LESSONS
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Major 2,5,1's Series 1 - Lesson 1
In this first lesson looking at Major 2,5,1's, James explains the form of a major 2,5,1 chord progression. Understanding the chord sequence and recognising the changes is paramount in being able to improvise over a Major 2,5,1 . So this lesson is really the first step in your jazz improvisation journey. James talks over the brilliant live backing track to help you recognise both what the chords sound like and when to play them in time with the track. James then plays the chords over the backing track to help you get a feel of what they should sound like. This will help you both understand the make up of Major 2,5,1's and how to recognise the chord changes easily by using the track as a guide.
Major 2,5,1's Series 1 - Lesson 2
In this lesson James aims to demystify and simplify improvising over Major 2,5,1's as much as possible. He starts by explaining the scales that are relevant to this particular chord sequence and why they are played. He also demonstrates these scales in detail to enable you to learn them. This will give you the basic tools to be able to start improvising over Major 2,5,1 chord progressions that are so so common in jazz music worldwide. This will start you on your jazz improvisation journey and start to build your confidence in playing Major 2,5,1's and jazz solos in general.
Major 2,5,1's Series 1 - Lesson 3
This sax lesson is all about the chord tones that make up this Major 2,5,1 chord progression. James again explains and demonstrates the chord tones in detail for you to be able to understand them and learn them with relative ease. This will provide you with a greater range of tools to be able to improvise over many jazz standards. James looks at arpeggios in this lesson as well as other types of note, and will help you to extend your knowledge, range, and ability as a jazz saxophonist.
Major 2,5,1's Series 1 - Lesson 4
This is a brilliant lesson designed to put into practice the ear training, scales, and all of the techniques you have learned so far in Major 2,5,1's Series 1. James demonstrates where the various scales are supposed to be played over the backing track, putting them into context and helping you become adept at playing the notes yourself. James also leaves space whilst the track is playing and instructs you to play certain scales at certain times to generate the best sound in conjunction with the track. This really ties together the ear training from lesson 1 with your scales knowledge in lesson 2 in particular. This will really show you how things work in context and give you a clearer understanding as you progress to the slightly more difficult lessons towards the end of the series.
Major 2,5,1's Series 1 - Lesson 5
In lesson five, James demonstrates the arpeggios over the backing track and then gives you cues to play them in the right place and at the right time to create the best possible sound over the backing track. This again combines ear training with your new found knowledge of chord tones from the earlier lessons, and really helps you put it into practice. By the end of this lesson you will be improvising your Major 2,5,1's with great confidence and be ready to put it all together in the sixth and final lesson.
Major 2,5,1's Series 1 - Lesson 6
Now its time for you to jam with James. This is where James demonstrates various rhythmic approaches utilising what you have already learned in Major 2,5,1's Series 1. In this lesson he again provides you with cues to play along with him. This will expand your knowledge of how to apply rhythm with what you have learnt in the previous five lessons. Combining techniques and ideas and being to be able to call on them at will is the key to becoming a great improviser. Playing this brilliant solo over our cool backing track will leave you all set to expand your knowledge base further and join us in Major 2,5,1's Series 2.
Major 2,5,1's Series 1 - Example Solo
This great example solo will provide you with some inspirational ideas and starting points to help you improve your own saxophone playing. James plays through this Major 2,5,1 live backing track with the skill and dynamics you would expect from a seasoned pro, using all the tricks and techniques he shares throughout the series. Use some of James's licks and phrases in your own playing and use this great solo as the basis for coming up with your own ideas and inspiring improvements in your own improvisation. Watch James at work using all the different techniques you have learned in Major 2,5,1's , then get to work producing your own incredible sax sound.
Major 2,5,1's Series 1 - Tone and Gear
In the Tone and Gear section of Major 2,5,1's Series 1, James talks you through his whole set up and why he uses specific equipment types and brands. Learn which brand of saxophone James uses as well as why he uses his mouthpiece to create a specific type of sound. James will explain how he uses his combination of gear to work best for him, stressing as always that your own instrument set up will be individual to you, but giving you some great pointers for checking out some brilliant saxophones and other pieces of equipment.
Major 2,5,1's Series 1 - Backing Track Mp3
This backing track (Mp3) was recorded live in the Pro Music Tutor studio. The drums are live recorded with Johnny Henderson playing on Hammond Organ. This backing track has been made especially long to give you longer to be able to practice all of the concepts you have learned in Major 2,5,1's Series 1. This track is very dynamic all the way through and would sound fantastic over a stereo or PA system. So download this backing track, turn it up loud and improvise to your hearts content.
Major 2,5,1's Series 1 - Backing Track Wav
This backing track (Wav) was recorded live in the Pro Music Tutor studio. The drums are live recorded with Johnny Henderson playing on Hammond Organ. This backing track has been made especially long to give you longer to be able to practice all of the concepts you have learned in Major 2,5,1's Series 1. This track is very dynamic all the way through and would sound fantastic over a stereo or PA system. So download this backing track, turn it up loud and improvise to your hearts content.
