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Teach Yourself to Play Jazz.

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Teach Yourself

Resources To Learn Jazz

A comprehensive library of jazz techniques, practice ideas, artist spotlights and interviews.

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Jazz Comping - A Complete Beginners Guide

When I first started to get comfortable playing jazz on the piano, I was eager to learn how to play with an ensemble. I knew my way through lots of tunes, and how to voice each chord. But, I didn't understand what my role was supposed to be in the rhythm section, or what I was supposed to do in order to support the other players.

Josh Walsh
Josh Walsh on Dec 07, 2021
Flipping through a collection of jazz records.

Learn to play jazz on your own - step by step guide

We usually think about jazz as a formal study at a university such as Berkelee or Oberlin. Or perhaps, as more of an understudy or apprenticeship, where an upcoming student learns directly from a master. And don’t get me wrong, having a great teacher will really help in your study, but it’s not strictly required for you to become an accomplished player. In this article I’ll break down an approach to learning jazz on your own, at home, without a teacher.

Josh Walsh
Josh Walsh on Nov 08, 2021
A set of lead sheets sprawled out across a piano.

Every chord symbol found on lead sheets

In this article you'll find every chord symbol you are likely to encounter while playing from lead sheets or The Real Book. Everything from chord symbols with triangles, circles or chord extension are explained here in detail.

Josh Walsh
Josh Walsh on Apr 05, 2021
Hands on a piano

Jazz Chord Progressions — The Ultimate Guide

These 7 chord progressions make up 90% of jazz standards and are a critical skill in learning to play jazz piano.

Josh Walsh
Josh Walsh on Jun 13, 2020
Hands on a synthesizer

Soloing Using Modes of the Melodic Minor Scale

The melodic minor scale provides all kinds of different options for soloing over altered dominant chords. In this article we explore each of the 7 modes of the melodic scale, and how they work over different chords.

Josh Walsh
Josh Walsh on Mar 22, 2021
An overhead shot of a woman playing piano.

3-Note Jazz Piano Voicings

3-note jazz voicings are the simplest way to play 7th chords. They are great for beginners, but don't underestimate them -- the professionals use them all the time too.

Josh Walsh
Josh Walsh on Sep 29, 2020
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