Mastering the Major Bebop Scale & Sound (PDF Book)

This book is absolutely killin'. I printed out the chapter in C major and then went through each exercise and mastered all 12 keys. This book increased my fluidity and sound as well as gave me some really great melodies in my head to use in the future. Another essential book from Mr. Neff. 5 Stars.

What makes these books so accessible is the way they are written. There is not a lot of theory or jargon, no complicated terminology or mega advanced concepts. In fact, their strength is in their simplicity.

Whilst the concepts are not too difficult to grasp, the playing takes effort but the rewards are noticeable. I have been using several of Steve's books and have found that the ideas he presents are practical, enjoyable and well worth the time and effort.

Running through the scales in different ways, different starting points, rhythms, ascending, descending and using them in combination with Aebersold playalongs or just solo in the woodshed has given me a wealth of information that has improved my playing.

I particularly enjoy the various links that Steve provides to be able to make and develop more interesting lines and ideas around the horn.

Perhaps what really opened up Steve's books to me was his online lessons that he has recorded that go along with his books. Steve demonstrates how he uses these books and ideas in his own playing. Having attended numerous masterclasses with many great players, I have noticed one question that is often asked. "What did you or what do you practice?"

Steve has not only written these things down into easy to follow books and methods, he has also taken the time to demonstrate and teach these ideas via online lessons. I eagerly await Steve's online lessons on this book too.

Thanks Steve!

Just to say thank you for building up this extremely important website with your wonderful online lessons. For me, living in the German province, there is no better way to gain insights into the Jazz language.
Though I play jazz since my childhood (including performing hard bop tunes on stage), I am just starting to really understand what professional musicians are doing. Your work is incomparable.

I have a fairly large collection of jazz method books. In my opinion most of the method books are not all that good.

I have previously purchased all of Steve's prior books and found them to be very good. Steve is a very talented musician but as good as he is at playing, he may be even better at communicating the jazz language to developing jazz improvisers.

I was excited to hear about Steve's new Bebop Major book and quickly purchased my copy. The book contains a wealth of exercises and suggestions for adding variety by starting on different notes and using rhythmic variety.

The thing that really adds value to Steve's book is his use of what he calls links. Steve defines links as lines or patterns that are outside of the major bebop scale. The links allow you to create hip sounding lines that don't sound like running scales when you improvise.

This book and method can help anyone on any instrument improve their improvising over a major tonality.

I highly recommend this book.

I look forward to Steve creating video lessons that coincide with this book.