Jazz Ballads

Here are the top 10 reasons that I see classical pianists struggle to play jazz, plus tips on how to overcome these.

Learn the Dominant Diminished scale to improvise on Dominant 7th chords for a jazzy sound.

Learn the Dominant Diminished scale to improvise on Dominant 7th chords for a jazzy sound.

Learn 5 essential techniques for adding passing chords or reharmonizing any song. Techniques include Secondary Dominant Series, Tritone Substitutes, 2-5-1 Progression, Elongated 2-5-1, & Chromatic 2-5-1.

Learn the essential scales used to improvise over the most common 7th chords found in jazz and popular music. Scales are the musical building blocks used to create interesting solos.

Learn the essential scales used to improvise over the most common 7th chords found in jazz and popular music. Scales are the musical building blocks used to create interesting solos.

Q&A with Members

Half Diminished Chords, Diminished Scale, Diminished #7

Dominant 7th Chords, Mixolydian, Bebop, Diminished, & Altered Scales

Minor 7th Chords, Dorian Scale, Bebop 2 Versions

The Lydian, Major bebop, & Pentatonic b3 scales

Major 7th Chords, Principles of Soloing

Practice your rootless chord voicings in the “A position” over the 251 progression in every key. For this exercise, the chords are played in the right hand while the left hand plays the root of the chord.

Play an advanced version of this beautiful ballad in the style of Billy Joel or Elton John. Learn big lush chords, expressive arpeggios, and the full solo section from Jonny's performance.

Learn and master quartal voicings on each chord type including major, minor, and dominant. Practice each voicing up & down the scale in every key to internalize this modern jazz sound.

Learn and master block voicings on each chord type including major, minor, and dominant. Practice each voicing up the scale in every key to deeply understand the construction of this classic sound.

Learn and master drop 2 voicings on each chord type including major, minor, and dominant. Practice each voicing up the scale in every key to become confident applying these beautiful voicings on songs.

Learn a gorgeous cocktail jazz ballad in 12/8 time using the turnaround progression. With suspensions, colorful extensions, & harmonized notes in the melody, you'll create an authentic sound.

Learn a sentimental pop ballad in the style of Randy Newman or Elton John. This beautiful piece uses colorful harmony, open chord voicings, and a melancholy melody to pull at the heart strings.

Play a soulful jazz and pop ballad reminiscent of Billy Joel. This song features rich textures of quartal voicings and rootless chords, along with a singable melody that will transport any listener.

Learn one of the most important "sad" progressions used in hundreds of songs and countless genres.