Walk That Bass
9. The Overtone Series and Timbre
updated
To get this information in writing check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-improvisation/extended-arpeggios-and-triad-pairs
This lessons explores extended arpeggios and triad pairs. These are two great techniques to use in your Jazz improvisation. They create a very unique and modern sound that still sounds structured and interesting.
If you enjoyed this Jazz Piano Tutorial on playing in Triad Pairs and Extended Arpeggios, please subscribe.
And if you want to learn to play Jazz then check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
For those who are interested:
- I am playing a minor 12 bar blues in Cm (though I accidentally added an extra two bars during one of the repeats. Well done if you noticed.)
- I'm mostly using the Dorian mode (of Cm and Fm) and C Blues scale
- To spice it up a bit I periodically add a few arpeggios, chromatic runs, chordal soloing, polyrhythms, triad pairs, octaves, and tremolo.
This was just me having a bit of fun jamming over a minor 12 bar blues. Hope you enjoy it!
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
To learn more about Jazz Blues as a genre check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-genres/how-to-play-jazz-blues
In this video I discuss how to play a Modal Minor Blues (using the Standard Equinox as an example). I also explore improvising using Modes of the Major Pentatonic Scale.
If you enjoyed this Jazz Piano Tutorial on playing in Modal Minor Blues and Major Pentatonic Modes, please subscribe.
For more information check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-reharmonization/playing-in-free-time
When you're learning to play an instrument you are always told to play in tempo. This is, of course, important, especially if you're playing in a band (so that everyone knows where you're up to). But knowing how to play out-of-tempo or in free time is also an important skill. Indeed, if you're playing solo piano there is really no need for you to play in tempo.
Learning to play out-of-tempo takes practice, but there are some general rules and concepts you can follow. This video covers those rules and explains how to play in free time while still sounding good. And playing an introduction in free time before suddenly dropping into tempo can sound particularly effective.,
If you enjoyed this Jazz Piano Tutorial on playing in Free Time and creating intros, please subscribe.
For more information check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-chord-progressions/use-lead-sheet-fake-book
For a copy of the sheet music shown in the video (section A of All The Things You Are) click here: drive.google.com/file/d/1ZG5AvIRMh2z2CKv9U6OVP8gHv5HwQydF/view
When playing from a lead sheet, you should never play the melody exactly as written. Lead sheets are designed to give you the skeleton of a song - the basic chords and a simplified melody. As a Jazz musician you need to take this simplified melody and turn it into something more interesting and listenable by:
- changing the rhythm to create a sense of swing and syncopation
- embellishing the melody with fills and ornamentals
- harmonising the melody and inserting elements of the harmony
If you enjoyed this Jazz Piano Tutorial on playing in building a melody from a lead sheet, please subscribe.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This video is a Jazz Piano cover of the beautiful Gospel Jazz song Hymn to Freedom by Oscar Peterson.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This video is a Jazz Piano cover of the Jazz Standard Yesterdays by Jerome Kern.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This video is a Jazz Piano cover of the Jazz Standard 'Whisper Not'.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This video is a Jazz Piano cover of the Jazz Standard Satin Doll by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. It combines a number of modern and traditional Jazz Piano techniques including:
- Quartal (So What) Voicings
- Open Voicings
- Locked Hands
- Stride Piano
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This video is a Jazz Piano cover of the Jazz Standard Li'l Darlin'.
For more information check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/how-to-practice-playing-jazz
This Jazz Tutorial discusses how best to structure you practice routine. It covers what you should do within each lesson, and on a rolling weekly schedule. The routine suggests a brief warm up where you practice some technical skills (e.g. 2-5-1 drills), do some revision of previous songs you've learned, but then spend the majority of your time learning to apply a technique or idea to actual songs. This is much more enjoyable than just playing finger exercises and allows you to gradually build up a repertoire.
If you enjoyed this Jazz Piano Tutorial on How to Practice Playing Jazz, please subscribe.
For more information check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/how-music-works
This video explores the myth that different keys have different characteristics, emotions or moods - C Major is happy, A minor is solemn, etc. Before equal temperament tuning was adopted, different keys did actually sound different. Each key was out of tune in its own specific way. But with the adoption of equal temperament this is no longer the case. All keys are now equally out of tune and so sound relatively equivalent.
For more information check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/how-music-works
This video explores the myth that A should be tuned to 432 Hz. Some people believe that A was tuned to 432 Hz for most of history and was only recently changed (this is half true). While others believe that tuning A to 432 Hz puts it in harmony with the vibrations of the Earth. I discuss these ideas, their underlying assumptions and unanswered questions.
For more information check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/how-music-works
This video explores historical and mathematical reasons why black notes have two names - a sharp and a flat. Historically, these were actually two separate notes with two distinct frequencies. It was only with the introduction equal temperament tuning that the black notes were united into one.
For more information check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/how-music-works
This video explores historical and mathematical reasons why the Major scale has 7 notes.
For more information check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/how-music-works
The purpose of a tuning system is to define a fixed set of notes at specific frequencies between an octave range that can be used to create music. We also want it to be consonant and consistent. This video explores tuning systems, how they are built, the challenges musicians have faced over the centuries, and covers four tuning systems in depth:
- Pythagorean Tuning
- Quarter Comma Meantone Tuning
- Just Intonation
- 12 Tone Equal Temperament Tuning
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This video is a Jazz Piano cover of the Jazz Standard 'Willow Weep for Me'.
To get this content in writing check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This video discusses turnarounds - what they are, how to use them, a few common turnaround. And then explores a particularly complex and jazzy turnaround - the Tadd Dameron Turnaround.
If you enjoyed this Jazz Piano tutorial on Turnarounds please subscribe.
And if you want to learn to play Jazz then check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
For a lead sheet of Blue 32 click here: drive.google.com/file/d/1MXDASyPj34SC0wCv5BLfbsahREStxAoQ/view
This is an original composition that I entitled 'Blue 32' (largely because the melody primarily uses the Blues scale, the song uses a 32 bar AABA form, and it rhymes). It's recorded as a quartet with - drums (loop), bass, piano, guitar.
This was really just me having a bit of fun writing and recording a simple song and a few solos. Hope you enjoy it!
To get this content in writing check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-genres/how-to-play-funk-piano
Funk had a large influence on Jazz. It spurred the development of Jazz Fusion, Jazz Funk, and Free Funk subgenres of Jazz. So in this piano tutorial I will discuss how to play Funk piano. Specifically, I will cover the history and elements of funk and provide an example at the end.
If you enjoyed this Funk Piano tutorial please subscribe.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This video is a Jazz Piano cover of the Jazz Standard 'Mercy Mercy Mercy'.
For more information check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/modern-jazz-theory/playing-from-nothing
In this Jazz Piano Tutorial I discuss how to 'play from nothing' - that is how to improvise both the harmony and melody without having any kind of predetermined song/progression/melody in advance. This is a technique often employed by Keith Jarrett in his improvised concerts.
If you enjoy this Jazz Piano tutorial, please subscribe.
For more information check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-chord-voicings/chord-voicing-rules
In this Jazz Piano Tutorial I cover the rules, ideas, and guidelines I use to create and connect chord voicings. They include:
- What notes you should use
- What intervals you should use
- How to move from one chord to the next smoothly
If you enjoy this Jazz Piano tutorial, please subscribe.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This video is a Jazz Piano cover of the song 'The Gal From Joe's' (as recorded by Nina Simone).
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This video explains how to play something half decent on piano, even if you don't know how to play piano. Without using scales or chords or keys or even note names, you'll learn to create an interesting sounding improvisation that anyone can play - with zero theoretical knowledge. So if you're a complete beginner and you just want to play around on the piano but still create something interesting and pleasant to listen to, then this video will help.
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This video covers recognising traditional scales, namely, the Major, Melodic Minor, Harmonic Minor, and Natural Minor scales.
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This video covers recognising notes in the context of scales and chord progressions.
If you want this content in writing, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-improvisation/vertical-improvisation
This Jazz Piano Tutorial is about Vertical Improvisation. This is an approach to improvising where you think in terms of 'chords' rather than 'scales' or 'modes'. This makes improvising much simpler. You no longer need to memorise scores of esoteric scales and Ancient Greek words. You just need to arpeggiate the chords and connect them with passing notes. Then by adding a few more simple techniques you can create a really sophisticated solo - and all without using a single scale!
If you like this Jazz Piano Lesson, please subscribe!
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This video covers recognising intervals. We cover all the intervals of the intervals in an octave range (except the Perfect Unison).
If you want to learn to play Jazz (including Bossa Nova), check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This is just a quick video where I build out a Bossa Groove on guitar (with a looper pedal) and then improvise over the top.
If you want this content in writing, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-scales/selecting-scales
Selecting Scales and Modes for your Improvisation: youtube.com/watch?v=o9Hzy1yWUZg
In this Jazz Piano Tutorial I provide a concrete series of steps you can do to master improvising with modes.. Improvising with modes involves selecting one scale per chord. This can take a bit of practice to master as it is a little more intellectually challenging than using a single scale over the whole progression.
If you like this Jazz Piano lesson on how to practice playing scales and modes for improvisation, please subscribe.
If you want to learn to play Jazz (including Afro-Cuban Jazz), check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This is just a quick video where I build out an Afro-Cuban Groove on guitar (with a looper pedal) and then improvise over the top. The groove includes montuno, tumbao, clave, guiro rhythms.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This is my little arrangement of All of Me. Hope you enjoy!
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This video covers recognising intervals. We cover all the intervals of the Major and natural minor scales (M2 m3 M3 P4 P5 m6 M6 m7 M7 P8). In future videos we will gradually add more intervals.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This video is a Jazz Piano cover of Blue Bossa.
If you want this content in writing, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-scales/selecting-scales
Song for my Father - Jazz Piano Cover: youtube.com/watch?v=lpTZlQx0UXE
Chord Mapping & Common Scales: youtube.com/watch?v=swxX61Q21Lk
Avoid Notes: youtube.com/watch?v=K6GpobzaeNE
Selecting Scales without avoid notes: youtube.com/watch?v=kGXIQE-AZc0
In this Jazz Piano Tutorial I discuss:
- Different approaches to improvisation and when to use them
- How to select scales and modes for your improvisation
This involves both minimising avoid notes in your scale and ensuring there is a small amount of change (1-2 notes) each time you move to the next mode. See the video for further details and examples.
If you like this Jazz Piano lesson on selecting scales and modes for improvisation, please subscribe.
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This video is a Jazz Piano cover of the Paul Desmond's song 'Take Five' (as recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet).
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This video covers recognising intervals. We cover all the intervals of the Major Scale (M2, M3, P4, P5, M6, M7, P8). In future videos we will gradually add more intervals.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This is my little arrangement of Autumn Leaves using Afro-Cuban rhythms - the Tumbao in the left hand and Montuno in the right.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This video is a Jazz Piano cover of the Horace Silver's song 'Song for My Father'.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
In this Jazz Piano Tutorial I play my arrangement of the Jazz Standard My Funny Valentine. It incorporates a number of commonly used Jazz Piano techniques & concepts such as:
- Strumming
- Stride (half-time)
- Locked Hands
Hope you enjoy it.
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
Just me having a bit of fun with a quick and messy blues. And no, it doesn't need to be in tempo.
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This video covers recognising intervals. We cover the following intervals: M3, P4, P5, M6, P8. In future videos we will gradually add more intervals.
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This video covers recognising intervals. We start with just the perfect intervals (P4, P5, P8). In future videos we will gradually add more intervals.
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This video will cover ear training exercises you can do by yourself.
If you want to learn to play Jazz, check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com
This is the first in a series of videos on ear training. It will teach you how you can develop your ear and how to transcribe.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This is just a Jazz Piano cover of the Bobby Timmons song 'This Here'
To get this content in writing check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-genres/blues-piano
Download the Blues Piano Cheat Sheet here: drive.google.com/file/d/1RUe74NFCp4rVyY6jcUknxrFNxwteEsfM/view
In this Piano Tutorial I will show you how to play Blues Piano. The Blues is a distinctive genre that relies heavily on certain cliches, patterns, and licks. To help you learn these I have created a Blues Piano Cheat Sheet that gives you everything you need to start playing the Blues. In this video we cover = the 12 bar blues form, left hand patterns, walking basslines, Blues scales, soloing techniques, Blues licks, Blues turnarounds, and an example Blues solo.
If you like this lesson on how to play Blues Piano, please subscribe.
To get this content in writing check out my website: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/jazz-improvisation/octave-displacement-pivot-arpeggios
In this Jazz Piano Tutorial we explore how to create an interesting melodic contour in your improvisation by using octave displacement and pivot arpeggios. This involves playing a phrase, but shifting a note up or down by an octave and continuing the phrase in the new octave. This creates a more jagged melodic contour by introducing larger intervals in your melodic line.
If you like this Jazz Piano lesson on melodic contour, octave displacement and pivot arpeggios, please subscribe.
To download the sheet music visit my website here: thejazzpianosite.com/jazz-piano-lessons/the-basics/jazz-piano-sheet-music
This is my little version of the Jazz Standard I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free by Billy Taylor. Hope you enjoy it!


