Inversions & Improvisation

Inversions & Improvisation

Author: Dr. Bob Lawrence December 23, 2019 Duration: 25:49

This Jazz Piano Lesson will help you discover, learn, and play Inversions for Improvisation preparation. Inverted Arpeggios for the C Chord Family will be demonstrated (C Major, C Dominant, C Minor, C Half Diminished, C Diminished). Be sure to Download the JPS Education Doc for this podcast that musically notates the arpeggios in the root, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd inversions for all 12 chord families along with the fingerings I recommend. An invaluable educational tool to reference while studying and practicing. Download JPS Educational Document.

You can listen to this Podcast Episode at JazzPianoSkills and have access to the SpeakPipe Widget that allows you to speak immediately and directly to Dr. Bob Lawrence. Ask your questions, get answers, and interact one-on-one with Bob.

PODCAST LESSON OUTLINE

  1. C Major 7
    1. Root Position (C E G B)
    2. 1st Inversion (E G B C)
    3. 2nd Inversion (G B C E)
    4. 3rd Inversion (B C E G)
  2. C Dominant 7
    1. Root Position (C E G Bb)
    2. 1st Inversion (E G Bb C)
    3. 2nd Inversion (G Bb C E)
    4. 3rd Inversion (Bb C E G)
  3. C Minor 7
    1. Root Position (C Eb G Bb)
    2. 1st Inversion (Eb G Bb C)
    3. 2nd Inversion (G Bb C Eb)
    4. 3rd Inversion (Bb C Eb G)
  4. C Half Diminished 7
    1. Root Position (C Eb Gb Bb)
    2. 1st Inversion (Eb Gb Bb C)
    3. 2nd Inversion (Gb Bb C Eb)
    4. 3rd Inversion (Bb C Eb Gb)
  5. C Diminished 7
    1. Root Position (C Eb Gb Bbb)
    2. 1st Inversion (Eb Gb Bbb C)
    3. 2nd Inversion (Gb Bbb C Eb)
    4. 3rd Inversion (Bbb C Eb Gb)

Visit JazzPianoSkills.com for a comprehensive curriculum of jazz piano courses and lessons exploring the essential jazz piano skills used by professional jazz pianists.

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There's a certain magic in hearing a great jazz pianist, a feeling that it's both complex and effortless. Jazz Piano Skills pulls back the curtain on that magic, transforming it into a clear, practical path forward. Hosted by Dr. Bob Lawrence, an educator and the President of The Dallas School of Music, this series feels less like a lecture and more like a series of private sessions. Each episode focuses on a tangible skill, breaking down the theory, harmony, and technique that define the jazz language. You'll hear Bob at the keyboard, demonstrating chord voicings, improvisational patterns, and rhythmic concepts, explaining the 'why' behind every note. Whether you're deciphering a standard or building a solo from scratch, the guidance is always rooted in practical application. This podcast is designed for those who want to move beyond simply playing notes on a page and start speaking through the instrument. It’s a deep, methodical exploration of the art form, offering structured lessons that build upon each other. Tune in and find your voice at the keys, learning directly from a professional whose teaching strips away the intimidation and fuels genuine musical growth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 332

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