Hi Scot: When i see F/G i play F chord with G bass. Jeffree 7 in post 893 is speaking about a IV over V chord, as G B D F A C. The best way of writting it is G11.
The Latin Real Book
Mike -- 02/11/2004, 12:11:14 -- #1076530273

Seems to be a matter of opinion to me. I have read articles that claim some old timers like Dizzy Gilespie do not recognize the existence of fraction chords ie F/G. For me I can never seem to settle in my charts and I call it upon what fits my mood of the day ... Sometimes it is F/G sometimes it is G11 and sometimes it is G sus 4 or G7 sus 4. For my playing they tend to trigger different voicings. F/G tends to lead me to play a spread out voicing with a G low in the pianos register with an actual F chord of some type in the right hand (but not always... I am of course always aware while I am playing if that will not work in the context of how the arrangement I am improvising is coming along that I can play G7sus 4 instead). When I see G7 sus4 I am more apt to play a more conventional closly voiced voicing, maybe even a simple 4th voicing.... G C F. but of course at the same time I am aware that if I want that F over G sound I can go for that to when I see that chord symbol. When I write charts I do not assume other musicians will see things this way but I do assume when I look over my charts in the future that this will jog my own memory as to specific voicings with out having to get into Grand staff writing.
7 -- 02/11/2004, 21:14:56 -- #1076562896

Of course F/G means an F major triad over a G bass note. If you refer to the original question though you'll see that I was trying to answer it in the manner I understood it. It's entirely possible that the original author meant something else by that question. But since s/he hasn't checked back in there's no way of knowing. 7
Smooth Jazz: David Benoit, Spyro Gyra, etc
albetan -- 02/12/2004, 04:40:58 -- #1076589657
F/G7
If you really like to put F chord over G chord, you must add something to the down-letter to notice it as a chord, like F/G7.
Whacky -- 02/12/2004, 06:42:42 -- #1076596962

hmmm...why would you want to do that?
albetan -- 09/24/2004, 06:32:37 -- #7407
Chopin's arpeggios for jazz
I uploaded this file in Albetan's Area, after 1234 downloads here.
albetan -- 09/28/2004, 08:28:49 -- #7518
Chopin's arpeggios for jazz
I'm glad because 1257 vistors downloaded my file. I'm sorry because some visitors saw a blank screen. I uploaded it again in a new format. Good luck and enjoy Chopin's arpeggios for jazz. Albetan
The Latin Real Book
charliewvya -- 10/05/2004, 07:32:39 -- #7742
Help me please!
Hello sir, i have been playing the keyboard for a church 5 years now and i haven't gotten some piano lesson, i hardly play on all the keys. Please sir what am i to do to be able to play on all the keys and what modern exercises, i mean physical exercises i need to do to help me run scales on any key and what are the types of scales i need to know and practise? Please help me. Charles
Whacky -- 10/05/2004, 09:10:29 -- #7749

well, you'll probably need some lessons where hopefully you'll learn and practice scales and arpeggios (chords note by note)in all keys...that should get you started
Smooth Jazz: David Benoit, Spyro Gyra, etc
albetan -- 10/05/2004, 10:31:04 -- #7758

Please see "list files" in this room... You will find good exercises here.
lino -- 10/09/2004, 15:26:57 -- #7898

hi, i play piano and 'll like to learn jazz, pleaz help
japee -- 10/15/2004, 08:57:06 -- #8067
sight read
hi, I love jazz music though I play the gosple music.But my problem is that I can't do the sight reading stuff.Please help me. Thanks for the great job you are doing...
Whacky -- 10/15/2004, 09:19:59 -- #8069

I have a tendancy to over simplfy things, but to g0t better at sight reading you just have to do it. Get a stack of musc you've never seen before, turn on the metronome and play it - and whatever you do, do not stop to correct mistakes and do NOT get lost...you have to know where you are at all times...if you goof somthing up, let it go and grab the next thing you can...the more you do it, the better you get and the more things you grab at sight... it's kinda fun - much beter than video games:)
The Latin Real Book
albetan -- 10/15/2004, 15:34:35 -- #8074
Piano at sight
Hi Japee: Please go to search engine (upwards), write "piano at sight" selecting "files"
KillerAlex26 -- 10/23/2004, 18:59:38 -- #8289
hi all, im new in here and i really want to play salsa
Well, i have played piano since i was 6 or 7 years, i am good at it, but i havent learned to play salsa, i like salsa, i love salsa!! and i have tried playin it (i play by ear, all the songs i play r by ear) but nothing. i have visited lots of sites and nothing,(well, i end up playing blues, thats noT so bad). Well, anyway, i only want to play salsa, u know the solos in those songs and that thng, so.... can u help me? BY THE WAY, I DONT TALK THE ENGLISH SO GOOD, SO I HOPE U GUYS UNDERSTAND ME... ATT. EL MATADOR D PUERTO RICO!!! VIVA EL GRAN COMBO!!!!!!!
Smooth Jazz: David Benoit, Spyro Gyra, etc
albetan -- 10/23/2004, 19:06:27 -- #8290

Matador: Arriba encuentras un motor de b�squeda. Escribe "salsa" seleccionando "files". Upwards you will find a search engine. Write ""salsa" selecting "files".
freejan -- 11/03/2004, 04:23:52 -- #8581
Learning to read music
Hi, Just a real quick tip after reading a few messages from people who want to learn how to just read a simple melody line in either the treble or bass clef: the music staff looks just like your hand because it has five lines and four spaces. As you move from one line to the next space (or the space between two fingers) you are simply moving to the very next note on the keyboard. This movement between one line note to the very next space note, or visa versa, is called an Interval of a 2nd. Hope this helps.
real_dreamx -- 11/03/2004, 12:29:20 -- #8590
wht kind of digital piano should i get?
hey...i am recently looking for a digital piano to buy, i need it to practise at home. since i am living alone and still am a student, i can't afford to buy a very expensive one. i have been looking around for digital pianos, like yamaha, roland, but i know i can get something that is cheaper yet have the same functions like those i saw... so i was wondering if anyone can give me some ideas as to what kind of digital piano is good and affordable.. thanks!
Scot -- 11/04/2004, 15:37:27 -- #8630

You might be able to find an old used Yamaha Clavinola- some of the older ones from the late 80's and such are pretty good but because of their age the prices can be very low. Check your local classifieds paper. Also, talk to players you see in clubs, piano players at your university, and that sort of thing. A lot of times they have keyboards they aren't using and never thought of selling, but you might be able to get something for a good price.
The Latin Real Book
Chuck Soul -- 11/11/2004, 02:57:42 -- #8834
Jazz Scales
I am a young pianist and I've been playing for 7 years now. I have played blues for maybe the past 5 years and only recently decided it was time to fulfil an ambition and move on to the more intricate style of Jazz. So far I have had little help from others, a couple of very basic books which haven't been of the greatest use, and am very pleased to be able to say that I have discovered all my known jazz chords on my piano without aid from a book. Of course, I don't know the names of these chords, (though I suppose technically they could be figured out) but after recently purchasing a 3CD box set entitled "The Art of Jazz Piano" I have felt it a necessity to learn the Jazz scales. I currently don't know any jazz scales and this is obviously limiting me as a jazz pianist. I would like to be able to run down jazz scales on my piano at, one day, spectacular speeds (I do not feel this is impossible for my level of talent) but first of all, it would be nice to know some. I can't find any reference on this site to jazz scales and was wondering where I could find some. It would be greatly appreciated. (Great site by the way), Chuck Soul
pilar_chaves -- 11/12/2004, 14:42:06 -- #8894

Albeta�s area No logro entrar a la pa�gina en espa�ol
Smooth Jazz: David Benoit, Spyro Gyra, etc
pilar_chaves -- 11/12/2004, 14:49:02 -- #8896

D.Alberto SOY Pilar Chaves y no logro entrar a su p�gina: new acountrooms personal room albeta�s area jazz en espa�ol
albetan -- 11/13/2004, 06:54:34 -- #8902

Arriba en la parte gris pique en "rooms map", luego en "personal rooms" encuentra "!Jazz en Espa�ol" All� en letras rojas ver� "list files" All� encuentra las lecciones en Espa�ol. Suerte.
keybord101 -- 11/17/2004, 10:42:01 -- #9023

hi sir im ritche from the philippines.. can you give me some theory about how to play jazz piano ... pls
princeshalom -- 12/01/2004, 07:28:06 -- #9375
Need help as a pianist/keyboardist!!!
Goodday people! First, I LOVE this site cos it gives me all the jazz piano information I need though I still have a lot of other stuff to attend to like school,church,home,computers but I'm rest assured that all the information I need would wait for me when I really need it and for that I'm extremely grateful.Now,my problem is this.I've heard a lot of stuff about all manners of scales:Blues,Mixolydian,Neapolitan or what is it called but I don't seem to know how to apply it to chords and how to play solos and riffs over chords using them.I play a lot of chords(almost dedicated my entire piano-playing life playing them) but I know that jazz is an interesting world but can't seem to do that aspect of jazz.Please,anybody,Everybody,HELP me out.
Chick Corea: Keyboard Workshop and Electric Workshop Video (very inspiring!!)
samayo -- 12/03/2004, 10:47:18 -- #9442
chords and improvisation
Need to know about how to work with chords i mean jazz chords, and i also need to know about improvisation. i'm a beginner and i need help please.
albetan -- 12/03/2004, 12:30:21 -- #9446

See files: Beginning improvisation Scales, chords, modes, arpeggios. At "Albetan's Area".
Herbie Hancock Transcriptions
Kiran Rasaily -- 12/05/2004, 00:42:47 -- #9473
jazz arranging
Hi, I am a Bhutanese Refugee. I am interested in jazz arranging. Can any one help me.You can e-mail me at: kiranrasaily@yahoo.com. If you are interested about refugees contact me
7 -- 12/05/2004, 11:56:36 -- #9483

"Ryan's Room" in the "Personal Rooms" section here has a wealth of information concerning arranging for Jazz bands. Here is a direct link: http://www.learnjazzpiano.com/citadel/scotcit.mvc?room_desc=1&intro_off=0&room_id=1075010548&hall_id=1074923352 You might also want to check out his website: http://www.rycun.com
7 -- 12/05/2004, 11:58:21 -- #9484

Whoops! Here's Ryan's website: http://www.rycunmusic.com/ Sorry ...
Ryan -- 12/09/2004, 20:46:09 -- #9574
Ryan's Room
Hi Kiran, As 7 mentioned feel free to check out my room...many samples there, but try back in a few days as the file section has been down for awhile...hopefully Scot will be able to get it working again soon. Good luck, and feel free to post some charts in my room...I'd be glad to give some feedback!
Chick Corea: Keyboard Workshop and Electric Workshop Video (very inspiring!!)
lalo -- 01/03/2005, 04:12:43 -- #10081
technique videos
hi guys! i think would be cool to have some short low-res technique video to show how to play the technical exercise. I.e. i can't really well understand the 'agility and strenght' one...that with the octaves with repeated notes on weak fingers. the rachmaninoff excercise too...do our hands stay always in open positon or have we to swing slightly our hands to reach every bichord? thanx lalo
a_phillips7 -- 01/26/2005, 11:36:51 -- #10733
Fingering & Practicing
I am having trouble with jazz fingering. Like when I play a chord in the left hand...what do I play in the right hand if Im just doing a solo or if I just want to add flavor to my music? I have trouble with that so often. Another question...how do I practice so I can become great at it? I've seen and heard great pianist play and I've heard and seen them do fast fingering and it made their playing sound so great. Some are just adding flavor to the melody and some are just playing with flavor. I love that Big Band and Jazz feel of fingering. PLEASE HELP!!! Thank you for your help and timely respond.
Herbie Hancock Transcriptions
Whacky -- 01/26/2005, 13:46:59 -- #10736

I would recommend taking some piano lessons...there are a lot of great fingering techniques that have been passed along many generations...you should check em out:)
clobaton -- 01/26/2005, 14:42:30 -- #10739
phillips: trick taught to me by albetan:
Hi phillips, I am just a beginner but my teacher albetan has taught me to put notes of the chords in the right hand, so that the melody you are playing is always the highest note on the right hand. you can hold this "chord notes on the right" for 2 beats or so while you do your solo. I will sound Fun. Try this with the harmonization system "axis of 3rds and sevenths" (the original document is in spanish in sistemas de armonizacion in room jazz en espa�ol.) For becoming great I have heard that practicing slow rules.. then over time you get your speed (I can't wait !!!!!) Hope it helps!!!
clobaton -- 01/27/2005, 14:43:32 -- #10780
another message for phillips:
Hi.. WHat I was telling you about is in the documents "Melodic voicings 1, 2, 3" in room Albetan's area.
ardhito -- 01/30/2005, 07:44:19 -- #10822
Help!!!!
I like jazz.i am beginner.Would you like to tell what should I do to be a good pianist???
Chick Corea: Keyboard Workshop and Electric Workshop Video (very inspiring!!)
Whacky -- 01/30/2005, 17:01:23 -- #10824

listen, take lessons and practice
Scot -- 02/17/2005, 02:26:22 -- #11272

Albetan- your files are great! Thanks for taking the time to post them, a lot of us appreciate your efforts :)
Herbie Hancock Transcriptions
Akram Maximos -- 02/17/2005, 05:35:51 -- #11276

I concur with Scot.
clobaton -- 02/17/2005, 09:06:55 -- #11279
Albetan's files rule!
Thanks for the files Prof. Albetan, they are great.
luckydog -- 02/17/2005, 11:34:12 -- #11284
chord representations for songs
I'm new here. So many boards don't know if I am putting this is right place. I know most chords, read music, begninner in learning jazz. On Ralph Patt's Jazz Web Page the vanilla book index, take the first song: After You've Gone" Key of C 4/4 What does 4/4 mean? And then all the chords listed in 4 columns? Are these the base chords? and you fill in the melody. I don't get how you read this? I also have trouble understanding how that circle of 5ths is used in the written music, that is I get a song is going say adg but I don't get how then changes, how develops to new different chord and then continues cycle, then again changes.
clobaton -- 02/17/2005, 17:12:00 -- #11298
luckydog 4/4
HI Luckydog, I checked your page and it seems it's for guitar players (look at the guy in the main page). The 4/4 its got to mean the time signature, and then each item in a column corresponds to a measure, so he shows you the chord to play in that measure. try and compare http://mapage.noos.fr/realbook/RB/All%20TheThings%20You%20Are.jpg WITH http://www.ralphpatt.com/VB/a10.html. (they are the same song of course). If you want FREE jazz lead sheets for piano go to http://mapage.noos.fr/realbook/index_accueil.htm.
Chick Corea: Keyboard Workshop and Electric Workshop Video (very inspiring!!)
Scot -- 02/17/2005, 23:56:51 -- #11304

That page doesn't seem to exist any longer?
henryrizzo -- 02/21/2005, 12:10:31 -- #11400
Just remove the final dot
The link seems to be broken because of the final dot... Great resource
Herbie Hancock Transcriptions
Bristopen -- 03/06/2005, 09:59:31 -- #11716
MERCI BEAUCOUP!
I'M FRENCH! SORRY FOR MY LAGUAGE...I REALLY THINK AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE THE BEST IN JAZZ MUSIC! TODAY, AS FOR ME, AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE THE BEST FOR LEARNING JAZZ! THIS SITE IS FANTASTIC! SEE YOU SOON
Jaumef -- 03/19/2005, 10:12:46 -- #12054
Sistematizar.
Hola Alberto. quisiera sistematizar y racionalizar el enorme esfuerzo que estoy haciendo por aprender. ya te comente que estoy con los arpegios y escalas b�sicos. Me pregunto cual ser� mi siguiente tarea: inversiones de arpegios o trabajar las escalas modales?. En cuanto al orden de estudio de las tonalidades me planteo qu� estrategia ser� la m�s adecuada: por similitud de digitaci�n, por orden cromatico...?. Gracias. Jaume.
Jaumef -- 03/23/2005, 18:30:23 -- #12168
Patrones y secuencias
Hola.. estoy practicando escalas y quiero empezar con patrones y secuencias. Yo solo conozco C,E,D,F E,G,F,A, G,B,A,C, B,D,C. con la digitacion 1324, 1324, 1324, 132. Necesito ayuda en esto. Quiero tocar patrones y secuencias para mejorar mi tecnica con las escalas. Conozco el Hanon pero esta muy lejos del jazz. Estoy seguro de que conoceis a trves de vuestra paractica y experiencia muchos patrones y secuencias que pueden mejorar mi tecnica. Ayudadme por favor. Jaume.
albetan -- 03/27/2005, 15:56:01 -- #12241

Jaumef: En esta secci�n encuentras excelentes ejercicios para la t�cnica del jazz en "list files". Pract�calos en todas las tonalidades y muy pronto ser�s un experto en piano jazz.
Chick Corea: Keyboard Workshop and Electric Workshop Video (very inspiring!!)
benmyguy -- 03/28/2005, 04:24:54 -- #12252
cd
sir can you give an audio CD on jazz piano i will appreciate it. thanks. BEN
heartandsoul -- 04/09/2005, 19:20:41 -- #12659
substitution chords
i would like to be able to properly substitue the regular triads as how u hear these popular musicians do giving these 'fat' sounds as how we call them
Herbie Hancock Transcriptions
albetan -- 04/10/2005, 17:15:15 -- #12680

Hi heartandsoul: Please look for these files at Albetan's Area: Beginning scales, chords, modes, arpeggios, Substitute and embellishment chords.
heishi -- 04/11/2005, 02:14:45 -- #12693
i want to play jazz
where should i begin?
heishi -- 04/11/2005, 02:15:29 -- #12694
i want to play jazz
please help me!
clobaton -- 04/12/2005, 12:48:18 -- #12744
Heisi
Check out the room "The Basics"
Chick Corea: Keyboard Workshop and Electric Workshop Video (very inspiring!!)
Alberto Garc�a -- 04/22/2005, 22:55:02 -- #13158
Hi, Scott. Thanks for this useful site
Hi, Scott. It's nice to have this site for learning jazz piano.I'm writing this from Colombia, South America. I studied some classical piano at the university, but now i'm starting with jazz.I have the Mark Levine and John Novello's books, but I want to ask you, please, could you recomend me some other books for advanced jazz studies?
mr.music -- 05/12/2005, 18:56:50 -- #13771
need help
i'm an organist that plays by ear and i'm looking for someone who can share chord progressions with me
Herbie Hancock Transcriptions
albetan -- 05/13/2005, 10:32:06 -- #13783
Chord progressions
Please write in search engine (upwards) "chord progressions", selecting "files".
nosxpert -- 05/14/2005, 21:55:23 -- #13837
Improvising
Hi scott, I have touble improvising. what kind of exercise's do you recomend so i can be a better improviser. Thank you Jose B.
SolArt -- 06/09/2005, 06:37:00 -- #14797
Greetings Plus a Bit of Advice
Hello everyone! I'm new here & I've been playing piano for 38 years. My mother played some & got me started. My last 2 years in High School I took piano lessons, & composition lessons. Then I majored in music at the local college, which is a 2 year college, where the lessons continued. After those 4 yrs of lessons I'm self-taught. I've played in various bands, copying the keys parts from the recordings, a skill which seemed to appear almost overnight. I remember a time when I simply couldn't do it, then it was very frustrating. Anyway I have developed my own exercises & such, plus systems for attaining chords which I've so far NEVER SEEN anywhere else. However as I'm currently writing a book about my systems I'm reluctant to share them here! I have super-nice voicings which are just DREAMY. I encourage every one to keep a notebook of voicings, & progressions that "turn them on". Then practice these in the other 11 keys. Then if you go over your notebook & practice several before you play a gig or whatever, you'll be surprised how much it helps. The brain has trouble remembering 100's of entries, unfortunately, & it's hard to think fast enough to apply them live without sufficient refreshment. Music is so pull-your-hair-out infinite! In my collection I write down only what I consider the VERY best sounding ones. Also people, I find it very important to develop fingers 3, 4, & 5 of each hand. OK, I've run my mouth enough for now! 'Til later...
Scot -- 06/11/2005, 13:25:20 -- #14936

Well, even if you are writing a book, why don't you upload a few of the exercises anyway? There are a lot of professionals here, professors, and other people in the industry who have uploaded material from their books. Not saying the whole book, but a few exercises would be cool. And then of course you can plug your book or your website so that when the full book is out, if people like your stuff, they can buy it. We're all generously donating time and material here, so come join the club :)
Chick Corea: Keyboard Workshop and Electric Workshop Video (very inspiring!!)
Kai -- 06/12/2005, 07:36:03 -- #14987

Please do share some of your exercises with us, SolArt. Think of it as a marketing exercise. I'm sure many would give you relevant feedback. Kai
SolArt -- 06/12/2005, 10:37:30 -- #14993
A Little Tidbit
Ok, here's a little progression from my progression & sound collection, we're in common time. In the L.H. simply play a C7sus in root position, resolving to C7: Bb----- Bb G ----- G F ----- E C ----- C Over this in R.H. play improvisations utilizing the A blues scale. (Try this rhythm in L.H.) Dotted quarter, eighth, eighth, dotted quarter during first chord. Eighth, eighth tied to dotted half note during second chord, but SWING it & maybe rubato the right hand.
Herbie Hancock Transcriptions
AKINBRAMZ -- 06/20/2005, 07:49:58 -- #15315
help me
please am new tio this site and i want you to tell me how to get started with you guys
barleng -- 06/28/2005, 11:17:32 -- #15740
From an absolute beginner
Please what is meant by a bderrier, it's not a word I am familiar with?
SolArt -- 06/28/2005, 11:43:46 -- #15745

Anytime you see "derrier" think of its more blunt synonym.
albetan -- 06/28/2005, 15:16:12 -- #15762

always you see a word xxxderrier change it by xxxass . We have here a censor machine very special...
Chick Corea: Keyboard Workshop and Electric Workshop Video (very inspiring!!)
albetan -- 06/28/2005, 15:18:30 -- #15763

derrier equivalet to "a s s" so pderrier = p a s s ; bderrier = b a s s Very special censor machine. Did you see it?
Scot -- 06/29/2005, 09:46:34 -- #15817

This will be adjusted and fixed in the near future :)
Herbie Hancock Transcriptions
Kai -- 07/03/2005, 10:44:31 -- #16078
Arps etc in chord shapes
One of my current practice routines is to practice (in triplets over three octaves) arpeggios, dominant 7ths and diminished 7ths in chord shapes (or what I call �muscle groups�), in 2/4 and in 3/8 with different rhythmic placements. Elbows out and still, arms slightly elevated to enable smooth thumb turn. It�s probably quite basic but I find it really useful so I thought I�d share it with other learners. Kai
lidlamazon -- 07/09/2005, 05:53:42 -- #16310
How to practice?
As a beginner it seems that learning jazz piano is infinite. Since I don't have the benefit of a teacher or school curriculum, I am wondering what people's ideas are about what is most important for a beginner to learn? What do people think is a good sequence in general? What is the most efficient way to spend one's hour(s) of daily practice?
Scot -- 07/09/2005, 09:57:44 -- #16324

When you are learning jazz it's important to get the science down as well as the fingers. Learn all the scales, learn the relationships between scales and chords, learn chord voicings and harmonic progressions, etc... This stuff is pure science, pure math. It's a matter of studying and memorization. Then apply this knowledge to tunes. Always be working on a song. Autumn Leaves is a good start, but you can work on whatever you want. Be sure to check out the TOp Ten Standards list in the Root hall. That will give you some good tunes to work on.
robijazz -- 08/04/2005, 14:29:38 -- #17282
need some materials
hello, i'm very happy to be in this unique site and i wanna appreciate u for what you are doing,thanks.plz i'm requesting for some working materials so as to improve my level since i'm studying music.thanks
Chick Corea: Keyboard Workshop and Electric Workshop Video (very inspiring!!)
b.b -- 08/08/2005, 08:15:43 -- #17402
JAZZ
sir can u give me jazz an audio CD on jazz piano and jazz book i will appreciate it.thanks CHIMO
Scot -- 08/08/2005, 20:18:00 -- #17417

Guys, everything you need to get started can be found here on this site. Look around and enjoy yourselves.
Herbie Hancock Transcriptions
clobaton -- 08/10/2005, 06:57:24 -- #17462
robijazz > good material to study
Check out albetan's area, see the files there. They are a great tool to study. CL
adacho -- 08/24/2005, 12:41:51 -- #17966
Keys, sccales etc. :)
Hello! I have one question to you Scot :) You are really proffesional pianist. How many keys do you can play in really perfect. Most of standards have similar chords, progressions, many musicians have their favourite keys(for example Mccoy or Petrucciani). It's better to start playing very well in several keys or learn all first and go on in this slowly way ;) (I know its important but I in my opinion its a choice beetwen improving technique - all keys-or improving understanding harmony - several keys option, hehe ;) I know, i know, stupid question, thanks Adam
Scot -- 08/24/2005, 16:41:10 -- #17972

Not a stupid question. First, it's important to know your tune very well in the original key because when you know it really really well, then it's much easier to go into different keys. So, understanding harmony will help you go into new keys more easily. Just learning in new keys also helps many things such as how to play certain voicings when it doesn't "feel" right, but really, the understanding of harmony is more important. The more you understand it, the less you are constrained by key signature.
adacho -- 08/24/2005, 17:27:36 -- #17975
Thanks a lot :)
Now I'm ready to have a duel with my piano ;)
Chick Corea: Keyboard Workshop and Electric Workshop Video (very inspiring!!)
itwasme -- 08/26/2005, 01:51:23 -- #18015
B flat blues scale for left hand on piano
Does anyone have the fingering for the B flat blues scale for left hand? thanks
kennysims -- 08/30/2005, 13:57:23 -- #18298
Bb scale left hand
3 2 1 4 3 2 1 3 (fingering) (to:itwasme) Bb C D Eb F G A Bb someone correct me if i'm wrong but i'm pretty sure thats the right fingering for that scale @itwasme
Herbie Hancock Transcriptions
fingerz -- 09/02/2005, 09:34:08 -- #18440
B flat blues scale Left Hand
Kennysims, that was the standard B falt scale - and fingering is correct. But itwasme asked for the Blues Scale, which I think is: Bb Db Eb E F A Bb 4 3 2 1 3 1 2/4 That's a guess at the fingering, LH.
kennysims -- 09/02/2005, 11:33:18 -- #18448
sorry
sorry about that.
SolArt -- 09/03/2005, 16:39:19 -- #18497

The A should be Ab.
hieukhong -- 09/15/2005, 22:30:26 -- #19103
Learning jazz piano
Hello jazz pianists! I am an vietnamese. I like studying jazz piano, but I don't have exercises for jazz piano. Can you please give me some. I am beginner. So give me the basic exercises. Thank you all very much! God bless you all! Goodbye!
Chick Corea: Keyboard Workshop and Electric Workshop Video (very inspiring!!)
albetan -- 09/16/2005, 11:13:34 -- #19121

Hello Hieukhong: You have come to the right place for learning Jazz. Please click on Rooms map Look for Jazz lessons. I invite you to Albetan's area in Personal rooms. Good luck here in LearnJazzPiano.
MusikAlex -- 09/20/2005, 12:35:50 -- #19237
playing in a fast tempo
I like playing jazz ballads and walkin' bass is possible, too. But when the tempo is too fast, I loose my timing. Do you know excercises for learning "fast tempos"/uptempo? Thanx, Alexander (Excuse my English, I'm German, but this is the best jazz-site of the world!)
Herbie Hancock Transcriptions
Scot -- 09/21/2005, 23:17:42 -- #19276

Practice your scales and other finger exercises. There is no shortcut for technique, you just have to practice slow and precise and then build up speed.
jarmbrust -- 09/29/2005, 09:07:31 -- #19438
a different approach to technique
I've been playing classical for a long time- had 12 years of lessons so I'm pretty familiar with the conventional approach. Anybody trying to improve piano technique needs to look at http://members.aol.com/cc88m/PianoBook.html. There is stuff there which helps with all kinds of things- playing a smoothe legato; spanning a 10th with small hands; how to learn a difficult passage; how to increase speed; how to learn quickly. JohnA
sdm -- 09/29/2005, 11:27:00 -- #19444

Hmm, don't know if it's an AOL thing or not but the link reports a not found. It sounds interesting -- any other way to get at it?
jarmbrust -- 10/01/2005, 13:50:17 -- #19490
a different approach to technique
Try this: go to Google- search under "PIANO LESSONS BY CHUAN C CHANG". It should be the first sight which comes up. It won't substitue for a teacher but Mr Chang's "book" contains some good stuff- and it's FREE.
The World's Greatest Fake Book (hard to find songs by McCoy and others)
clobaton -- 10/06/2005, 19:58:57 -- #19705
Dr. CHANG
ANd I quote from the SUPERB link that jarmbrust gave us: "Since the internet is the ultimate form of open communications, the advent of the internet may be the single most important event that will finally enable piano pedagogy to be conducted more scientifically." This site is the BEST!!!!! all engineers out there, be sure to check that book .
Gruadeacero -- 10/25/2005, 22:30:18 -- #20319
yeahts
This link seems to be interesting, and in good direction; the technique is most thing of the brain and nerves than millions of repeatitives exercises... thankx
Sales of jazz resources help support this website.
handsome085 -- 10/27/2005, 16:09:56 -- #20375

Does anyone know any exercises to help with soloing on the blues?
handsome085 -- 10/27/2005, 16:10:08 -- #20376

Does anyone know any exercises to help with soloing on the blues?
SolArt -- 10/27/2005, 18:50:20 -- #20378

Learn the blues scale in ALL keys!
jenny fer -- 11/04/2005, 03:53:33 -- #20590
rubato
I didn't know which room to post this in, but I really am confused about playing songs rubato, can someone please give me a clear definition of what it is and how I can develop and perfect my playing of it? (sorry if this message isn't relevant to this room, but I need help!!!) thanks all
The World's Greatest Fake Book (hard to find songs by McCoy and others)
SolArt -- 11/04/2005, 07:10:53 -- #20598

In rubato (I Love rubato) the measures still have their full value, you can still count beats to 4, 3 or whatever. Often the left hand stays on "normal" time but the right hand is much freer & anticipates or hesitates with the notes or phrases. It gives a very professional sound when done right. Listen while you count beats to singers. Notice how they're usually not mechanically on the beat, precise etc? That's rubato .Rubato is VERY expressive. I've heard it described thusly; "The tree is still standing, but notice how the wind blows the leaves & sways the branches?" I think this comes from Liszt. In my opinion those who have mastered rubato are way ahead of those who haven't, there's just no comparison it sounds so good. This is what makes you as a performer! Unforgettable musical statements!
flapjack -- 11/13/2005, 13:59:05 -- #20963

handsome085: regarding exercises for blues. Try practicing the major pentatonic (blues version) ascending and the minor pentatonic (blues version)descending. example in the key of C: (up) C D Eb E G A C D Eb E G A C (down) Bb G Gb F Eb C Bb G Gb F Eb C You can reverse the order but IMHO it will be less musically usefull. Of course it is good to learn these two scales individually up and down but there is a reason to practicing them combined in this order. I have to go to work now but maybe I can post some files later. RO
Sales of jazz resources help support this website.
flapjack -- 11/13/2005, 14:03:06 -- #20964

"Of course it is good to learn these two scales individually up and down but there is a reason to practicing them combined in this order." Oops! ...a reason for practicing... My mistake
godowsky -- 11/21/2005, 09:01:03 -- #21301
how do I get on..
Hi, - I'm a classical trained pianist with a passion for jazz, - I have for many years tried to play jazz, - but somehow it all sounds bluesy..., - so how do I learn some new? I want to learn some real jazz cords and some fancy runs, - maybe a la Oscar Peterson, - Anybody know about some books etc. that can help? Greetings Godowsky
Scot -- 11/21/2005, 14:32:04 -- #21311
Good book, good for classically trained too
I think the Jazz Piano book by Mark Levine (Sher Music) could really open your musical doors. http://www.musicnotes.com/affiliate_redir.asp?sid=631&ppn=bkshjpb Give it a shot. I'm from a classical background too and sometimes even though I've been playing jazz for quite a while now, my playing really picked up, especially harmonically, when I went through the Jazz Piano book a few years ago.
Freipp -- 12/17/2005, 19:48:59 -- #22280
Technique ande relaxation.
I've noticed something that people OFTEN, not to say ALWAYS leave out when the discussion about technique is in the air, is the importance of being relaxed when practising and playing AT ALL TIMES. You will never achieve great technique if your hand can't be loose. If you try to hard you only will end up with a stiff and tense hand that needs medical attention and you won't enjoy playing either because your tension is in the way for your connection with the instrument and further on music itself or it just makes you not able to fully focus on what's going on. Let loose your limbs before you start practising, and when you practise be AWARE of this until it comes naturally. Another point to be taken is, when using a metronome, DO NOT play WITH your metronome play AGAINST it. You will never discover where you have you problems if you obey the metronome like a slave. You will on the other hand find this out alot sooner if your own will is disturbed by the metronome, and therefore your own will, will changhe uncounciosly to play in time. You can only play before, on, or after the time. If you don't have the time in you, you can't play any of the above. If you can practise in these two manners, I believe it doesn't matter that much if you play Bartok, S.Rollins, or just run up and down on a C Major Scale. It's the WAY you practise, not the stuff you choose to practise that will make it happen. Take this to your heart and continue to LOVE MUSIC and the world will be a better place not only for you, but for everyone who is around!
The World's Greatest Fake Book (hard to find songs by McCoy and others)
cwarner -- 01/01/2006, 22:46:34 -- #22658
ifound a site that showed the titles only of popular and jazz piano from the 50'
where is this site-it makes me remember the tunes i loved but have forgotten--any one have help on this--respond directly or on site thanks---a long list-- meant to save it but forgot to---help--
maestro2000 -- 02/06/2006, 17:09:18 -- #23951
layering chords
what are the basics to layering chords
Sales of jazz resources help support this website.
7 -- 02/06/2006, 21:06:09 -- #23955

Maybe you mean "voicing chords"??
SolArt -- 02/07/2006, 05:09:44 -- #23959

...or perhaps playing a different chord in each hand?
racehazard -- 02/07/2006, 16:30:29 -- #23985
Rite of Spring
Scott - just so you know - The Rite of Spring opens with a high bassoon solo. At the time, it was considered almost unplayably high - but due to advances in bassoon technique, players aren't so scared of it! Stravinsky joked that he would transpose the solo up a semitone every year - just to frustrate the player! Also - have you got any tips on playing fast, large intervals smoothly? Cheers
SolArt -- 02/09/2006, 17:09:14 -- #24049

I'm obviously not him, but do you mean large jumps in the line or large intervals in the hand?
axeaxe -- 02/09/2006, 17:19:18 -- #24051
the best exercice for the left hand
please talk the best exercice to put chords in the left hand with security. thank you
clobaton -- 02/10/2006, 17:38:51 -- #24086
advance in 5, then 4th
axeaxe, try playing all the chords in arpeggios, starting with C for example, and going up by 5th: G, then D, then A, then do the same but advancing in 4th: C, F, ... this helped me a lot .. also play the major seventh chord , then the 7th, then minor seventh, then half diminished, then diminished. THEN you do the same with the 5th of that note. repeat the process.
Sales of jazz resources help support this website.
Mecobio -- 02/12/2006, 15:56:32 -- #24137

Hi Does any person has the book written by Carlos Campos untitled: "Salsa, Further Adventures In Afro Cuban Music For Piano"? . I do have the book (+ CDs) of Carlos Campos' book "Salsa & Afro Cuban Montunos for Piano". Interesting in an e-exchange? Cheers Mecobio Please, send a message to: mecobio @ hotmail . com Respuestas tanto en Espa�ol o en ingles
Mecobio -- 02/12/2006, 16:00:21 -- #24141
e-exchanging of salsa books
Hi Does any person has the book written by Carlos Campos untitled: "Salsa, Further Adventures In Afro Cuban Music For Piano"? . I do have the book (+ CDs) of Carlos Campos' book "Salsa & Afro Cuban Montunos for Piano". Interesting in an e-exchange? Cheers Mecobio Please, send a message to: mecobio @ hotmail . com Respuestas tanto en Espa�ol o en ingles
Mecobio -- 02/12/2006, 16:04:08 -- #24143
e-exchanging of salsa books
Hi Does any person has the book written by Carlos Campos untitled: "Salsa, Further Adventures In Afro Cuban Music For Piano"? . I do have the book (+ CDs) of Carlos Campos' book "Salsa & Afro Cuban Montunos for Piano". Interesting in an e-exchange? Cheers Mecobio Please, send a message to: mecobio @ hotmail . com Respuestas tanto en Espa�ol o en ingles
albetan -- 02/18/2006, 11:26:56 -- #24354
Dangerous file
Hi "Left hand": Please delete your file wwwftp.dll because files .dll may damage computers. Thanks in advance.
Scot -- 02/19/2006, 15:32:16 -- #24399

It's gone, thanks for the heads up Albetan.
utku -- 03/05/2006, 11:45:46 -- #24856
hello eveyone
I am Utku from Turkey I am very interested in blues and jazz ( George Benson) especially jazz funk( Herbie Hancock).That s why I ordered a bundle of cd s how to learn play piano by ear.However I need some exercises to strengthen my fingers and to memorise the place of notes Can u send me some exercises sheets? I'll be very glad.I hope to hear from you soon
Monty Alexander, Montreaux Alexander (the BEST!)
utku -- 03/05/2006, 11:47:55 -- #24857
hello again
I'll be very gratefull if you can send any files or sheets which can help to a beginner(Pre pro intermediate) my e mail is : utkujon21@yahoo.com
albetan -- 03/05/2006, 12:23:13 -- #24858

Hi Utku: Click on List files (upwards) Good luck
miles124 -- 03/05/2006, 21:22:46 -- #24886
Slash chords ....help playing over...
have some tunes I'm gonna record with some dudes next week... ..one tune is in Ab: Gb/Eb 2bars, Db/Eb 2 bars, F/Eb 4 bars ...what kind of stuff could work on this?...I know the first one--Gb/Eb is basically Ebminor, and I guess the second one could be called Eb sus (you shouldn't play the C here??)...I'm wondering about stuff that would integrate well over these changes...are there some pentatonics that would work??.....best scales for forming melodies?
luvjazz -- 03/06/2006, 16:24:28 -- #24930
extended chords
when do one play and extended chord;eg:A13 or G11
wdennissorrell -- 03/06/2006, 20:44:53 -- #24949

Probably when it sounds good. 13ths work often but 11ths can be problematic.
rajadash -- 03/13/2006, 07:35:33 -- #25143

Hi!! I am new to jazz.I request you to giv me light to walk this road.please tell me the most basic things i should do to start playing jazz on the piano.thanks.. raja
Monty Alexander, Montreaux Alexander (the BEST!)
ssecnirp -- 03/14/2006, 05:34:22 -- #25175
Licks
Can you give me any piano licks and other piano exercises
albetan -- 03/14/2006, 08:49:56 -- #25180

Click on List files
hag -- 03/14/2006, 16:47:48 -- #25204
um what?
What does the underlined text "riff to practise in all keys!" or "what to do to be able to play on all the keys" mean?
hag -- 03/14/2006, 16:48:16 -- #25205

Oh it's the subject, whoops nm.
davidkoay -- 04/16/2006, 09:37:06 -- #26482

some one please help me regarding this..how come i can't seem to read the files i download from this page?
albetan -- 04/16/2006, 18:02:51 -- #26495

Click on list files select one and click on it click on red download...
Monty Alexander, Montreaux Alexander (the BEST!)
hexx -- 04/19/2006, 12:52:14 -- #26569
jazz
jazz
davidkoay -- 04/22/2006, 07:15:27 -- #26640

i've no problems downloading.. but can't seem to open the files..is there a software used for these files?
7 -- 04/22/2006, 12:27:08 -- #26641

For the PDF files you need the "Adobe Reader". It's free over at http://www.adobe.com
freznel -- 04/28/2006, 03:21:48 -- #26845
hand independence
guys could you give me tips on how to improve hand independence. I'm just self taught. I could play lightning fast scales and arpeggios but my left hand seems to be slave of my right hand. I could not play a different beat or tempo with my left hand. please any suggestions on what to do?
freznel -- 04/28/2006, 03:22:13 -- #26846
hand independence
guys could you give me tips on how to improve hand independence. I'm just self taught. I could play lightning fast scales and arpeggios but my left hand seems to be slave of my right hand. I could not play a different beat or tempo with my left hand. please any suggestions on what to do?http://www.learnjazzpiano.com/citadel/scotcit.mvc?intro_off=1&action=message&sub=new_message&private=1 (click here to send a private message)
Scot -- 05/09/2006, 18:59:00 -- #27107

Then why not practice playing different beats with your left hand and right hand? Play two against three, vice versa, play a triplet scale in the right hand while you do an arpeggio in the left, etc. If you know your problem, you're 90% of the way there as far as getting the results you want. you can also practice some Bach- preludes, fugues, sonatas, etc, that music will force your hands to be independant.
Monty Alexander, Montreaux Alexander (the BEST!)
folyjazz -- 05/17/2006, 09:03:51 -- #27264
fola
please am an intermediate piano player and i know a reasonable number of jazz chords,but i have a problem with solo(running scales).please can u give some major techniques in soloing
albetan -- 05/17/2006, 11:44:08 -- #27268

Hi Fola: See these files at Albetan's Area: Beginning Improvisation, Performing Jazz Lead Sheets.
albetan -- 05/19/2006, 16:32:34 -- #27309
Mastering 3rd & 7th axis style
I have uploaded this file.
albetan -- 05/19/2006, 16:34:51 -- #27310

A new version about Mastering 3rd & 7th axis style.
strk -- 05/21/2006, 14:17:30 -- #27365
Looking for free lead sheets
I'm looking for a lead sheet for "The Man I Love", any hint ? The url found in this forum is broken :( http://mapage.noos.fr/realbook/index_accueil.htm
Kai -- 05/22/2006, 04:22:26 -- #27395

The chords + midi are on http://www.songtrellis.com/
Monty Alexander, Montreaux Alexander (the BEST!)
c'est_parfait -- 06/08/2006, 22:41:59 -- #27944
runs, riffs etc.
I'm just learning piano because I want to learn before I die but the runs, etc. are difficult for me to understand. Can anyone do some, save as MIDI and send them to me? It'd be a big help. its_perfect@comcast.net
7 -- 06/09/2006, 04:24:39 -- #27948

There already exist many midis with runs here on this site. Nose around.
eldrigo -- 07/21/2006, 03:02:03 -- #28864
i wanna learn jazz
i'm a guy from the philippines, just started learning basic piano..with no formal lessons... and i'm currently in a band.. we usually play diff kind of songs.. but the most difficult of them is jazz..i alreay read the articles in this page but has a difficulty in understanding some of them. would somebody please help me on the basic structures of jazz piano?? 'coz i really wanna learn 'em... please pm me... thanks a lot drimus
pippo -- 08/31/2006, 07:08:21 -- #29560
exercises
saludos me encuentro perdido en esta pagina soy un pianista he estudiado por mi cuenta y algunos amigos me han hayudado pero adoro el jazz y sobre todo el piano necesito lecciones ejercicios y todo lo que me pueda ayudar pero no las encuentro supongo aqui las hay pero no las encuentro como conseguirlas
albetan -- 09/01/2006, 09:42:52 -- #29582

Click on list files (Pica en list files)
BQua -- 10/24/2006, 14:32:28 -- #30669
Scale speed
I acrually started playing the piano by ear but lately I've started reading and improvisation. I'd like help on how to increase my speed, generally, on the instrument and be a part of it. Thank you. ......BQua
Monty Alexander, Montreaux Alexander (the BEST!)
wdennissorrell -- 10/24/2006, 19:14:36 -- #30676

What works best for me is to start slow, very slow and gradually accelerate the tempo. Only increasing the speed when you have perfected the playing. Practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.
dayomusic -- 11/09/2006, 09:19:49 -- #31021
question
Hi, i have practiced all d scales%2ehow do i apply this 2my improvisation%2e
dayomusic -- 11/09/2006, 09:20:06 -- #31022
question
Hi, i have practiced all d scales%2ehow do i apply this 2my improvisation%2e
dayomusic -- 11/09/2006, 09:20:15 -- #31023
question
Hi, i have practiced all d scales%2ehow do i apply this 2my improvisation%2e
dayomusic -- 11/09/2006, 09:20:25 -- #31024
question
Hi, i have practiced all d scales%2ehow do i apply this 2my improvisation%2e
dayomusic -- 11/09/2006, 09:20:37 -- #31025
question
Hi, i have practiced all d scales%2ehow do i apply this 2my improvisation%2e
Monty Alexander, Montreaux Alexander (the BEST!)
Scot -- 11/10/2006, 08:30:31 -- #31050

You'll need to practice more than your "d" scales. Practice the scales in all keys for the most benefit. You don't apply scales to improvisation. Your use of scales trains your ear to hear certain key centers so that when you are soloing over a Cm chord and hear a certain sound, it will be easier to play because you'll know that at the very least, the notes in the Cm scale will probably work. As for how to put them together, that's the language of jazz and you need to listen and transcribe and study it before the things you play will make sense in that language.
tfouellet -- 11/28/2006, 09:02:48 -- #31455
Bad Info
There is a lot of bad info posted here. If you don't really understand please don't give erroneous advice. If this were a self defense class you wold be teaching people how to catch a really good beating! I know, strong/strange analogy, but that's how it twists my spine. F/G7 to indicate what???? Lets stick with the G11 pending the correct key and pedal tone is being used. Maybe?
Scot -- 11/28/2006, 10:25:04 -- #31460
bad info?
The best thing you can do if you find bad advice here is to give a detailed response explaining your position rather than just saying "bad info" without much of an explanation.
kensuguro -- 12/14/2006, 18:55:38 -- #31719
play along style CDs
not sure where this question would go, but this seemed like an okay place. I was checking out some of the Jamey Aebersold play along CDs since they were recommended all over the place.. But I quickly realized that all CDs already have a piano part in it, and seem to be meant for a melody improv practice, rather than a drum+bass track, which in my opinion, is better practice material for a piano. Are ALL Aebersold material like this? Or did I just pick out the wrong one? Are there any other recommended play along CD/book packages?
sdm -- 12/15/2006, 08:30:27 -- #31732

You should be able to shut one channel off. I believe they alsways separate base/drums from piano. Try the balance.
Hush -- 12/15/2006, 10:52:13 -- #31734
aebersold play alongs
That's right sdm. The left channel have bass+drums and the right channel have piano+drums. Sniper
Monty Alexander, Montreaux Alexander (the BEST!)
kensuguro -- 12/15/2006, 13:05:31 -- #31736
ah! my bad
didn't realize the stereo separation since I was playing from notebook speakers.. thnx for pointing that out. this stuff is awesome! now I want all of them!
kjsnfrench -- 12/18/2006, 20:42:23 -- #31788
fingerings for scales
i'm an intermediate player and have trouble with doing a scalular passage for more than one octave because i never seem to know a proper fingering system? any suggestions?
Hush -- 12/19/2006, 07:15:09 -- #31791

Hi, Check out Ryan's Room Files. http://www.learnjazzpiano.com/citadel/scotcit.mvc?action=files&sub=file_details&id=1076609491
aklamaeli -- 12/19/2006, 08:15:10 -- #31792
how can i get a band in america ?
how can i get a band in america from nigeria here ? and also international connections ?
jaZZzzZZzz -- 12/28/2006, 16:59:09 -- #32032
Montuno?
Hi, I'm not sure if this is the right place for my question, anyway. My teacher gave me [a href="http://www.ducklegends.nl/II-V-I-VI.mid"]THIS[/A] sample to play. It's not played perfect here but you'll get the point. My teacher also played some rhythms he called montuno's, it sounded a bit like this. Now these things really interest me, so I was wondering if anyone has some information about them since I wasn't able to find anything worth reading on the internet. What I basicly want to know is how to create these lines over other progressions? Thnx in advance, Emiel
jaZZzzZZzz -- 12/28/2006, 17:00:38 -- #32033

The link is : http://www.ducklegends.nl/II-V-I-VI.mid html doesn't seem to work...
Monty Alexander, Montreaux Alexander (the BEST!)
albetan -- 12/29/2006, 06:21:50 -- #32044
Montunos
Please go to room Latin corner: Download files (list files): Learning Salsa 1 Learning Salsa 2 Learning Salsa Montunos Mastering Salsa Montuno for Mambo Inn Enjoy Montunos and Salsa.
deetex -- 01/26/2007, 02:22:29 -- #32698
How can i inprove in my scale running
What are the major ways of inproving in scale running.
Scot -- 01/26/2007, 10:22:50 -- #32701

Practice slowly with a metronome set to 60, that's the best way to get better at scales. Play scales for an hour at that tempo then try playing them much faster. You will improve if you try this.
syntheziser07 -- 01/27/2007, 15:39:52 -- #32722
runs
does anybody have a jazz midi file on runs?????
knotty -- 01/30/2007, 12:13:32 -- #32761

Scot, Maybe a silly question, When you say practice with the metronome set to 60, do you mean to play eighth notes?
Scot -- 01/31/2007, 08:29:06 -- #32778

No, I mean to play quarter notes- one per second. It seems obscenely slow and boring, but you have to go that slow if you want to put your full concentration on each and every single note that you're playing. It's the quickest way to wire your brain into playing stuff the right way.
Monty Alexander, Montreaux Alexander (the BEST!)
Jared Lee Naidoo -- 02/13/2007, 06:10:47 -- #33017

I need jazz chord progressions.
march56 -- 02/22/2007, 16:17:10 -- #33269
good chord formula/ name book
I have been looking for some time for a chord book. The ones I find seem to go into 9th and 13th etc. but leave off there. Is there a book that shows many of the chords that are encountered? I find myself stumped when I don't know the notes for a particular chord, or equally when transcribing I know the chord but not the name of it. -M.C.
Clarence Jey -- 03/02/2007, 22:59:45 -- #33472
Please help me work this out: Actual Key for Michael Jackson's 'Rock With You'
Hi Scott I am seeking help from you in regards to understanding a song. Can you please tell me what the actual 'Key' the song 'Rock With You' by Michael Jackson is in? I believe it starts of with an E-flat minor 9 etc. However I believe the key of the song would be different. My Piano teacher tells me its in the Key of E-flat minor9 and that I need to learn it as 1-4/5 eyc.. I believe its D-flat Major (or its relative B-flat Minor) and it takes on the 2/5 approach. Could you please tell me what key a typical professional musician/pianist would look at it as? and the reason/s why you say that is? My teacher puts it down to me having a classical background in harmony and that I should think Jazz/Blues and wants me to erase that train of thought and think of it starting with an E-flat minor. I want to agree with him as my teacher, but i cant seem to, as I feel its different. You help would be much appreciated as Im so confused!!!! Regards Clarence
Scot -- 03/05/2007, 12:55:44 -- #33527

I'm not familiar with the song, but I think it's important to grasp the key center of the song. Who cares what chord it starts with? Maybe it's the 2, such as in Night and Day, or maybe it's the one, but when you're playing with other musicians and they say "Night and day in Ab", it's not going to look good when you say, "I don't know what key that is, what's the first chord?" As time goes on, you won't really need to worry about that stuff. Learn your tunes inside and out and soon enough you'll HEAR everything and then keys won't mean anything. The singer will start singing something, you'll figure out where you need to be, and then you'll use the strenght of your ears and the strength of your harmonic knowledge to play a tune in any key. If you're somewhat of a beginner in jazz, just do what your teacher says. I know I'm contradicting myself, but often times a teacher has a reason for telling you to do something a certain way. It's important to focus on a certain way of doing things so that you cna build up some consistency in your approach. I probably confused you further here, but it just underlines the fact that there are no set rules in jazz, just set ways of doing thing that be vary from person to person.
Counter_point -- 03/08/2007, 16:11:14 -- #33629

hi dear scot i found your great website tonight on google search , i am so pleasured to join yoursite members . i have study music but its has been on classical mode , and im really interesting to jazz piano style , so i wish you tell me how i can get it ? lead me on the way to learning this great style of music step to step on my email please . your sincerely Counter .
Scot -- 03/09/2007, 19:00:43 -- #33683

Right- first step is to listen to a lot of jazz recordings and then try to play what you hear.
Monty Alexander, Montreaux Alexander (the BEST!)
waterhousescott -- 03/19/2007, 21:00:34 -- #33920
Hard work pays off
practice
waterhousescott -- 03/19/2007, 21:01:12 -- #33921
How to get better
practice
knotty -- 03/21/2007, 08:30:24 -- #33991
arpeggios
When I practice arpeggios, what is the proper movement of the wrist while passing the thumb? Let's say for example I play Ab arpeggio. If my 3rd finger is on Ab, and I want to move the thumb to C, I have 2 options: 1. play legato and twist my wrist (the thumb cannot reach C while 3rd finger is still holding Ab) 2. Play staccato, keep my wrist straight and just shift the entire arm. thanks!
sfsm -- 04/19/2007, 00:47:52 -- #34610

give me some good riffs to practice in all keys!
Scot -- 04/19/2007, 09:56:52 -- #34620

You can get some great riffs by listening to Oscar Peterson.
DiscipleAimers28 -- 05/16/2007, 23:25:02 -- #35101
Jazz in Church Music
I was just curious to know...they have those musicians playing the backround of preachers when you see em on tv. I'm assuming they are playing some sort of jazz scales and augmented chords in there as well, but I am not very good at doing it and want to get better. Will these lessons help me cause I am starting to pick up on it more but it's not really my style music but I want to learn it so badly. I am sticking on here anyway cause I want to be the best I can be. Please let me know what I can do to better myself in playing that sort of thing cause I am starting to really like it...lol. Thanks.
Michel Camilo CD: This one is a must own..
Scot -- 05/17/2007, 09:14:17 -- #35111

The question is a common one. "I love a certain style of music, how do I play it?" If you go to these churches, then you have the best resource available. Go talk to the pianist or organist after church is finished. Ask them for a few musical sessions, give them some money, make it worth it to them to show you some of the stuff they are doing. If you can't do that, then find a recording or a video of the kind of music you like and learn it. There's no trick to it. Listen to it and work it out. Write it down if you have to. Figure out the bass notes, figure out the chords, figure out the form of the tune if it has one. It's a language, so you have to jump into it head first if you want to learn it, just like any style.
pianoqro -- 07/26/2007, 10:43:36 -- #36074
im new on this
hi my name is edmundo, i am a piano studetn, and i wolud really like to compose like michel camilo, can someone help me?
Scot -- 07/29/2007, 11:36:03 -- #36109

To compose or play the kind of music you love, there's only one thing you have to do: dedicate yourself to what inspires you. Learn Camilo's tunes, get to know the players Camilo enjoyed listening to, listen to other latin jazzers. There is no short cut- it takes time and you have to be patient while everything becomes clear (and it will eventually!)
synthop8 -- 08/07/2007, 01:23:00 -- #36253
begginer in need
Hey mate - been learning classical piano for 15years and then went on to play funk, reggae, latin, in a band for 5 years. I'm really embracing jazz through a book i have been learning from but am struggling to get my mind and finger patterns out of the Blues scale. I have the scales i need to become proficient in jazz impro but am struggling witha practice technique to become fluent and non-thinking in these. Any suggestions?? Synthop8
UltraleetJ -- 08/25/2007, 17:29:13 -- #36559
audio files?
Hello. So far i have learned quite a few things from this page. The only issue arises at depending on the expense of playing by ear. AS far as I know, many are required to learn music by reading the notation or by other means of visual input; however, this can be thought in some hindrance mainly since I am not able to read music (because of lack of sight). Generally I just would use midi files or even just the mp3's and come up with my own fingerings when playing songs by ear. If any of such files are present or if anyone could gradually start to perform and add these in this room it would be extremely and very gladly apreciated. Also, if some pdf's could be converted or just noted in plaintext would be good, although it is not really that necessary. I have loved this website so far and hope you keep it up. Cheers :)
Scot -- 08/29/2007, 17:12:55 -- #36643

Are you looking for finger exercises? I think that there are midi Hanon exercises out there. I'll keep my eyes open or maybe record a few for you when I have a moment.
Michel Camilo CD: This one is a must own..
feneze22 -- 09/02/2007, 07:03:48 -- #36746

im bored
xpyniii -- 09/19/2007, 10:09:55 -- #37158
i want to learn
i want to know how to progress chord and to position them.i need someone to train me on that.also prepare lesson for me
bernmusique -- 09/26/2007, 07:17:13 -- #37272
Ask for help
Hi, From where must i start? Can you help step by step? Thank you.
pink_liquorice -- 10/30/2007, 00:27:05 -- #38139
How to increase speed of application
Hello... does anyone have any tips on how to become faster at producing the notes I hear in my mind while doing RH improvisation? Very often when I try to improvise, I hear what notes I want to use in my head, but my RH can't produce them fast enough or I can't find them - I need time. By the time I work out or find the notes, the rest of the riff I had in my head has disappeared. :( Any specific techniques you can point me to for training this area would be great. Thanks!
cbertag1 -- 11/16/2007, 07:21:27 -- #38414
scale fingerings
I know some major chords have different fingerings. I am most familiar with 12312345(the fingering for the C Major scale) I have used that fingering for every scale, but some are harder than others. Could you give me a list of fingerings you use and what scales they go to?
jane2000 -- 11/28/2007, 23:10:56 -- #38617
hi
i'm new piano player. i want to play jazz. but i just started to play 2 months back. i'm 19. i go to a teacher but he make me play exercises. it that really important? i want to play jazz. should i change my teacher? what do i do? plz help.
Michel Camilo CD: This one is a must own..
Hezron -- 11/30/2007, 20:18:27 -- #38664
Improv
Hey I'm in a Jazz band in high-school, and I was wondering what all should go good together in a jazz solo. I know this is a very broad question, but im just not sure what sounds good. For instance we're playing "Low Rider", and I have a solo in this song. What style, or methods would go good in this song. Anything is helpful. Thank you.
gib_san -- 12/05/2007, 12:02:45 -- #38780
help to start
hi, Ive been studing clasic music by 5 years. My question is how you thik i must start to learning jazz. I play piano...Im not a great pianist but I can read music. Please, I need a guide thanks
agdman -- 12/09/2007, 02:16:31 -- #38856
The Next Chord
How do you know whats the best chord to play next when you are composing a song?
Scot -- 12/31/2007, 18:22:10 -- #39360

I think those new exercises should have been uploaded as pdf files. You can get a good free pdf maker here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/pdfcreator/ And when you want to make a pdf, you select "print" and choose the pdf maker as the printer.
loveforJAZZ -- 12/31/2007, 19:27:17 -- #39361

All this time I have been looking for a free pdf creator, but I never found one. Thanks, Scot for giving me that free pdf creator! I'll change the files right away into pdf format.
mestizzo -- 01/12/2008, 22:03:55 -- #39662
learning all chords in a more natural way
Hello everyone and thank you for all the help you provide jazz lovers, piano lovers or just passionates of music in general like myself. Here's my question: I've been classicaly trained since I was 4. Never really give it much importance to doing things by chords and so on, but I was always able to play by ear and knew why combinations of notes (chords) went well with whatever melody I was improvising with my right hand. Recently since late of last year I've commited myself to learn the chords to give my playing more colour with 7th, 9th and chords like so. Now, it gives me the impression that I am reversing my way of improvising as I am now improvising over chords, whereas before I was adding the chords to what I was imrovising. Second, and here's what I initially intended to ask, is that in order to learn chords more naturally and be able to play them right away as I improvise, what is a good exercise? You see, I am not a sitting and memorizing things as they are, I am more on the practical side, so this is what I do on a almost daily basis, Play all major scales followed by its corresponding chord Play such chords on root position all over the keyboard Then on 1st inversion, then on 2nd. Then arpeggiated Play a chromatic diatonic scale (root position, then 1st inv, then 2nd inv) Play diatonic chord scales (lately on in root position) Is this a good way to get those chord in my head, ear, and well, fingers. Do you have any other ideas? Thank you very much (sorry this post was rather long) mestizzo
Michel Camilo CD: This one is a must own..
mestizzo -- 01/15/2008, 23:43:36 -- #39712

Hellooooooo? (And the echo soars out into the emptiness...)
Kai -- 01/17/2008, 06:02:05 -- #39737

Mestizzo - I'm not sure that there is ONE way to learn the things you want to do since, in this topic, there are so many different learning styles and what set of exercises suits one person does not, necessarily suit another. As a starting point, I suggest that you search this site thoroughly, eg for learning chords you might look at the recommended books section or do a search for 'extended chords'. Other immediate suggestions are check out 7's and Albetans files from their file list for sets of exercises on particular topics. I'm sure you'll find the answers you require here but it requires quite a bit off effort sometimes to unearth exactly what you want.
crsto -- 01/18/2008, 06:22:22 -- #39781
Timing in Improvisation
Hello all, one major problem I am having is to keep track of the timing during improvisation. Either, I try to concentrate on the timing and therefore on the change of chords from one bar to the next, which then leads to playing not more than scales or very easy stuff. Or, concentrating on the improvisation, I play things which are a bit more interesting, but then I loose track of where in the bar I am, failing to change chords at the right time. To me there seem to be two approaches: either, play stuff and try to keep an internal metronome which tells you when to switch over from one bar to the next. Or, try to imagine the notes which you want to play and their length with your inner eye and fill the virtual bar which you have in your head with the notes, leading to automatic track of where you are. So, is there an exercise by which I can improve the link between improvisation and timing? What do you think about the two approaches stated above? Thanks and best wishes crsto
loveforJAZZ -- 01/20/2008, 11:08:15 -- #39838

Tap your foot, that might help a bit...
Scot -- 01/21/2008, 12:24:31 -- #39881

Bad timing is usually a result of not knowing the stuff you're playing. So, turn your metronome on and play something you know really well, f blues or something, etc... When you know somsehting really well, timing is usually not an issue.
mestizzo -- 01/22/2008, 16:19:16 -- #39902

Thanks for the advise. Yes, I am finding lots of really good resources in this forum, and, as you said, it takes some time to unearth them. Thanks for all the advice.
Michel Camilo CD: This one is a must own..
jim555 -- 03/03/2008, 19:11:02 -- #40569
Files
How do you download files on this site - help
makis -- 05/19/2008, 17:59:56 -- #41449
xssx
xssx
krooner -- 07/22/2008, 04:29:53 -- #42083
Scaley Fingers
Hi folks, 'fraid I'm pretty much a complete newbhead when it comes to scale technique. Question is, could anyone please point me in the direction of a fingering chart? I'd be much obliged. Cheers! krooner
margarite -- 08/13/2008, 00:44:57 -- #42316
2/2 time
Can you tell me please what is the differenc in playing in 2/2 time as opposed to 4/4 time. I understand that it means 2 minims in a bar, but how is that different to 4 crotchets? Thank you.
margarite -- 08/14/2008, 09:52:46 -- #42329
dorian and minor pentatonic scale fingering
is there any specific fingering that is best for these scales, and does the ABRSM examining board require a certain formula?
knotty -- 08/14/2008, 19:30:18 -- #42332

Hi, I asked this question not long ago, here it is: http://www.learnjazzpiano.com/citadel/scotcit.mvc?intro_off=1&action=forum&sub=display_thread&id=41697&bid=41220
Michel Camilo CD: This one is a must own..
margarite -- 08/18/2008, 02:17:14 -- #42369
exercises
Thanks Knotty - that's really useful!
chucopr -- 08/20/2008, 09:06:30 -- #42422
Hi: I'm new
I want make my hands fast and I'm practicing Hanon but I feel little pain in my left wrist. That is normal? I don't feel pain in my right wrist. Thank You
Onabs -- 09/26/2008, 07:46:00 -- #42749
Thanks
Thanks for such a wonderful exposition on jazz piano. I promise I'll be so good.
njaka -- 10/28/2008, 07:54:44 -- #42955
circle of 5ths
Hi, Could you give me some explanation about this circle of 5ths. Thanks
Scot -- 10/29/2008, 11:07:05 -- #42966

Look at the "reharmonization 101" link to the left, there's an explanation at the bottom of the lesson.
Gaxton -- 12/12/2008, 05:54:34 -- #43221
LH chords vs Rh scales
Hello everyone, pls I need help on what scales to play on right hand when playing left hand chords like: LH RH FM7(FACE) ? FABE ? CEGB ? in fact i want to understand how u play scales o0n your right while playing Major 7 or 9th chords on your Left hand.... Thanks
Michel Camilo CD: This one is a must own..
Valle -- 01/02/2009, 16:31:43 -- #43357
C Major or Blue-Notes
First you could play the chords as single notes with changed rhythm and sequence. You could add an extra Tone for each chord. For example FACE-] G as a 9th. CEGB -] F as a 9th. Or you could play the tones of C Major. In fact you are doing this using my first hint. (Major C, because alle chords fit into it.) Or what you could do, play the Minor 3th (Blue 3th) shortly followed by Major 3th in every major-chord. This min3th and min7th are called Bluenotes. Try using a few notes that are not in the basic tuning (which is C Major in this case). Valle
RODMUNROS -- 03/07/2009, 20:12:37 -- #43970
Duda
Hola tegno problemas entre el los enlaces II y V porfavor necesito mas recursos
kokopetdonvitty -- 03/07/2010, 07:28:56 -- #46895
hi
hi please i ve seen the tritones but i dont really know how to use them in songs could some one please help me out here and send me asong where the tritones are used to a devastating effect.tanks
andresnazar -- 04/21/2010, 21:33:49 -- #47201
Piano Sight Reading Software
Does anyone know of some software to practice piano sight reading? Ideally some software that would display the piano staves with notes to be read at different levels of complexity, from beginners to advanced, perhaps with MIDI capabilities so that you can read the notes and the page changes to the next one as you play each page. It would be preferable that it generated the notes by some algorithm, either by key or randomly or whatever, so that memorization is never achieved since this defeats the purpose of sight reading. Thanks for the info.
Whacky -- 04/23/2010, 08:55:35 -- #47208

I don't know of any, but for what it's worth, I believe sight reading is about memorization, and it can certainly be improved by reading from good old fashioned books:) It's much like reading the English that we are using here. You have most likely seen all of the words I am using prior to reading this. You have also seen various sentence structures before as well. If you simply make reading new music a daily priority, you'll get better at it.
ggglhf -- 06/12/2010, 01:14:24 -- #47456
C E F B C and get the thumb passing down.
yes, It's actually easier to play a very fast Db scale. But, all scales can be thought of as having target notes. So give that a try and see what happens. http://www.learntopianoonline.com
Michel Camilo CD: This one is a must own..
Projectv -- 09/11/2010, 23:38:52 -- #47803
Riffs
What riffs can i play for an F chord am confused someone help.
mp2 -- 11/22/2010, 16:04:29 -- #47954

thank
webxste -- 12/06/2010, 05:59:55 -- #47970
file not found - Download file
I get a "file not found" error when I click on the link to download the files in the Technique and Exercises. Are they no longer available?
Pianointed -- 01/02/2011, 14:09:01 -- #48024
improvement
i find it hard to play on all keys,am limited on some keys.what do i do
Pianointed -- 01/02/2011, 14:09:06 -- #48025
improvement
i find it hard to play on all keys,am limited on some keys.what do i do
nirow -- 08/25/2011, 23:55:59 -- #48463
Exercise
Can anyone share the routine of the exercise?
Michel Camilo CD: This one is a must own..
Silverwill -- 01/30/2012, 00:11:06 -- #49414
Tips on playing Jazz
I want to play a more complicated jazz music. Like for example, Acri's music, or those accompaniments on Michael Buble's songs. Could you teach me how can I identify the chords being used on those songs? It's so complicated.
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