I’m a huge fan of Randy Johnston’s playing and teaching. When I saw this video launched, I was already curious about it but only managed to get it recently. And, I’m glad I got this.
Randy begins by sharing a story about calling Rhythm Changes on a gig he had. Then he goes into the basic chord progression and gives us a way to understand and memorize the basic changes. Randy explains the importance of licks & how you can transform them into lines and improvisation. You also get a written 8-bar etude/study that is packed with great idiomatic vocabulary for practice.
In the next part, he demonstrates an alternate series of changes for Rhythm Changes that uses diminished chords. He also explains the connection between diminished chords & dominant chords. Randy also shares two substitutions that are important for rhythm changes. He also gives us a second 8-bar etude/study that uses the diminished version of changes.
In the final part of the video, Randy explains a way to approach Rhythm Changes using Schenkerian Analysis. This particular section is my favorite part of this video because the concepts here are very practical especially to make soloing on Rhythm Changes much easier.
He also shares a blues-based approach that he heard Dr. Lonnie Smith use a lot and a diminished concept that simplifies the A section too!
In conclusion, this video delivers a great way to really build your confidence soloing over Rhythm Changes. The beautiful thing about how Randy teaches is that he shows you just the right amount of theory to navigate this. Strongly recommended for intermediate & advanced jazz guitarists who still are unsure how to best improvise over Rhythm Changes.
Pros: Great material, everything is practical.
Cons: None.
TLDR: Recommended video if you want to develop your single note soloing chops for Rhythm Changes.
Get it here:
https://mikesmasterclasses.com/course/rhythm-changes-strategies-part-i/
And…
My review for Part II of this Rhythm Changes course by Randy Johnston is here.
Check out my other book, video & course reviews here:
https://azsamadlessons.com/book-reviews/
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