Most Popular Lessons

? Working on Time Pt. 6 – Wave A Section Voicings with Rhythmic Variation #4

In this lesson, we expand on the rhythmic comping vocabulary introduced in Pt. 5 by applying Variation #4 to the entire A section of Jobim’s “Wave.” This segment combines voice leading and rhythmic consistency, helping develop both harmonic awareness and a deeper connection to groove within the bossa nova style.

I find a lot of people don't use the pedal at all when playing staccato things, but I think it's important to know how to use the pedal to get whatever note length you want. This lesson is on what I call "staccato pedaling."

Bebop heads can really help with your technique. Play them very very slow and speed them up.

Check out the attached PDF!

Check out the attached PDF!

Here's what to know and do: 

Check out the attached PDF!

Check out the attached PDF!

🚨 Tune Deep Dive: “Wave” – Pt. 3: Comping Rhythm Variations in the Intro 🚨

In Part 3, we continue working with the intro vamp (Dm7–G7) of Wave, this time focusing on comping rhythm variations. Instead of just outlining the harmony, we’ll explore how subtle rhythmic shifts can transform the groove and add variety without losing the bossa feel.

In this lesson we’ll:

Getting your time together can be an enormous amount of work. Well, at least for me it is and I'm still working on it. 

With this etude, you have to play it with your right foot OFF the pedal and tapping on 2 and 4. Not your left foot but your right foot.

I don't write the chords in because I want you guys to print this stuff out and really study it. I feel like I'm handing it to you if I write the chords in. I believe you need to do the active work and try very hard to see how all this is connect.