Understanding the Dorian Scale Dorian is the 2nd mode of the major scale. So if we start any major scale on the 2nd degree we get a dorian scale. Step 1 – We are going to play the major scale and then the related dorian scale.  A useful variation of this step is to understand where the half-steps are in the dorian scale and then play all dorian scales without considering the related major scale. Step 2 – Play all dorian scales by thinking of where the half-steps are and the degrees that you’re playing. The formula for dorian is W H W W W H W. And the scale degrees are 1 2 b3 4 5 6 and b7 ..read more

The Major Scale (Ionian) The major scale serves as our “source scale,” the point of reference for its related modes. We will delve into the intricacies of this scale, explore its unique properties, and discover its role in improvisational music. The Concept of Source Scales In the realm of musical modes, the Ionian scale takes center stage as the most familiar and frequently employed scale. We designate it as our “source scale,” a reference point from which we derive all related modes within its group.  Whether it’s Dorian as the 2nd mode or Lydian as the 4th mode, these modes find their ..read more

Introduction: In the world of jazz improvisation, we often emphasize the importance of choosing the right notes over chord changes. However, today we’re going to shift our focus to another crucial aspect of improvisation: rhythm. In this video, we’ll explore the concept of using rhythmic words to guide our bebop improvisation. By incorporating these rhythmic phrases into our playing, we can enhance our sense of timing and develop a stronger connection between our left and right hand movements. So, let’s dive into this exciting exercise and discover how it can transform your improvisational ski ..read more

Jazz pianists often use rootless voicings to create a more open and modern sound. These voicings allow for greater flexibility in the left hand, while the right hand can play the melody or improvisation. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to play “All Of You” using rootless voicings, and how to apply the same techniques to any other jazz standard. What you’ll learn in this tutorial First, we’ll start with Abm6 chord. Instead of playing the root (Ab), we’ll replace it with the 9th of the chord (Bb). This creates a more modern and open sound. We’ll then show you 4 inversions of this voicing ..read more

One of the most iconic piano intros in the history of jazz is Bill Evans’ intro in “I Do It For Your Love” from his album Affinity. The chords he plays in this intro are so unique and captivating that they leave listeners wondering where they came from and how to create something similar. In this video, we will dive deep into the concept of 7sus4 chords, specifically as Bill Evans used them in this intro, and learn how to create voicings like his. Before we begin, let’s briefly discuss what a 7sus4 chord is. A 7sus4 chord is a dominant 7th chord with the third replaced by the fourth. For exam ..read more

Learning jazz piano can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and resources, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. While traditional jazz piano lessons with a private instructor can be helpful, they can also be expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are now many excellent online jazz piano lesson programs available that offer the convenience and flexibility that many people need. One of the best online jazz piano lesson programs available in 2023 is MDecks.com. MDecks.com is a comprehensive online music education platform that offers a wide range of apps, courses, b ..read more

Introduction: In this lesson, we will be discussing the harmony of the jazz standard “Misty” and applying some new techniques to “There Will Never Be Another You”. This post is a follow-up to a previous video by mDecks Music, so make sure to watch Part One first if you haven’t already. Learning Jazz Harmony the Berklee Way: Deconstructing ‘Misty’ – Part 1 We will cover the 2-5-1 progression and its extension, the 1-6-2-5, and how they are used in “Misty”. We will also explore a variation of the 3-6-2-5 progression in “Misty” using secondary dominance that tonicizes the ii. Here’s a summa ..read more

If you’re a songwriter or a musician, you may have come across the term “harmony” before. But do you know what it means? Harmony is the simultaneous sounding of two or more notes, creating chords that give a sense of structure and tonality to a piece of music. In jazz, harmony is the best tool that we have for songwriting, yet it’s often neglected by many songwriters and musicians. In this blog post, we’ll explore jazz harmony and how you can use it to play, improvise, arrange or even write music. To start, let’s take a look at the harmony in the jazz standard “Misty”. The song is in the key ..read more

Welcome to this jazz tutorial on Jobim’s timeless classic, The Girl From Ipanema. Let’s take a closer look at the intricate harmony of this song. In this video we’ll see how Jobim’s use of out-of-the-ordinary dominant chords is simply brilliant. It’s no wonder why Jobim is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional harmony, always keeping us on our toes with unexpected but stunning chord progressions. No matter how much you think you know about jazz harmony, Jobim’s genius will continue to challenge and inspire you. And stick around until the end of the video where I’ll show you how to d ..read more

You can check level 3 (Advanced level) in this post here: Jazz Tutorial: Advanced Arrangement of Someday My Prince Will Come Jazz music is known for its improvisational nature and artistic interpretation of songs. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to create an artistic interpretation of a song on the piano, using the example of a dreamy and impressionistic version of a jazz standard. First, it’s important to adopt the perspective of an artist. Think of yourself as a painter, using colors and textures to create a unique version of the song. The piano has a wide range of dynamics and art ..read more