Circle of Fifths Savvy
Unlock the science of jazz harmony
This mini-course consists of an eBook, two videos, and several musical examples written for Bass clef, Bb, Eb, and C.
This course is a practical explanation of an important concept of music theory. The Circle represents an order to musical harmony through which jazz musicians should be able to hear and play.
Improvisation and all of music moves through the circle in different ways. It’s important because the circle helps focus on the idea of using key centers rather than scales to guide improvisation. Thinking in terms of scales makes jazz playing sound like… well, scales.
The magic of the Circle of Fifths explains why the IV-I Plagal Cadence sounds so natural and why tritones sound so dissonant. It explains why the I and the IV in the basic blues feels so natural to play and why the II-Vs a major third apart in Giant Steps is so difficult. The circle unlocks some mysteries that will help make you a better musician and improviser.
Available in bass clef, C, Bb, and Eb...
Digital workbook and videos: $7.95
Once you add to cart, choose the edition you want.
What you will gain from this mini-course
You will receive access to two videos (part one and part two), a companion eBook, and sound files. The combination of these powerful tools will give you:
- An understanding of the structure of the circle and why you should care
- Jazz patterns that strengthen your ability to move easily around the circle
- Rhythm tracks in multiple speeds allowing you to practice your facility with the circle
- Analysis of standard tunes and how to use the circle to improvise more easily over them
- Partial transcription of an improvised solo over a standard tune along with the space to learn by finishing the transcription
- An audio file of the solo over changes as well as one with the rhythm track of the chord changes
- A circle of fifths analysis of the standard tune's changes and guidance as to how the circle helps you improvise well over the tune
