Hi
Our Jazz Piano Skill this week focuses on technique. I am playing in the key of Bb major to illustrate the playing of a scale from the root to the 9th (not ending at the octave as traditionally played). When playing to the 9th we are able to play with a relaxed 8th note feel through the entire scale beginning on count 1 of measure one and ending on count 1 of measure three (this will make sense when watching the video). You will also notice when viewing the video that I am playing the Bb Major 7th chord in my left hand using the 2nd inversion - I simply like the sound the Bb major chord in this position (to avoid hands conflicting you can play the chord in root position if you prefer). Additionally, the illustration below notates the proper fingering for the Bb major scale which begins with the index finger and not the thumb!
As always, it is important to draw your attention to the feel and articulation I use when playing the scale. Remember, if you play correct notes without the correct feel and articulation it will not sound like jazz - ever! So, copy my feel and articulation - if you do, you'll be learning so much more than a major scale!
Finally, once you you can play the Bb major scale with a nice and relaxed jazz 8th note feel, do the same for the remaining 11 major scales (videos modeling fingerings for each major scale will be available soon).
Enjoy!
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P.S. I highly recommend using an application like iReal Pro or software like Band In A Box when practicing. Hearing and Feeling a skill within a musical context makes all the difference in the world - it expedites your musical development. | |
