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You are here: Home / Jazz Lessons / Playing Outside on Dominant Chords-4 Tonic System-Lesson 1
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Playing Outside on Dominant Chords-4 Tonic System-Lesson 1

Playing Outside on Dominant Chords-4 Tonic System-Lesson 1

$9.99

Categories: Jazz Lessons, Modern Improv Tags: four tonic system, jazz improvisation, modern lines, playing outside, tenor saxophone
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Description

In this lesson, we are taking a more in-depth look at the use of the four tonic system to play “outside” a key center.   I’ve made quite a few lessons over the years that looked at how to play outside on a minor tonality.  For this lesson, we take a look at one concept you can use to play outside on dominant chords.

We take a close look at the four tonic system and how to use it on a dominant chord.  I describe what the four tonic system is and have included a PDF sheet of great lines to practice in all 12 keys.  I demonstrate using them over an A7 groove on the tenor saxophone.  I teach you the importance of getting this concept down and practicing these lines. I teach how to resolve the notes and demonstrate weaving back and forth between the four tonic system and the home base scale of A Mixolydian.  

This is a great lesson if you struggle with adding variety and outside lines to your favorite dominant grooves.  Mastering these four tonic lines will give you access to a range of new sounds and lines that will make other musicians ask what you were playing and thinking on your last solo……..

(33 Minute Video Lesson, 12 PDF four tonic line sheets in all 12 keys)

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Lesson Sample

https://public.neffmusic.com/Playing_Outside_on_Dominant_Chords-4_Tonic_System-Lesson_1_Clip.mp4

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Steve,

I have played for many years and have enjoyed going “back to the basics” in some of your lessons!  You have such a gift for explaining concepts.  As I have gotten older, some of the basic things have gotten muddled because I just play, not knowing why.  As I refresh myself with “why”, it increases my confidence and expands my playing.  Thank you so much for using your gift!  You are a blessing!

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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
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I bought Steve’s dominant bebop book and took a couple of online lesson from him. I really appreciated Steve’s careful listening of what I wanted to get done in a lesson and his clear, concise ideas on next steps to improve my playing and musical interpretation.  His mastering  the Dominant Bebop Scale has lots of exercises to use a scale that addresses the largest percentage of chords I come across in pop/blues music. The dominant V7.  Needless say it has improved my playing.  I teach and a… Read more
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I must say again how much I appreciate all your material. Including the video tutorials. It help keep me focused and knowing what to aim for. And your laid back teaching style appeals to me too. 

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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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