5 Ways to Improvise Over Basic Chords

Рет қаралды 192,114

3 жыл бұрын

#bettersax #saxophone #improvisation
Jay Metcalf gives a lesson on 5 ways to improvise over basic chords, using the tune “Ain’t No Sunshine”.
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Пікірлер: 227

@jovanj2717 2 жыл бұрын

6:03 Jay stares into our souls and instantly plays "the Lick". Jazz Meme creators around the world rejoice

@steveblake3958 Жыл бұрын

thanks, this just made my day

@rafaellessa5942 Жыл бұрын

😂 Verdade man, todo saxofonista toca esse lick.

@rafaellessa5942 Жыл бұрын

Tem outro em 7:25 😅, muito usado também, no final da frase,

@stephanca3274 Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU JAY I START STUDY WITH MY ALTO SAX, 62 YEARS OLD,

@hecateswolf6007 4 ай бұрын

Wishing you the best. Respect.

@dougditches1496 Жыл бұрын

I love it that this video is for beginning improvisers but I still picked up a couple new tricks. Just shows how big the realm of possibilities are. You can pursue this art through transcribing solos, playing by ear, learning patterns, licks, studying extended harmonic concepts, scales 12-keying everything and just by playing your @$$ off. There's no limit to how much you can learn and there are so many ways to approach it, it would take many lifetimes to explore it all.

@mcreaper5158 3 жыл бұрын

6:03 It's- It's- That's the-He played the li-

@cashionsteven5695 3 жыл бұрын

played the what pls? what is the song??

@cashionsteven5695 3 жыл бұрын

@@samimasri552 i mean what is the song :)))

@cashionsteven5695 3 жыл бұрын

@Joel thx :))

@davemazur2062 3 жыл бұрын

Hahahahahaaha

@labonnemedia 3 жыл бұрын

@@cashionsteven5695 It isn't from a song, its a lic that musicians throw in to things to be kinda silly. Its a musical meme.

@BeconHillJazz 2 жыл бұрын

I have been playing the sax for over 70 years. I continuously find your videos inspiring. Keep up the great work.

@espr7564 Жыл бұрын

Jay playing cool as ever, great sound greets from Germany 🇩🇪

@snadwich9352 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, that final solo was killer man

@davidgee4260 Жыл бұрын

If only I had a teacher like you when I was searching for these tools by ear which took so much time. Thank you for all the future players that get these doors opened by your methods of simple understanding and quality craftsmanship of example. It took me years to discover most of what you express with your generosity of knowledge that is worth so much. Thank you for all of us trying express ourselves on this journey.

@lonnybierman2548 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic brother. It’s always a pleasure to listen to you groove.

@SEAHARP11 3 жыл бұрын

While sitting here watching you enjoy yourself playing and having fun with the melody and improvisation, it was amazing to actually see you slipping to that creative zone. The place We all want to be in. It was like you left for a few minutes. You're amazing to watch and listen to. Thank you so much for all you have given us.

@ntxmt 3 жыл бұрын

Jay - this lesson is far above excellent. Thanks for all of your insight into the operational theory in this one.

@aaronkarlin3241 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing material!

@Normantnt 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jay for a wonderful video on how improvisation is born and nurtured. You are a rare combination of being a great player and teacher. Better Sax indeed!

@GordonZoot 3 жыл бұрын

1:00 - the most important thing. Put down the dots and LISTEN. This is a great vid Mr Sax, thanks!!!

@oboeash 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for putting this up with all the demos. I was working on some other Bill Withers tunes with one of my students yesterday and I know he'll enjoy seeing this.

@davidstuart4489 3 жыл бұрын

This is an EXCELLENT demonstration and lesson.

@scottquickel6462 3 жыл бұрын

Great playing...inspiring, thanks.

@adamwest3404 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the lesson. Awesome

@rickyhoward8025 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing!!!🔥❤️.

@davidherron7564 3 жыл бұрын

Truly inspiring, Jay 😊

@digin_9014 Жыл бұрын

thankYou Great teaching!

@asafbeeri4037 2 жыл бұрын

Great use of motifs from the melody line in the improv.

@estebanvenegas89 3 жыл бұрын

Always good content and solos :) thanks!

@ollieroe4525 3 жыл бұрын

I’m a bass player but love watching these informative vids on jazz theory! We appreciate the lessons man!

@MRIBEIROSAX 3 жыл бұрын

Great class man! Thank you!

@abhimalavalli 2 жыл бұрын

Love it all of it every word you said and every note you played

@DMV-SaxTv 3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah ... love the teaching approach that you have! I've played this tune many times with no real technical improv direction. I've always been somewhat lazy in my harmony and theory sessions, so being in the lab, working from home for the past year has taken all of my usual excuses away. I was searching for that inspiration to finally buckle-down and tie in all of my stage experiences (& mistakes) over the years. I'm truly am looking forward to your Harmony class, which I will start in a few days. Thanks for being straight up on the Sax teaching history and many methods of learning vs. traditional.

@2005rosebud 3 жыл бұрын

great sound!

@juso86 Жыл бұрын

Thanks!!❤

@havidztoo7979 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve played tenor sax for 32 years. I absolutely LOVE playing along to favourite tracks…..and I have NO idea what he’s talking about. Can’t read music and know nothing about scales. But…. I know every note on my sax and I play along and very quickly work out which notes fit….my point is, sure, it’s nice to know what scales you’re playing….but if you have a good ear, then don’t worry or be scared by what sounds very technical. Having said that…..this guy is definitely better than me, beautiful improvisation.

@2249sw Жыл бұрын

I always enjoy your musical conversations.

@nataullmann5908 3 жыл бұрын

I'm from Brazil, I like it a lot and I follow his work.

@mourafmarcos 2 жыл бұрын

Very useful concepts. Great!

@jimsheaksmusica-z3675 3 жыл бұрын

awesome! great intro to riffs.

@cathycuccia3385 3 жыл бұрын

I saw Bill Withers perform Ain't No Sunshine many years ago at the Hollywood Bowl. He was the opening act for The Fifth Dimension. Your solo over the backing track was wonderful to listen to. You have an incredible sound. The modes and chord stuff was way over my head, by the way.

@ramasawmysokanaden4298 3 жыл бұрын

Many thank for your guidance

@jaymichael91 Жыл бұрын

Ain't no sunshine sound so pure. Thank you.

@bsmith993 3 жыл бұрын

Good lesson here, Jay. Thanks! As I am still picking back up after a 20+ year hiatus I know now more than ever that I can't "shortcut" learning my scales or just fake it anymore. I totally get everything you are talking about here... Now I just need to put in the work!!

@jsazparren 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful videos like ever Jay, thank you very much!!!

@bettersax 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

@troybranch 3 жыл бұрын

Great lesson sir.

@jagabanofsaxophonistadesax1383 3 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed the class thanks ...

@hecateswolf6007 11 ай бұрын

Great lesson and such lovely playing man

@bborgan7611 Жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@BoninBrighton 3 жыл бұрын

Loved this

@jorgeduarte97 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jay. I started playing sax about 5 months ago and have been using everything you taught me in your videos ever since. I just started learning this song and this video was so inspiring. I'm going to play around a lot more with this.

@Adamswelltroddenpathways 3 жыл бұрын

I’m a big fan of your alto sound and playing , be it in a bebop or a Grover Washington Jr context, it’s always right on. Thanks for the inspiration

@ronhowe5933 15 күн бұрын

Nice work. My favourite version of 'Ain't No Sunshine' is Grover Washington Jr's. I believe, in the second half improv', he runs through the Wholetone Scale (there's only two of them). Nice effect and simple to get to grips with although, I've not used it for quite some yeas. This is a song that pops up over and over agin at open mics and well worth getting to grips with.

@MelissaBytwork 6 ай бұрын

I cant wait for my sax to get here ❤❤❤❤❤❤

@penyepongNASA 3 жыл бұрын

thank sir, your help so helpful

@MTNPANTS Жыл бұрын

You’ve got a way of explaining things that are fairly complicated to a beginner like me and bringing them more within my reach. A sign of a great teacher! (*involuntary foot tapping and head nodding at end solo 😆👍)

@hecateswolf6007 4 ай бұрын

That was a great solo Jay, let alone the mechanics that you explained b4hand. Thanks.

@fluteluc1 3 жыл бұрын

Ooooo...The soft lights, that great alto tone. Je crois tomber en amour, Jay😉

@HarmoChopin Жыл бұрын

I'm very fond of the modal approach!

@robstevens9590 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice step by step advice for playing over this classic! I love Bobby Blue Bland's rendition of this song (as well a Bill Wither's & Eva Cassidy's). Your Better Sax sax is sounding even better!

@bettersax 3 жыл бұрын

thanks Rob!

@emiliosanchez5621 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vid.

@elijahfast1246 2 жыл бұрын

This is really gonna help, thanks

@kasiaszkodatranholm6702 Жыл бұрын

I love IT ❤️

@parkerpolen 3 жыл бұрын

Cats, b6 pentatonic adds a nice flare as well That DV NY makes the setup look and sound great by the way.

@bettersax 3 жыл бұрын

that's another place to take this for sure.

@ohadvaserman9845 3 жыл бұрын

I’m not sure what I like more the lesson or the outcome of the lesson Amazing

@bettersax 3 жыл бұрын

glad you enjoyed both

@raseshgandhi6702 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much sir

@Handle2point0 Жыл бұрын

Really love that sound, man 😎🎷

@mourafmarcos 2 жыл бұрын

Great, Jay. I'll buy Harmonic Foundations to improve my Improvisation technique. Thank you.

@Nearzy12 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought this backing track from better Trax!

@davemazur2062 3 жыл бұрын

So smooth jay , great improv. I often get bored with pentatonics, I’m always shifting around looking for new techniques so thanks for sharing. Color of that horn visually is awesome along with its tonality. Can’t wait to buy one.

@bettersax 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much.

@lonnybierman2548 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah that horn is in my list too.

@javierdiaz8013 2 жыл бұрын

Excelente!!!!!!

@nataullmann5908 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@thecuriositytheory 3 жыл бұрын

Very Nice Lesson

@alphonsechanekayebone7871 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderfull tuto...

@alesort6744 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Jay! Great improv. I took you “playing by ear course “ and I learn a lot! Now I’ll practice with the backing tracks. I’m interested in a tenor sax. When is the launch of better sax tenor version?

@rovietoses615 2 жыл бұрын

Que gran video !!!

@scottquickel6462 3 жыл бұрын

Better Sax Tenor come out yet? Can't wait!

@StacyRose7 2 жыл бұрын

This is very talented and beautiful. Thanks

@MichaIsraelKovler 3 жыл бұрын

Great content Jay, thanks, that modal, (6:04), awesome, takes my breath away, end solo I give you smooth clapping, missing you screamin' outside and coming back to us... upload some alternate takes, Jay, seems you can afford it (-: Nice lighting, excellent camera and graphics. a big THANK YOU!

@bettersax 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Micha

@joancarles9643 3 жыл бұрын

Ex-e-llent !!! Thanks Master!

@peterdrake5156 Жыл бұрын

Jay Metcalfe. The coolest man on the internet.

@lisalowell2545 14 күн бұрын

In encouragement of playing the saxophone….He/You are absolutely are!

@manateeknight5109 3 жыл бұрын

Dang I'm in Highschool rn playing all 4 of the base saxes and this sounds really good for a video to use for figuring out improv a little better than I already do. Thanks a bunch👍

@javierm_uk1588 3 жыл бұрын

Great info and great improv Jay. Thanks for both. I am a student of your Harmonic Foundation course and although I still haven´t finished going through all of the course, I understood most of what you explained here without many problems. The course itself is fantastic. Worth every penny. Now, the missing link for me is how to know when to apply those scales or modes. For instance, I do know and understand dorian works well on minor chords usually, but how did you come with the Aeolian twist? (even if the notes are pretty much the same I wan´t to understand the logic behind thinking "hey, let´s try this"). Also ,what´s with the pentatonic scale on the 5th? is that a common trick?

@matta5348 3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff Jay, thanks! 💪🏼 🎷 And RIP Bill Withers, a true genius we lost recently.

@gavinmorgan6499 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, love the improvisation at the end. Would have been good to see what mode or scale you were thinking about during a particular part of the solo. Whether it was a pentatonic, blues or starting on the 5th. It flows so seamlessly that I was struggling to appreciate what technique you were applying at what point. Superb video though.

@ramasawmysokanaden4298 3 жыл бұрын

I like your sound 💖

@mikesmusiclessonsllc 3 жыл бұрын

Jesus Christ this is a bad ass video. Thanks for this! Awesome!

@aristevons6389 3 жыл бұрын

Cause I would like to get one!

@creatingbeautifulsongs7946 3 жыл бұрын

I love the reverb sound you have on the Sax in this video. Any tips on what settings you used?

@meldavis7183 3 жыл бұрын

I’m pentatonic attached. For my improvs I use the five modes of the pentatonic (major or minor) while starting a riff or phrase on different notes of the scale. What ya think. Oh I add some dirty fifths plus any note that sounds right to me. No formal training here just 60 years of listening and performing.

@elliotmedley811 3 жыл бұрын

That solo at the end though... 🎷🎷🎷

@Thedondurrett 3 жыл бұрын

Dude that sounds so damn good. I can play the basic melody and that's about it at this point.

@mattlee2405 7 ай бұрын

Love this video... Perhaps it may be a good idea to make another advisory video about what go thru your mind when improvising in real time.

@lukekranyak 3 жыл бұрын

Could you make a video about recording equipment and devices to use for zoom classes while playing saxophone?

@ericsconyers8781 3 жыл бұрын

I loved this video! It would be so coo to see more videos on soloing over chords because that's something that I've been trying to work on but don't undersand excatly how to talckle it yet but I'm very proficient in using bebob scales, pentatonic, and blues but I'd love to learn more modal improvisation

@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup 3 жыл бұрын

Try playing with a drone. That helped me a lot!

@ericsconyers8781 3 жыл бұрын

@@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup what is a drone?

@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup 3 жыл бұрын

@@ericsconyers8781 There are standalone drone synths, and hold and freeze effects pedals that can sustain a "drone" indefinitely. Sorta like bag pipes.

@kwootamuckbear9294 3 жыл бұрын

I’m enjoying my new Better Sax 🎷 alto saxophone. 👍🏽

@bettersax 3 жыл бұрын

I'm soooo glad to hear this!

@joaquinmendoza2306 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the amazing content strike. I love ALL of these videos and appreciate the time and effort you put into making them.

@bettersax 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

@jesusoliveira2 3 жыл бұрын

That was cool!

@KaviSivyer 2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate how you explain here which notes can be used in the 5 examples, but where can I find a lesson on how to creatively put the notes together in an order that sounds interesting, like you did in your final solo. You did so many creative ways of putting them together. Is that just from memorising those kind of licks, or is there another way of learning that language?

@SAMMYSAXMUSIC 2 жыл бұрын

on fire

@Zakvasir 3 жыл бұрын

If I can ever play a solo as good as the one at the end of this video i would feel so complete, so free

@markmontaquila3098 3 жыл бұрын

Uuugh. My brain just fell out... gonna have to work on this somehow. Thanks Jay.

@elsi5864 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jay, really great stuff. I think in the description download under point 5. concert key seems to be a bug as I think "D minor" should read "A minor pentatonic over D-7." ? If I'm right I wonder if this might be worth a better sax cap.. :-)))?

@Ashorsax 2 жыл бұрын

"The Lick" is @ the 6min 3sec mark! 😂great videos as always Jeff! 😃

@dennisd2531 Жыл бұрын

Great clip and useful information as usual Jay... Bye-the-way, when are you delivering us the Bettersax Tenor? I currently use the Bettersax Alto but want to progress to the Tenor hopefully this year, so what's the news...

@bettersax Жыл бұрын

Coming soon. It's going to be fantastic and will definitely be available this year.