Jazz Scales and Training Exercises

[Maestro]

Hello everyone. I am classically trained pianist really trying to learn the basics of Jazz besides the ii-V-I. I have the knowledge of knowing all Major and minor scales in every key, roots, inversions etc. transposing is no problem. Ive been looking around for a book or vids on youtube on basic jazz training exercises to help one enhance their ability to create chords,leading tones change, tritone variations etc. Right now I have been trying to familiarize my self with the modal concepts (phrygian, lydian) etc. because it is associated with many of the jazz concepts. I can do ii-V-I change in every key pretty smoothly. this is just my knowledge of jazz so far.

My question is to everyone who is a Jazz pro, does anyone have any scale exercises or any type of training exercise(perfect 4ths, tritone exercises) to really allow one to create Jazz chords more smoothly? i kno the tritone is heavily involved. The Lydian mode has its "avoid note in the 4th" i would like to effortlessly be able to create 7-3-6-4-2-5-1 progressions and know what im doing during these transitions of jazz chords. If anyone has a book or a certain technique suggestion i can do everyday it would be much appreciated. Im really looking for exercises that i can keep absorbing so in due time everything becomes to me naturally. thanks!

[Emeritus]

Welcome to the forum, Maestro.

Two recommendations. Check out Marius Nordal's contributions on youtube. His user name is radiokid2. He is a most impressive classical and jazz player and teacher. Also check out the youtube 2 minute jazz lessons by Peter Martin. You can also go to his site petermartinmusic.com. He offers longer lessons by subscription.

Good luck.

[duane massey]

Don't neglect your ear-training. Playing what you hear is extremely important to becoming an accomplished jazz musician.

[michaelsorg]

Originally Posted by duane massey

Don't neglect your ear-training. Playing what you hear is extremely important to becoming an accomplished jazz musician.

Along those lines, absorbing jazz is the #1 priority, preferably recordings at a medium to slow tempo. Start with the 1940's. Try to sing what you hear, write it down; play it; memorize it. Get a fake book, or better yet, procure the Fakebook collection as PDFs. There's no substitute for a couple of books, though. Sit down at the piano, make yourself comfortable, and start learning the standards.

You can learn a lot about jazz harmony just playing the guide tones, the 3rd and seventh of every chord, using the nearest voice leading just as in classical music. Play "Autumn Leaves." You'll find the 3rds and sevenths continually trading places, and descending overall. Jump up when you think it's too low. Stay within the range an octave above and an octave below middle C (sounds best staying close to middle C for starters).

Good luck! And have fun...