Drop 2 Exercises, Cycle of 5ths, Jazz Piano Tutorial

[@azaniaritualkollectivoffic5250]

One of the best drop 2 lessons on KZbin. Truly. Thank you Mr Hewitt!!

[@DaramolaOlanrewaju]

I love your jazz tutorials...they're the most structured on YT

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you so much for telling me....that gives me a lot of affirmation to go forward. !! Please write to me again.

[@kevinwalsh1949]

@@KentHewittpiano88 I agree. Very straight forward and practical.

[@RuneMKK]

It's so much easier to hear Harmonic resolution through example than explanation. Glad you demonstrate this movement super clearly mate!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Rune, your words are a Christmas gift to me...bless you, mate!

[@jameshasell1297]

You are the north star to my jazz piano travels. thank you

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Great compliment...much appreciated!

[@georgeflecknell]

Just tried this after a month break from my piano. I think my brain may have just ran out of my ears. Great content as ever Kent, thanks for keeping me working hard! These voicings are amazing and without exercises to get them under my fingers, I'll never get fluent with them. This is solid gold.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Solid gold is an aspiration to work for. I had to do it...so now why not you. The rewards are amazing, I guarantee it!

[@TheBLUETOOTHpoet]

Your video gives me MUCH CONFIDENCE in KNOWING EXACTLY how EASY jazz is after FOUNDATION IS SOLID. Practice, practice, practice made more FUN now. Thanks.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's perfect! You've had the breakthrough, Rich, and now you know the secret!! So cool, brother! 100 thumbs up!

[@briguyhackins]

How can anyone thumbs down this? Brilliant insights for free. Thank you

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thumbs- down mostly means that someone doesn't understand what I'm saying, or envies me on some level...so I understand, and humbly forgive them.

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

Thumbs down on white notes where possible, other fingers on black notes.

[@philldwyer5221]

Thanks Kent, I understand your chord changes so easily, even though I don't read music I have learnt so much from you !

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Phill Dwyer That does my heart good, so thanks again!

[@onenikos]

What I like about your approach is that it makes sense. I really want to thank you for giving, and in my case extremely well received.

[@ArnoArtner]

Thank you so much, for your fantastic tutorial vids! I am a classically trained pianist yet only now, after years and years I discover, that I am actually far more comfortable with Jazz. Jazz Harmony/Improv was always a mystery to me, you helped me a lot to shed some light on a world unknown to myself.. It's great fun watching you and to learn ^^ - thank you!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Ephriot Thanks for telling me that I have helped you to discover a new side of your musical talent. I hope you will enjoy watching more of my videos.... here are the categories: kzbin.info/door/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists

[@JoseTorres-ft4xk]

Someone said your the north star to their travels. I don't know much about astronomy, but the Kent star always leads me to a good sound. Thank you bro,Thank you my man, Thank you Sir.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's poetry to my ears, does my heart good, and that makes you my brother, Jose.

[@CarltonKeys]

Wow Kent! You are an AWESOME teacher and player. Thank you so much for sharing. I am a Bill Evans fan, and you have just opened up a huge door for me with this one. It helps me to understand how he moves some of his voicings around.

[@nehasharonahmed7146]

Hi Kent, I just wanted to say that you are a LEGEND!!!! I can't thank you enough for your Extraordinary videos!! !!! You are an AMAZING PIANIST and TEACHER!!! Will definitely be buying your book! Loads of love and appreciation!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the compliments and please by my book...you won't regret it.

[@edgarlittleton8428]

A great lesson. Thanks so much. Can't wait to get your book.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I believe you will be happy with my book and learn many things.

[@pedromanuelmorenolara745]

Muchas gracias Sr. Kent por esta magistral clase. Un fuerte abrazo.

[@mediathug]

All I can say is, Bless you, sir! I'm finally ready, after a very long time, to sink my fingers into these perfect exercises. Thank you.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

However long it takes...let's be grateful! ...Blessings to you, sir!

[@sammyboy123321]

your videos and your enthusiasm are inspiring! thank you so much for all the hard work you put into your channel

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Great comment...very helpful!

[@peacekey]

i play gospel but you lessons, are best for every genre... your lessons are best

[@malfisher4326]

Hi Kent. Another great lesson and yet another reason for us all to be endebted and grateful to you. After practising this exercise for a while, I realised that with the introduction of the alternative dominant and a bit of tweaking your exercise could be easily adapted to the first four measures of 'Laura' and that that this makes a nice complementary exercise when taken through the cycle of 5th. Thanks again Greetings from Wales.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Mal Fisher Thanks, Mal, that's a very accurate and interesting observation. I've been to Wales once, saw many the castles. My English relative has passed away but we still have some folks there, but unfortunately haven't been back there since the 70's.

[@mlabash]

Hey Kent, I also want to add my voice to those expressing gratitude for your tutorials. I have found many of the other tutorials to be too brief, leaving many gaps and coming across as mechanical. Yours, on the other hand, are much more thorough and well, musical. Thanks so much and keep swinging!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Michael, I really appreciate the "vote of confidence". Your kind of comment is the type of thing that keeps me going at this...otherwise it's meaningless. Swing loose!

[@Fabrizio.deitos-navalesi]

Always a fantastic time watching your videos. Thanks so much to put all those efforts in sharing your knowledge. Beside being a great and melodic pianist, you're a great teacher and human being! Take care Kent and hello from Paris! ;)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Fabrizio DEI TOS I wish I was in Paris right now. April in Paris...a great song! Thanks so much for the comment, and please tell me about how life is in Paris. Thanks for that very generous and sincere comment!

[@AlonzoEchavarriaGarza]

awesome. I've learned so much with your videos. I was playing guitar. now I am playing piano and it is helping me compose for orchestra. thank you very very much. you are amazing.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the compliments...these techniques have been used by top arrangers for a long time.

[@BenjaminKallestein]

Love these videos! Thank you for taking the time to make these!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you for telling me!

[@robthemactv]

The Jazz Ranch… I love it

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for telling me!

[@sauxphilippe]

Another great exercice to go farther so thanks one'sagain and salutations to Herbie (man) !

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much also for Herbie!

[@callieobryan4388]

I'm enjoying my evenings with you...lol....music lessons..and I've learned a lot. Thanks

[@BAwesomeDesign]

Hi Kent. Interesting that my initial instinct with the cycle of fifths was to create exercises to move chords through it back when I started learning Jazz a few years ago. So I made my own exercises (move through the cycle going between minor-Major7 inversions and stuff like that). To see a video by you that uses that same idea but expands it is exciting and it confirms that I didn't misunderstand the basic concept. I think for me to really benefit from this would be to use the sheet you've provided but instead try to always visualize the vertical tones (in other words, the 1, 3, 5, b7, 9, etc) and where they are at each position. For instance... LH = 1 -- b7, RH = 9 -- 3 --5 ... or something like that. That way I can transpose the chords on the fly and always know where my fingers will go. I don't sight read at full speed (even though I've been at this since age 5), but knowing the chords being played and knowing where each tone is vertically I can play plenty fast. This exercise you've given will help expand my vocabulary. Thank you!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+BAwesomeDesign There's many different ways to do II-V-Is, so this is just one or some ways that I recommend. You have the right idea there. I could easily do a few more vids on this subject. Thanks!

[@claricemouraopontes7291]

Sor Kent ,could you please give us a lesson about quartals chords and their funtion...thank you 🙏💐❤️

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Go to my playlists...I have done that: Go to category Modal Jazz ...there's 12 vids there. Let me know kzbin.infoplaylists

[@keithcollins8068]

Hey Kent, you are such a blessing. Anything you do is so impressive to me. I have always been a faithful follower of yours. These music lessons that you are so willing to share with us all are excellent Jazz teachings. Do you have an online class beside youtube that you teach?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Wow, thank you...wonderful comment. I don't have an online course...just a jazz Piano course book for all levels. Go to my website for info. www.kenthewitt.com/my-book

[@tecluchi]

Thank you for sharing all this great material Kent

[@KentHewittpiano88]

My pleasure...thanks for the comment!

[@luisrvallejo9869]

Thanks a lot Kent.!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You are very welcome!

[@eliasschneeberger1337]

So I've been watching your videos for a while now and was interested in drop 2. I watched the video and noticed tht its exactly the way I've been taught to voice chords by my first teacher and what I've been playing all these years. He didnt say it was drop 2 tho. He just said left thumb on 3rd or 7th, right thumb on the other one while the rest plays the 9th or either the 5th or the 6th. Now a question: When you play a melody with drop 2 you basically play locked hands technique but insted of doubling the melody you drop the 2 instead right?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That is correct. I have detailed videos on drop 2 technique if you go to my playlists. This one is the first and most detailed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2Sln41nj9mmg9U

[@Musicaadorecchio]

great lesson Kent, thank you. One question: can progressions with drop 2 voicings start from B-form as well?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Is that the voicing w/ the 7th on the bottom? It can be useful for any inversion, but you have to use your ear and musicality to decide what sounds best to you. I like 6th chords and diminished approach chords rising or descending best. Drop 2 chords have to be sparingly...as explained in my videos.

[@eltacrash]

I do not have words to thank you so much teacher x3

[@OhmMusic]

Top quality as always, love every video you make!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Ohm Many thanks for the perfectly Awesome comment!

[@lapitron]

Thanks Kent-You Are A Great Mentor!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+carmen d scrimalli Many thanks for the nice compliment!

[@gabrielapodaca1102]

ur the man

[@paulallenMacca]

Love all your videos Kent thanks for sharing.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Paul Allen Thanks, Paul. I appreciate hearing from you.

[@paulallenMacca]

Your Welcome Kent, can you please tell me what Tripod you use to get an overhead view of the Piano Keys.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Paul Allen I'm using an ordinary microphone boom stand with a special attachment for a lightweight camera. It's pretty simple, however it's very easy to have it be out of alignment, that's why my videos aren't consistent with the view. I'm not sure a low- tech guy like me knows how to solve that. Thanks for asking! (maybe someone out there will help)

[@paulallenMacca]

Many thanks Kent I'm waiting on my new Sony FDR-AX53 which I'm hoping to have in the next 2 weeks.

[@marcelepoivre685]

Very good work ! Thanks Kent !

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you for the comment!

[@m.l.roberts6096]

I've been inspired. Thank you for uploading great content.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You made my day...thanks!!

[@Pretzels722]

absolute legend mate

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Many thanks!

[@austinrichards1987]

Just what I needed. Thank you

[@KentHewittpiano88]

So glad!

[@diplamatikjuan3595]

This voicing prettys the hell outta II-V-1, many thanks, can't wait to practice this. What do you think about doing this exercise for the whole I-IV-VII-III- VI-II-V-I chain instead of just II-V-I overkill or useful?

[@louislevy4159]

Another winner. Thanks for this.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you, Lou...all the best!

[@scatsax]

Thank you again for these videos! I bought your book and basically I have a question. What would you advice? To learn randomly or to look at the book sequentially? Also if I take this video on D2, would you practice periodically over time? Any tip to help have these sequences automatical at some point? Thanks. Serge

[@KentHewittpiano88]

How to approached the book is personal. It's okay to skip to chapters that interest you the most. The book is a step by step process, so going in odder has its advantages. Drop 2 is something that takes a lot of practice and getting into your ears so you know when and how to use it. I have 10 videos on drop 2 on my playlists. Go to Playlists here: kzbin.infoplaylists?view_as=subscriber

[@johnnymisbegotten]

Thank you Kent for providing a wealth of information and showing us how we might sound if we started practicing more instead of watching female exhibitionists on KZbin ; )

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the compliment, John. They are more fun to watch then my videos. If I want some laughs (very necessary) I go to Johnny Carson reruns or Dean Martin roasts...guaranteed to lighten up your day (night).

[@LavenderTownWasTaken]

Great video, helps a lot!

[@duynoojazz]

Thank you ! 👏

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you!

[@romanosquarzoni7745]

Kent: geniale!!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you!

[@themissionchannel674]

Brilliant sir,thanks

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Most welcome

[@ramoncosico608]

Great tutorial! Tnx a Lot!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You're welcome!

[@neilbryanclosa462]

This is so cool! Thank you!

[@Musicaadorecchio]

great lesson kent! just a question: when playing in a band with a bass player, is it better to use drop 2 voicings?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Antonio PX1 I use more rootless voicings when playing with a bass player. See my previous tutorial. I use other types of voicings as well but those types are generally preferred. (A and B form). Thanks!

[@petetee1292]

I don't like any of these, i just want to admire that piano!! Kidding, Kent , thanks for these great etudes.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+pete tee I'm disappointed, I was hoping it was the wall color. I was once asked on a break..."what do you do in real life?"....I should have answered: "Oh.... rob banks, I just play music for fun". Thanks, pete tee!

[@sheilamacdougal4874]

I think it would be nice to alter the dominants for all these exercises.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's a good idea ...try doing it.

[@vivifalabella]

DearKent, we miss you! I hope you are in good health and spirit

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Have I been absent?....I'm trying to catch up with comments (so many comments in 4 days...I'm really flattered, ) and you, Vivi ,are one of my favorite people. Be well and Happy Valentines!

[@vivifalabella]

Kent Hewitt , happy Valentine!

[@ejo3571]

Thanks Kent. This will keep me busy for awhile for sure. Lol

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Edward. It's kind of advanced, so it keeps me busy too.

[@MrArnesenSchoolSongs]

The pattern is the outer two voices move down a step, then the inner two voices move down a step, then the outer again so it's outer inner outer

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That sounds correct, thanks!

[@drumtwo4seven]

Is the download still active? I couldn't find it... Nice video ty !

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Write to my email...I'll try to find it. I may have to wait until we're home ...because we are away for a couple months.

[@ericchambers7117]

Subscribed! Love these videos.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you for subscribing! Keep watching!

[@sukyungkim9742]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! Your videos rock :))))

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Sukyung Kim Thanks for the great comment!

[@lincland3867]

Great lesson. I can’t find the corresponding download. Is it still up somewhere? Thanks.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I probably can find them for you if you email me. thanks!

[@danielverapiano]

Cool man! You make it really easi!

[@philldwyer5221]

Thanks Kent, another great lesson I can follow what you do easily. Love your Mason and Hamlin piano, how old is it?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Phill Dwyer Phil, thanks for the compliment! I thought I wrote to you earlier about this. It's a 1905 Mason and Hamlin 6'1" grand, rebuilt, and it's a real beauty, looks, and everything. We're both pianists and we love it. I've played so many different pianos over the years including some great Steinways. This one is very special! Thanks!

[@Gabbagothic]

Thank's so much for this video :) I am wondering why there a mostly 9th chords on the exercise score. Would it not be easier to start with 7th chords, since they occur more often in regular pieces?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Good question. I'm thinking about the melodic line on top. Top line is important and I think it sounds better (hipper) as a melodic line starting with the 9th. You should try doing the same exercise with the 7th on top and then compare the two. (I did that and prefer the 9th) On page 3 there's more use of the 7th on top. Thanks!

[@bobsledjimmy8784]

Hey Kent, and fellow piano learners. I went to your website to download the sheet music for this exercise, but it was taken down! Does anyone have this that they could possibly send to me?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Please write to my email. Thanks!

[@davidquakkelaar341]

Hi Kent, when doing these excersizes do you actually think about the chords or is it just muscle memory? Also: Do you still practice a lot after all these years?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Hi David, thanks for asking. This technique is something that takes time to integrate into you mind, hands, and ears. It's probably most important to have in your ears. That's how it works for me, and I have not mastered it to the point of it being intuitive yet. Because I have a right hand issue called dupurtrens contracture, I can't practice a lot...but I do practice a good deal for each video.

[@davidquakkelaar341]

Cool, thanks for the quick answer! Im going to practice some drop 2 excersizes now, cya

[@BMarPiano]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Glad to help...thanks!

[@parfaitnyenguena9905]

thanks very much

[@poidomanianthony4199]

When you added chords to the progression in the 3rd step.You changed the inversion but made no mention of it. Could be and is confusing/

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I have a score on this.... if that would help...please write to me.

[@poidomanianthony4199]

​@@KentHewittpiano88 Hi Kent,I have learned alot in last 6 months.and practice drills each day. Thanks your the best!

[@pianoturnerrobert]

love the cords I can't remember someone using drop 2 voicing in LA or China. I only heard them in San Francisco and NYC, once in sac, are you from NYC? I'm from LA I've been working on them they're very hard

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Robert, all the great composers used drop 2 technique...that includes Tin Pan Alley, Hollywood, Broadway, etc. That includes LA. It's just that it's never been analyzed or brought to the musical public's mind. In a way, no-one (composers/teachers) talked about it and applied it to songs. If you look at old sheet music...it's right there...but not that noticeable, unless you understand it. .

[@shedrachnwadike3178]

This is Sweet.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you!

[@pjaunez]

So useful, so clear: thanks so much

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+pjaunez Glad you like this video. Please keep watching!

[@jimsskot1]

Great totorial.Tak

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Mnay thanks for the comment! Keep watching and please go to my channel page and click on playlists to see all my videos in categories.

[@laughteryogawithal5950]

Thank you Kent...

[@kaanpeeters]

great great teacher

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Many, many thanks!

[@neilbryanclosa462]

Please make a video on how to analyze solo's. What to look at, a little theory, how to conceptualize them. Things like that. More on critical thinking.

[@raefblack7906]

Maestro!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm here for you!

[@massimilianopicuno8979]

Genio e didatta

[@VasaMusic438]

Great !!

[@byronriveiro2179]

The Scotty Kilmer of Jazz!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

As a car lover myself, I appreciate the honor. Great love and bows, sir!

[@robthemactv]

😁😁😁

[@daveaustin4538]

Jeepers Creepers!! :)

[@АркадийАгаджанян-н8з]

Thanks!

[@davivify]

Very cool ! Nice rendition of Jeepers Creepers in the first half :-)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Dave March Glad you liked it. Thanks for the comment. Here's my list kzbin.info/door/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists Reply ·

[@chukiatsrisakul8559]

Hi , Im very interesting in your piano lesson book , how can I get it?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Here's the link with all the info: www.kenthewitt.com/my-book

[@Bookssful]

very useful, indeed.

[@philldwyer5221]

This guy has really helped me, I follow what he does so easily,

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Phill Dwyer Thanks so much, you guys are the best!

[@jeffreyd700]

Are the exercises missing? What are they titled?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

These exercises may have been reserved for the Appendix to my book. Write to my email or get the Appendix. Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYjZhIita814d5o

[@damianzeni2023]

Genio!!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Merci!

[@davidmico2981]

What the intro song called

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Little Boat...from my trio CD.

[@paulmidi9207]

the spread voicings reminds me of "Cherokee"

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's a good thing!?

[@johnharrisjr.351]

Tried this on my fretboard. Solid there too. Swing loose!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the affirmation...keep swinging!

[@dreaminginnoother]

2:18 Seriously??? No mention of Rick Astley in the comments??? Hello?? Is this the internet???

[@divvy1400yam600]

Jeepers Creepers !

[@samuelele]

The beginning is like "Jeepers Creepers, where'd you get those peepers... :))"

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for recognizing that!

[@adamjnotthecongressmanschi7026]

I added the brother part.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Priests called themselves brothers before musicians did.

[@sharonbroderick4048]

the first four chords was a big band song . you probably know the name .

[@ashwin2159]

Sheet music is missing. Please re-upload it!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Loading fine on my end. Please write to me and I'll send you the link. [e-mail]

[@zevkurtzman8108]

sounds like the main title for taxi driver

[@jameskennedy7093]

It's the Jeepers Creepers progression. Jeepers, Creepers, where'd you get those peepers?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I hadn't thought of it that way, but you are right!

[@KimCuongTran3011]

Could I have a file pdf for this excersise? please!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

+Kim Cương The link may not be working. Try going to my website www.kenthewitt.com/ and select Free Music Downloads. Scroll down to find the score.

[@KimCuongTran3011]

thank you for answering my question. That's sound you made is so nice. I played it many times. God bless you!