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Key of Bb Major – PWJ Avenue

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Instructor
Jonny May
Course
Beginner
01:43:58

Bb major is your first key that starts on a black key, and it’s a favorite of jazz musicians, horn players and singers. If you want to play songs or read chord charts in Bb, this course gives you everything you need. You’ll learn the Bb major scale in each hand, practical fingering strategies to make it feel natural, and how to play it up the keyboard across multiple octaves.

Next, you’ll learn the chords that belong to the key of Bb and the most common chord progressions (chord patterns) used in this key. Then comes the fun part: you’ll learn different ways to jam on these chords, so you can make music on your own, without sheet music. To bring it all together, you’ll learn PWJ Avenue, a fun original tune that uses the notes and chords from the course.

Once you’re comfortable, you’ll use inversions to make your chord changes sound smoother and apply them to PWJ Avenue. Then you’ll play the tune along with a bass and drums backing track, so it feels like you’re playing in a band. Finally, you’ll learn simple ways to play chords for someone else to sing or play along to.

Course Objectives
  • Play the Bb major scale in both hands across multiple octaves, using effective fingering strategies
  • Learn the diatonic chords and the most common chord progressions in Bb major
  • Explore different ways to jam and improvise on the chords in Bb
  • Apply inversions and smooth voice leading, then perform PWJ Avenue with a full backing track
  • Accompany a singer or instrumentalist using three chord grooves
Learning Focus
  • Chords & Voicings
  • Groove
  • Lead Sheets
  • Scales
  • Songs
Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Something for everyone
The course is very clear and it’s great that I can play the lessons over and over again. I have old hands that are stiff and therefore I struggle to build up speed without hitting the wrong notes. The course enables me to go at my own speed and with more practice I hope to build up the speed. Yanic is my favourite. 🤩
Little harder
The first lesson on level 2 was a little harder for me. Anyway, I enjoyed it.
Nice melody!
I enjoyed the slides!
Simply "Funkalicious!"
Great Course! I am enjoying the gradual increase in difficulty as I progress through each of the subsequent Foundational Courses. The original tunes are becoming more challenging rhythmically and the technique builders like the finger "slides" and Blues Scales improvisation tips are fantastic!! I'm starting to feel like I could become an accomplished Jazz/Blues soloist if I can master each new set of challenges, one "Funkalicious" bite at a time. Great Job PWJ!!
Challenging but fun
I learned a new rhythm and so many other things.

Course Lessons

1
Key of Bb Major – Lesson 1
16:21

The Major Scale, 1 & 2 Octaves

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2
Key of Bb Major – Lesson 2
17:03

4 Common Chord Progressions

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3
Key of Bb Major – Lesson 3
24:24

Learn PWJ Avenue, Lead Sheet, Melody, Chords, & Groove

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4
Key of Bb Major – Lesson 4
20:40

Inversions, Primary Chord Progression, PWJ Avenue Application

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5
Key of Bb Major – Lesson 5
7:08

Performance with Backing Track

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6
Key of Bb Major – Lesson 6
18:22

Accompaniment

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Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Something for everyone
The course is very clear and it’s great that I can play the lessons over and over again. I have old hands that are stiff and therefore I struggle to build up speed without hitting the wrong notes. The course enables me to go at my own speed and with more practice I hope to build up the speed. Yanic is my favourite. 🤩
Little harder
The first lesson on level 2 was a little harder for me. Anyway, I enjoyed it.
Nice melody!
I enjoyed the slides!
Simply "Funkalicious!"
Great Course! I am enjoying the gradual increase in difficulty as I progress through each of the subsequent Foundational Courses. The original tunes are becoming more challenging rhythmically and the technique builders like the finger "slides" and Blues Scales improvisation tips are fantastic!! I'm starting to feel like I could become an accomplished Jazz/Blues soloist if I can master each new set of challenges, one "Funkalicious" bite at a time. Great Job PWJ!!
Challenging but fun
I learned a new rhythm and so many other things.
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