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Part 3 of the Improvisers Workout Program | Talking and Listening
In our last training session (click here to view Part 2) we played, memorized and internalized the eight scales and arpeggios that apply to our “Autumn Leaves” workout progression. We learned that these scales and arpeggios are the vowels and consonants that make up our melodic alphabet. Now that we have a grasp of our musical alphabet, it’s time for us to begin forming some simple melodic words.
Remember that learning to improvise is like learning to speak a new language. You wouldn’t start off trying to recite Shakespeare would you? Of course not, you’d start with some simple words like hello, goodbye, yes, no, please and thank you. So with this in mind, let’s get started.
Before moving forward, please click on the Download Jazz_Gym_3_Figures.pdf below:
Jazz_Gym_3_Figures
In Figure 1 your assignment is to play the third of every chord as a half note in the upper register of the bass. Reading the example is great, but the goal is to be able to look at a chord symbol and know what the third (the fifth or the seventh) is and be able to play it.
I don’t know about you, but looking at a Cmi7 chord and playing anything other than a C on the downbeat was incredibly difficult for me to learn. As bass players we’re taught from day one to always play the root of the chord on the downbeat. This is essential; maybe even sacred musical training for playing the bass, but it doesn’t lend itself to good melodic playing. So if looking at looking at Cmi7 and playing an Eb is difficult for you, then welcome to the club!
In Figure 2 your assignment is to play the 5th of every chord.
In Figure 3 your assignment is to play the 7th of every chord.
Once you get these notes under your hands, I want you to pay attention to what we’re not playing. Notice that I have you playing a simple half note. This means that there should be silence on beats 3 and 4. I want you to pay special attention to what you hear on beats 3 and 4 because later on we’re going to start filling in the blanks and playing what we hear on those beats. This is part of learning to play what you hear. You have to learn to listen to what you’re hearing in these holes and spaces. Then and only then can you can go about finding it. After all, you can’t talk and listen at the same time. This process will strengthen the signal from your ears to your hands and eventually allow you to play what you hear.
So, go to www.youtube.com/user/toddjohnsonmusic and check out the Jazz Gym play alongs. First, play, memorize and internalize the exercises in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Then, be sure to leave some space and pay special attention to what you’re hearing in the holes on beats 3 and 4. Do this and you’ll be well on your way to adding some new words to your musical vocabulary.
See you in the next issue. Have fun and play slow.
Bass Videos
Interview With K3 Sisters Band
K3 Sisters Band Interview…
It is very rare when I talk to a band where all the members play bass. The K3 Sisters Band is a perfect example of a group where Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab are all multi-instrumentalists and take turns playing bass.
Hailing from Texas, these three sisters have been playing music since they were very young and have amassed an amazing amount of original music, music videos, streaming concerts, podcasts, and content that has taken numerous social media platforms by storm. On TikTok alone, they have over 2.5 million followers and more than a billion views.
Join me as we hear the story of their musical journey, how they get their sound, and the fundamental principles behind these prolific musicians.
Here is the K3 Sisters Band!
Photo, Bruce Ray Productions
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Bass Player Health
What is a Pinched Nerve? with Dr. Randy Kertz
What is a Pinched Nerve?
In this month’s video, we will cover how to tell if you have a pinched nerve and when to seek professional help.
Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!
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Gear News
New Gear: Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.
Designed to accommodate global touring, the Original-EVO-C112T features auto-protect voltage support and an adaptive temperature-controlled fan for optimal performance in any environment.
In summary, the Original-EVO-C112T is a game-changing amplifier that combines power, portability, and precision. It’s a testament to innovation and quality in the world of bass amplification, deserving attention from musicians looking to take their music to the next level.
Product Specification-
Power Output: 300 Watts
Power Requirement: 115-230 Volts
Speaker Configuration: 1 x 12” + Horn
High Instrument Input: Impedance 3.9m Ohms, Input range 150mV – 20mV p-p
Low Instrument Input: Impedance -1M Ohms, Input range 150mV to 10V p-p
Line Input: Impedance 10k Ohms, Input range 300mV – 40V p-p
DI Output: 600 Ohm balance / Level -20dBu nominal
Minimum Impedance: 4 Ohm
Headphone Output: Yes and safe for silent practice
EQ: Bass +/-15dB @ 100Hz, Lo Mid +/-15dB @ 220Hz, Middle +/-15dB @ 660Hz, Hi Mid +/-15 dB @1.5kHz, Treble +/-15dB @ 7kHz
Effects Send: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Effects Return: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Dimensions (H x W x D in mm): 470 x 606 x 381
Weight: 13.5kg
For more info please visit www.ashdownmusic.com
Gear News
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary…
The SansAmp Bass Driver DI has been an arsenal staple for players and studios almost since the day it was introduced in 1994. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Tech 21 is issuing a limited edition with an anodized precision-machined aluminum billet housing and all metal knobs.
This all-analog multi-function, multi-application pedal dials up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. There are three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the ratio of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active 3-band EQ with 12dB of cut or boost.
The 100% analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology encompasses the entire signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. An integral part of the circuitry, the individually-tailored SansAmp speaker simulation will complement any type of bass speaker cabinet system.
It is rare an electronic music-related product can withstand such a test of time. The SansAmp Bass Driver has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless studios, and on tours around the globe. In fact, many mammoth stage rigs you see are actually driven by a SansAmp nestled behind the backline. It has defied the odds and to this day, SansAmp remains the standard of the industry.
Anticipated Availability: May/June 2024
For more information, visit online at tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/bass-driver-30/
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