May 2024

 

This month, we’re looking at Modal Voicings/Soloing, and Marc Johnson’s tune Samurai Hee-Haw.

1. Lesson: Modal Voicings. In this lesson I’m showing you some classic 4-note modal voicings, and how to practice them so you can make them sound musical.

2. Song: Samurai Hee-Haw. A super catchy tune from Marc Johnson’s brilliant album Bass Desires (1986) featuring John Scofield and Bill Frisell.

3. Song/Solo: So What – Miles Davis – use all that modal magic on this tune, and while you’re at it, make sure you know this Miles solo and listen closely to Bill’s comping for more chord ideas. I’ve transcribed the solo just for you, and I show you exactly how to translate it to the guitar.

4. Related Stuff

• Phil Robson – How To Play Over Static Modal Chords
• Dyad Comping in D Dorian #1
• Dyad Comping in D Dorian #2