Barry Harris' 6th & Diminished Scale: Explained, A Jazz Tutorial

(Requested Tutorial), NOTE: CORRECTION ON THE 3RDS: THE 5TH STEP SHOULD BE G-A, NOT F-A. THE 6TH STEP SHOULD BE Ab-B) Barry Harris's 6th and Diminished Scale explained with practical examples. Observations from Barry's workshops filmed at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.(Netherlands). Analysis of theory of scale, chords, drop 2 voicings, and application to popular songs and arrangements. See application of this scale in tunes go to these videos: www.youtube.co...
• Jazz Piano Tips- Drop ...
Accompanying score is available on website or by email to [e-mail] Website: www.kenthewitt....

[@RonaldJC-RJC]

Fabulous video...Simplifying the chord scale to two qualities,(I don't know how many years it would have taken me to have seen it on my own, that alone, is a master class in understanding harmony), and, pointing out the chordal ambiguities to allow so much potential harmonic adventure, just brilliant!...A lot of work to master in 12, for sure, but, well worth the time for the immense possibilities when re-harmonizing ...Would love to see a follow-up, or two, or three...Thanks so much...And, yeah, just bleep the cursing, (so you can still have ads to pay some of the bills), it will be fun to follow you thought process and if it saves you time, it's a win-win, just keep the camera rolling...I'm sure your thinking process will help all students and help us all to see how the puzzle is deconstructed. It's a master class in itself, too...

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Ronald....you have just given me such great pleasure.... because you understand perfectly what I'm doing. So we are compadres, .....because I'm just passing on my knowledge in a way that acknowledges my gratitude that I can share it. This is more about sharing what's in your heart than it is about music, and you just did the same for me.

[@nelsonramos208]

Concur!

[@RonaldJC-RJC]

Thanks for keeping your video lessons available and posted. After a year and a half of practice and study, I wanted to review this lesson. I still find it incredibly helpful in distilling the complexity of harmony into brilliant simplicity. I think about the great standards in this same way; "Brilliant Simplicity". Thanks Kent, Ronald

[@MrZedhow]

Couldn’t agree more. It’s really opened things up for me. Lot more work to be done but so grateful to finally get the insight. You’re right it’s a master class.

[@FrankDeruyck]

To all folks watching this: it was my request to Kent, and I can not begin to explain how grateful I am. It also reveals the genius of Barry Harris. My deepest respect Kent!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks again, Frank...you're the best!

[@albertolorusso]

Kent should be made Pope (in figurative terms!) for his outstanding contribution to spreading Jazz to the world!

[@FrankDeruyck]

Alberto Lorusso haha, right, nut Kent is a modest man....and can you imagine what the Altered Dominantman would say?

[@KentHewittpiano88]

The Altered Dominant Ego Man would have submerged himself in that compliment. Don't pamper him!

[@jazzdog666]

Thanks because I was searching for the best explanation and here it is.

[@toneyam3643]

3 years ago I had paralysis in my right arm and had to stop playing the piano lost all my gigs everything no money nothing fortunately for me I had surgery 2 years ago and although it took a year-and-a-half for my neck to heal I am fully recovered and can play again the things I have picked up from you have really helped me a great deal and encouraged me to play again. You are going to be the most loved teacher on the planet. Thanks for making sense out of Barrys teaching, I will take this lesson and master it also I will buy your books to give back to you. God bless you 100 fold for your heart of gold and may his favor be always with you. As the great jazz pianist Johnny O'neal once told me "Keep swinging soulfull."

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Wow, I wonder if Johnny ever met Hermie Dressel? I appreciate hearing your story and we who have been through struggles , whether physical, mental, or spiritual, are blessed to be able to come out of it and be better than before. God bless, brother!

[@dormaettu302]

This is good for humanity, thanks for breaking down slowly

[@KentHewittpiano88]

All my pleasure...thanks!

[@mhillvo]

I'm really starting ot love this whole diminished 6th, and using it has taken my piano playing to a whole new level of joy while playing things. Your explaining it has filled in some of my audible gaps in understanding how beautiful little chords, as he stated, really are and I can't get enough of playing around with them in various voicings. The fun has returned....plus I'm making waves everywhere I now play because of his videos in the Hague along with your fun flavored explanation, Kent. Thanks fellow jazz keyboardist. Really helped open the concept since we can't see Barry's hands, but good ear training means I got most of it watching his vids over and over and running to my keyboard to figure out fingerings as well. the scales have different fingerings but playing them in contrary motion in every key means transposing is even better now. I love those 88's so much, still. His other videos are great as well too. Along with yours of course. Have fun out there at your "ranch". LOL Stay Cool, man!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Hey Michael, thanks for writing and you are now initiated into the "Elite Club" of the Jazz Ranch. That means that now you are a true "compadre", ....so your requests have priority....ha! But really, your words are appreciated more than you know...this not only is encouraging, but also keeps me going, and motivated ...so I thank you, heartfelt and deeply, brother!

[@fendergrassmount3926]

You know the way the KZbin community works is people kind of shop around until they find a jazzer that explains a particular concept well. Many thanks for these tutorials they are well paced and are helping me up the mountain, if you will!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Fender, I'm glad I can help you climb that mountain. I did the same thing for years, and I was persistent. Everything good in life is worth making that kind of effort . Thanks for the comment!

[@MrZedhow]

Terrific lesson maestro. Have my diminished scales locked in but your explanation of the Barry Harris diminished 6th finally dropped the penny. The symmetry is amazing. Sometimes I think I’m just too slow to get this stuff but thankfully this lesson nailed it for me. Cheers

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much...I try to make things clear...so you just helped me!

[@Peteamareet]

No need to reply, that lesson just woke me up to a new world, thanks

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Good!...I'm so glad you told me!

[@melissaholland2734]

This is unbelievable!!!! Videos like this make me wanna just practice for hours and hours!!!!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for telling me...that's very helpful!

[@salamalwary3292]

You have no idea how much I like your videos, you have a huge amount of knowledge + great energy, please keep doing it. You are amazing

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much...that's a great comment, and the encouragement keeps me going. Best of everything!

[@MrRazzieBinx]

A very important kent! I cannot take you so much for your unwavering dedication to us jazz pianists!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the positive feedback, Razzie!

[@torontoBluejays87]

I love your videos and am a life long piano player who has been hacking his way through jazz since I was a teenager. You already earned my respect with how slick you dress up for your youtube tutorials, but have even more of mine with your amazing playing. Barry Harris is an amazing player and teacher and I am so glad you have a video about his scale.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you, Mark, for the wise perceptions and for the affirmation. Your encouragement is more valuable to me than you know...keep watching!

[@Justin_9423]

Thank you. I've been watching so many Barry Harris videos trying to understand exactly what he's talking about. This is so helpful

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, and I hope that this will open your ears and mind to the wisdom and joy that Barry is conveying to all of us.

[@irishmuso7129]

I'm a fan of this system but find Barry Harris's own videos completely incomprehensible. Why he doesn't use notation to explain this theory, is beyond me. As a result he spends endless hours getting crotchety - no pun intended - and impatient with the poor, frightened students. Is this simply to mystify the approach? I don't think so, as he seems very keen to promote it, but he could hardly do it less efficiently.

[@ltravail]

Barry Harris has been one of the greatest educators of the jazz art form in general, and jazz piano in particular, of all time. Although an outstanding performer in his own right, his contributions to the art form through his renowned teachings alone should be more than enough to qualify him for induction into the jazz hall of fame - and deservingly while he's still alive!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I agree ...he should be in the jazz hall of fame. He really cared about his students, and I feel the same.

[@enochpeter]

Martini man here too: Straight up, two olives and dying of thirst. I've been learning so much from your tutorials. Thanks for making them!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

We should hang out, Enoch. Martinis were popular in the old 40's movies. Hemingway shared martinis with Dietrich. Thanks for the compliment.

[@MegaMcFart]

Kent, your youtube channel is a national treasure. Please keep blowing our minds. Thank you.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Wow, David, awesome compliment! Keep watching and I'll keep doing it.

[@davidmiller3652]

@@KentHewittpiano88 You have solidified your contribution to this Art Form many times over and inspired creativity beyond imagination ! You should get an OSCAR for this. Thanks Kent.

[@ChrisBandyJazz]

Wow, almost every time I watch your videos a whole new world is opened up. A very cool new way to re-harmonize any melody! Thank you!

[@Sunburst42]

Come back to your videos all the time, really helping me grow as a piano player. Thank you for all your hard work and your love for music.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Happy to hear that!

[@davidmiller3652]

Thx Kent ! This is large in clarity concerning B.Harris dim. 6th concepts. Applying the dim. chord running through the scale & dropping 2. Moving thru the Maj.6th Inversions as well. So, dim. chord to 6th chord(Inv.drp 2) X repeat, to Alt. Dom(b9,#11,6) - over ii-V's in all 12 keys. You're so great at breaking things down. Thx !

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks... David, for the support. Yes there's a lot there to work on but I would apply it to songs to make it practical. See if you can play the sequence in whatever key the songs is that you are applying it to.

[@FrankDeruyck]

Boy oh boy! Kent it seems to me this video has engaged the whole community! It gives such a warm and happy feeling in my heart to read all these comments. On top of it many of the comments reveal new insight, this is DEEP. I think you will be coming back on this subject. I never thought there could be something as a 8 note scale.....but it works!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yeah, Frank...I think it's the most comments I've had on any of my videos in a 24 hour period. It's surprising to me, because other people have asked me to do more videos for beginners... because that's who are the majority of people looking at these type of videos.

[@FrankDeruyck]

True, and I think your simple videos for beginners are the most important: that is exactly how I came to know you. There are a lot of good videos for pianists, but no one has your PEDAGOGIC qualities. You have the flegma of humor and witt, which is very important for a beginning player, you give us courage to go on.

[@brucejeric6701]

Meant 6, not 7 !! Typo on this damn iPhone!! Of course you knew that. I’ve played for many many years and this one of the most exciting discoveries to me!!! Harmonically filling melody lines!!! I was awe struck. Thanks again so much!!!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Watch this video with Barry Harris to see how he borrows notes to give depth and variation (fills) to a single chord. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5uyXqZ_p8-Hp8k

[@RonnyC880]

I've been having a hard time understanding the sixth diminished scale but this lesson turned the light on for me.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for telling me!

[@kabelomkhabela4766]

I watched the original video and could follow along pretty well until Barry got to the chord movememts (15:35). This breaks it down so well. Thank you for this.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm glad I could help out...thanks!

[@felipejaramillo124]

Nice to see you explaining Barry's concepts! I think you have the scale by thirds wrong, you should move to EG, FG#, GA, G#B, AC,... I know, they are not all thirds, but it sounds good. Source: Fiona Bickett and Barry's ebook: The Barry Harris approach to improvised lines & harmony.

[@smashn1]

Glad I wasn't the only one that noticed that. Kent played FA after the FG# when it should be the GA because the GA is part of the sixth chord, which alternates in tonality with the diminished sound.. The GA part of that scale is my favorite interval because it offers a different type of sound to move in and out of.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Felipe and Hugh, for pointing that out. You are correct. At the time I was restricting it to major and minor 3rds. But as you say, the 5th step needs to be major 2nd. That interval is part of the C6 chord, (except the 3rd inversion) I did not read the books...so I'm not an expert. The more important issue was to show the 4 note chords, how they work in the scale, and how they work together in a tune. I wish I could do that segment over again, but as you can see that would delete 127 comments. That's a lot of comments in 2 days so apparently this is a popular subject.

[@felipejaramillo124]

You are welcome Kent. Maybe consider including an annotation in the video. I attended several workshops from Barry in 2001 and it was way beyond my abilities. His concepts are so unique that it's hard to relate to other things. I loved his story of the 'world': the world (chromatic scale), divides into male/female (the two Whole Tone Scales), they had three children (the Three Diminished Chords), and they together had the Dominant Chords. Makes you think. Anyway, keep up the teaching, you're still the best in KZbin :)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Felipe, I've used annotations in the past to correct mistakes. It's a feasible solution, but some people look at it as a distraction and stop watching. You're the only 2 commenters who caught it, and it's not a central part of the video. But to me it's important. The other things you mentioned are fascinating and I'd like to know more. When are you going to use your knowledge to start your own channel? I'm sure you realize it takes a lot of motivation and work to do this, it's not for everyone, and I'm sure you have more important things to do. I've even tried to get some of my talented colleagues into this.... but no takers. In my life, I now have the time, and actually it's perfect timing for me.Thanks for the support,.... much appreciated!

[@SunAndMirror]

I also caught it. It really only matters in the musical theory world, which varies from person to person. Kind of related: When referring to strictly thirds in octatonic scales such as this, it it referred to as a diminished 3rd, rather than a major 2nd, since you are indeed skipping a note in the scale.

[@ErGoyoTV]

Thats why I am you fan. Only Ken-the-witt could be so generous to go through one of those precious Barry Harris videos from The Hague Netherlands a few of us have been watching back and forth.... Then you picked the unique and special teaching and show it to us. To me the key part is at: 15:20 where you show the relationship to the ii-V and the practical application. I never got it before. Exactly like Barry Harris uses it in his tracks. Enlightening. Apart from the interpretation where you show beatifully, I remember he somewhere does something like going Am D7b9 to Gm C7b9 and on and on a descending cycle.. Anyway thanks man you helped me tie several loose ends. Regards to the Alt-Dom-Ego guy

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the great comment...keeps me going! I hope you checked out my other Barry Harris video on Be My Love...where I explain and apply some of his harmonic principles. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o169eJ55hbCGhZo

[@richardblocher599]

I love the way you take music apart, and then put it back together again. Wow.You really have an amazing talent, sharing this with us. Thank you. DickB.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's a really great comment and much appreciated. I made a mistake with the 3rds ,but it's done.

[@gilthomas8020]

FINALLY I know what was this video of Mr Harry meant! Two week that I watch it and I still didn't knew for what the hell it was this scale! Thanks Mr Hewitt!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Glad I could help!

[@djDivineJustice]

This is amazing and hilarious. “That doesn’t mean anything” is my new mantra!! 🤣🤣

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Cool man, join the jazz ranch elite club of hip cats.

[@forestswing8681]

Very helpful Kent. I am a student of Shan Verna, a student of Barry Harris. He goes into movements using the dim 6 scale in some depth and your video filled in some gaps. It really does take some work to get your head around this but you can get some wonderful sounds. Thanks to you as always Kent, you are a star

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you, Forest Swing, for that great compliment! I enjoy trying to figure things out, but I do make a lot of mistakes along the way. So I just keep plugging.

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

Some of my best musical experiences have been result of a mistake..its good that people catch it, that means they are watching and listening carefully. As a ex professor i know you enjoy your students finding a mistake in a lecture..The word typo is a lifesaver. lol

[@richardcasey7521]

Ken, You have just opened a massively important door to my harmonic understanding of jazz piano thing I’ve been listening to fir years but couldn’t duplicate. Thanks!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's a great comment, Richard, which is encouraging to me. Keep up the good work!

[@mickeymortimer4407]

this guy is amazing, just a great player and teacher, thanks Mr. Hewitt

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I really apprecaite your affirmation and great comment!

[@jeffdivers4632]

My fingers are way behind my ears (I appreciate so much more than I can play), but watching your demonstrations and then trying to play them myself motivates me and makes me feel like I'll eventually be able to play the kind of music that I like. I may not yet fully grasp this, but you make it accessible and I love the sound! Thank you, Kent.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm glad you like the sound and that I make it assessable. Now there's just practice required, enough so the fingers begin to catch up. Practice can be very rewarding. Thanks!

[@GlennMichaelThompson]

I really appreciate your explanation of this scale and building chords from it. Your sharing of this is so generous. I'm not sure I would've picked up the specific concept without your viewpoint. It's not mentioned in other videos including Barry Harris'. Being that guitar is my main instrument I may have to rearrange some voicings, but you've really helped with understanding the concept. Now I'll see how to maneuver this knowledge on the fingerboard. I'm a little late watching this video and leaving a comment, but I had to give you a big THANKS for sharing your take on this subject. Unravel, unravelling, getting results. Thanks again Kent!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I was happy to do it...I always learn things from each video I work on, and the comment. Thanks.

[@drfortheorlingas]

i watched that particular Barry Harris video n i had no idea what he was going on about! you however have made it so clear. I'm just looking at my keyboard thinking of how its such an amazing thing n why do these things exist,symmetry n all . amazing

[@KentHewittpiano88]

It is amazing ...I hope you watch my video called The Most Amazing Jazz Scale: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnKXYotnh8d-ms0 and the other one on theory on symmetry:kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ27g51mnc97ma8

[@Spritofjazz]

6 years late and I just play bass and fraud around on a keyboard but this actually cleared up a bit. Hadn’t heard it used practically outside of that one lick. Enjoyed it

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the comment...glad you liked it!

[@johnrothfield6126]

Thanks Kent! and Barry!! A rosetta stone for unlocking jazz harmonies and voicings. Very great theory of jazz harmonies.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

John...you nailed it brother, thanks!... and now on to putting into action.!

[@schatzieme2]

Thanks for explaining this. If it wasn't for your teaching on this I would just be reading sheet music, and not understanding what I am playing. You have the unique ability to play without reading music. I'm so glad you decided not to be a banker, and be a musician.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Than you, Carol...very niece comment.

[@ewallt]

Thanks so much. I’ve been studying this scale for years. I saw his video, but couldn’t follow what he was doing in the part you explained. That really helped.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leehayton]

Segmated! Great video Kent. This explained it well for me. Thanks

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm glad to help out and that you told me!

[@deonzoss]

Tried watching that Barry Harris lecture video a while ago and couldn't grasp it, but this made it much more easy to understand, thanks Kent

[@NolanTecklenburg]

This is such a great way to create really dense and sophisticated harmony. I love it! Very inspiring.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the comment and please see how I used the techniques on Barry's version (my arrangement) of Be My Love. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o169eJ55hbCGhZo

[@ryanswiggs]

well put!

[@larstornqvist7928]

Great explanation. Love the scales and chord structures. Lift my tecnique. Thanks.

[@FrankDeruyck]

thank you so much Kent. I consider it the greatest personal birthday present I ever had. I am very touched. thanks again.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Frank...you are the best buddy. Thanks for the request and for being so kind and complimentary to me. Keep watching, brother, and swing loose!

[@rohanfalcon]

Thanks for clearing that up. Great teachers at time will leave out details, however their concepts are clearly understood. This video helped me to understand the purpose of the concept well. Now I have a Big assignment to practice in 12 keys.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the comment...but I don't think you have to learn it every key...in order to use it effectively and master it on a practical level. Just try learning it in the most popular keys. C, F, Bb, G, Eb, to start.

[@JoeLinux2000]

Extremely nice explanation. Thank you so much for all the resources you have provided.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gregmeiners2900]

This reframes my jazz approach. Barry said in one of his vids you can't get there just using chords and scales. Because of your vid I now know what he meant! Thanks a million!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's reassuring...thanks for the affirmation!

[@Sherlockrogers1]

Excellent video, thanks for sharing! Your lessons help me understand the keys more and more each time i watch them. One love!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

So glad to hear that. Thanks very much for your comment!

[@KennyDMusic]

I’ve only recently found Barry Harris and the numerous videos of him teaching. They are awesome, and while he’s doing his best to share - it’s also difficult to follow at times. Particularly because I am a guitarist and the voicing aren’t exact to begin with. Your video helped me better understand and apply this thing BH refers to frequently in the diminished sixth scale. I’ve already applied it to a few voicings and look forward to exploring it more now that I actually understand what it means thanks to your video. Thank you. Also thanks for being authentic. It is felt through the ones and zeroes over time and through the internet. I look forward Ron checking out more of your videos!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm glad I could shine light on the subject...particularly for a guitar player. I know the voicings are very different, but the concepts are the same. Also thanks for the compliment on being authentic. That's me. Check here:kzbin.info/door/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists

[@ArgoBeats]

Waited ages for someone explaining Barry Harris's 6th dim scale in a proper way: thank you, Mr. Hewitt, you are the Man!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

ArgoBeats, Thanks , I goofed up a couple things, that bothers me...but thanks for the encouragement to go onward.

[@ArgoBeats]

Thank you, Mr Hewitt, for all the great gift you donate to us all the times

[@schmolljf]

I have your book because you are so good at explaining things! Watching this again because you are so helpful! Thanks!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@LewisCannon_]

This is awesome viewing. I'm a self-taught drummer so very far away from this level of tonal understanding or whatever, but this is extremely easy to follow for someone who didn't really follow a word.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm glad you told me that I brought clarity to the subject...very appreciated!

[@warrendoris9669]

I like to rewatch your vids , just to see how far i m going. I play this exercise in all keys to start practice. Its angrest sound when you play it with the tonic in the left hand. Its helps with all ofbthe inversions.From playing this scale i got to playing Fly Me To The Moon with 4 part harmony for the melody. Then from that i went on to playing Sunny Side Of The Street in the same way. Great stuff. Thank you Kent! You are a serious player. Excellent teacher and you.re fummy too. Especially with the alt dom man 😎. And those suits and hats! Too clean!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks Warren...it's great when someone astute like you gets my whole persona. Blessings!

[@dannomagnanno]

I learnt this as the George Shearing scale , and think of it as a way of “chordifying” or harmonising a major or minor scale - depending where you start. Given the complexity of this explaination is very good and i found I just had to hear it and watch the fingers did to fully understand it. The scale itself is also really beautiful if you use its modes as different starting point possibilities across a chord, as the scale can sound very different if you play the scale in C, then for example imagine the root note as D and scale starting on D, or Ab is a good place to start with Ab in the bass. Id say there might be scope for another tutorial on this, its a dense topic!! Thanks again for your videos, it must take alot of time and dedication, but its a great and very helpful resource to the piano student! 👌🏽

[@dannomagnanno]

Sorry should have also said, you did a great job of clarifying and expanding on the Barry Harris video, thanks again!! I havnt ever looked at your sheet music, id better have a look some day! Anyway, better go and practice, and i hope you have a great day and are still finding musical discovery and excitement when you play! Cheers Dan

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the extended comments and please go to my playlists for more on this subject and more examples in tunes.kzbin.infoplaylists?view=1

[@michaelkarlberg3131]

Hi Kent, I'm writing under pseudonym translated to " A Finn Again" Thank You for teaching us this. I have been practising this in all keys. its taken me a year just to master this. Now I have to learn how to apply it in music. I can't thank You enough ... Best regards, Michael Karlberg

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for telling me ...I have applied it in a couple of videos. One on Be My Love and also But Not For Me. Also on my locked hands technique videos. Go to playlists.

[@jorgeparr3002]

Awesome !!! More ple!!! Happy Holidays 😊

[@KentHewittpiano88]

More pie...thanks!

[@drsanchezfair]

At marker 12:00, I believe the starting chord is G-B-E in the right have and the chord is Cmaj7. When you get to the F (4), he's playing F: B-E-G#.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for this!

[@williamlarson2759]

Absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing Kent Explained and shown so very well!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@peterbond12]

Thanks Kent. I’ve watched Barry Harris and never quite got it. Now I can seen your fingers on the keys along with your explanation, it makes total sense 👍

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm glad I could help out. It was a learning experience for me as well.

[@jimandangiegeorge2392]

Kent, I've been practicing this in Eb (because many of the songs I'm learning, like My Funny Valentine, are in this key). I was a bit of a skeptic about how you said this was related to some cosmic truth. But when practicing it I do get the feeling that I'm getting some insight that can't be expressed in words. It's amazing. Although I started too late to ever hope to become an excellent pianist, I get great satisfaction from learning new tunes and even from just doing the exercises. Every new video you post is an inspiration. Thank you and keep them coming!

[@rickrocketts183]

Wow this is some deep stuff that sounds amazing.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for telling me!

[@KennethGonzalez]

Excellent analysis and demonstration!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Many thanks, Kenneth, for your generous and kindly words!

[@goansongo]

Kent you are the man! Thank you for this video.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Many thanks...and swing loose, brother!

[@chuckwaddups3803]

Good one dude. I watched the Barry version first and I get it much better with the nice overhead of the keys. Thanks.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm glad I could help out...but Barry is the "master".

[@JeezVince]

Damn Kent, that is the first video I see of you and what a thing you did here! Great work, and cool style for a cool cat. Really loving it man.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much...your comment means we are brothers!

[@edmundolivares3311]

Well! Kent, I'm so happy to had found you, what a passion and patience to help others like me to have a better view of music, making it so much easy. Thank you

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the generous compliment...helps me to stay motivated.

[@SinaFallahMusic]

You're the best Kent. Thank you for this. Dr. Harry is life.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Cool, man ...swing loose!

[@davidsummerville351]

I got hooked on this from watching Barry's video. It's amazing on guitar. The flattened third creates amazing altered voicings as well. Then the inversions and open voicings! yeah I'm hooked!

[@nathanvaughn9115]

Barry's 6th and diminished scale in the key of "C" ((C,D,E,F,G,G#/Ab,A,B) 1,2,3,4,5,b6,6,7) can also be used with a I (Root/Key) Augmented chord C+ ((C,E,G#) 1,3,#5) , Cmajor7#5 ((C,E,G#,B) 1,3,#5,7) , Am7 first inversion, with A being the root ((C/E,G,A) 1,b3,5,b7), AmMaj7 ((A,C,E,G#) 1,b3,5,7) or, for the case of Barry's explanation, the I tonic 6th chord C6 ((C,E,G,A) 1,3,5,6), and the II diminished 7th chord ((D,F,Ab,[Cbb]/B) 1,b3,b5,bb7, usually referred to as dominant because it stems from the V chord in the harmonized scale; When inverted with a b9 accidental, ((G,B,D,F,Ab) 1,3,5,b7,b9 becomes G7b9 second inversion ((D/F,Ab,G,B) for piano. In most jazz circles, it was merely played as a rooted or rootless 7b9 chord for guitar. So Am7, G7b9. This is also where the origin of the ii,V,I progression was utilized with dominant 7th chords in sounding like you knew how not to play your instrument by using modal interchange. L.abor O.f L.ove...

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Please send this info to my email, and we can talk personally about your observations. thanks!

[@cwise7]

Lol.....I've been having trouble understanding this idea.....Mr Harris was explaining my ADD would kick in...lol.....and l knew it was simply.....Now l see what he meant....wow.....Brilliant teaching. ...thanks for shedding more light on this concept....

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I had to figure it out to, because the Barry video was not that easy to grasp. Thanks for the comment!

[@angelopeluso1565]

Hello Kent thanks for your easy and usefull lesson about this wonderfull technique.....See You again !!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank, Angelo, I appreciate the positive feedback and thumbs up.

[@phe318]

such a great lesson, thanks kent. the symmetry of harmony is endlessly fascinating.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Absolutely right ,318...thanks you for the affirmation...please join my special club!

[@Bruno_Sappadina]

You asked for a comment, so there it is: great!!! I loved the explanation and the get to the point approach. Beautiful and quick, straight up, practical approach style and great presentation. About the swearing, I couldn't tell if it was yours or mine hehehe. Thanks you for your efforts in educating us. Most appreciated indeed.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank, Bruno, you are a compadre...please watch all my videos and write to me anytime.

[@jeromeinen7912]

The famous video of Barry Harris was in the Netherlands, The Hague to be precise. Great video btw

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Yes, that's correct and I watched it a few times before I even thought about attempting this video. This is how I interpreted it.

[@jeromeinen7912]

@@KentHewittpiano88 By the way: do you know that there is a full page with video's of the masterclasses that Barry gave in The Hague?

[@thomasgore2687]

fantastic video Kentagree, would never have understood from Barry

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Thomas, because I got a comment from a subscriber who attended his class in Rome and said I got it all wrong.

[@dimant111]

Congratulations my friend!!! You really know , what you are talking about!! Excellent work!!!!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I appreciate the affirmation and the kind words!

[@nickdunne2773]

Greetings from England! Your videos are wonderful,for reasons both musical and non-musical.you are a truly inspiring teacher.best wishes for the future! Nick

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks, Nick, for the kind and generous words...keeps me going!!

[@jurgenlinder7881]

Hi, I spent my evening looking att Barry Harris' video from the Netherlands where he explains the 6th dimished scale and lets his students play. It was great, and I understood a little of it. I also figured out that maybe one could use the scal for a segment of "As time goes by" which I am studying and practicing right now. Then... I saw your video, and this was really great, so now I think I know the 6th diminished scale. It was so interesting and helpful. Now I even can play the chords in C major. Thank you so much. Ssweden will become a 6th dimished country in this fall.

[@skingrowth]

Thank you so much. This helped me immensely.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Glad it helped!

[@brucejeric6701]

Thanks Kent. I watched Barry Harris’s video a few times and again after you suggested that to me. I feel I got more out of your explanation of his 6 diminished scale with your visable keyboard.

[@williamlarson2759]

Hey Kent! Love your videos!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much!

[@markhile186]

Brilliantly expained! Love your style and your tie! You have such an awesome way of clearing up the concepts with infectious enthusiasm.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Great comment...much appreciated!

[@andrescoca983]

I am a big fan of Barry Harris and I was lucky to study extensively with one of his long term students. I would love it if you made a video on running the brothers and sisters into each other and see what you made of that. Greetings, maestro. Andy

[@FreshBagelz]

Thank you for simplifying the Barry Harris video, now I actually understand what he is doing.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That's good to know esp. since someone who attended Barry's classes said that I got it wrong. Thanks!

[@image30p]

That was super interesting! I'd love to hear more. I will subscribe now

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Stemma3]

I know this video has 3 and a half years. But it would be funny to see the "7Alt. Ego" swearing backstage. :) Amazing video. It starts complicated and a couple of minutes later it's "Oh, now I get it... it's pretty simple, although complex". The beauty of this concept is that is simple but its function is complex.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

That sounds correct to me. To master is fluidly, takes time and a lot of practice.

[@ryanboe9669]

Love seeing the classical relation to this scale, super interesting and good brain food.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Definitely great brain food, and I just tapped the surface. C. was playing Beethoven recently and I said "what's that chord"?...turns out it was a drop 2.

[@allanhenderson5262]

Wow - having that explained so well was a real eye-opener. Thanks

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for the compliment!

[@CVB1958]

Another great lesson !! ... it will take me time to catch :) , muchas gracias!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You can do it!

[@CyberS_1984]

In one of the barry vids after getting the students to play contrary single note, he gets them to fill in the notes between the two signal contrary notes, turning them into chords. It sounds nice because of the contrary motion and the systemic increase and decrease in the number of notes. It can be used to harmonize ascending and descending lines or to create movement in gaps between melodic phrases. He demonstrates in the vid.

[@daveyinthevalley]

Dear Kent thank you, Go raibh maith agat,, (thank you in irish) I really really loved this tutorial, you explain it very well,, thank you for taking the time to show and explain this, I have been deeply longing to play jazz on piano and guitar, Im so dedicated to it, and seeing your tutorial is a joy, and inspiration, Ta tu go hintoch an ceol Muintor(irish- you are a great teacher) I hope you come to Ireland, we have allot of very strong Jazz roots over here and theres a very big love for it in Dublin i think its really growing here more, its very strong in my DNA family also,, please come to Dublin bud theres a fantastic place for Jazz here,, take care slan agus Bail Dia Ort aus Beanacht ( the Blessings of God on you)

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you, Davey. I'm glad to hear that jazz is appreciated in Ireland, and I hope to visit there someday. All best wishes, ("swing loose"- KH)

[@psylocibinpswing]

thank you so much Kent, I dream of being a jazz pianist. although it isn’t always easy without a physical teacher, I’m grateful for your lessons that allow me to broaden my understanding! now I gotta put in the work!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

You can do it! All I can say is.... swing loose and enjoy the journey. You can achieve anything you want to, with the right motivation.

[@phyllisbrunskill4250]

Your explanation is very funny. I love it.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thank you! 😃

[@charlesvanderhoog7056]

Barry Harris did not manage to explain it. You did. Thank you.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks so much..I'm glad I could do that!

[@jamminwithjambo7729]

Finally lessons that make sense with a sense of humour and wit. 😎👍🏾🎶🔥♥️🔥🎶

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Great comment...thanks!

[@ericpaapanen7076]

Great explanation!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gavinlangmuir6580]

What a brilliant video Ken. The progression is so beautiful that I was entranced. In As Time Goes By, I also liked when you changed to the key of Eb, I was expecting an F7 +11/13 and instead you surprised me with the D7 +9/b13 which demonstrated another reharm possibility! Also the linking of for example C7-Eb7-Gb7-A7 is a breakthrough for me! Thanks for all your efforts. They are appreciated!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for the comment, Gavin, much appreciated.

[@petertarsio7168]

Kent remember #6 is the leading tone to the relative minor and b6 is b9 of G7 and there is a lot of overlap between the major and relative minor scale. He has made it richer in a way and then there is a lot of counterpuntal information to dictate certain moves.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Hi Peter, you are exactly right. Do we need to further clarify? If so, then please send me your thoughts, and I will gladly put out another video and give you credits. Thanks for your contribution!

[@joeysung311]

Hey Kent, awesome tutorial, I'm a beginning trumpeter getting onto diminished scales, and this is fascinating! Great candid style of explanation

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Joey, thanks for a great comment and keep watching my videos. A lot of them are good for instruments other than piano. kzbin.info/door/dmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists

[@PIANOSTYLE100]

I was having trouble keeping fingers postioned right. So finally I went over it in arpegio or broken chord form ..I did this and also do in locked form.. I did this close to a hundred times.. it will be ingrained in a month or so. I'm going to see how this works in f and g position as I have learned from you that those families of diminnished chords are similar.

[@toneyam3643]

Thanks for sharing the love and wisdom of this great music.

[@KentHewittpiano88]

Antonio, thank you for the comment, and support...I'm grateful I can do this....keep watching!

[@KentHewittpiano88]

I'm grateful I can do this...thank you!