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Instructor
Jonny May
Workshop
Intermediate
02:42:53

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to solo over the 2-5-1 chord progression using chord tone targets.

We’ll begin by learning the 2-5-1 progression along with common chord substitutes. Next we’ll practice 3 left hand accompaniments and 4 common rhythms, along with various scales for soloing. Then we’ll master exercises for targeting the roots, 3rds, 5ths, and 7ths of chords. Finally we’ll combine all techniques and practice soloing with mixed targets.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll be able to invent your own jazz lines by targeting chord tones.

Course Objectives
  • Learn the 2-5-1 chord progression in every key
  • Practice 3 left hand accompaniments and 4 common rhythms
  • Explore various scales for soloing
  • Master soloing by targeting the roots, 3rds, 5ths, and 7ths of chords
  • Combine all techniques and practice soloing with mixed targets
Learning Focus
  • Chords
  • Exercises
  • Improvisation

Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Very instructive and helpful
The course is well-structured and focussed on the essentials. The explanations, examples and exercises are comprehensible, playable and eye-opening, it‘s just funny to play along with Jonny and the backing tracks. And not least: Jonny is a very pleasant guy, a convincingly teacher and a thrilling jazz pianist. Thanks for this great learning platform!
Really stimulating
I’m a mediocre classically trained pianist who (for shame!) has never really understood how jazz pianists DO THIS!! I’ve listened and envied for years wishing I knew how! Now….I think I’m on the way to knowing and this is opening up so much potential for me professionally!!……Thanks Jonny!!
Just What I Needed
This was a comprehensive, well planned trip through the specifics of soloing. I was really confused about soloing and this course connected all the dots for me. A ton of work and I’ll be at it for a while . Jonny is such an amazing teacher, I feel so privileged to be part of the PWJ community.
Fantastic
Prior to PWJ, I didn’t really understand chord progressions, or guide tones, and relied on being a good sight reader, but as Jonny points out, the 2,5,1, is so important, almost a building block to everything else. I can now play a 2,5,1 in every single key, without thinking😊 (well, a little bit of thinking😆)
Fun and do-able.
I loved the short and direct delivery of information. Giving things in small pieces makes it easier to take in on line. You also get a great sense of achievement.
Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Very instructive and helpful
The course is well-structured and focussed on the essentials. The explanations, examples and exercises are comprehensible, playable and eye-opening, it‘s just funny to play along with Jonny and the backing tracks. And not least: Jonny is a very pleasant guy, a convincingly teacher and a thrilling jazz pianist. Thanks for this great learning platform!
Really stimulating
I’m a mediocre classically trained pianist who (for shame!) has never really understood how jazz pianists DO THIS!! I’ve listened and envied for years wishing I knew how! Now….I think I’m on the way to knowing and this is opening up so much potential for me professionally!!……Thanks Jonny!!
Just What I Needed
This was a comprehensive, well planned trip through the specifics of soloing. I was really confused about soloing and this course connected all the dots for me. A ton of work and I’ll be at it for a while . Jonny is such an amazing teacher, I feel so privileged to be part of the PWJ community.
Fantastic
Prior to PWJ, I didn’t really understand chord progressions, or guide tones, and relied on being a good sight reader, but as Jonny points out, the 2,5,1, is so important, almost a building block to everything else. I can now play a 2,5,1 in every single key, without thinking😊 (well, a little bit of thinking😆)
Fun and do-able.
I loved the short and direct delivery of information. Giving things in small pieces makes it easier to take in on line. You also get a great sense of achievement.
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