Barry Harris Descending Dominants: Guided Practice Session 1 

Playing together with someone as good as you is always super rewarding. Thanks for the post. That's my menu for this evening

Exercice 1 : 1:42 (7:04) Exercice 2 : 2:42 (7:50) Exercice 3 : 3:40 (8:41) Exercice 4 : 4:42 (9:32) Thank You Nick !

so cool and very helpful! still would like to understand why this is helpful and not just beautiful and when and how to use and apply it:))

No talk, just play. So many argue that "Barry Harris half step rules are just bebop scales." And then they treat that affirmation of their knowledge as a stopping point. I think that's why discussing theory is so dangerous in our musical communities. Analysis paralysis. If we really put in time to study the Barry Harris half step rules, the pivots, the diminished concepts... then the "rules" fade away and everything just becomes sound organized in forward motion--pulse. When we get down to the root of the Barry Harris method you realize--he isn't teaching us "new scales" (like the chord scale rolodex method). Instead, Barry Harris is teaching us phrasing and how rhythm and sound work together to create a sense of swing. Bebop scales take pre-established chord scales and place them in a rhythmic context, almost as an afterthought. Here's this mixolydian scale, now add half steps and you're good. With the Barry Harris method, rhythm and pulse are the foundation for EVERYTHING that he builds upon--even his harmony studies (with borrowing from diminished and so on).

Fantastic idea. Don’t go away and think about it. Just Do It Now! It would be the work of a moment to put it into bass clef too! Thanks for your excellent channel.

thanks Nick - much appreciated. I have been practicing the 8 tone dominant scales for the past year or so and its opened up so many new soloing possibilities. I know this will do the same.

A good way to practice cycle of fifth that sound good. No email to give to get the pdf. That's a perfect video.

Thanks!