This section frequently offers new transcriptions of jazz solos. Learning the improv style of your favorite jazz greats 'word for word' is probably the most valuable form of shedding on your instrument: It trains your ear (even more so, if learned by transcribing), forces you to be creative in figuring out new techniques as well as in becoming a "thinking musician" as well as many more benefits... you get the idea!!
When you work with the transcriptions below, it would be a good idea to purchase the original recordings for using them as the primary tools for learning the solos - although it isn't necessary. The goal is to memorize the solo and practice it by playing along with the artists; therefore, articulations, like staccato, slurs, etc, need to be drawn from the recording. This will force you to rely on your ear more than on what's written. Try playing against the music at a loud volume as well as low volume; you will notice one of them to be harder than the other. Click on the thumb-nail images to download the transcriptions.
- Grant Green's solo on "Blues for Willarene"
- George Benson solo on "Billie's Bounce"
- Wes Montgomery solo on "How Insensitive"
- Red Garland's solo on "Bye Bye Blackbird"
- George Benson solo on "Stella by Starlight"
- John McLaughlin's solo on "Take The Coltrane"