This method book is designed to help intermediate to advanced jazz students incorporate classic jazz vocabulary into their original improvisations. Using a series of standard and modern chord progressions, guitarist Davy Mooney provides several short passages that are meant to be played exactly as written within an otherwise improvised solo; students are expected to adapt this written material to their own purposes by improvising into and out of it. In an effort to overcome the disconnect between developing a unique sound and learning the language of past jazz masters, the author eloquently analyzes several phrases and chord changes and comments on various aspects of improvisation, referencing the styles and specific recordings of many outstanding jazz artists. This is the method that Mooney used as a student to personalize his own jazz vocabulary and learn to express himself within the context of the jazz tradition. Mooney proves he has both the vocabulary and the chops to deliver generously repeated guitar/bass/drums backup tracks for student use; he then demonstrates the method by providing transcriptions of his own improvisations, incorporating the same phrases and chord progressions required of the student. The firm message conveyed by this book is that, “you can do it too.” Written in standard notation only. Includes access to online audio.

Jazz Ear Training: Learning to Hear Your Way Through Music, focuses the student on developing the ability to hear and react to harmonic structures common to the modern Jazz idiom, while adhering to specific melodic phrases. the book and recording include a variety of exercises derived from the major, harmonic minor, melodic minor and harmonic major scales and suggestions on how to play by ear. It was designed with the intermediate to advanced Jazz student in mind who needs to enhance the connection between his inner voice and instrument. It will also help the student hear what he may intellectually know. Though intended for guitarists, this book can serve the needs of any aspiring Jazz improviser. A basic understanding of Jazz theory is recommended before using this book. Companion CD included.

Ella Fitzgerald sang the blues and she sang them good. Ella and her fellas were on the way up! It seemed like nothing could stop her, until the biggest club in town refused to let her play… and all because of her colour. But when all hope seemed lost, little did Ella imagine that a Hollywood star would step in to help. This is the incredible true story of how a remarkable friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe was born – and how they worked together to overcome prejudice and adversity. An inspiring story, strikingly illustrated, about the unlikely friendship between two celebrated female icons of America’s golden age.

The leading textbook in jazz improvisation, Creative Jazz Improvisation, Fifth Edition represents a compendium of knowledge and practice resources for the university classroom, suitable for all musicians looking to develop and sharpen their soloing skills. Logically organized and guided by a philosophy that encourages creativity, this book presents practical advice beyond the theoretical, featuring exercises in twelve keys, ear training and keyboard drills, a comprehensive catalog of relevant songs to learn, and a wide range of solo transcriptions, each transposed for C, Bb, Eb, and bass clef instruments. Chapters highlight discussions of jazz theory - covering topics such as major scale modes, forms, chord substitutions, melodic minor modes, diminished and whole-tone modes, pentatonic scales, intervallic improvisation, free improvisation, and more - while featuring updated content throughout on the nuts and bolts of learning to improvise. New to the Fifth Edition: Co-author Tom Walsh Additional solo transcriptions featuring the work of female and Latino jazz artists A new chapter, “Odd Meters” A robust companion website featuring additional exercises, ear training, play-along tracks, tunes, call and response tracks, keyboard voicings, and transcriptions, alongside Spotify and YouTube links to many of the featured solos Rooted in an understanding that there is no one right way to learn jazz, Creative Jazz Improvisation, Fifth Edition explores the means and methods for developing one’s jazz vocabulary and improvisational techniques.

If you’ve ever wondered about the depth of thought vs. pattern playing that goes into jazz guitar improvisation, you’ll find the answer in this book. University of North Texas jazz guitar instructor and stellar musician, Davy Mooney is as fluid in writing about the physical and cerebral processes of jazz guitar improvisation as he is in playing over tunes, chord changes and modulations. Mooney describes the guitar fretboard as “…a labyrinth ruled by shapes and patterns.” He recounts his own journey toward fretboard fluency beginning with the CAGED major scale positions and connecting them with ascending arpeggio shapes. The purpose of his book is to show you a way into the labyrinth, how to navigate it, and find your way out, should you so desire. Five is the magic number in this book. With five jazz chord progressions, fretboard scale and arpeggio diagrams in five positions, and transcribed eighth-note improvisations, Mooney illustrates how five giants of jazz—Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane—might have approached improvisation had they been jazz guitarists. Written in standard notation and fretboard diagrams for the intermediate to advanced guitarist already well-acquainted with jazz scale and chord theory. Includes access to online audio for all 60 etudes, play-along and improv examples.

A terrific book for the serious guitarist. This comprehensive text contains 92 articles written by Arnie Berle for Guitar Player Magazine. Arnie answers many questions, shows you great approaches to practicing the suggested techniques, and provides the guitarist with motion-saving fingerings. Includes articles on improvisation, blues scales, chords, arpeggios, fingerings, modes, common chord progressions, and much more! Written in standard notation and fretboard diagrams. An encyclopedia of useful guitar information!