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Membership
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!

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.
Best chord tone improv course I’ve seen
Found this extremely helpful. Was already familiar with the idea of using chord tones to develop solo’s but have never seen it explained and demonstrated as well as in this course. Lots of examples and makes the use of chord tones and the major scale sound interesting and exciting in itself without using neighbour notes or additional scales. Lots of great examples and exercises to really develop skills in using this approach which then provides a great foundation for adding in neighbour notes and other scales.
2-5-1 is AOK
I wish I had found this workshop earlier! I found the explanations and examples quite lucid and aesthetically pleasing, and my long-standing fear of being incompetent at improvising is quickly vanishing
excellent scope for improvising
Consistency with exercises. Some examples quite challenging at 130bpm
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Master the most important chord progression in jazz, the 2-5-1 progression, with 5 piano exercises using 7th chords in all 12 keys and in all inversions.

Learn the essential exercises to master chord extensions and alterations on the 2-5-1 chord progression in all 12 keys. We cover the most commons voicings using the 9, 11, and 13, along with their alterations.

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