Mike's Master Classes

Modern Harmony & Harmonic Concepts - Part II

Jay Umble·
5.0 (1 review)·BEGINNER·Chord Voicings·1 lesson
$19.95
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Take your harmonic vocabulary to the next level with Jay Umble's advanced exploration of quartal harmony and modern voicing techniques. Building on the foundations of Dorian harmonized scales, this comprehensive course reveals the sophisticated chord voicing methods that separate professional jazz guitarists from intermediate players. You'll master the art of quartal harmony through practical, three-string groupings that unlock the entire fretboard, learning to navigate seamlessly between parallel and chromatic movements. Jay demonstrates how to transform standard progressions like Equinox and Softly As In A Morning Sunrise using spacious, modern voicings that replace predictable seventh chords with sophisticated quartal stacks. These aren't abstract concepts – they're the exact voicings you'll use on the bandstand when you need to add harmonic interest without cluttering the sonic space. The course delves deep into pivotal chord movements, exploring how common tones create smooth voice leading between seemingly unrelated harmonies. You'll discover how to use major 7#5 voicings for unexpected turnarounds, employ strategic chromatic approaches, and develop pianistic comping techniques that add sophistication to static progressions. Jay's systematic approach to harmonic fields teaches you to hear and apply these concepts intuitively, whether you're comping behind a soloist or crafting compelling intros and endings. Perfect for guitarists ready to move beyond conventional jazz harmony and develop a more contemporary, harmonically rich approach to their playing.

Course Content

Lessons

  • Modern Harmony & Harmonic Concepts - Part II4380

Reviews & Ratings

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james seaberry
Verified Purchase
6/3/2010

You may have seen this material before; this is not some George Russell Lydian theory or Ornette Coleman's Harmolodics,dropped down from Above wrapped in some unfathomable shroud, but if you want to get the ideas that pianists like McCoy Tyner and Kenny Barron use, and hornmen like Jerry Bergonzi or Woody Shaw, this is the way to go. Jay takes very piano-centric material and makes it usable specifically for guitarists as well as you will find anywhere; well organized, well explained, and a fun to follow video.

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About the instructor

Jay Umble →
Jay Umble has studied with world-renowned guitarists Pat Martino and Joe Diorio and has released two recordings which incorporate straight ahead and modern jazz styles. He is currently finishing a recording project with international percussionist, Jamey Haddad from the Paul Simon Group. Jay is on the faculty of Bucknell University and Susquehanna University where he teaches guitar mechanics, harmony, theory and fretboard integration in addition to general guitar playing. He has several instructional books published through Mel Bay Publications with endorsements from such jazz greats as Steve Kahn, Pat Martino, Paul Bollenback, Joe Diorio, Barry Greene, Sid Jacobs and Rene Stefano. Jay's latest book, "Payin' Your Dues With The Blues", is due out in the Fall of 2007. He serves as a jazz guitar clinician for the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz organization and also writes a monthly guitar column for their newsletter. Jay performs throughout Central Pennsylvania with his Jazz Standards Trio, Duo and his modern trio, STRING THEORY. Latest Class Psychology, Philosophy & Methodology for the Jazz Guitarist - I