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Mastering the Major Bebop Scale & Sound (Digital PDF Book)

Mastering the Major Bebop Scale & Sound (Digital PDF Book)

Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 8 customer ratings
(8 customer reviews)

$14.99

Category: Jazz Books (PDF Downloads) Tags: all keys, improvisation, jazz licks, jazz lines, major bebop scale
  • Description
  • Reviews (8)

Description

The first scale most musicians learn is the major scale. We learn it in all 12 keys up and down our instruments. Even though this is one of the first scales we learn many intermediate jazz musicians are quite frustrated when trying to improvise over a major tonality. I was one of those frustrated musicians. I could never come up with interesting and fresh ideas when playing over those major sounds. The material in this book comes from years of learning how to play over those major chords. I explain the major bebop scale and how to use it so you sound great. I then give you 26 major bebop links to add into your lines and ideas. These are ideas, licks and patterns that have come from years of listening to jazz and practicing improvisation. As you work through this book you will see your jazz playing change in an incredible and exciting way.

This book is a pdf file and can be opened and printed immediately after you download it. The exercises are written in all 12 keys and are great concepts for any musician involved in jazz improvisation.  The book also comes with a 35 minute video lesson on how to get the most out of the book.

 

8 reviews for Mastering the Major Bebop Scale & Sound (Digital PDF Book)

  1. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    Gustav – November 14, 2009

    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.

  2. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    Multi Reed – November 16, 2009

    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!

  3. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    Jonah – June 11, 2010

    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.

  4. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    pmaine – November 12, 2010

    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.

  5. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    Ed – May 27, 2011

    As a jazz sax teacher, I use all of Steve Neff’s Books. My students all want to cop jazz and swing feel, so often I play Steve’s MP3 examples for them with confidence. Mr. Neff swings with the best of them. His sound is awesome and his ideas are easy to grasp. The key is daily practice. The books are just guides lines. I favor Steve Neff’s books and any good Transcription in teaching jazz at all ages.-Ed Zlotnick, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, in D/FW, North Texas

  6. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    Thomas – September 27, 2011

    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.

  7. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    Kenneth Carroll – November 28, 2014

    As a jazz educator, I am convinced this material is where most soloists should begin. This outstanding collection of material, transposed in each key, systematically outlines the content/application of the bebop scale. With each exercise, the performer acquires the vocabulary established in the late ’40’s; and, unlike other rigid approaches, is given examples and encouragement to combine the material into useful personal statements. Steve has codified staple gestures such that all will have immediate success and open their ears to linear content of the period. In addition, mp3/video of Steve playing these exercises and detailing his education approach are invaluable for modeling. BTW, if you haven’t been to the Neff site, Steve can play. Invest in your future! My students play from this book everyday – you should too!

  8. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    David Machin (verified owner) – March 9, 2015

    I think what another review said really struck me. It is the first time I came across material this good that is explained and presented in an un-intimidating way. I also feel its the first time a book presents a set of licks and phrases but which are intended to be used as building blocks. And it really works! It really does! And somehow, now I can play using the material in this book in way that is becoming quite natural, it all seemed so simple really. And normally I find music books just a little impenetrable, a little dense where I always intend to go back to them later.

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Steve- I joined your site this month and have downloaded 4 lessons and also purchased your new book and video on diatonic patterns. I just want to say I am very pleased with your approach and teaching techniques. I am getting back into playing after laying off for some time. The information you offer on your site is of great value and I am enjoying being a member. Thank you for what you are doing for the saxophone community.
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Two years later I began a search for a sax teacher and happened to come across Steve Neff when I was searching YouTube for sax teachers.  I went to neffmusic.com and was very impressed with the lessons Steve Neff was offering.  The concept of selecting lessons was an approach that I thought was unique and purchased a few lessons.  I liked the lessons so much that I signed-up for a 6 month package. I was very happy with all the lessons I selected.  I also purchased Steve’s book Mastering the B… Read more
Michael

I want to thank you for your “Ultimate II-V-I Primer”  which has sent me off on a much better path to improvisation.  The primer and the four bound books I have will keep me busy for a long time.  I like your lessons for two reasons.  The lessons work and THEY ARE FUN.  Thanks again.

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Robert
Your major diatonic patterns book is great. I”m studying the first twenty patterns (first twenty pages) each day with different articulation each day and slowly increasing the tempo each week or so.  There is a noticeable improvement in finger coordination across all keys and its amazing how much more secure I feel on the difficult keys when attempting to play pieces with 5+ flats/sharps. I’m able to sort out the fingerings for these pieces now much more quickly than before, often in one or two … Read more
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First, I’m really excited about your materials! This site is a vast resource for any aspiring (and maybe already inspired) jazz musicians. I’m not a sax player, I play mandolin and fiddle, but have been learning jazz and playing weekly with a quintet for the past 6 months and have been struggling with all of the issues you get into in your lessons. I bought several books and lessons and plan to continue with some others as soon as I organize my practice routine. Thanks again for a great site … Read more
Tony Galfano
I like so many other subscribers feel so encouraged by Steve’s learning techniques; you will enjoy reading the comments of praise others have left as you too will feel that you share a common view and path. I feel very lucky to have come across Neffmusic and that feeling will remain with you as you search through a treasure trove of learning materials on offer, you will quickly find the lessons that you are suited to. You will instantly recognize the unparalleled quality of Steve’s teaching … Read more
Stephen
By the way, BIG COMPLIMENTS to you, Steve! Not only are you a great player, you are also a great teacher! I, too, am a woodwinds player/teacher. I have new inspiration to play and teach because of you. The concepts and “thinking” is similar to what I already learned in College, but hearing you explain and PLAY the concepts REALLY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! Also, your written patterns are more interesting than other books I have seen! Keep up the good work. I will be recommending your sit… Read more
I will be recommending your site to others!

Steve,  Just want to say thanks for all you are doing for all of us. I’ve learned more from you than anyone else in my 40 years of playing.

If you can give some tips on One Note Samba, Ceora, and Wave… that would be cool.  I really like learning how you apply your concepts to actual songs!

Have a great year,

Kevin Ledbetter

I've learned more from you than anyone else in my 40 years of playing.
I want to let you know that your instructional material is transforming my playing.  It is an immense pleasure to learn and play now, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am. The instructional material I got from you is by far the best of any I own (and I have over 100 books, DVDs, and what not). I literally can’t thank you enough! Deric
Deric

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