How to IMPROVISE JAZZ using the PENTATONIC SCALE - from basic to far-out

Learn jazz piano improvisation using only the pentatonic scale.
We start up very easy and then we put on more and more stuff as we go along. In the end we go crazy building SUPER CHORDS flying into space!
This is a very comprehensive lesson that contains stuff for both the beginner and the trained pianist.
Index:
00:00 Intro
02:54 Basic Stuff: Learning the pentatonic hand grip
09:18 Exercises: To be familiar with the pentatonic hand grip
19:57 More stuff: About the pentatonic row
25:14 Exercises: To be familiar with the pentatonic row
42:30 Music Theory: How to play all 7 church modes using the pentatonic row
52:16 Crazy stuff: Playing super chords
This music lesson contains useful exercises to improve and connect left hand voicing and right hand solo licks. Here is a link to a PDF doc with all sheet music exercises shown in this lesson:
newjazz.dk/Compendiums/Pentato...
The document also contains some variants not shown in the video.
In this jazz lesson I refer to the following other videos from NewJazz:
Playing jazz solo using only 3 fingers: • Simple PIANO EXERCISES...
Playing the Dorian mode using the pentatonic row: • How to play Dorian Mod...
Learn the church mode theory digging really deep into the modes and their interrelation: • Modal Theory - The 7 C...
Build the Circle of church modes - a handy tool to look up every mode in any tonality: • the TOOL of CHURCH MODES
How to use the pentatonic row to play a totally atonal but yet meaningful and structured jazz solo: • Atonal Improvisation u...
Modal Moon Dance: A jazz song using the techniques explained in this video: • “Modal Moon Dance” - F...
I surely hope you enjoy this lesson in jazz piano improvisation, and that you can benefit from the pentatonic jazz techniques :)
Warm regards
Oliver Prehn
Donations:
/ newjazz
www.paypal.me/newjazz

[@GeorgeZwierzchowskipianomusic]

I am 60, and have played Jazz and Classical all my life. You are by far the best practical jazz teacher I have ever seen. You break everything down into ways a modern composer can understand so easily and young pianists will benefit and save themselves years of study. Keep it up.

[@NewJazz]

Thanks a lot :) :) :)

[@rickyminaj9340]

I can safely say, with little contradiction from honest hearts, that you are a near perfect music teacher. Simple and fantastic.

[@bluemichimusic9507]

He is astonishingly good!

[@ks3bigksudjoht180]

Actually, he's the one that got me into Jazz music. And even though I've learned much in a year, he just tells me that minor pentatonic tonic chords are fourth chords and I'm like "Yoooooo I didn't know that woooow".

[@lian7992]

I totally agree with you. So well and easy showed and explained

[@richardhood4512]

Oliver's hand grip method is fantastic for actually getting into playing and having hands memorize patterns. Ultimately your hands and mind have to memorize patterns. This is a bit like guitarists learning patterns from charts as opposed to notes and theory. I love understanding theory but it's not really how you learn to play. IMHO this is one of his top lessons. The Super Chords part at the end is so cool.

[@jordanzedi]

agreed

[@RSX-0806]

I was like, i need to start practice modes, then this gentleman appear showing us that we can fit pentatonic scales to any given chord and now he teach us how to start improvisation as soon as possible. You're the Bob Ross of music theory.

[@deanbarnat6984]

There are plenty of instructors out there. Then there are amazing teachers like Oliver Prehn here who have a way of communicating intricate concepts in terms that regular humans like I can understand and practice. Oliver, thank you for your efforts putting these tutorials together. We know it takes a lot of energy. But be assured it's VERY much appreciated. Your pace, your organization, a little humor, and your very soothing voice make your lessons a real pleasure to watch. I will be able to do more on a piano thanks to this. Dean

[@NewJazz]

Thanks a lot Dean :) I will keep up the work :)

[@moiseblaise7293]

I can not thank you enough for your precious time, it's hard these days to find someone so kind and patient; may the LORD bless you; You are a great teacher!

[@Muzvideo2]

It is great! I once bought a course "Advanced Pentatonic" and did not finish it. There were no such simple and understandable exercises. It's so great to see your lessons. They are so logical, understandable, correctly aligned "from simple to hard" and FREE! ))) Amazing! )

[@NewJazz]

Thanks a lot :) And I'm just so glad for your work with the subtitles on the other video "Simple Jazz Exercises" :) :) Warm regards Oliver

[@hanimorcos5858]

Oliver. You are a genius. Unbelievable simple technique that is so amazing that I can't believe it was never taught in music lessons before. You are an incredible teacher and your lessons are undoubtedly the best on the web. Great Great Job.

[@BigBlind91]

Your videos are pure gold, thank you. I'm a music student in Germany and I have my piano exam coming up, where I'll be required to play in a combo and also improvise. Thank god I found your stuff, I really feel like I can properly prepare now. You really are a fantastic teacher, keep doing what you are doing!

[@nigellilburn1043]

Totally brilliant ... both instruction and production. Big thanks from 70+ age jazz learner

[@lisztplayer1874]

"....sound landscapes..." something about that phrase alone made me 'feel' like a better jazz player on the inside...and I wasn't even at the piano at the moment. Awesome jazz piano lessons!!! I've never seen anyone break it down so mechanically to make the jazz language easier to understand.

[@rallypojken]

This was the most uplifting experiece in my whole you-tube addiction. Like a benovelent master,.....

[@revenski]

This is just incredible.. I've played in a contemporary / classical style for years, and have always been put off by jazz because I thought there was a huge vocabulary of scales and techniques I would need to learn. The way you break down the concepts in these videos is mind-blowing, and has really opened up the whole genre! Very exciting stuff - thank you!

[@MiguelBaptista1981]

I honestly feel this is one, or the best teaching channel on youtube. You give the student a lot of guidance, but also freedom in the most important part, playing freely, and creating. Too many good musicians are without joy of improvising, creating their own musical parts, and having fun. And going beyond someone playing at home, in some professional circuits, most of your playing vocabulary comes from that field, in jazz, world music, rock, fado, etc, as well as adapting what is going on around you by taking chances on the spot, which your video encourages to do. Well done, thanks for sharing.

[@brymusic1542]

I agree with this two years old reply. These tutorials are some of the best I've seen on You Tube, regardless of subject matter or genre.

[@koreboredom4302]

This is very easy to digest! It's a jazz tutorial gold mine! This is something I would recommend any beginner jazz artist to watch.

[@timclayton8214]

Thank you Oliver - you are so generous to produce these lessons.

[@hudsonmedeiros1152]

Hi Oliver, I've learned in these few days since I figured your channel out more than in many years of studying using other materials. I just feel my performance skills improving faster with your exercises, but still have an entire road to run on. Your way to explain is by far the most clear and simple I've seen, even when the subject looks complex. Awesome Job!

[@noitulove2213]

These are magical musical exercises that with practice is giving me the ability to naturally flow and create beautiful sounds. Straight forward chromatically in all keys has helped me see my weak spots so I can strengthen them and the patterns make it so easier to do that. A really great launching pad for me! Infinite gratitude...

[@danielkromopawiro1822]

Hello Oliver I am freelance musician in NEW CALEDONIA its really amazing , fantastic your channel piano modern jazz style. Usually I play the double bass (blues , jazz , bossa nova , gipsy Django Reinhart style. I start play blues piano nearly from last year , thank a loth for your teaching programme and now I am practice on exercices . I will see you soon .

[@bartziyon1002]

Right after I saw your opening in the forest I told myself that you would be my teacher from now on I'm with you God bless you

[@drxerxes]

Really appreciate the work you have put into your videos. For me, at this moment, you are the best teacher (and there are some very good ones on YT). Using simple concepts to build complex ideas seems to me to be the best way to learn. Thank you - I'm on the journey!

[@CreateArtRecords]

All of your Vids are unbelievable. But this Video together with "The Modes"-Video are phenomenal!

[@carlospalomares8754]

Wonderful! I’m getting myself situated to get into a discipline mode until achieve this marvelous skill and turn it into a habit. Thanks to you and the easy going lessons from you I’m inspired to do so. Infinite thanks to you for sharing 🙏🏽.

[@sati-h]

I´m very happy to have found you here! I really can feel your joy, it´s so sweet. And this is exactly, what I was looking for for a long time. Your explanation is crystal clear. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@utahborn]

As an older player trying to stay competitive with younger musicians ,this is life changing to me. Thank you so much for sharing

[@thegeckogecko7824]

These lessons are truly amazing. I've been learning and playing for a few years and I started from scratch with very little musical education. I feel like your lessons and teaching style are exactly what I needed to progress. Thank you.

[@sergekulapa6481]

You are simply one of the best Jazz pianists teacher out there. Your techniques are easy to follow and effectives. 👌🏾

[@MorganLock]

I love how your lessons are great for almost beginners and intermediate / advanced players.... It makes jazz very enjoyable for beginners... Thank you

[@sokanadenramasawmy2143]

I DO NOT KNOW WHAT WORDS TO SAY HOW YOU PLEASE MY HEART MANY THANK TO GOD FOR HAVING SENT YOU TO TEACH US THESE FANTASTIC MUSICAL TIPS

[@lumm71]

This lesson gave me so much. Two days later I changed my way playing piano with a whole new view. I am very happy. Thx so much.

[@fbbclem5499]

This is soooo what I needed to get out of my "BOX". Actually I've been doing this already but I didn't understand or know why!! I've saved Jas lessons and piano lessons and music lessons on my playlist.;Now there is the Oliver Prehn playlist all separate for revisiting frequently. Thanks Mr. Prehn!

[@danoreilly5020]

Oliver your tutorials are so helpful, and your narration so pleasant and patient :) thanks for taking the time to share this with the internet! I have gained a lot just from seeing you important the hand grip is for you..

[@seanonel]

To infinity and beyond! Thank you so much Mr Prehn. You have been my favourite YT teacher for some time now. I went away from your channel for a little bit to brush up on more traditional theory, but now I feel as if I'm ready to embark on this journey with you once more! You have amazing skills on the keyboard and equally amazing skills as a teacher. Warm regards.

[@silviomp]

Watching this lesson for the first time in April of 2022. Isn't that amazing? The best teacher online I've ever seen.

[@alanj9849]

I wish I could upvote this a thousand times.

[@ericmoore974]

This is an absolute breath of fresh air. Oliver Prehn thank you for this amazing lesson. Now it's time to go to work and practice!

[@MrAriskoug]

Wonderful lesson mister Oliver. I m learning piano alone over the past 6years, and that was the most awesome lesson i got from web,all those years. Thank you from my hart ! By the way, i follow your channel and i ll see most of your vids. Thanks again.

[@TheNemesisProject]

best lessons on youtube! Love you guys!!!!! thank you, my playing has exploded as you make theory enjoyable and easily applicable to the keyboard...

[@jfjusa1]

Thank you so much! Your experience is invaluable to many beginning students. these lessons are the best!

[@KennethGonzalez]

Oliver, this is just fantastic stuff! I love what you do here. So many great ideas. Thank you so much!

[@nagy-one4212]

i really don't know what to to say to you for this true gift....thank you is not enough words.....the gift of musical self expression...expanded musical growth goes much more...eternal gratitude.....you make this world better to live in...

[@OjarsGreste]

Thank you very much Oliver for this lesson! I started playing piano very late in life (at age 60) and have been sporadically learning from teachers and Internet-based material for 15 years. As an adult, I want to play music right away and spend minimal time on technical exercises. Your lesson has provided me with material that I can use to make interesting sounds immediately. Discovering this, and your other lessons, is a miracle! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Ojārs (from Sydney, Australia)

[@herbmcduffy7409]

Keep Going!!

[@giulikkio]

Thank you Oliver!!!!!Thank you Oliver!!!!!Thank you Oliver!!!!!Thank you Oliver!!!!!Thank you Oliver!!!!!

[@albertnichedevices342]

I play piano since years and was looking for pentatonic exercise, thank you these ones are very useful for visualize the different scales and improve the technique

[@jorgmichaelpalm40]

Best youtube lesson so far. After this improvisation is in your hands! Thank you Oliver.

[@drvgpandurangi]

Dear Oliver sir You are indeed a great teacher who really makes it so easy to understand the intricacies of music and it motivates us to go to the piano and grow as a musician . Must say not cool but the coolest . Love your teachings . God bless and keep blessing us with more tutorials .

[@kcreative7293]

This is unbelievably great stuff...I've learned in life that most of the people that can really play and know their stuff are terrible at teaching it to someone else...this is excellent wish I could take private lessons.

[@bluemichimusic9507]

Myself as well! I wish I could study privately with Oliver Prehn!!

[@FelipeGomes-sw4vo]

Depois de anos procurando boas aulas de piano, finalmente eu achei. Muito obrigado por todo o trabalho que você tem para fazer suas aulas e trazer tanta coisa interessante de uma maneira fácil de entender.

[@cb4636]

So very good to have another excellent video from the "Voice". Thank you for your wonderful teaching technique.

[@IN2music2]

The "hand grip" concept is a game changer for sure. It really frees up more room for improvisation.

[@cns7139]

Great information on new sounds and how to find them... THANKS SO MUCH!

[@rastarito]

Love it. I can’t wait a lesson the Oliver style of playing the diminished scale. :)

[@AsherMandrake]

Thank you. Your instructions and exercises are very helpful. I'm enjoying practicing them.They are not easy at first but are helping with my weak fingers and brain stretching.

[@nolbertotube]

INCREIBLE! lo más útil que he visto en años! muchas gracias por compartirlo ! felices fiestas!

[@randyknisely8979]

Fantastic lesson, got so much out of it, I'm sure my soloing will progress leaps and bounds! Thankyou...

[@marcopepe4046]

These lessons are like a gift! They make me happy... and I'm only at tenth minute! Fantastic!!! Thanks so much! P.s. finished! This technique is simply superb. Now I need to practice for a very long time. :) Another Thanks.

[@NewJazz]

Thanks a lot :) It makes me happy that you are happy :) And nice job watching the entire video - it is pretty comprehensive ;)

[@BlackBearSixTV]

Excellent - pure & simple - making the complex understandable - thank you so much -

[@davidbruce7244]

I have a gig where I play for 5 hours at a hotel. I am a classical pianist and have never done anything like it, thanks for saving my life!

[@LonzCantiLife]

definitely an advanced channel .. been following for a few years and now i finally can keep up. so thorough! 🔥🙏🏾

[@user-wz5le5vm8n]

Hi! I apologize for the last post, I found the following video! Just brilliant! You have shed light on the mystery veiled with gloom, I reviewed hundreds of videos and could not understand the principle how it works! The majority of teachers recommends that you memorize the phrase of the great and then use it, but it's not working! Awesome, you can play a phrase Parker or Evans,but when you decide to insert it in a specific solo - so bullshit. A huge thank you! With love from Russia

[@segunlawani5294]

you are the best, your exercises not only teaches jazz hand grips, but also for normal plays, thanks

[@orbanakos]

Your work is excellent! Easy to feel how much do you love music and teaching. Thank you!

[@nealsandy9441]

Love your teaching. Very complicated concepts made easier. I'm in Toronto, Canada.

[@philburpalooza8]

Oliver, I must compliment your music instruction style as arguably the best on You Tube. You make the CLEAREST demonstrations, great visual repetition of your techniques and TAKE YOUR TIME explaining and demonstrating your concepts. (the other 95% of instructors madendingly SPEED THROUGH what they just spent 5 to 10 minutes talking about and fail to do what YOU successfully do). and you are on the cutting-edge instructionwise with your emphasis on boiling down the complexity of jazz theory to learning a half dozen grips, letting the practitioners play "fool around" THEN the theoretical concepts are much more quickly grasped when music is PLAYED, felt in the fingers!, AND HEARD (not just explaining once and condescendingly throwing sheet music at students like they're the family pet which is what the other 90% of instructional video makers do wrong). I've been in a similar situation as you having to work a lot just to pay bills but spend just about all of my free time practicing keyboatds and bass. Keep up the brilliant videos! :-)

[@NewJazz]

Thanks very much for this very very nice message!!! I'm totally speechless. This is spot on what I'm trying to do and I'm so glad that I apparently somehow have succeeded... by the way: the section about feeding the family pet with note sheets was incredible humorous and entertaining. Thanks again my friend. The very best and warm regards Oliver

[@edamdiazvilla4068]

thank you so much sir for blessing us with your great talent.Blessings

[@aninditabasu3681]

These lesions are so well organized, comprehensive and awesome..and you are a very patient teacher..Best regards from overseas..

[@estebancruz5401]

Oliver Prehn, Thank you very much, you are the best teacher!!!!, greetings from Argentina

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

This is great stuff,this will elevate my playing a lot,your one fantastic teacher,maybe the best,thank you very much.

[@ParsevalMusic]

You put so much love in your extraordinary videos. I deeply admire you, greetings from Italy!

[@andreportela1339]

Professor Oliver, muito obrigado!!! Gratidão eterna!!!

[@wanderinggenie]

This is great! I like that you explain not only "keyboard" or "piano" in a practical way, but you also explain "music", I mean, concepts that are useful not only for piano but for music in general. I play mainly saxphone and your ideas are very useful for me in my playing, and I also adapted some of your grip ideas to the guitar and the things you explain are making me a better player. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@NewJazz]

Great - I'm so glad to hear that!!! Warm regards from Oliver

[@phly23]

love it i've always missed using ALL 5 fingers with Pentatonics....You have turned me on to something totally different

[@christspoorenberg6964]

Amazing! So clear explanations and effective exercises! GREAT tutorial!!

[@andreasfriedli7419]

New Ideas fresh and clear...Apreciation.Thank You.

[@viacheslavtsimma4427]

Wow. Such a powerful lesson! Add these exs to my Hanon's exs ;) Thank you much for pdf document!

[@walterdavid1971]

amazingly easy to understand...thank you very much, Oliver...a great teacher...pacing is so considerate of beginners..Kudos!

[@mntungoyisentombela1342]

That is the best experience ever come cross thank you

[@javimar61]

A master class from a big teacher. Thank you very much Oliver

[@ownis2]

Thank you thank you very much .your lession are eye opener to endless possibilities

[@Hannah-rl3ng]

You are such a great teacher.... finally i understand jazz

[@edovonvelde3194]

One of the best teacher, thankyou so much Oliver🙏🏻❤

[@yanexagravante7667]

Thank you for bringing me to the future chords. I feel like I'm in another world of music when i got into the crazy stuff. 😳😳 thanks oliver

[@barry6129]

He's back!

[@danmcgirr4210]

Your lessons are the best! Thanks.

[@wonderartdesign2007]

you know what happened, I learned english for your lessons. you are my amazing teacher . I really love you man :)

[@mattemery6528]

This wasn’t just a jazz piano lesson....It was journey into the model depths of harmony way beyond anything I’ve ever experienced! Pure inspiration.....I can’t thank you enough for the hard work and care taken to put this together. Oliver is a rare breed of enthusiasm and talent that makes the world just that little bit nicer to be living in. 😀

[@NewJazz]

Thank you so much for your very kind words!!!! Many warm regards from Oliver

[@mattemery6528]

You are more than welcome Oliver. I have studied jazz on an off for years and I love the simplicity of your teaching methodology. Granted, this takes slow and careful practice but I am enjoying the many doors it opens by physically unlocking the hands into sonic wonderland!

[@williamcorgile9823]

I can’t wait. You always have good stuff !

[@360disc]

I can't wait to get home to do this exercises men!! You Are The best!!!

[@MJ98774]

Thanks man! I love videos that a beginner like myself can implement immediately and create music

[@Eliviery]

Thank you so much, Oliver, you have a new brazilian piano pupil now! Great!

[@user-hx5ou9ku2w]

Thank you very much, God bless. You are a good teacher.

[@josefernandomosquera3267]

Day by day i just aprofite all the advance tecnics you use to teach in a well done ….asome

[@paulomoreira5268]

I love your teaching method, thanks for sharing this.

[@ministerioangel]

Thank you, teacher. I learn a lot and it helps me a lot to see his classes. I wish you good health and God bless you. 🎶🎹😃👍🏻

[@Eliviery]

Excelent teaching! I'm glad to learn it.

[@jimyneutron4237]

YOU ARE A GREAT MASTER.CONGRATULATIONS

[@bayrondavis6415]

Hello, it is been a year since I do not play the piano because I do not have money in order to bring it from a city which is far but I have learned a lot thanks to you. Thank you a lot.

[@a.leandrot8798]

Muito feliz por você existir!!! Parabéns por compartilhar!!!!!

[@rolfigomez3039]

Thank You Oliver your lesson’s are so great!! Help me a lot!!

[@Pepsax]

Simply wonderful, thank's!

[@xCaaanx]

From all videos about learning piano yours are the best!