The BEST Way to Learn Chord Changes!

Get the PDF for free! ►www.davepollac...
Being able to accurately outline the chord changes, note by note, is the best way to be able to effectively improvise through the harmony. In this video I teach you my simple but very effective process to outline chord changes in any song. Be sure to download the PDF worksheet that goes along with this video!
Check out some more videos:
• Improvisation Lessons
• Saxophone Lessons
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[@DavePollack]

Get the PDF for free! ►www.davepollack.com/chordchanges

[@forwardmotion11]

⁹😊😊

[@kpantajonathankone626]

Hello

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

Hi! First time viewer. I've asked for the download, though I am a bit premature because I am not YET into improvisation and my instruments (harp, recorders (entire family in F and C), and guitar (just started)) aren't yours, but two things "got" me right away: practice right, and scales are absolutely vital! Yes! Anyhow, thank you for the PDF, and I've noted your channel, so I'll be back later (guess in about a year, as I have so much to relearn after a 5 year break from music (health issues)). The basis of your idea here is so important!

[@robinmarwick1982]

I did a music degree about 40 years ago as a guitarist...new to the sax. In all my years of playing and studying I've learned more from you in this short video...thanks.

[@DavePollack]

Wow - thank you SO much!!

[@AndresLilloSax]

Nice video, I've learned this method with Eric Marienthal, We did it with "All the things you are" cause it plays almost "all" kind of chords, so is a good option too

[@wisdomaxolotl2766]

This is so helpful, I'm pretty new to Jazz and this is making a lot of sense. Do you know a good resource to look at more complicated chords, such as 6/9 or where you have a chord over a chord (ie f#/c)? I'm hitting a bit of a roadblock.

[@DavePollack]

Thanks so much! I'm not 100% sure if I have a resource for free on KZbin about that, but I do have the "Ultimate Chord Guide" and you can get that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHrJgatqrLmZrNk I might make a specific video about the more complicated chords though!

[@arnoldbrown4528]

Great approach Dave ,although i did not get the PDF?

[@Ma_Chan0]

I dont play sax but anyway this is sooo beautiful!!!! Thank you so much Dave!!!

[@DavePollack]

You’re welcome!

[@explosivegaming5221]

You’re a legend bro! Awesome lesson as always! Would love to know what bossa tunes you think are the best to get feel for the genre.😃

[@DavePollack]

Here you go! "The Girl From Ipanema" (Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz) "Chega de Saudade" (Antonio Carlos Jobim) "Manhã de Carnaval" aka "Black Orpheus" (Luiz Bonfa) "Desafinado" (João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Stan Getz) And for "jazz" bossa nova recordings: "Blue Bossa" (Dexter Gordon) "Corcovado" (Cannonball Adderley)

[@kpkwnoppon1]

Thank you!! Dave. Very good lesson. I am at the entry level of jazz, this helps a lot.

[@DavePollack]

Great to hear!

[@DobrisaDobrenic]

Extraordinary, Dave! I like your honesty and simple approach. Thank you.

[@DavePollack]

I appreciate that - I always try to be as efficient as possible.

[@bewood516]

Yo Dave, if you could put together a PDF breaking down all of the different types of chords, that would be the ultimate reference sheet. Looking forward to that one. Thanks, you're great!

[@DavePollack]

You got it! I’ll send it to my email list this weekend, so make sure you’re on it!

[@crugil]

Thank you Dave, just received it, excellent and extremely generous and brilliant on your part!! @DavePollack

[@kuztardd]

@@DavePollack Is there anyway to get hold of this too? I have just added myself to the email masterclass, so hopefuly that signs me up to the email too?

[@pneptune5851]

Beautiful Sir!! I don’t why I hesitated to watch this … how foolish of me😂😂. Thank you so so much !!!

[@DavePollack]

So glad to hear that!

[@jamesdelucia4868]

Hi Dave, I watched this one for the third time. It’s a really effective lesson. I’m working on applying it to “Autumn Leaves.” You might remember me recognizing you in Small World a few days ago. My name is Jim DeLucia. Tom Bonomo helped me to restart playing after 35 years of a non-musical career. This time I switched from tenor to alto. He told me to listen to you. It was good advice. I grew up in Trenton, and have the feeling I knew a lot of the same people you may have known, or heard of. If you don’t mind me saying, your style reminds me a lot of Richie Cole, (and Sonny Stitt). I knew Richie somewhat. Saw him several times in early 70’s with Buddy Rich. Saw him at Lanzie’s in Trenton when I was 21 and he was late 20s, with Tony DiNacola and a piano player named Gerald Price (if memory serves me). Unbelievable to listen to him close up for the price of a drink. Then half-dozen times in Bordentown over the past 15 years, until he passed away. He recognized me after a while, and we went to Jester’s for a beer a couple of times before his show. Anyway, I just want to learn how to improvise a little while I can still play, and want to buy into one of your more complete courses in that regard. I’ll find something. BTW … I realize you teach at PHS. Did you know Ricky Lombardo? I plan to keep listening… Nice meeting you, Jim

[@jaimelamusik214]

Great lesson. Thank a lot :)

[@DavePollack]

You’re welcome!

[@johnnyloungejazz5477]

What a great skill and tone. Probably one of the best lessons I’ve seen. I’m particularly interested in the outside chords you played around 18:33 what chords change did you substitute , and can that same substitution work with and Chords? Your Solo was so very melodic and colorful it was so pleasing to listen to. To Me Scott Hamilton cleverly weaving through changes with grace is the guy to listen too. Playing along with him is relatable yes Very Skilled but playing for the average Saxophonist. I follow your teaching . You a great teacher . Thanks

[@jermainewalden]

From Miami Florida, I’m a bassist, and you just changed my life thru this vid❤❤❤

[@DavePollack]

Wow - thank you SO much!! I’m really glad to hear that 🙏

[@jermainewalden]

@@DavePollack I realize my blockage when it comes to soloing, I never learned how to play within the chord, I only learned how to play in the key 🔑, but jazz tunes technically are in multiple keys at the same time… so this chord by chord breakdown is everything

[@SimpsonSound]

Great lesson, Dave. Thanks for sharing.👊🏾👊🏾

[@DavePollack]

You're very welcome!

[@artandmotion]

Great!

[@DavePollack]

🙏

[@freeflipexclusiveartfactory]

Really nice Vídeo Again!! Dave. Thanks ..greetings from Seville (Spain)

[@DavePollack]

Thanks so much! Really glad you enjoyed it

[@omarortiz5487]

I wish I had something like this when I was in college. Very helpful, thanks for the time and effort you put to make these videos!

[@DavePollack]

You're very welcome! That's why I make these lessons I also wish I had these available back in high school/college!

[@dudemaster8575]

Good video. Will be interesting to watch about playing 2th voice to any song.

[@DavePollack]

🙏

[@avon57]

That's a great video, Dave...thanks for putting it up.

[@DavePollack]

You’re very welcome! I know it’s going to help a lot of people 🙏

[@FunnyShorties1]

iven better then charli parker.....

[@judahkim2017]

So glad I found this channel to help me learn improv. I'm a high school student so its nice to find this pretty early.

[@DavePollack]

That’s awesome! I wish I had something like this when I was in high school

[@micheldindaine8403]

YES !! great stuff I've just discovered your channel as an electric bass player. I could not find an efficient way to only play the chord changes through an entire tune. I tried to manage with the whole arpeggio upon every bar but I was quickly overwhelmed. Now with that method, this is much more easier. RHYTHM IS KEY. By the way: you also explain these stuff very simply. LOVE IT. BIGUP FROM PARIS (France).

[@DavePollack]

Thank you!!

[@brandonmusko9352]

Beautiful bro!

[@DavePollack]

Thank you!

[@jamesmurphy2206]

Very helpful and efficient. Thanks Dave

[@DavePollack]

You’re welcome!

[@humbertorazo588]

My wife pulled out the saxophone out of storage this week, and you have inspired me to play again. Thanks!

[@DavePollack]

So glad to hear that!!

[@mchidley1]

Question at the point I’ve covered roots, thirds 7bths/ 9ths, I like your method of coming back to just one chord tone and adding in some non- note treatments. Then mixing in other chord notes. Another method veers off at this point with complete scales, guide tones, scale/chord combos. I get overwhelmed at this point and don’t play much that’s coherent. It seems more wise or within my ability at this point to just hang onto the thread of what’s starting to sound like a solo, and just know those other vocabularies are out there if needed. Rather than having to memorize the whole dictionary to find the words to say what I want to say over a short stretch, it seems better to stick with smaller building blocks, at least for now. I’m grateful that your channel is giving practical advice and not music school compressive advice. Any more perspective on this would be welcomed.😅

[@DavePollack]

That's a great place to be with improvisation! I would focus on creating MELODIES when improvising and not worry so much about creating complex licks and lines. Focus on creating a melodic line that weaves through the tune, and from there you can add some other ideas to it to create your solos.

[@skhoo]

Thank you for the video Dave.... it has been very helpful. I was trying out the technique today and it definitely feels like a great way to learn the chord tones and changes. Could you please recommend some classic Bossa Nova recordings?

[@DavePollack]

So glad to hear that! Here you go: "The Girl From Ipanema" (Astrud Gilberto and Stan Getz) "Chega de Saudade" (Antonio Carlos Jobim) "Manhã de Carnaval" aka "Black Orpheus" (Luiz Bonfa) "Desafinado" (João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Stan Getz) And for "jazz" bossa nova recordings: "Blue Bossa" (Dexter Gordon) "Corcovado" (Cannonball Adderley)

[@BharatDev-u4b]

Thanks for this lesson. Essential fundamentals. Invaluable to the beginning improviser and great refresher for more advanced players. Very nice playing too 👍🏼🙂

[@DavePollack]

I really appreciate that!

[@bluch251]

Great approach Dave, as a classical player this tune fits well for this training. I love the way you start from scatch because so many do not do this and then get frustrated when they get lost. Like building a house, your foundation is spot on. I hear what you do different but thats from my classical training but its all relative. Thanks for the post.

[@DavePollack]

You’re very welcome! Glad you liked it 🙏

[@pandagira7477]

Kerenn❤

[@matthew1040]

Very helpful, informative, and useful. Thank you for sharing, Dave.

[@DavePollack]

You’re welcome! Glad you dig it.

[@Laura-wg5jk]

Excellent. I am right at this point in my online class, so this is very helpful indeed!

[@DavePollack]

Awesome!

[@idlevandal69]

Shouldn't the 5th of Cm in bar 7 of the "One note per chord - 5th" be G? I'm playing the Eb and it doesn't sound right. I'm just learning to read so I apologize for the dumb question.

[@drew5991]

Eb is the third which is a good chord tone to hit when improvising

[@drew5991]

I didn’t watch the video when I wrote the first comment but you’re right G is the fifth of C min

[@matt-darwin]

I think the repetition part is so important; though was expecting there to be a moment where the pdf gets put away and the roots, thirds, fifths and so on done from memory before graduating to the more musical stuff.

[@DavePollack]

That's an important part too, but my goal with this is to get people to instantly apply the exercise. Memorization will come, but being able to apply some musical context to the exercise is so important, especially for people who's goal is to just play a tune and have fun regardless of reading or memorization.

[@errolhenriques]

I've learnt more in your one short lesson than I have with all the lessons I've had. Thank you😂

[@DavePollack]

Amazing!!! You’re very welcome 🙏

[@normanspurgeon5324]

Thanks- nice to hear this tune analyzed- here is an idea for some alternate improv- on bar 7, use an F7- we all know that the A natural goes well over C minor- the G flat note also is very acceptable in C minor- playing this F7 at this point will lead you well into the key of B flat minor. The E flat minor chord does not need the third, or G flat. Instead, as a soloist, go right into the chord B flat minor, over an E flat pedal- a nice voicing of the E flat minor could be a B flat minor chord, over E flat- thus, this chord has no third. So the soloist is going right into the new tonic- in contrast to the E flat minor, the given chord.

[@waynepharo]

Dave On the B diminished Triad--Page 2-- should it be the notes B D and F natural if not please explain? This will save a lot of time and really appreciate u doing this!! Thanks Again Wayne Pharo

[@sudhakartamang1792]

Always great to watch your videos and Very Happy and a Blessed New Year to you and your family.. just one thing , why not flat 7 on minor 7 chords and only traid instead ?

[@kinbank3844]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@DavePollack]

You’re welcome!

[@arnoldbrown4528]

I got the PDF Thanks!!

[@DavePollack]

Great to hear - hope you enjoy it!

[@peterankin985]

Dave great video, I am a beginner so i apologise for maybe a silly question, you said add none note musical elements to the solo do you mean add none chord tone notes of the scale, or solo just on the chord tones landing on the 3rd or fifth or whatever sorry to sound so useless but i am a slow learner.. Peter

[@DavePollack]

No need to apologize! I meant add non-note musical elements like rhythm, articulation, dynamics, etc. You can do this on chord tones, non-chord tones, or anything else. I would recommend soloing just using 1 or 2 chord tones per chord at first, and use those other musical elements to create the style and feel.

[@peterankin985]

Dave thanks for your promt answer i appreciate that, i can start learning the proccess properly now, also thanks for helping other muscians like me on there musical journey..Peter.....Spain

[@DavePollack]

You're very welcome - that's what I'm here for!

[@kuztardd]

What an amazing lesson, this will really help me out. Very insightful and simply laid out. BTW, is there any way to get hold of the backing track?

[@brigitte546]

Brilliant, thank you 🎶🎷🎶

[@DavePollack]

You're welcome!

[@tonyjones2436]

Another great lesson, thanks Dave.

[@DavePollack]

You're very welcome!

[@joshcharlat850]

Thank you very much. Great method!!!

[@robstevens9590]

Such a good process to learn to play over a set of changes!

[@DavePollack]

🙏

[@precisionhoops365]

Awesome lesson!!

[@DavePollack]

Thanks! Glad you like it

[@johnpanico5049]

So helpful!

[@DavePollack]

Glad to hear that!

[@Velykadivchyna]

Thank you very much ❤

[@DavePollack]

You're welcome!

[@antonmorozov7350]

Great Solo Dave!

[@DavePollack]

Thanks!

[@MarcioSantos-dt7rs]

Que aula, obrigado por passar pouco do seu conhecimento.

[@ryumi2000]

You should add bass clef to the pdf

[@pepecetina]

Thank you so much for sharing this, Dave! Super useful. I may not understand the exercise correctly but I believe there is a tiny typo on line 53 Cm of the C instruments pdf. Much gratitude for all the awesome knowledge you share.

[@DavePollack]

There is no specific sheet for C instruments - are you talking about a different PDF?

[@pepecetina]

@DavePollack I had a link to download all three pdf sheets , Eb, Bb, and C on the email you sent. And the C one is the one used in the video. 10:41 In any case, thank you so much for sharing this.

[@patriciadrank6543]

You had to go on until you went into your wild, avant-garde guard noodling, bebop style.

[@AlejandrodeSouza]

Maravilloso!

[@DavePollack]

Thank you!!