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Learning Jazz

Zero to Improv eBook

25 Easy ii-V-I Licks Zero to Improv is an eBook that teaches you how to
become a great jazz improviser from the ground up!
By Camden Hughes  5 No stone is left un-turned. This eBook calls you to
action and includes audio examples for all music
 Share  Facebook  Twitter  Google+  Pinterest notation in the book. Versions available for C, Bb, Eb
and Bass Clef instruments.

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Work on Ear Play better jazz Your Jazz Lines
Training solos Brent Vaartstra - October 6, 2017 0

When it comes to becoming a great jazz improviser, it’s all about learning jazz language.
Learning jazz language can happen in a lot of different ways. Listening to jazz, learning
solos by ear, or learning jazz standards.

But if you want some quick and helpful rewards for your time investment, learning licks is
a great way to go.

Licks are short musical phrases, usually played over the context of a chord or chord
progression. You can learn them by ear from one of your favorite jazz musicians, from
teaching resources, or even create your own.

But if you’re not sure what chord progressions you should be learning licks over, look no
further. The 2-5-1 (or ii-V-I) chord progression is the most common in jazz repertoire.

Therefore would it be a great idea to learn licks over 2-5-1 chord progressions? You bet!
The most important thing you can do is learn them, and then practice them the right way.

Speaking of practicing, make sure you’ve signed up to receive our free “Ultimate Jazz
Guide to Practicing,” if you want to make sure you are working on the right things. It will
just take a minute to sign up, we’ll send it to you, and you can continue on.

So in this lesson, I’m giving you 25 easy ii-V-I licks.

My suggestion is to pick one or two of these licks and bring them into all 12 keys. Learning
licks in all 12 keys is a great practice because it helps you:

Internalize the music better.

Gain exibility in keys you may be uncomfortable with.

Let’s take a look at them. Play through each one, and try to get the feel for them. If you
nd one you like in particular, hone in on that one.

Hope you enjoy practicing these licks. The more jazz language you learn the easier
improvising in jazz gets. You become familiar with the sounds and the chord progressions,
and before you know it, it will become second nature.

If you need more of the basics of improvising under your belt, check out our eBook Zero
to Improv which helps you become a great jazz improviser from the ground up.

Curtir 633

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Chord Progression Workout: ii7b5-V7alt-i7 Larry Goldings “As One”

(minor)

About the Author

Camden Hughes
http://camdenhughes.com/

Camden is a working jazz pianist, multi-instrumentalist, and music educator currently living near Boise,
ID. He teaches music at the Idaho Arts Charter School, and is the jazz adjunct professor at Northwest
Nazarene University. Check out his music at www.camdenhughesmusic.com.

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V-i Resolving to a Minor 6 altered ii-V-I Lick over a V7-Imaj7

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5 COMMENTS

JimmySax November 26, 2018 at 6:09 pm

It comes from A7 chord. A7 is the dominant of D-7. In addition, that A7 (A,#C, E,

G) contains the C# note, that creates the Melodic or the Harmonic D minor
Schales.
Reply

Matias Rizzone March 26, 2016 at 5:18 pm

Hello! Why in some licks (#37, #45, and others) the major 7 (C#) is used over the
minor 7 chord (Dm7)? Comes from a substitution? Thanks!
Reply

Jerk Natthaphat September 25, 2016 at 12:20 am

Bebop scales
Reply

Matias Rizzone April 2, 2017 at 10:31 am

Thanks!

Je Shirley April 13, 2018 at 4:11 am

In addition to bebop scales, the C# is seen in D melodic minor, and

sometimes it's acting more like a LNT (lower neighbor tone), you can
approach almost any note with a chromatic LNT.
Reply

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