The Most Important Scale For Jazz

Jazz is not about learning 100s of Jazz Scales. In fact, there is just one scale that you should focus on in the beginning. That scale will give you a solid foundation.
✅ 5 Solos That Will Teach You Jazz Guitar 😎
• The 5 Solos That Will ...
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My name is Jens Larsen, Danish Jazz Guitarist, and Educator. The videos on this channel will help you explore and enjoy Jazz. Some of it is how to play jazz guitar, but other videos are more on Music Theory like Jazz Chords or advice on how to practice and learn Jazz, on guitar or any other instrument.
The videos are mostly jazz guitar lessons, but also music theory, analysis of songs and videos on jazz guitars.
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[@kevindonnelly761]

When I used to teach, I would always tell students 'Everything comes from the Major Scale.' Most times they would stare back at me in disbelief - as if to say 'How can something as boring as a Major Scale give rise to melody, chords, licks, riffs, solos et cetera ?' I asked the same questions too once. Thanks for the video Jens. You explain things very well. Cheers, Kevin.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it Kevin! :)

[@danielbarry5547]

Everything comes from the chromatic, and from that you get two whole tones and from that you get 3 diminishes and then you get the major scale lol

[@JensLarsen]

@@danielbarry5547 You forgot the messiaen modes

[@kevindonnelly761]

@@danielbarry5547That is true. My old teacher (the Late) Bruce Clarke taught me that the definition of a Scale is that it is - a Root, it's Octave and two or more pitches in between.

[@danielbarry5547]

@@kevindonnelly761 Lucky, I'm self taught first was penta then the major scale and all the others came later for me.

[@analogalien]

Jens, you are by far and away the best jazz guitar teacher on KZbin!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! :)

[@andywilberding6176]

I’m 70 years old and have been chasing jazz since the mid 70s. Your insights have finally got moving in the right direction. Now if you could just impart playing good chord solos. Thanks for everything!

[@dougsmith8430]

This lesson is just what I need at this point on my Guitar path. I have been immersed in learning the Caged system and playing Blues. I met with local Jazz Musician/Instructor here in Denver. I showed him Jens lessons, told him that I love these lessons… He said he is well aware of Jens, and that he has his students practice Jens material. It is time to expand my playing…. Jazz will take me there! THANK YOU JENS!

[@JensLarsen]

That is great to hear! Say hi to your teacher 🙂

[@dougsmith8430]

Jens, his name is Vic Dallahay. He told me I had a good ear by gravitating to your lessons. Thank you again Jens! I will give Vic your regards.

[@pimpdaddy7327]

Thank you kindly Jens. What a great lesson Brother. This guitar theory is so important. I'm one of those guys who struggled for years getting stuck in nodes. Since I have been putting these guitar ethics into practice the quality of my solos has skyrocketed!. Thanks a million Jens!!!

[@jelmar.manuel]

Hey Jens, I have been following you for years and sometimes did not understand some of the videos you made. But this one is crystal clear and very well done. I guess I have also grown. I can see this is, at least a three or four year program that you are describing here. One thing that I would love your take on is the following: All of these things are perspectives that are true and complementary. But its so hard to combine them. Much like that rabbit that's also a duck, but you cannot see them both at the same time, I find when soloing, either I am using a scale, a mode, a triad. They all interlock, but are so hard to keep in front of the minds eye (or ear!) at the same time.

[@marcusaurealius6129]

Great lesson, Jens! Focusing on arpeggios and functional harmony helps me put practicing in a more workable context!

[@tomtoweli3827]

Music theory was always something I thoght I could never understand, but you have the ability to explain it in a way that it makes sense to me.

[@JensLarsen]

That really makes my day to hear! Thank you! :)

[@victorwong9622]

GREAT lesson. I’ve been practicing the major scale a lot, but it didn’t sound that jazzy. So I started looking at melodic minor and bebop scales. But this lesson and the examples make so much sense!!!

[@fullmetalfunk]

this was a real breakthrough for me! i was having a hard time understanding and visualizing what i should be practicing and how i should be thinking when approaching soloing over chords. in rock music you just play the minor or minor pentatonic scale in the key you're in and eventually you'll find something that sounds cool, but i was having issues with making sure i was playing the notes of the chord over the changes when trying to play along to jazz, it just wasn't sounding right. around 4:30 when you go over the chords as arpeggios it finally started clicking, it was an "aha" moment for me!

[@accadaccass]

Dude, such a holy thing you're doing here! I was playing gutar more than 30 years, crazy about jazz but so scared to start playing it. Every attempt turned into a nightmare , everything lookes so complicated and you just don't know where to start. But then I came across one of your videos and it was so 'juicy' than I've decided to try and damn.. it worked this time. You've just gave that push I needed. Now I'm spending hours practicing, using your tips and hey.. it sounds JAZZ now ! Bless you again, dear Jens.

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@RadioactiveHax]

Your video presentation improved. Been subscribed for 3 years and it's fun to see the evolution.

[@boliston2354]

Congratulations, Jens, this is one of your best lessons yet. It's so clear and concise, and chock full of valuable information. I think this synthesizes very nicely several other videos you've done, with some great exercises. Thanks!

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@carlosrelampago2279]

One of the best jazz tutorial vídeo i saw until today. Bravo.

[@burgerboi9926]

Thanks Jen’s. I was really struggling with trying to put together things but after I’ve watched this video a couple times and practicing for awhile I’ve finally been able to put something together that sorta sounds like jazz. I’m so happy I was able to do it and I can’t thank you enough

[@JensLarsen]

That is really great! Go for it! 🙂

[@ue4058]

Wish I had heard this lesson many years ago ... actually I say that quite often after one of your videos. Thank you so much!

[@brendanokeefemusic-]

Jens it blows my mind how much wisdom you continue to share. It never gets boring lol. Thank you 🙏 sir!🔥❤️😎

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@astorina]

Dear jens First I wanted to say how much respect I have for your KZbin videos This one is really particular as it touches on the core of the solo , the rights first tools a student must know before thinking to do more « special » things One thing is clear to me now (after many many years of learning jazz not seriously enough) is that a serious student must analyse the tune but also MUST know the progression by heart not only digitally but also know the chords sequence and the important moments (modulations or outside tonal center chords) in order to be capable to anticipate them and eventually hit a good/coloured note at the right moment This can only be achieved , to me, by not looking at the score , otherwise your brain is too busy with symbols and cannot be free enough to keep a decent timing and targeting these notes/moments/motives all at the same time. As an intermediate student I believe it is very important to learn the chords sequence , eventually by reading it while listening to a recorded version but without the instrument I am almost sure that you did a video on that To summarise , jazz is being in the moment but involving also your memory of what will come next harmonically and rhythmically Thank you for Barry tips , I will practice that with some chromatismes as you suggested Brgds

[@JensLarsen]

Yes, you need to know the songs by heart and have everything internalized to be able to use it 🙂

[@robbieyates1685]

I wish I had been taught these simple concepts years ago. I wasted countless hours trying to memorize modes and their application which did nothing for my improvising. It was like trying to learn a language by memorizing the translation of every word instead of learning phrases and how to apply them in every day life. Better late than never.

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@Capt-Cran]

You and your channel are fantastic ... incredible practical information and learning for musicians ... well done ALWAYS!! .... keep them coming ...

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! :)

[@paulafranceschi]

So much gold in this video! And I'm so proud of myself for beginning to understand almost all of it. Playing it is a work in progress. Thanks, man.

[@JensLarsen]

I never doubted you would get there 🙂

[@svenjansen2134]

Great learning curve. I always loved and listened jazz but understanding jazz is a process yes.

[@dieterheinrich8377]

Great lesson! Very motivating. You make jazz approachable, less daunting.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! That is great to hear 🙂

[@martyklapper5170]

Hi Jens I’m pretty new to jazz guitar and this is probably the most useful video that I’ve ever encountered. Specifically your “holistic” approach to the major scale over the 2-5-1 is a cool new way for me to look at this Thanks

[@JensLarsen]

You're welcome! That's great to hear! There is a a post with some advice on my website as well if you want a link let me know

[@kendallspinas605]

It's crazy how difficult it is to find good advice on soloing over chord changes. Thank you for this.

[@JensLarsen]

Happy to help!

[@mikeault]

Thank you very much Jens! after playing music for many years I settled on learning the major scale intervals to determine major, dominant, and minor. This video us very helpful im many ways in that relation...many thanks!!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@j.r.goldman3279]

The Pivot and approach note help a lot. I had already leaned this but it was nice how you explained it. Thank you so much. This stuff to me Is really helpful.

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome!

[@Yoshtremendous]

This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for. Thank you Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ComplexConfiguration]

So nice to see a fellow Dane teaching music/jazz guitar on youtube.

[@jfm4708]

Great video Jens! I think the same about that "thinking in modes" thing, I find it is more a problem than a useful tool.

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉..

[@enggent5509]

This is the most no-nonsense, concise, easy-to-understand/digest music teaching video I have ever seen on KZbin. The teaching approach of starting with simple concepts then adding layer after layer until you have simple and effective jazz tools is so useful and made me realise I knew a lot jazz ideas without realising I knew them. I will certainly now subscribe to this channel.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! Glad you like the video 🙂

[@svenjansen2134]

Yes some things are already there from blues and rock and just playing experience. Seems like it all leads to jazz.

[@boredflamingo1313]

You are amazing! Thanks sooooo much. A fantastic roadmap.

[@JensLarsen]

You're welcome! Glad it is useful!

[@zinuru2707]

This is such a great lesson! Thank you 🙏

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christinae8062]

awesome explanation, thank you so much for all these beautiful helpful insights , all the love

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thorstenneumann667]

thank you so much for this lesson. its hard to catch up this universe...but this one surely is the one for me at that very moment. I´m getting a glimpse now...after following you without really understanding. bless you!

[@JensLarsen]

You are so welcome! Go for it!

[@varshoeb9817]

This video was so clear thank you!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@guicasoamillo]

Good work master, thank you very much. Best regards from Spain

[@triguna7692]

Hello Jens your explanation is just great , that improves my insights in understanding and practicing better. so from no on you are my guru.thanks namaste

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉..

[@clintstewart6627]

Excellent video! Very clearly explained, effective material with great potential for practical application.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much!

[@AManCalledAidan]

Wow - incredible teaching clarity and great examples

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@lorenzomorgoni524]

It's absolutely true, but I'd add minor melodic scale and diminished scale as equally important for our choice of notes. Almost everything else can be derived from this. Oh and the pentatonic of course but in the end it's a subset of those.

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉..

[@hasinai]

Outstanding! Thank you, Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MayukhVerma]

Thank you for this!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaellozano936]

Elsker dig, Jens 🫶🏽

[@MattWatsonHarmonica]

My playing improved when I stopped playing and thinking about scales. I feel the major scale is useful and the chromatic scale to start out learning where the notes are. Then start transcribing your hero’s.

[@thijs199]

This scale is of major importance

[@damonnomad3846]

Spoiler alert 😅

[@TaylorJohnHardin]

It could be dominantly important too!

[@defh2o]

Deviation from this would be minor

[@jamescopeland5358]

Great video Jens, I will work on this in the morning

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@davidbingley6734]

This is so good, because, it includes the scales, the chords, the phrasing and it's easy to understand. 😊

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks so much!

[@jmoorecareers]

Excellent foundational material. Thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lushpatiogardencreationsre4414]

I've studieduncountable concepts online, and learned some, but they were scattered. This video of yours integrates most of them in a strong milemarker toward my goal-to make music. Bebop is the next mountain to climb

[@kevindonnelly761]

Jens is the best Music Educator online.

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it!

[@murfdog19]

I love yputube guitar lessons. I've been playing for 35 years, and I'm still learning new tricks. No matter how good you are, there is always more to learn.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like the video!

[@bullcrapitis]

Man! Really good stuff here. This is something I can really sink my teeth into and spend some time with. Thanks.

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@leesoulae]

I love this video, so helpful

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rickcardo4716]

Excellent, it's really helpful. Thanks for the video!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chrisegonsearlemusic]

For me, this is your most useful video to date. Thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NinetyRalph]

This is so useful, thank you so much, saved me a lot of time in the future

[@JensLarsen]

Great to hear!

[@mrsnakepit]

Thanks alot sir jens

[@JensLarsen]

Always welcome

[@clyderichardson6475]

Great lesson!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you liked it!

[@yesto9676]

Wow, great video Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂 Glad you like it

[@VitoGaarin]

Very useful, thanks👍👍

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@dakinmaher4522]

I just learned & understood so much from this video. From what a dumbass I am (I got those modal scales down) to the other triads above the 2-5-1. To melody is very important. Thank you again for an epic lesson

[@JensLarsen]

Great that it was useful, Dakin! 🙂

[@sagarbantawarai672]

Thank you sir for this wonderful video ❤❤

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you liked it

[@johnnieguitar5724]

Excellent idea for me as a rank beginner that has no theory but an ear for what sounds good. Thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1233farhan]

you're lifesaver Jens !!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful 🙂

[@congamike1]

Awesome!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you think so!

[@donatlopr]

Nice info... Thanks

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it!

[@mickbee7227]

saw a jimmy bruno thing a while back and if I recall he said he only learned the major and harmonic minor and then just learned the sounds of the rest of the notes.

[@JensLarsen]

I guess he would agree with this then 🙂

[@viniciuscaravalhodossantos1023]

Very good. A lot of information in such a short time. As a intermediate player as i am i unerstood 90% and it was super userfu❤

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thestratman7903]

I couldn't agree more about your take on the modes...I could never understand why people stressed the modes SO much when it's just the Major scale starting on a different degree.. That said, they each have a sound to them but that "sound" of the modes can be found in the Intervals that define that certain mode...

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@hl4468]

Very informative!!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you think so!

[@carota_yt8563]

The way you explain things makes it more interesting and (I don't want to say easier but you know what I mean) easier to learn theory.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! I really appreciate that 🙂

[@Zithy]

Brilliant stuff

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@grobertabidbol4005]

Very clear !

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@pontakornkladniam637]

Thanks you so much

[@JensLarsen]

Happy to help

[@ginsealark7523]

It’s been something like five years since I started watching your videos. If I’m doing things, right, I feel like everything is just a variation on the C major/ a minor scale😁😁😁😁😁😺😺😺😺😺 the videos that I worked on, especially that first year, were mostly in the key of C and I flat out was completely lacking in the skills of just finding a, B, C, D, E, F, G! From there, it’s just a matter of associating all those letters with not only single notes, but thirds, the triad, the seventh cord arpeggio, the sixth, the shell… lastly, being able to position these sounds that I now know, on the third of the chord, the fifth, the seventh… :-)

[@hearpalhere]

Thanks for another great lesson Jens. I personally need the repetition when learning these concepts so it's really helpful to get similar information but from slightly different angles. Congratulations on reaching 400k subscribers! Very well deserved.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@l6srob990]

Great lesson

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it!

[@mandyoberle]

very helpful and well teached dear Jens ! Thanks - also for a Professional like me one big step more to go with your Tipps and Licks ... ! 😘👌👌

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! I am glad you find the videos useful! 🙏

[@rectify2003]

Thanks

[@HanfM]

thankyouuuu!

[@JensLarsen]

You're welcome!!

[@NickWeissMusic]

Modes are great hand exercises, and a good way to start improvising and understanding the notes over different chords, but indeed, advanced players are more thinking about the key/ major scale of the moment than the chord/mode of the moment.

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@baseballmunch9]

Awesome video

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@withershin]

All the modes are for BASS people... keys too. Love your channel.

[@djizzah]

cool guy with great tips

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you think so!

[@codydafoe2951]

thank you for replying

[@stumpshot70]

Thank you Jens! With 9 out of 10 of my students they completely underestimate the major scale, its modes and diatonic arpeggios as anything useful in "jazz"....it's my job to point out that harmonically this is where it all begins and arguably ends. Jimmy Bruno once pointed out that all he needs is the major scale and associated harmony...well if Jimmy says it then hmmmmm maybe he's onto something. I will instruct my students to watch this video.

[@jackliras7706]

Creo que todo comienza con la serie armonica a partir de una sola nota!.

[@stumpshot70]

@@jackliras7706 Tienes razón!

[@jocknarn3225]

Just the swift kick in the backside 2 "unlearn wot i have learnt" .. sigh, i get it .. makes perfect sense .. here goes🫣 .. & thx 4 posting.

[@thijs199]

I don't practice all modes seperately. I've learned the major ánd minor melodic scale over the neck. In close and 3nps forms. I only am learning about orientating them, it gets confusing with melodic minor because of the different spacings between the degrees

[@whoeverofhowevermany]

The only scale I need is the chromatic scale, cause I've memorized all the intervals well enough by now 🙂

[@mikea75201]

This is a great advertisement for your Jazz Roadmap course!

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉 ...

[@SoulmateParis]

Ten minute lesson = 1 year work ahead ! Thanks !

[@JensLarsen]

You are welcome!

[@benkatof5852]

I love exercises like the ones you show toward the end of this lesson - so practical and rewarding! Question: which in your opinion is a better use of time for exercises like these... practicing the same key in different positions, or practicing in different keys? I've been doing some exercises in Eb, Bb, F and C alternating string sets. Any thoughts?

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! That's so what I get into in the extra video on Patreon. As for your question : why not both? That's what I do

[@benkatof5852]

@@JensLarsen yeah, it's just about time and prioritization. Im trying to increase my repertoire without sacrificing other practice time. I will check out your patreon page lessons. Thanks Jens.

[@thijs199]

So for instance, I got a song in E. I recently learned, I gotta play A melodic minor, then I'm playing, note,in general, mixolydian b6

[@nikolajsteen1097]

Hej Jens. Det er bare nogle fede ting du viser, tak for det! Og så virker det meget mere overbevisende, når du lyder så godt, som du gør ;-) Jeg må en tur til Holland og have en time eller to af dig en dag. Vh, Nikolaj

[@JensLarsen]

Tusind tak! Fedt at du kan bruge det til noget

[@thomashogan1985]

Wish i had this resource when I was 18

[@JensLarsen]

Well, I made it as fast as I could 😁 ( and thank you!)

[@nadimbakhshov4245]

Excellent

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was useful!

[@nadimbakhshov4245]

@@JensLarsen I have been playing music for years but never grasped Jazz - i.e. properly, understood its internal logic, until I took a simple stacked chord based on fourths (from Bill Evans, I think) and then using chromatic improvisation began to understand the richness of the music. Then stumbling one day into your KZbin stuff has been a delight - your remarks about modes vs scales, the importance of the Major Scale + variants, etc really make sense. Thanks.

[@JensLarsen]

@@nadimbakhshov4245 that is great to hear! Glad it's useful 🙂

[@spivvo]

I’ve often thought that the modes were just a way of keeping the less talented music teachers in employment. “Ok last week we concentrated on G ionian, today I am going to introduce you to the E Aolean” scale. You could keep this going for 7 lessons before modulating the whole lot by a tone. If you wanted to really bewilder your students and make them think you are a genius you could do D ionian one week and then F# Aolean the following week. That is what tbe old religeous leaders that could read Latin would do to the rest of the population before handing around the collection tray on a sunday. Thank God for teachers like Jens who demystify and concentrate on the stuff that really helps instead of just trying to create a smoke and mirrors show.

[@_on_nicegram_DougHelvering]

𝙃𝙚𝙮 ☝️𝙔𝙤𝙪'𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙯𝙚 🎉

[@RobertHayes-tu5fp]

Hi Jens; Your down- to-earth teaching of Jazz is excellent and demystifies so much. I want to comment on a recent question about whether Jazz is easier to learn these days and the answer for me is mostly yes. I'm a guitar player but really got into a heavy Charlie Parker period more than 40 years ago and I actually started learning alto sax. Those American players who came through the Swing period playing in Big Bands like Earl Hines etc were playing maybe 340 nights a year on the road for hours every night. The level of expertise at improvising solos in a highly competitive atmosphere was astounding which was why they were able to develop bebop and play with such virtuosity; Bird was only really a musician for 20 years if you think about it; dead at age 34! The essential feel for rhythm is something those guys had to an incredible level right? So the availability of study materials, recordings and youtube makes things so much easier But I do feel you'd learn more playing in one of those 40's Big Swing bands in a week than you learn in a year on your own!

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Robert! I imagine that the first week of bigband playing will mostly be you worrying about how to read the charts and there won't be a lot of learning in terms of rhythm, swing or soloing 😁 Don't dismiss how important it also was that the popular music of the time was also bigband and it was on the radio all the time.

[@MorningCarnival]

In my first Big Band gigs and reversals it was all about survival, getting to the end of an arrangement in one piece. it’s been a year now and I’m beginning to swing and expand my chordal knowledge beyond triads and a few basic 7ths. it’s a lot harder than some people think. 180 bars at 170 tempo with 2 or sometime 4 chords to the bar, depending on which lunatic wrote the arrangement, is no picnic.

[@RobertHayes-tu5fp]

Thanks for the nice reply and yes I was going to mention that due to the Depression and lack of disposable income people didn't buy records as they did in the 60's and 70's so most bands would have a frequent live broadcast on air. We can listen to these by the designation; OAR of course.

[@msnbmnt]

Facts

[@mer1red]

The major scale is the most important one. But finally, there are really only 9 scales to master thoroughly to cover 99% of the jazz standards. And I'm not talking about modes. Scales are the foundation of music. Remember that the bebop approach, building melodies from the chords, is only one style and view. Relating to music theory: bebop uses essentially harmonic motifs, which is only one part of the melody construction story.

[@linqua1728]

It might be interesting to compare songs to see what chords are behind each word in the song, then practice shared chords associating words with each chord, then you begin to develop your own riffs.