Harmony Masterclass
Mastering Fast Moving Changes: Techniques for Soloing on 'Confirmation'
“I probably have encountered at least 1000 lessons on the Internet and otherwise, and this is the best one ever. This is the real deal.!!!! I am applying this lesson to all the son…”
About this masterclass
Randy Johnston teaches how to solo over fast-moving bebop changes using Charlie Parker's "Confirmation" — building lines that are harmonic and melodic at once and nail the changes exactly, without leaning on scales and arpeggios. The class is built around a written-out 16-bar etude on the first two A sections of the tune.
What's covered
- Guide tones — voice leading with 3rds and 7ths, and how to visualize them on the guitar
- Approach and enclosure techniques, with chromatic variations
- When to place the guide tones rhythmically — Randy's point that fast changes are as much a matter of when as what
- The Confirmation A-section harmony: fast descending ii-Vs from F major through B-flat and back
- Simplifying the harmony by letting the dominant chord "dominate"
- Making your own solos from the etude's techniques, applicable to any bebop or standard changes
Everything is demonstrated on the guitar and written out in the included materials. If you enjoy this approach, Randy covers Giant Steps and rhythm changes the same way in his earlier classes.
Running time: 36 minutes. 1-page PDF included.
Lessons in this masterclass
Lessons
- 1Techniques for Soloing on Confirmation Full Class36m
Reviews & Ratings
"This incredible lesson should be called the Secret of Jazz Soloing!!"
I probably have encountered at least 1000 lessons on the Internet and otherwise, and this is the best one ever. This is the real deal.!!!! I am applying this lesson to all the songs that I am working on and having fantastic results! Thank you so much for having the insight and sharing this incredible key to single line soloing!! Hi Randy, please finish the Confirmation lesson B Section And depending on what you think, how about doing a similar lesson on 5ths and 7ts, and roots, etc etc Bob B
"Not just how but when."
This is really working for me. Randy nails it down so that the techniques can be applied and replicated.
"Mastering fast moving changes"
Randy hits another one outta da park. I never miss an opportunity to learn from this master. Teaches with a conversational style. Check out Randy's Confirmation solo on the recording "Remembering Eddie Jefferson." Among other elements touched on in this lesson, the first two notes illustrate his "one can eliminate the ii chord" perfectly. So musical. Simply great, lyrical bebop.
"Mastering fast moving changes"
As always Randy is very clear and concise in his lessons. The material is logically presented and demonstrated.
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