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Pentatonics-Lesson 1

Pentatonics-Lesson 1

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

$9.99

SKU: 046 Category: Scale Studies Tags: jazz improvisation, pentatonic scales, saxophone, video lesson
  • Description
  • Reviews (5)
  • Lesson Sample

Description

The Pentatonic Scale is one of the most useful scales to learn and use whatever style of music you want to play. Whether you want to play Jazz, Rock, Funk Folk, or Fusion, Pentatonic Scales are an essential tool to have in your repertoire. Whichever players you’re into, from John Coltrane to Jerry Bergonzi, from Michael Brecker to Dave Sanborn, the Pentatonic Scales form a large part of what you hear from these great players and by mastering these scales you’ll be able to utilize those same sounds in your own playing.
In this, my first lesson on the Pentatonic Scale, I introduce the Minor Pentatonic Scale and demonstrate how to play and practice it in every key. Listen as I demonstrate using the Minor Pentatonic scale over major and minor tracks as I show you how to set up a practice routine that will have you playing fluently with these scales in every key.
I show you some great patterns that will get these scales under your fingers fast. I play the patterns for you over both major and minor grooves and teach you how to alter the patterns by starting them in different places and on different beats to create a modern, hip sound. I talk about practicing these scales over standard tunes and how you can learn to recognize when and where you can fit these scales into different tunes.
What makes these Pentatonic Scales so great is that you can play the Pentatonic Scale over many different types of chords. Master the Pentatonic Scales and you’ll have a great tool to use over everything from Jazz Standards to Rock, Funk and Pop tunes and everything in between.
This lesson comes with 3 PDF sheets that show you the Minor Pentatonic Scale in every key and all the patterns I discuss and demonstrate in the lesson.  (Audio & PDF)

5 reviews for Pentatonics-Lesson 1

  1. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    C.N. – September 10, 2008

    Fantastic lesson! It’s Christmas every time I listen to one of your lessons for the first time. It’s Christmas again when 30 minutes later, I am playing things from the lesson, with out looking at the pdf. sheets, that I could not have played an hour ago! If you want to have a better grasp of your pentatonic scale and their delivery, get this lesson! C.N.

  2. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    Mansax – July 16, 2009

    Great Lesson on Pentas! You make it look so simple…with your pdf sheets. A must for the 5-note fans.

  3. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    Soruyo – December 4, 2009

    You can’t be a good player without working on this scale. I thought I knew penatonic scales but, after this lesson I realized that even when I knew how to construct a pentatonic scale I was really ideas-empty when improvising and trying to use it.

    This lesson is cool also because you learn what other chords you can play the pentatonic scale over.

    I guess the series of exercises is also what makes it challenging and helpful.

  4. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    saxmanrkb – February 3, 2010

    Steve I just downloaded and started working on lesson 1 in the Pentatonic series. Here I thought I knew what was going on with them, but your lesson really opened up my mind and other “doors” that will lead (with devoted practice) to some much more hip sounding improv-lines from me.
    Thanks
    saxmanrkb

  5. Avatar
    Rated 5 out of 5

    SelmerC* – February 4, 2011

    I am going to have to line up behind all the other great reviews for this lesson, Ok so I also thought I knew my pentatonics, well I do but in comparison to this lesson I have not got off the ground. If you need to address pentatonics this is the place to start! Steve You are Burnin’

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Lesson Sample

https://public.neffmusic.com/Pentatonics%20Lesson%201%20Minor%20Pentatonic%20clip.mp4

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I have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
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Never really had lessons before just kinda worked things out on my own. Was in a rut but your lessons are really helpful in opening melodic possibilities. Ur an awesome resource to the saxophone community. Thanks for sharing. 

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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
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!
I am enjoying your style of teaching, and you’ve done a great job with the videos….good sound quality and well constructed lessons.  Balances the more guitaristic material found on the majority of guitar based programs.  Jazz vocab is what I’m all about at this point in the journey.   I especially dig the fact that you’ve studied with Bergonzi…helps me see his voluminous output in a more  bite sized way.
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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.
Hey Steve! I hope you and your family are well.  I’m just writing to say thank you so much for all the resources you have made available to the saxophone community. I have been using your material for many years and I always come back to it… in fact I just took a break from practicing to write this…( reviewing “CreatingModern II-V-I Lines with simple pentatonics”.) I am, and continue to be, one of your raving fans! Blessings to you and your family this holiday season! Wishing… Read more
Gerry Aylward
Hi Steve, I live in a gorgeous but rural area of Oregon-no music store within 80 miles. Your lessons are my lifeline!  Truly the best there are anywhere online. Love your playing. Love your teaching.  Thanks again. Ed
Ed Woodmansee
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