Rhythm Changes - easier than you think

The oracle explains how to approach improvising on this essential and often intimidating song form with a thorough harmonic analysis, demonstration, and candid explanation of how seasoned improvisers approach such a tune.

[@tracyolivermusic]

This approach works equally well as a solo construction. Start simple and add complexity with each time through the form. Really good information and demo!

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@user-sx2pt8zv5g]

Awesome!!!

[@user-sx2pt8zv5g]

Thank you!!! Great!!!

[@robstevens9590]

Thanks! This makes the seemingly complex "Rhythm Changes" more doable, using this step-by-step method!

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Glad you like it!

[@jagkluke]

This is a terrific video. It's all explained so clearly and concisely. Every player should see this.Congratulations.

[@KassaGJ]

This video is the best I've found on how to improvise over rhythm changes. Great useful info and sick demo!

[@jrfgraveley]

That Anthropology quote was so tasteful coming third chorus in. Great concept and demonstration. You've got such an underrated channel here, keep it up!

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Thank you for watching and for the encouragement!

[@hounddog1381]

The first part of your solo reminds me of the intro from California Girls by the Beach Boys. Very nice and melodic!

[@hounddog1381]

Sounds fantastic! I am a guitar player, but can learn a lot from this, I hope. 😊 Thank you!!

[@HUGEFLYINGWHALE]

Cool! Very nice laid back feel🎉

[@robwolfe6120]

I'm only 3 minutes in and this is really smart. I needed to hear this. Thanks!

[@GerryLSmith]

Great method, I've always found this daunting, thanks!

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Thank you. I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@solomann940]

Just discovered your channel, great stuff 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Thank you and welcome to my KZbin experiment!

[@musterionsurly]

nice demonstration, very musical and lyrical playing.

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Thank you very much!

[@rob1389]

Fantastic lesson - thank you so much for this. I'm a beginner. I have worked my way very slowly through a few jazz standards, but I'm just starting to look at Rhythm Changes now, it is incredibly daunting as the chord changes are so fast (and musicians usually insist on playing it at 3 million miles an hour as well), I need a way into it and this video is really excellent and helpful. I've been listening to lots of Rhythm Changes solos recently, and I've realised that I consistently enjoy listening to the solos that are at a slower tempo more than the "normal" fast tempo used in a lot of jazz performances / recordings. I wonder if that is just me. I guess most jazz players prefer the faster tempo otherwise they wouldn't play it so fast.

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

I'm glad you found it helpful. I think rhythm changes just lends itself to being played quickly. When you break it all down like I do in the video you see that it's basically 1 or 2 chords, which makes it easier to navigate at a fast tempo. I think there's also an element of tradition to the uptempo thing, but fortunately there are more than enough medium tempo versions as well. Rhythm-a-ning / Good Bait / Second Balcony Jump / Funji Mama - off the top of my head. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rob1389]

@@TheSaxophoneOracle Thanks very much for your reply. I can see it does lend itself to be played quickly, and I'm sure musicians find it really fun playing it at a fast pace. I was just a bit surprised to realise that I actually enjoy listening to the slower versions more, maybe that's just a taste thing, or maybe once I've got into it more I'll be able to follow and enjoy the faster versions more.

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

@@rob1389 interestingly, I have a video on this topic coming up in a few weeks. It still needs to be edited. Stayed tuned and happy practicing!

[@rob1389]

@@TheSaxophoneOracle Thanks so much, that's great to hear - I'll look out for it. I'm really looking forward to working on the techniques that you've demonstrated - thanks again.

[@hounddog1381]

I agree. I prefer listening a lot of jazz at slower tempos. My brain is a bit slower. At slower tempos, I hear the harmony more rather than it just rushing over me. Fast can sound impressive though 😊

[@katherinecooke4710]

Really great demo here, easy to understand, and suitable for student-level to classically trained pros looking to learn. Thank you!

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. I'm happy you found it useful!

[@iffa70]

Great sound , and great lesson!! Thanks👍🏻

[@donschneider7953]

Thumbs up!

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@bryandickerson5365]

Very cool! A nice systematic approach that I actually look forward to trying - thanks! BTW - beginning of the last chorus is Sonny on ‘Newk’s Fadeaway’ - BUSTED..in a good way :^) Nice blowin’, man!

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@user-xp6gu2re7u]

Excellent method, thank you!

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Thank you for commenting! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@johncorte4696]

helpful practise! can you add a video about learning to incorporate 16 th lines into playing and speeding up?

[@SebSquonks]

Yesss!

[@neilripsch6624]

Damn. How I’d like to play like that. I’ve been playing too long for the sporadic, non-sensible, notes I play. Any online classes? Neil/Bend, OR

[@mileswhite4329]

You the cat's pajamas, man.

[@woodsonpayne8378]

Nice. Blow Bird.

[@BoninBrighton]

You’re funny! I have no natural internal rhythm 🎵 it’s very hard for me!

[@TheSaxophoneOracle]

Happy to make you smile! Now - rhythm and "rhythm changes" are two very different things. I've been thinking about a video on rhythm, because as you mention, some people do have a harder time with it than others, but it's a huge topic. Is there a particular aspect of it you'd like me to address either by video or email?

[@BoninBrighton]

@@TheSaxophoneOracle sight reading and rhythm is my main issue.