Every chord has a scale that in each tune fits in the context of that tune. That's because chords can have more than on scale that goes with them. I.E. Cmaj has Ionian and Lydian. 

This video talks about ways to practice these scales and then learn to weave through the scales. The scales are your basic material, like colors to a painter. Once you know all this, then you make phrases and sounds that really represent the harmony. Sure there's all types of advanced stuff to do, but if you can't do this, then you can't do the advanced stuff.

This is an etude for Donna Lee that is all 8th notes. Of course we don't necessarily want to play a solo like this, but it's a good study in weaving around the changes. 

https://youtu.be/Jb4fpTZNhAM?si=NVpREMYzSG670rEV

https://youtu.be/fdzG2r9N3go?si=KsIHrPh7Puntfols

I talked in another post about the release of Sunset Glow featuring myself and David Friedman. 

I thought I would embed the CD here for anyone who wants to check it out. 

This another short practice video working on "Tangerine." There is a brief warm up then a take of the arrangement I have been working on. If anyone is interested, I can write it out and post a pdf. The next step is putting it all together with some improvising.

David and I have been playing together for over 10 years now. A couple things I know, 1. I'm a good vibe player, 2. David is a master. So I got to play and study with him for over 10 years. Talk about the instrument, talk about what we called real estate (who's playing where, stay out of each others way). Talk about chords and voicings and lines and so many other things. What an amazing experience for me this was! This is our second cd and it's dedicated to David Friedman. It was finished before covid. And to be honest, was supposed to be released on Resonator Records which is Malletech.

I've made other lessons here with the same theme. Make it sound like the song. 

It's our job in a way. Sure the heavy weights do this or that. But a true heavy weight can make it sound like the song. Once you have mastered that then you can take liberties. Listen to some of the solo Chick Corea CDs. He takes liberties but he's a monster! 

I am doing a lot of teaching this semester. Probably the most I have ever done. It's really hard for a musician to turn work down. Well for me it is. 

It's a lot of fun teaching students who practice and work hard. Not as much fun teaching students with lots of excuses. 

I do have a bunch of good students though so that helps. Here's an exercise I made for one of them to work on the Bebop dom scale. Learn it, memorize it and play it fast!!!!

Check out the attached PDF!

Friedman Etude 8