STARTER TRACKS

STARTER TRACKS give you the opportunity to play with with any of our BEGINNING level tracks in a limited number of keys instead of all 12. Each progression is presented here in 5 easy keys to help you start improvising without getting overwhelmed.

Major ii/V
Slow Major Turnaround
Breezin' Changes
Slow Minor Turnaround
Slow Bossa Turnaround
Traditional Blues
Slow Jazz Blues
Slow Rhythm Changes MAJOR ii/V (Keys of C, F, Bb, Eb, and G)
The most common and basic chord progression in jazz, these chord changes are the building blocks for all the jazz harmony you'll need to know. Slow swing tempo (mm= 86)

Trio $5
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SEE THE CHANGES (C instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Bb instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Eb instruments)
SLOW MAJOR TURNAROUND (Keys of C, F, Bb, Eb, and G)

ii-7 / V7 / IM7 / VI7(b9) This simple 4 bar progression adds a resolution chord (I) to the ii/V and uses the VI chord to return (or turnaround) to the ii chord. It is found in such tunes as Lady Be Good, I've Got You Under My Skin, Shiny Stockings, Chelsea Bridge, Gone With The Wind. Slow swing tempo (mm = 88)

Trio $5
sample
SEE THE CHANGES (C instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Bb instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Eb instruments)
BREEZIN' CHANGES (Keys of C, F, Bb, Eb and G)

IM7 / VI7 / ii-7 / V7. Easy funk groove on one of the most common chord progressions in jazz. It can be found in hundreds of tunes, including Blue Moon, Since I Fell For You, Moonlight In Vermont, I Got Rhythm, These Foolish Things, Polka Dots and Moonbeams. Slow straight 8th (mm = 78)

Trio $5
sample
SEE THE CHANGES (C instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Bb instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Eb instruments)
SLOW MINOR TURNAROUND (Keys of Am, Dm, Gm, Cm and Em)

ii-7(b5) / V7alt / i / vi-7(b5). This is the minor key version of the turnaround which you will need for playing these tunes: Angel Eyes, What's New, Funkallero, You Don't Know What Love Is. Slow swing tempo (mm = 96)

Trio $5
sample
SEE THE CHANGES(C instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Bb instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Eb instruments)
SLOW BOSSA TURNAROUND (Keys of C, F, Bb, Eb and G)

An extended variation of the MAJOR TURNAROUND. II7 / V7 / IM7 / IV7 / iii-7/ VI7 This progression is used in Perdido, I Wish You Love, Tangerine, But Not For Me, Our Love Is Here To Stay. Slow bossa nova (mm= 100)

Trio $5
sample
SEE THE CHANGES (C instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Bb instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Eb instruments)
TRADITIONAL BLUES (Keys of C, F, Bb, Eb, and G)

The most universal of all blues forms, this progression uses only the I, IV and V chords. Slow swing tempo (mm = 110) (3:40)

Trio $5
sample
SEE THE CHANGES (C instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Bb instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Eb instruments)
SLOW JAZZ BLUES (Keys of C, F, Bb, Eb and G)

This set of chords adds some bebop elements to the TRADITIONAL BLUES. Well-known jazz tunes based on this version of the blues include Billie's Bounce, Blue Monk, C Jam Blues, Sonnymoon For Two, Tenor Madness, Now's The Time, Straight No Chaser, Bags' Groove. Medium swing tempo (mm= 96)

Trio $5
sample
SEE THE CHANGES (C instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Bb instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Eb instruments)
SLOW "RHYTHM" CHANGES (Keys of C, F, Bb, Eb and G)

This progression is based on George Gershwin's song I Got Rhythm, and has been used for many swing and bebop era compositions, such as Oleo, Anthropology, Rhythm-A-Ning, Cottontail, The Flinstones (TV Theme). Medium swing tempo (mm = 150)

Bs/Dr $5
sample
SEE THE CHANGES (C instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Bb instruments)
SEE THE CHANGES (Eb instruments)

For help with these tracks, watch Jazz Saxophone Solo: Rhythm Changes and Jazz Saxophone Lesson: Rhythm Changes

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Be sure to download your FREE chart showing the chord changes for every track in each set.

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