Masterclass 01 - Exploring the Blues #1

Subject: EXPLORING THE BLUES #1

Changing Scales with Chords, Rhythmical Playing, and Comping While Soloing

In this masterclass we will be exploring the possibilities of playing over 12-Bar Blues in A (I-IV-V). You will learn the differences between improvising on Rock/Blues songs and Jazz Standards (key center versus chord changes).

We will examine the approaches to changing scales with chords by using pentatonics over Blues progression, then adding the b5, the 4, upping the stakes by interchanging between major and minor pentatonic scales over Blues progression, and lastly adding odd notes such as b9, b5, and #5. You will learn to play rhythmically by adding rhythms to playing scales (up/down), adding rhythms to 4 or 2 notes, and adding rhythms to lines.

We will implement the ‘call and response’ method using chords between lines , outlining the harmony then playing the line. We will also look into comping while soloing.