The Secret to Melodic II–V–I Lines: Unlocking Guide-Tone Motion
Many players practice their II–V–I arpeggios but still sound disconnected. This post explains how guide-tone lines (3rds and 7ths) create smooth, musical phrasing and why learning their flow is the key to fluid jazz improvisation.
Is Memorizing Chord Tones Enough for Jazz Guitar? (A Better Approach for Beginners)
Many guitarists memorize chord tones but still struggle to sound musical. This post explains why chord-tone soloing often feels mechanical and shows how shifting to a pianist’s mindset—melody + harmony together—instantly transforms your improvisation.
The 'Magic Number' of Jazz Harmony: Unlocking the Fretboard with the Diatonic Circle of Fifths
The II–V–I progression is everywhere in jazz—but why? This post uncovers the deeper logic behind it: the Diatonic Circle of Fifths (7–3–6–2–5–1–4). Discover how this “magic number” explains the flow of harmony in tunes like Fly Me to the Moon and Autumn Leaves, and how it transforms your view of the fretboard through the Functional Diagonal Approach.