Basic Jazz Theory, volume 1

Jazz is best learned by listening and imitation, not theory. Still, the theory behind the music will help you understand both why jazz sounds the way it does, and how to play jazz in a way that sounds great. Theory will also help you communicate with other musicians.

Jazz musicians share a musical language of tunes, chord progressions, licks, and stories. If you “speak jazz,” you can walk into a jam session anywhere and communicate through music even if you don’t speak the native language.

Basic Jazz Theory, vol. 1 will get you started on the basics of jazz theory and will help you build the skills you need to be an excellent jazz player.

What’s Inside:

Tunes: melodies are the basis of a jazz player’s vocabulary. Learn about jazz standards and how to play them.

Scales: major scales, modes, penta tonics and the blues scales are covered in detail.

Intervals: intervals help you understand chords and notation more clearly. Learn the specifics inside.

Chords: the basic building blocks of jazz harmony. All you need to know about basic chords is here.

Extensions: jazz players add extra notes to chords to give them more flavor. Learn what they are and how to do it for yourself.

Listening: this is one of the most crucial aspects of learning to play jazz. Find some of the best recordings and players to listen to inside this book.

Ear Training: playing jazz means you have to listen and understand what you hear. This takes work. Every chapter has ear training exercises.

Improvising: jazz without improvising would be like a birthday cake without frosting or candles. Find suggestions to improve your improv.

Whether you’re a comeback player, a beginner, or are just curious, Basic Jazz Theory, volume 1 will help you understand what makes jazz jazzy. Chapters are short, well- paced and enjoyable, sometimes funny and always friendly.

Every chapter includes:

--Review questions to test your knowledge.
--Ear training exercises to get concepts in your ears.
--Practical use exercises so you use what you’re learning.