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Part 4 of the Improvisers Workout Program | Short Sentences
Welcome back to the Jazz Gym. In our last workout (click here to view Part 3) we learned how to play the third, fifth or seventh of every chord from our “Autumn Leaves” workout progression and in the process learned a few basic, melodic words. We also practiced listening to what we hear in the holes and spaces on beats three and four, basically learning to listen to what we just played and formulating a response. Since improvising is conversational in nature we want to become both good speakers and good listeners.
This month were going to graduate from simple words to short sentences by adding some scale sequences to our repertoire.
In Figure 1 your assignment is to play the 1 2 3 2 1 of each scale in the upper register of the bass. Here’s where the memorizing and internalizing of all those scales starts to pay off. I’ve provided fingerings, but feel free to use your own. Just like in our previous workouts, reading the examples is great, but the goal is to internalize this stuff to the point where you don’t have to think about it. Be sure to continue to pay attention and actively listen to what you hear in the holes and spaces.
In Figure 2 your assignment is to play the 3 4 5 4 3 of every scale.
In Figure 3 your assignment is to play the 5 6 7 6 5 of every scale.
Before moving forward, please click on the Download below:
Jazz_Gym_4_Figures
Notice that each of these scale sequences is just two chord tones with a scale tone in between. Take a look at the tablature and you’ll notice that all the examples are within a five fret range, so the fingerings are easy. If you take a deeper look, you’ll notice that the first bar of Figure 1 (C D Eb D C) is the 1 2 3 2 1 of Cmi7, but it’s also the 5 6 7 6 5 of F7 and the 3 4 5 4 3 of Ami7b5. Take another look and you’ll also notice that the 1 2 3 2 1 of Bbma7 (Bb C D C Bb) is also the 5 6 7 6 5 of Ebma7 and the 3 4 5 4 3 of Gmi7. Dig a little deeper and you’ll discover that several of these sequences have multiple functions. Now isn’t this convenient? Not only is this material effective, but it’s also versatile. Your first extra credit assignment is to figure out how many of these melodic sequences have more than one function, get them under your hands and internalize them.
Hey, what would happen if you played these examples in reverse order (3 2 1 2 3, 5 4 3 4 5 or 7 6 5 6 7) or started them on beat two instead of beat one? Consider this your second extra credit assignment.
So, your first priority is to play, memorize and internalize Figures 1, 2 and 3. Next, figure out which ones have multiple melodic functions and get them under your hands. Then when you’re comfortable with that try playing them in reverse order. Once you can do this then try playing these figures starting on beat 2. This ought to give you plenty to do between now and our next workout, so get to work!
To see me demonstrate and develop these assignments, go to www.youtube.com/user/toddjohnsonmusic and check out the Jazz Gym Melodic Scale Sequences video. While you’re there, be sure to practice with the Jazz Gym Play Along. 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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