In this lesson you'll learn how to create a solo over the Billy Joel classic, "Just The Way You Are." This is part 1.

In this lesson, we will learn how to create licks using the scales we learned in lesson #5.

The minor pentatonic and blues scales are really important scales to start with when learning improvisation.

We will cover: Tension & Wrong Notes, Launch & Target Notes, Bebop Scales, Inside/Outside, Autumn Leaves Progression.

These are the scales that you should know, practice and master to become a good improviser. Each scale is written out along with fingering. Scales covered are: Major pentatonic, Minor pentatonic, Blues scale, Altered scale, 1/2-Whole Diminished, Whole-1/2 Diminished, Whole tone and Locrian Natural 9.

Learn how to master and own your scales with these exercises.

In this lesson you'll learn some more advanced improvisation techniques. We will use Cole Porter's "I Get A Kick Out of You" for improvisation. We will discuss the pentatonic scale, rootless chords, line creation using rhythm, scales and more.

Now that you’ve learned how to build a funk groove using just 2 chords and examined the role of each instrument in the rhythm section, it’s time to learn to solo over the funk groove! In this companion lesson to “Building a Funk Groove,” we will teach you 7 practice steps for gaining confidence, developing fluidity, and improving your soloing abilities using just one scale! These 7 steps can be applied to your practice in all genres of music.

In this lesson, we will use the Yamaha Motif synth to teach you funk licks #1-5 which you can practice and use in your playing. Each lick is meant to highlight a different concept, including pentatonic scales, blues scales, quartal voicings, “outside” playing, chromatic approach, etc. You’ll also get 2 excellent jam tracks to use in your practice. And the best part is that since these licks are built over a “ii – V” progression, you’ll be able to use them in all different styles of music – jazz, rock, funk, pop, etc.

In this lesson you will learn 5 scales that are essential when learning how to solo over a funk groove. Each chapter will present a new scale and will examine how the scale is constructed, relevant music theory information, the chords over which each scale can be used, and demonstrations of each scale using a jam track (which is also provided). Scales to be discussed include pentatonic, blues, mixolydian, dorian, and lydian dominant.

Learn how to create a smooth jazz improvisation version of "Sunny."

Pentatonic scales are awesome for soloing over rock and pop tunes. Learn some different ways of using this scale in this lesson.

Learn how to play the chords for this popular Stevie Wonder song. We will also discuss different improvisation ideas for you to crate a solo over the song. The melody of this song is not in the arrangement so it is a perfect song to sing over!

Learn how to improvise over "The Chicken" with these exercises along with a written-out solo.

In this lesson we will talk about a few different ways to approach improvisation over the song "That's Life."

Another lesson designed to show you how to improvise over rock songs.

Learn how to use both major and minor pentatonic scales in your improvisation.

In this course, Willie will show you how to take your improvisation to the next level with some advanced techniques like constant structure, triadic UST improv, chromaticism, pentatonics, quartals and more!

In this second part you will finish learning the arrangement of the song step-by-step. You will also learn a cool C minor pentatonic lick.

You will learn “So What” a classic Mile’s Davis modal song in two parts. In the first part of the lesson, you’ll learn about the dorian mode and start working on the chord voicings which make this song so iconic.

In this advanced lesson, I am going to show you some interesting ways of breaking up, and practicing, your pentatonic scales. We will also cover some McCoy Tyner like left hand voicings to add to these pentatonic patterns. With practice, these patterns will become fluid to you and change your soloing!

In this second part of "Use Me" we will talk about how to create some interesting improvisation ideas using different scales and arpeggios. Using some simple concepts, we can get some really cool sounds that will "perk up" your improvisation. We will also talk about taking your improvisation "outside."

This lesson teaches you how to play a basic stride piano pattern along with improvisation. The stretches are challenging, but once mastered with the pentatonic scale, you will have a nice stride pattern that I'll show you how to combine into several combinations to improvise for minutes. Topics covered are improv with the pentatonic scale and 4 different stride progression "options."

In this second part of the You've Got A Friend lesson, we will learn how to create the ending groove section, how the harmony works and how to create a groove step-by-step.

In this lesson we focus on improvisation. I will cover some common questions like "What notes do I choose for my solo?" I will also teach you exercises that will help your improvisation become more fluid.

In this 2 part lesson we will be working through the groove for Bill Withers Use Me. In part 1 we will cover the different keyboard licks and variations. We will discuss the minor pentatonic and how to create interesting improvisation sequences and also talk about different chord voicings for the organ.

In this second volume we are going to learn about different "clustering" techniques which will help you create more progressions and change the progressions you use now. You will also learn a cool jazz/gospel progression along with improvisation tips.

In this lesson I will show you how to play the sections of the song and also teach you some Hornsby licks for improvisation. We will also discuss how to make this song your own by creating your own interpretation through different pentatonic lines.

This is a classic funky tune with a great piano groove. In this lesson, I'll teach you the groove, how to alter it and also how to add some improvisation. We will also discuss inside/outside soloing techniques.

We will begin this lesson learning all of the parts of this funky tune. We will also dive into minor diatonic harmony, discuss quartal accompaniment techniques in minor, work on pentatonic improvisation and create note-groupings for solos to stretch over the beat.

In this lesson we will cover the bassline and horn lines for I Feel Good by James Brown. However, we are going to spend a lot of time on improvisation as well. I will show you how to integrate eighth and sixteenth note patterns into your improvisation.

Learn how to improvise over Herbie Hancock's classic tune "Chameleon". The exercises presented in this lesson are a great way to get your hands playing in sync, especially over a syncopated bass line like Chameleon.

This lesson (perfect for ALL styles, not just funk) will teach you several different scales, fills and runs. I will show you both the notes AND how to create your own fills and runs using your rhythmic vocabulary.

In this lesson I teach you how to create your own song. We cover licks, sections and chords. Best of all, I recorded the song in the studio with two amazing musicians and you'll get to witness the finished product taking shape!

In this third part, we will discuss quartal and cluster lines, double-stops, 4-note patterns, how to create longer phrases and more!

Picking up from part 1, this lesson will teach you ten different improvisation licks and rhythms to use in your solos.

In this lesson, you'll learn a bass groove with alterations. I also cover improvisation licks and teach you step-by-step how to play them.

This lesson is designed for intermediate/advanced level players that want to take their improvisation to the "next level" and sound more modern in their approach by utilizing quartals and pentatonics. I also cover several techniques that can be mastered by beginners.

This DVD picks up where DVD501 left off and teaches you more advanced Blues techniques. You'll learn the "common" shuffle and Jimmy Yancey grooves. I'll also explain the triplet feel and how it is written.

You'll learn the New Orleans, Gene Harris and Fat's Domino grooves on this DVD. I'll also teach you the Boogie in octaves plus a bunch of licks, turnarounds and endings! Sheet music is included along with DVD502