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Two Five One Etude

Here's an etude of two five ones! 

I wrote in the chords but not the upper partials. You look and write in the upper partials. Play the chords and then play the solo. Is this helpful? 

The rhythm is a brazilian comping rhythm I know and have used for years. Try doing it all by yourself. It's a deceptively tricky rhythm. 

Check out the solo and the notes I'm playing. Can you learn anything from that? 

Kenny Werner Talks About the book "Effortless Mastery"

If you haven't heard about this book, check this out. 

There is a lineage of books here, a tree. 

It all starts with Zen and Art or Archery, goes to 'The Inner Game of Tennis' (great great book to read)

Goes to, 'Zen and Art or Motorcycle Maintenance'

'Effortless Mastery' I think comes from this tree of books. They are all great and Kenny's book is great. 

Harmony Without Chords Pt. 1 by Behn Gillece

🚨 Harmony Without Chords – Pt. 1: Diatonic Approaches to 3rds and 7ths

This lesson kicks off the Harmony Without Chords series by focusing on one of the most essential ideas in line construction: clearly outlining harmony using guide tones. In this first exercise, we work with diatonic approaches to the 3rd and 7th of dominant chords, avoiding chromatic notes, alterations, or upper extensions.

New Lesson Series Alert: Soloing Through the Changes - Beginner's Series - Soloing Through The Changes Pt. 1 by Behn Gillece

New Lesson Series Alert: Soloing Through the Changes 

Starting today, we’re launching an 8-part lesson series focused on helping you build clear, confident solos that outline harmony and stay rooted in the form. 

Pt. 1 – Guide Tones Over the Blues

In this first lesson, we zero in on guide tones—the essential 3rds and 7ths that define each chord’s identity. Using a 12-bar blues in F, we’ll build strong, simple melodic lines that move smoothly through the changes. No flashy licks—just solid, musical fundamentals.

I Could Write A Book - Etude

Here's an etude on the tune I Could Write A Book. Chord melody and solo. 

I wrote in the chords for the first time through the tune. You write the rest in and look at the alterations of the chords! 

Check out the audio to see what it's supposed to sound like. I'd love to see you post your version!

The vibe sample is from the company Orange Tree. And if you know who Ed Smith is, it's his vibes and mallets. Sound great!