Mike's Master Classes

Guide Tone Lines: Soloing on a "Bird" Blues

Steve Herberman·
5.0 (2 reviews)·BEGINNER·Harmony·1 lesson
$11.95
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Guide Tones lines can be the missing link for many improvisers when soloing over chord changes. Knowing the chord tones of each chord and their possible chord scales are only part of the equation. Using the Charlie Parker tune “Blues For Alice” we'll explore the many benefits achieved from the study and practice of guide tone lines for both soloing and comping. This in-depth class comes with 12 pages of material written in standard notation that accompany the 90 minute video. Each guide tone line (both ascending and descending) is followed by notated solo choruses and/or excerpts that illustrate each line. Various lines are mixed together to create endless possibilities outlining several approaches: Voice-leading triads and 7th chords and upper chordal extensions and voice-leading intervals through a progression. Other highlights of the class include: Rhythmic approaches to soloing with guide tones Bebop phrasing Guide tone lines on turnarounds Mixing common tones with guide tone lines Balancing phrases off one another The use of sequences and repetition If you've wanted your solo phrases to have a more logical flow then manipulating the guide tone lines can give you that needed structure. Solo lines become more sound benefitting from an important compositional approach used by the great composers and songwriters. Good line architecture can greatly strengthen one's soloing abilities. This class offers an enjoyable look at guide tone lines focused on an interesting variation of the 12 bar blues. View a clips from Steve's class

Course Content

Lessons

  • Guide Tone Lines: Soloing on a "Bird" Blues87

Reviews & Ratings

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DAVID TARDIO
3/17/2019

"Terrific - LOTS of information that will keep you busy for years"

There is a lot of great material in this lesson, and you will be able to use it not only over a Bird Blues but anywhere in your repertoire. Steve is very melodic soloist and the guide tone line ideas he presents here will really help you develop a flow to your melodic improvisation. Very highly recommended class.

Sergio Jaén Lara
Verified Purchase
1/15/2019

"A master at practice"

For me this lesson is a perfect example of the way a master builds his craftsmanship. I think guide tones should came before scales not after, as the usual educations advices.

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About the instructor

Steve Herberman →
Steve Herberman is an exceptional guitarist…known for his deft counterpoint" –Downbeat Magazine. "The clarity and balance Steve gets with his right hand is amazing". – Jim Hall. "Steve’s improvising is uniquely fresh with melodic ideas that twist and turn and perk your interest with occasional elements of humor as well. There is a constant groove in his solo lines. He shows prowess harmonically and linearly with an abundance of chops and with an exceptional clarity to it all." – Gene Bertoncini Steve Herberman taught jazz guitar on the faculty of Towson University near Baltimore MD for 14 years and is presently teaching guitar at Sidwell Friends School, Washington Conservatory and is an ensemble coach for the Jazz Band Masterclass. He has presented guitar masterclasses in Italy and the U.K. and at many universities across the U.S. Steve has written instructional material for Downbeat magazine, Mel Bay’s Guitar Sessions, Just Jazz Guitar, Fingerstyle Guitar Journal and Fingerstyle 360 webzines. Steve Herberman is a graduate of Berklee College Of Music and has performed with renowned musicians such as Keter Betts, Buster Williams, Gary Bartz, Drew Gress, Chuck Berghofer, Harvie S, Mark Ferber, Jim Snidero, Ali Ryerson, Steve Williams, Steve LaSpina, Jeff Hirshfield, John Pisano and many more. Steve Herberman has recorded three CDs as a leader; Thoughtlines (2001) Action:Reaction (2006) and Ideals (2008.) In 2014 Steve recorded a live duo album with fellow guitarist Steve Abshire titled "Between Friends.” In 2017 Steve recorded a duo CD with award-winning vocalist Lena Seikaly, set for a Feb. 2018 release.