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.
Gustav –
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.
Multi Reed –
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!
Jonah –
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.
pmaine –
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.
Ed –
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
Thomas –
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.
Kenneth Carroll –
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!
David Machin (verified owner) –
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.