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Jazz Studies With Bill Harrison – Play Along Tracks: Lesson 3 – Walking The 4 Bar Turnaround
Meet Bill Harrison
Please be sure to download both the mp3 playalong track and the pdf file at the end of this page to get the most benefit from this lesson.
Now that we’ve dipped our collective toes into the world of walking on jazz chord changes, let’s take it one step further. We’ve been examining the ii/V progression, looking at the chord tones and good transition notes for getting from one chord to the other. The next level of complexity is to add the resolution chord (I) into the mix, plus a pivot chord (VI) that is commonly used to return (our “turnaround”) to the ii chord.
The 4 bar turnaround looks like this (Ex. 1): ii-7 / V7 / IM7 / VI7(b9). We’ll work on this in the key of F but all of the concepts apply to every key, of course. In F, the chords are G-7 C7 FM7 D7(b9).
Here’s how these chords are spelled (Ex. 2):
G-7 = G Bb D F
C7 = C E G Bb
FM7 = F A C E
D7(b9) = D F# A C Eb
You’re already familiar with the first two changes, the ii-7 leading to the V7. The resolution chord here is FM7, because it is the I chord in the key of F. The pivot chord is built on the 6th degree of the key, in this case, D.
But notice that we are actually stepping outside of the home key by transforming what “should” be a minor 7th chord (D F A C) into a dominant 7th chord (D F# A C). (Ex. 3) There is no F# in the key of F, nor are there ever two dominant chords in a key. So what we are really doing is creating a “secondary dominant”, a chord that will act as a V of the upcoming ii chord (D7 is the V of G-, right?). A D-7 would be acceptable here (and is sometimes used) but the dominant seventh is a more powerful chord – it has a greater tendency to lead the ear to the G-7.
The explanation for this looks a LOT more complicated than the progression actually sounds. You’ve heard this turnaround a zillion times, as it is one of the most often used harmonic cliches in mainstream jazz and pop. We haven’t tackled the additional note that’s present on the D7 chord, the flatted 9th (Eb). That alteration to the basic dominant 7th chord is so important that I’m going to save it for a future lesson.
For now, try using the same principles that we’ve put into place previously to make a functional sounding bass line through these chords. The backing track is quite slow so you’ll have plenty of time to really hear your notes in relation to the chord voicings being played by the pianist. Don’t forget to lock in with the drummer’s ride cymbal as you cruise through the changes.
There’s room on the accompanying pdf sheet for you to write out your own lines. Feel free to use some of the sample lines I’ve included to get you started. (Ex 4)
Next time – the flat nine.
Download MajorTurnPnoDr02F.mp3
Play_Along_Tracks_Lesson_3_-_ii-V-I-VI-Dec09
Gear News
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
Spector offers Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses…
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils two new Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses. Synonymous with bass excellence since 1987, Wimbish collaborated with Spector’s USA Custom Shop to create the DW-4 and DW-5 models, echoing the iconic instruments that have been favored heavily throughout his recording and performing career.
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Photo: Doug Wimbish, pictured with the new Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series basses
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about Alberto Rigoni’s new project Nemesis Call Fundraising campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
New Gear: Spector Doug Wimbish USA Custom Series Basses
