Major is Harmonic (and Other Essays) is a book for all instrumentalists that explores the highly underrated Harmonic Major scale and its applications for jazz improvistation. Jazz musicians such as Charlie Parker have used the Harmonic Major scale, for example: the Eb7#9 in "Donna Lee" and the Abdim7b13 in "Corcovado." This book includes:
- Examinations of where the scale and its harmonies show up, such as in theso-called Bebop scales and in cellular improvisation.
- Ways to discover 'hidden chords' outside of the basic diatonic chords in a scale.
- Examples from well-known jazz recordings, written out to show Harmonic Major's usefulness in real life playing.
- Extensive exercises to develop fluency on this "forgotten scale," as well as fresh way to practice bebop scales, quartal triads and tetrads, ten-note bebop scales, ways to target notes during cellular improvising, and much more!
- Spiral-bound, 95 pages.
If you are serious about expanding your soloing vocabulary, this book will become an essential part of your practice regimen. Don't miss it!
Praise for Randy Vincent's Major is Harmonic:
"An absolutely necessary book for the aspiring jazz guitarist." - Mark Levine
"Randy Vincent is an extraordinary musician who also happens to play the guitar."
"This book is good for ALL instruments. The patterns and exercises are excellent! There is much food for thought in here." - Jamey Aebersold
"This book will be an invaluable asset to any serious student of jazz guitar." - Ben Monder
"Randy Vincent has put together a comprehensive, thoughtfully presented and practical jazz manual." - Bob Sheppard
Randy Vincent is a seasoned jazz guitarist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he balances performing and teaching. He has collaborated with a wide array of musicians, from Joe Henderson to Dizzy Gillespie, and performed at major jazz festivals like Monterey and San Francisco Jazz Festivals. Vincent has been teaching jazz guitar at Sonoma State University since 1981 and also instructs at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Notable among his students are Julian Lage, who has toured with the Gary Burton Quartet, and Dave McNab, who has appeared on national television shows. Randy has also conducted clinics across the U.S. and taught internationally.