Mike's Master Classes

Let's Burn One! - Playing Fast Tempos

Paul Bollenback·
5.0 (3 reviews)·INTERMEDIATE·Playing a Song·9 lessons
$13.95
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Burning tempos! You either hate them or love them. Some players seem to have all the chops in the world and have those blazing Pat Martino runs sorted. Meanwhile, us mortals seem to struggle anything remotely beyond 200bpm. How can you finally hang with those trumpet or sax players at your next jam when they call Cherokee or Donna Lee? Well, you’re in luck as you have Paul Bollenback on your side. In this masterclass, it’s all about the real stuff that you gotta practice to get those burning chops. Paul breaks down the actual concepts and practice routines that he personally uses to develop up-tempo burning bop chops. Paul shares how he feels the time (so that it’s not stressful) to rhythmic concepts and even actual strategies to get flowing phrases. This masterclass will give you a lot of tools to survive and thrive at high tempos. It may seem impossible but Paul relates his own experiences and struggles learning to play at up tempos on the bandstand. He shares his unique insights that come from an experienced performer. As you watch this, you will gradually see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, this is not a quick fix. You won’t magically get light speed chops instantly BUT if you want lasting strong jazz centric up tempo skills, this masterclass will be a worthwhile investment. If you’re into long term solid technique that will help bring fiery excitement to your playing, get this class now!
  • 3 Pages of PDF materials with table of contents & 2 examples in standard notation & TAB
  • Full video is 41 minutes

Course Content

Lessons

  • Let's Burn One Full Class + Download2460
  • 4 Areas of Concentration52
  • Fretboard Knowledge257
  • Introduction107
  • Language713
  • Let's Burn One Soundsclices45
  • Mechanics753
  • Summary133
  • Time467

Reviews & Ratings

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William Mask
Verified Purchase
11/23/2022

"So much good stuff here"

There’s a lifetime’s worth of great advice here on improving your jazz playing! Not just improving your speed, but improving your phrasing, your technique and the effectiveness of your practicing. Thank you Paul!

Robert Minchin
Verified Purchase
6/14/2020

"Loaded with great ideas"

Excellent video with a lot of great ideas and concepts to work on.

DAVID TARDIO
Verified Purchase
4/30/2019

"Many ways to attack the problem"

I like this video because there isn't just one quick, easy solution presented here that is the one answer for everyone. Far from it. First of all, this will take time (of course I always thought everyone except me was born with the ability to play fast!) and working on this daily is key. It could be your picking hand and/or your fretting hand. It could be how well you move around the fretboard. All possibilities are addressed here. I like the idea of incorporating jazz language into your playing as well (take an idea or 3 that you like and work on incorporating those ideas wherever you can). All in all a lot of important information and advice packed into a fairly short video.

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About the instructor

Paul Bollenback →
Paul Bollenback is not only a masterful performer, but a down-to-earth instructor. His approach to jazz is both inspiring yet attainable. Guitar master George Benson, a long-time supporter, has described Bollenback’s work as ". . .bona-fide playing, unambiguous, up-front and powerful," calling him “a versatile dynamo on guitar. His approach to jazz and blues has a uniqueness unto itself . . ..”. That comment has special resonance in that Bollenback counts Benson high among his wide range of influences; these also include Carlos Santana, Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, John McLaughlin, Johnny Winter, and Jimi Hendrix (among guitarists), as well as such giants of improvisation and composition as pianists Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans, and saxophonists Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane.