JAZZ MASTERCLASS: Step-by-Step / Pachelbel Canon Improv

Pachelbel Canon uses a very specific bass line. It is a perfect introduction to piano improvisation.

This course takes you Step-by-Step through the process to prepare your subconscious to freely, easily and creatively play piano in all keys. The path to success is mastering each step, one at a time. Once this happens, the subconscious does the "work" and you have the FUN.

The course covers the Pachelbel Canon bass line, open voicings, melodic creation and creating a groove, using modes. This is a great "starter" to learn to improvise on the piano.

Here are the steps in Pachelbel Canon Improv:

Step-by-Step by Martan Mann

Step #1: Pachelbel Bass Line.

The Bass Line of the Pachelbel Canon:

I V VIm IIIm IV I IV V

Step #2: Pachelbel Bass Line w/Melody.

This is adding the melody of the Pachelbel Canon to the Bass Line above. The melody starts on the third and moves down the major scale.

Step #3: Pachelbel Bass Line with Continuous Melody.

Practice the Continuous Melody Exercise in Quarter Notes, Quarter-Note Triplets, Eighth Notes and Eighth-Note Triplets.

Step #4: Bass Line w/Random Continuous Melody.

Now we combine the above exercise into random rhythmic notes.

Step #5: Introduction to Open Voicings.

Here is a beginning introduction to Open Voicings . . . also know as Four-Part Harmony.

Step #6: Open Voicing Bouncing Exercise.

Study how to randomly bounce through the Open Voicings (without doubling the third).

Step #7: Open Voicings with Melody.

Here we learn how to combine the Open Voicings with Melody.

Step #8: Open Voicings with Melody in all Voices.

• Now we progress . . . placing melodic ideas in the Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass parts. You can play in thirds, sixths and tenths.
• Here is where we have the most fun. First learn how to clap or sing a groove. Then apply the groove to the Pachelbel Canon. I suggest that you start very slowly.

Step #10: Bouncing OV w/Groove.

Practice the OV Bouncing Exercise with Groove.

Step #11: Playing OV w/Groove.

Play through the Pachelbel Canon with Band-in-a-box or metronome.

Step #12: Break up Open Voicings

Practice breaking up the chords.

Step #13: Add in Melody.

Add in melody.

Step #14: Discussion on Modes.

• Modes come from scales.
• A scale is a specific arrangement of steps.
• Modes are starting the scales on different degrees of the scale.

Step #15: Pachelbel and the Modes.

• Modes come from scales.
• A scale is a specific arrangement of steps.
• Modes are starting the scales on different degrees of the scale.
• Play bass note and melody notes in Pachelbel.
• In the key of C, all the notes are diatonic and are on the white keys.
• Play each melody and bass note through Pachelbel. Carefully choose the notes in the middle. These can be played as structures or melodies.
• Play in all keys.

Step #16: Pachelbel as a jazz waltz.

• Use Band-in-a-box.
• Think structurally.
• Comp behind a solo instrument.
• Play in all keys.

I want to encourage you to contact me through Udemy. I'm always happy to help with questions, feedback and suggestions.

Best to you -

--Martan :)

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