Pop Soloing with Harmonized Chord Tone Targets

Instructor

Jonny May

Course Type

Workshop

Skill Level

Advanced

Duration

01:34:03

Harmonized chord tone targets are a signature sound of pop piano, used by Billy Joel, Elton John, Norah Jones and Bruce Hornsby. Instead of landing on a single chord tone, you land on a harmonized shape, which gives your solos a fuller, more resonant sound. If you’ve learned Chord Tone Targets, this course is the natural next step.

You’ll begin with the most common pop chords and the three most common pop chord progressions, which you’ll find in many songs by Coldplay and all over the radio. Then you’ll choose from three left-hand accompaniment options, from intermediate to advanced, including an upbeat, energetic pattern for when you want more drive.

Next, you’ll learn what harmonized chord tone targets are and the two essential positions you need for this style. You’ll learn the difference between a meandering solo and an intentional one, then work through essential exercises that help you create interesting lines. Finally, you’ll practice inventing your own lines using single and multiple targets. The course includes downloadable sheet music and backing tracks so you can play along with the band.

Featured Reviews

View PWJ member reviews of this course!

Flo Flo   verified

Very challenging

This course is very challenging but useful! When I harmonize the notes with chord, the higher note C or G sounds too loud that covered the main note. Do I need to intentionally play soft high note? It would be hard.