The Ramon Ricker Improvisation Series

The II-V-I Progression

Book three is devoted exclusively to the II-V-I progression, rhythm changes and standard tunes and is intended for players of all levels who are serious about learning to play on changes. Subjects covered in this book include: VOCABULARY: The II-V-I Progression, Half-Diminished Seventh Chords, The Locrian and Locrian 2 Scales, Altered Dominant Chords, The Altered Scale, Guide Tones, Using Triads as Guide Tones, Walking Bass Lines, Major Scales with a Passing Tone, The Major Workout, Applying Major Scales with a Passing Tone to II-V-I Progressions, Applying Dominant and Major Scales with Passing Tones to II-V-I Progressions, and The Rhythm Changes. STYLE: Using Guide Tones When Soloing, Using the Melody as a Basis of Your Improvisation, Learn the Lyrics, and Learning the Melody. EAR TRAINING: Specific examples and suggestions with recorded tracks for practice. REPERTOIRE: List of Selected Jazz Compositions that Extensively Use the II-V-I Progression, Selected Standard Tunes that Extensively Use the II-V-I Progression, and Selected Compositions Based on Rhythm Changes. This improvisation method is more than just another play-along. It is a series of books and CDs that progress step by step, offering concrete suggestions and advise that shows you how and what to practice.