A SUBSCRIBER'S BOOK ENDORSEMENT - "Mootrevo" just wanted to do a shout-out for your book; People, I’ve been using Kent’s book every day for over a year, and it’s a work of art. If you like Kent’s playing and the way he explains jazz and music harmony, and the songs he chooses as examples... then RUN, don’t walk to Kent’s website and get this book. He IS far too modest about this amazing jazz workbook he has created. It is simply the best I have ever used, and I’ve tried a lot of them. It has improved my playing and understanding of jazz theory tremendously. I can’t imagine any student of jazz piano and/or jazz harmonic theory not liking this book. It’s simply that good. It’s fun. It’s straight forward. And unlike so many other jazz books, it’s not boring!! (sorry for the immodesty, if you want my book, but can't afford it, write to me for special price ..KH).
I appreciate your telling me. Thanks for that great comment...I have the same wish for you...to pass on the knowledge ...if you can. from you and I learn a lot by doing this!
This guys is an actual legend, can't tell you how much these videos have not only helped me along my way as a musician but also just inspired and existed me, which is everything because I still have a ways to go, thanks Kent, your a true blue piano hero.
Hey Kent- well you're doing it in an amazing and clear, generous way in my opinion !. i'm a professional film composer , self taught musician - it took me years to understand music and my favourite music has always been Jazz - when i was a young teenager i was lucky ( or unlucky enough ) to have Jazz piano lessons from a semi-well known musician composer, it was hopeless - i was desperate to see those chord shapes- you know, the changes that make our hearts tingle , and understand those scales and little melodic cells: the best way is visual for many people ( slow readers etc. ) that's why your videos are the BEST i've ever seen because we can SEE what's going on and you play in a calm and structured way to allow the novice to see and hear the components , voicing etc. Jazz is a tradition and it needs to be handed down , we can't all afford to go to academies or even study privately and so these videos are as good or even BETTER than private lessons because you cut to the chase and give us the essentials from which people can work from . amazing and i'm very grateful to you Kent because although i'm an okay player , its not built on solid-enough ground. Now i'm going to go through all your tutorials and stop leaping into the dark when i improvise on 'Stella By Starlight' Thank you so much Kent !
Paul....Thanks for telling me your story. I have total respect for you and I thank you deeply for your affirmation for what I'm trying to do..just passing on the knowledge.
You are without doubt the World’s best teacher making this so easy to understand. Your video offers more inspiration than any other tutorials on the Net and your enthusiasm and own excitement for this scale is infectious. I wish I could meet you in person. Thank you so much from Andrew in the UK
Andrew, your generous comment is one of the best comments I've had over the last 3 years...I hope you will be receptive to my using your quote. Please write to me anytime, and it would be a pleasure to meet you someday. (I'm in New England and still have some family in UK)
Don't take the video down please, because there are more people that like than those that dislike it it is very informative we always have some thing to learn from you thanks as always.
You had me. You lost me. Found me. Lost me. Found. Lost. Found. Lost. Found. I don't even know how to read music. Used to play guitar by ear. Just listening to you talk and play those scales. I had no idea I liked jazz that much! What a great ride!
A tip: you can slow down the video by using the settings button under the video, the wheel... (while it's playing only) to slow down the video to 1/2 speed. Let me know!
Cool! I am a classical pianist with RA(Studied with Phenom Susan Starr) but my Dad was a fine jazz Guitarist and he and Dennis Sandole were very close. He considered my Dad his equal on guitar (Contrary to legend, Dennis was a sweet human being, extremely warm and loving. I grew up listening to Dennis and Daddy and remember that incredible arrangement of "Prelude to a Kiss". In fact I still have Dennis' 1940's Gretch Electromatic guitar). I really enjoy your lessons because my condition has severely effected my hands so I can't play anything more difficult than some easy sonatas and etudes but never on a performance level. But I want you to know that I can easily follow you. You have opened up a new world for me ( I was always a bit snooty about music). Actually I really admire the risks that jazz improv people take.To a classically trained person, the thought of just "winging it" musically is absolutely terrifying but I am starting to get by that fear of making a mistake or not " properly executing a cadenza". In fact some of the most interesting sounds I have discovered have been born out of my screw ups. It's a new found freedom to let go of that crushing fear of hitting a wrong note and I thank you for putting music back in my life. For years I couldn't even listen to Mozart without bursting into tears.Now I am actually having the action in my Steinway B redone to lighten it up. I haven't touched it in ten years.Too Sad.I have been screwing around with my Baldwin ( that was my teaching piano). Anyway, I Just wanted to say thanks for your videos. The life you saved may have been mine. You never know how many lives you touch out here.Thanks again... Sending you love, good vibes and great admiration. Beth
Finally, I found what I was looking for after 69 years on the planet. I'm eternally grateful to you and RUclips. I played the piano since I was five, the traditional classical way then my physician Abad introduced me to the chords and playing by ear. I learned to play other instruments like the guitar, French horn and trumpet but didn't have a chance to play jazz the way I want to because I never got as far as music theory and was afraid to ask my learned friends who I adored and listened to. Thank you because I have at least 30 years more to learn a whole new world of music, I finally have an idea how to get there.
I love this video so much. Please don't delete it! It's so inspiring and full of musical and educational materials. Hands down the best tutorial explaining this scale on youtube.
What a fantastic tutorial. Love the humour and clear and impromptu way you impart knowledge, Kent. I will refer to this many times and try to get fluent and fluid. There's a lot a relative novice can achieve with these tools. Thank you very much. I shall now cry in a corner with my left hand thumb and pinky in opposing vices until I can reach a tenth.
he said at the end he'd delete it if there were more than 2 dislikes, but i'm sure after the overwhelming support he can tolerate a couple thumbs downs
My pal tried drumming this into my head a few decades ago. When the bulb in my head eventually sparked into life it did change my life. I've since tried to so spread the gospel but I usually get looks of disbelief along with confusion. This video is great great great!!!
That's a wonderful comment, Pete, because there is a higher intelligence that make this knowledge happen for me and enables me to pass it on to you. So I BELIEVE!
Understood. Excelent lesson, very clear, detailed explanation. You are one of the Best Jazz Master Professor. Thanks for your kind. Best regards, Ivan da Costa, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro.
Sir, the way you speak is pure logic to me. You understand distances between notes, and actually translate it in a way it is easy for me to pick up. I've been playing guitar for 10 years now and I've had lessons from various guitar players, all of them studies at conservatoria, but none of them ever taught me in a way you just did. Cant put it in words how this single video blew my mind. Thank you for enlightening me.
Thanks, brother, there's a lot more enlightenment there ...if we seek ...we will find. I'm just seeking..so you see.... when I find.... I have to pass it on...because it's all there for us ...if you seek. I'm glad I found you!!
There's a video called A Kind of Blue - in three parts. It's about why that Miles Davis album has become a hallmark of jazz. This got into how all the tunes on the album were based on six of the modal scales. This prevented hard resolutions and allowed for very freeform playing because the modes freed the players from melodies. It was this tune structure that contributed to that album becoming the best selling album in jazz. I think this is fascinating because it shows that people find beauty and meaning without needing to understand why. This vid helps me understand something about playing in modes.
Thanks for the comment and for passing on your knowledge to me and others. Please see my series on modal playing staring with this one: ruclips.net/video/kJHsdGsf00o/видео.html
Yes, modal playing allowed for more freedom of expression, and created greater passion in the improvisation, because the tunes on your named session were simpler, (chord progressions) and allowed for pentatonic scale concepts and outside the chord runs.... but this style grew out of bebop and hard bop in which the chord progressions were complex, and required a more comprehensive and challenging means of improvisation. This modal concept created a whole new way of playing. It's interesting that this style is not as common today...it really fits the 60's pivotal movement of culture, in which spiritually and self-discovery played a part in the expression. Coltrane was the Grand Master of this era, and I was truly blessed to see him live numerous times. (life changing) He was the epitome of this new wave of playing...do you agree?
You know Kent, I've listened to Coltrane over the years trying to fathom the amazing reputation he has as what you, and many others, say he was - the epitome of post bee-bop jazz and I'm not moved. As the contrast of Coltrane and Miles is fresh in my mind from having heard them recording A Kind of BLue, I can say that I relate more to Miles as that hallowed epitome - or even Milt Jackson. I have to say, I don't relate that well to pure abstraction. I need the theme or melodic or conceptual intent reiterated in order to have the contrast by which to make abstraction relative. (which is why I like your teaching style!) Coltrane seems to me to take off on the abstraction and never look back - at me - standing in the dust as the bus leaves town. I love melodic (or thematic) playing. I'm probably corny in this respect but I can't help it. STan Getz is the Grand Poet for me in this sense - but only on the Bossa Nova stuff, which was only a phase for him. His abstract playing also leaves me in the emotional dust. (I'm not all that hip to many of the players - but I instinctively like even Eric Dolphy and even (live) Roland Kirk) It's the emotional element - personalized blues - that fleshes out the runs for me. I realized watching A KInd of BLue how Taoist Miles has - intent spontaneity - in which 'corrections' or 'redirections' aren't mistakes but in-the-moment acts of insisting the music remain authentic to a personal emotion rather than being blinded by one's own pyrotechnics. But I'll listen again to Coltrane and see if can understand something just a little beyond my understanding. Thanks for asking. What do you think of this?
Dagaan...my apologies...I missed seeing your very interesting and thoughtful response. I agree with you in a lot of ways. I tend to listen today more to early Miles, early Trane, Herbie, Jamal, early Bill Evans more so than their later works. I think their earlier playing was perhaps more melodic and lyrical in a lot of ways. I think what makes Kind Of Blue so great is that it is lyrical and melodic while still having a lot of freedom, innovation, and simplicity. But we can't not understand these great players (especially Miles and Coltrane) needing to innovate and explore new expressions (and make a living). Like abstract artists, freedom to innovate made the great ones famous. I love most everything that Getz does esp. Focus. (have you heard it?...beautiful orchestrations). Actually I've gotten more into West Coast Jazz lately because the arrangements are more succinct and well-written, the solos are melodic and to the point, rather than 2-3 chorus of improv.... so I find a lot of that more palatable...I'm sure it's because I'm mellower than I use to be when I listened to a lot of abstract stuff and thought that was the coolest. Now I just like to relax (surprised I'm saying that, because it makes me feel like I need to get back to the other stuff.) Anyways...I hear you and agree. But I would recommend checking out the Coltrane ballads album, they are the more lyrical side of Coltrane with some great tunes and phenomenal playing by McCoy Tyner. Here's a link: ruclips.net/video/8rOMV0A5jd0/видео.html All the best...and please write to me anytime.
Never had a piano lesson...But played piano by ear for 80 years.Be-Bop in 1948 was to me something else...I loved it.So I have been playing -9 +9 -5 (+4)+5 13 etc...and never worked out the Most Amazing Jazz Scale as you have.Thank you from an 89yr old jazz pianist.Love your video.
Kent, I'm not a jazz player, but I found the video mind-blowing. This is the octatonic scale that the great french composer Messiaen used in his work. A lot of his work does have a unique jazz sound-- now it makes more sense. I never thought of it as a jazz scale. Maybe an easier way to explain the three 'families' you refer to is to say that there are 3 and only 3 unique octatonic scales-- scales made of alternating half and whole steps. There is the family that contains C to C# (the half step up from C), the family that conains C to D (the whole step up from C), and the family that doesn't contain C: the scale that includes B to C#. Thanks, Ken. Very interesting.
+Greg Scott Thanks, Greg, for the great comment! Whatever you want to look at it is your own personal thing, I totally approve. I look at it the 2 ways ...the alternating half- whole intervals for the dominant families and the alternating whole-half intervals for the diminished families. I like to think of the 3 families being built on C, F , and G because they are the tonic, sub-dominant, and dominant in the key of C, the simplest key. There are numerous ways to look at it and your way works too, and thanks for pointing it out!
Thanks! That's an interesting concept, along with the idea of the emancipation of the dissonance, in modern 12 tone music. I talk about the chromatic, whole tone, diminished, pentatonic, and super locrian scales in my videos. ruclips.net/p/PLFuMibnl_h5aW6gJP9I6agqkEaggaynVC
OH MY GODDD YOU LOVE OLIVIER MESSIAEN TOO?! Lol, I remember studying him two years ago for History III for my ARCT when I was 12... that was interesting, I studied Catalogue d'Oiseaux
Greg, that's very interesting, and your way of looking at it is correct...and just different from how I like to see it, but I understand what you're saying. Also I'm glad to learn about Messiaen and the octatonic scale. There are 8 notes in the scale. Funny that when I type that word it's underlined in red for wrong spelling or not a word...you could be "putting me on". ha, ha! Thanks!
+Louis Levy Hey Lou! Great to hear from you...how are you doing? Check this and please keep in touch: ruclips.net/channel/UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
Bloody brilliant. So pleased I found this channel. My only issue, and I can't be alone on this, is: Is it Kent Hewitt, or Ken the witt? *ponders question with squinty, long-distance-stare*
I am so happy someone like you has decided to share your knowledge with learners like me. Much of what you teach is over my head. BUT, some things I didn’t understand 6 months ago make sense. It is just not my natural language yet. I big thank you. I keep learning. Don’t delete.
Kent Hewitt Thank you, you have a great gift, and thank you for sharing it with us. I will definitely be watching all your other videos soon. Again, thank you. Kind regards.
Us classical music people just call that the octatonic scale. Scriabin wrote a ton in it. Lots of his contemporaries did. I think of it as the combination of all the church modes. To pull all the scales out of context of key, I relate them to Ionian and Aeolian (natural minor). Ionian... Dorian is just Aeolian, but with a raised 6th. Phrygian is Aeolian, but with lowered 2nd. Lydian is Ionian, but with a raised 4th. Mixolydian is Ionian, but with lowered 7th. Aeolian... Screw Locrian. Obviously unusual, and without a tonic dominant relationship. Essentially not a standalone key. Add all these church modes quirks together and you get 1, flat2, flat3, 3, sharp4, 5, 6, flat 7, 1. Probably too much to think about, but I like it. Also probably why I'm bad and slow at jazz.
+Treble Bass I'm just saying the distance between the 1st scale degree and the 5th scale degree of Locrian is a tritone and not a perfect fifth, so it makes it a bit unusual to cadence in.
ah, yes it is clear. and I see i was off point by referring to the 7th in the Locrian modeinstead of the fifth, which is what I actually intended. when you said dominant, I automatically thought : 7th. I am an avid music fan, and tend to to be moved by what I consider to be "beautiful" music. as a player by ear, and by what little I have assimilated through some theory, I find great pleasure in "understanding" relationships between various aspects of musical paths that can be used to create tension, feeling, resolution and the unexpected phrase. thank you for responding, I wasn't expecting it. cheers from Florida, USA.
I had a few lessons where altered scales were mentioned, but never this much in depth. Its real refreshing to see these scales explained, thank you very much. Keep up the interesting work, many thanks.
Thank you so much for the comment... and welcome to my subscribers club. I have 130 videos for you...please select from my list: ruclips.net/channel/UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
I was a music major in college, then went to med school. I have always played piano. I had lessons from a great teacher, who exposed me to the diminished scale but I never got it until you did your video. Now it's perfectly clear and all the jazz I've listened to has a new insight. Thank you so much!!
I can't respond to a linked comment...it's not possible on RUclips. Thanks for the generous compliments. I learn things by doing these videos. So I'm grateful and happy to pass on the knowledge. Here's my list: ruclips.net/channel/UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
I'm new to jazz and I understood the scale, but which chords would I use to accompany it? There are so many different chords in jazz and it is really hard to make it sound good.
It's explained in the video briefly, it fits on both diminished and dominant 7 chords. In the case of the C altered dominant 7 scale (same notes as the Eb, Gb and Bb scale): C7, Dbdim7, Eb7, Edim7, Gb7, Gdim7, A7, Bbdim7. Note that those four diminished chords are also friends, just like the four modes of the scale mentioned above (they contain the same notes).
Equal division of the octave (6 aspects) = into 12 equal parts (by semitone), into 6 equal parts (by whole tone), into 4 equal parts (by minor 3rd), into 3 equal parts (by major 3rd), into 2 equal parts (by tritone, augmented 4th). This is different in that it's strictly an 8 note scale which alternates between 1/2 step and whole steps...it's not equal division like the other aspects. However if you took the 1st 4 steps (as a lower major 3rd, starting with a semitone) and compared it to the next 4 steps ) as an upper major 3rd)...they would divide the octave equally, (with a semitone in between each). Fascinating!
Hi All, Here is an interesting read if you are into this method of seeing the scales: www.u.arizona.edu/~gross/Slonimsky/Thesaurus.of.Scales.And.Melodic.Patterns.Nicolas.Slonimsky.pdf Also, you may see it from the Messiaen's viewpoint - Modes of limited transposition as the wiki page is labeled. This video really got me into this topic and those above I found very fascinating.
I've been studying this lesson for two years now, always reviewing and getting better at the execution of the scales and licks used herein, writing new diminished licks, practicing drop two diminished chords, et al... how this post ever got any thumbs down is a mystery, but I and 21K others say, Thank You, KH. Enduring concepts.
I just wanted to post my 3rd Comment about this one lesson. It's one of my Top Ten in the History of Lessons. As the years have passed, I am finally bringing this into my playing. But I've referred back to this Video over the years to keep developing my understanding. What a great gift this lesson is, and will remain to be for years to come, for all aspiring Jazz Musicians. The Symmetry still takes my breath away, because of it's utter simplicity, yet, unmatched ability to move the Human Spirit when Mastered. Thanks Kent I Love You Madly, Reverend Ronnie
Wonderful comment and compliment, Rev. Ronnie. I"m glad this video resonates so well with you, that you keep going back to it. I'm surprised because I made this video off the top of my head w/ very little preparation, and other videos that I spent more time constructing are not anywhere near as popular. Go figure. Blessings..sir!
I.have struggled with this particular sound for all my life and now you have unlocked what I have been searching for..you are truly amazing. Thank you does not full describe my gratitude...but until I have expanded my vocabulary....THANK YOU..
please don't delete. musicians who refute your statements are showing off that they know theory better. that may well be, but you're helping a lot of people. so focus on the number of thumbs up. and you're funny without even trying. love it. keep teaching, sir.
Woah! You are my new hero. Seriously: I've heard this idea pointed at from a number of directions, but this is the only time it's clicked and made sense. That's pretty incredible for under 15 minutes in an unscripted video. Thank you. What a wonderful way to create great licks and runs.
Kent, you're one of the very best teachers I've come across. I love the dichotomy of the Diminished Scale/Alt-Dominant scale. Did not quite get what you call the flat-6th add-on, but I can certainly hear it in the 'line'. And that's what makes you a great teacher for me, at least - I have not the theory, nor the discipline, maybe, but I sure as hell have the line, and this will indeed help me refine it. Thanks so much!
Thanks, David. Please rephrase the question. This a complicated subject... so I want to be sure to understand what your question is, to give you a proper answer. All the best!
WE ALL ARE LIVING BY THE "RULE OF THUMB" NOWADAYS ! ALL THUMBS UP FOR THIS ARTIST FOLKS !!! YOUR UNSCRIPTED VIDEOS ARE EQUALLY AS GREAT AS YOUR SCRIPTED ONES ! MANY THANKS KENT HEWITT !
High 5's to you , brother!! You have a super generous soul, which will serve you well in this ____ world. You and I need to hang...please write to me at: kenthewitt@hotmail.com
You are a crazy cat man. I was with you to the very end of this video. I have to say I have made more significant breakthroughs from your jazz videos than anywhere else. Don’t stop - or take this one down.
It's so funny! Today I was just explaining this scale to a guitar player friend of mine. I pretty much blew his mind with it and he asked me to write it down for him. I told him its application to dominant chords, and how if you were to connect the roots of those dominant chords together you create a diminished 7th chord. I also showed him many of the same "Licks" of the diminished scales. Understanding this scale and its application have really changed my vocabulary, opened up my eyes, and ears while playing. My favorite scale!
Kent Hewitt this confirmed my thinking of it in some ways. I discovered all this not long ago while practicing the scales and playing them over chords. Also just a funny coincidence. Still a great video!
magic, young players need to grasp this as rely as possible- beautifully demonstrated - thank you for sharing what REALLY needs to be shared and past on by jazz players to other musicians and people entering jazz ...... perfect !
Hi Kent, I've watched and played along with a few of your videos. This is exactly what I've been looking for, and for many years... I love the way you deliver these lessons and explain things... You've both inspired me and re-kindled my desire to play jazz, you've put it within my reach... and I can't thank you enough. Wow, thank you so much
This is an awesome lesson, especially for those of us who are sensitive to the sonic experience of shifting harmony, but not schooled very much in HOW these sounds are produced. This opens up a new vista for me! I think the example highlighted at 10:51, using the diminished scale over a II chord and resolving back to the I is a *PERFECT* instance of its use in creation tension and resolution. Thanks so much for this information - so plainly laid out!
I appreciate your nice comment, Norman. Please check out my playlists for categories most interesting to you. ruclips.net/channel/UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
Had the internet existed when my mother first decided to pay for piano lessons for me (some 60 years ago) and had you and so many other really fine pianists/teachers been around with RUclips videos, I can't imagine how different life might be for me now. The ONLY style of piano I wanted to learn back then was jazz but my mom and the teachers she hired for me had no interest in any of that. I just learned more about the structure of Jazz in this 14 minute video than I did in the 7 years that my parents squandered so much money trying to get me to learn something I didn't want to learn. Thank you. I'm looking forward to practicing this and future video lessons that you might put into your channel. Thanks again.
Hi Bob...I understand totally...my parents had no idea what I was doing... playing "jazz". They sent me to prep school so that I'd be prepared for a good education.... leading to the "American Dream". Unfortunately, it didn't work out. So that's my story...what's the rest of yours. Your affirmation is the best gift to me that I can receive. Please keep watching and write to me again! All best wishes... kenthewitt@hotmail.com
I think I actually understood much of that! Now it's a matter of practicing that scale and wrapping my brain completely around it. Great instruction, Mr. Hewitt. I especially like the overhead view of your hands as you discuss chords & fingerings. You're a master. Thank you for sharing.
Amazing! I am a classically trained composer who teaches this scale as the 'octatonic scale' which is from the family of 'modes of limited transposition'. Messiaean really claimed these scales in his 20th art music pieces. Love seeing it in a jazz context! Thanks :)
Thanks for the comment. I've heard from a number of classical musicians who told me that, and to check it out in Debussy, Stravinsky and Bartok melodies. Makes sense, 'cause it's 8 notes.
As guitar player I always watch these type of videos, it helps me a lot to understand jazz applied scales AND chords. I'm even flirting with the idea of learning piano. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, much love from Mexico.
Thanks Taylor, for the love and appreciation. I love the guitar and wish I could play it. But I've always envied guiatrists...so thanks for sharing your thoughts!
There's a lot to be credited to someone who does the work to grow...so now the challenges are ahead of you... to use the knowledge I've passed on...if you want to. Thank you for telling me!
This video is my most popular, and probably because, candidly I was relating an amazing concept in music that has a deeper meaning in the creation of, what some say is, a perfect universe.
I think it's fascinating that the three groups of the diminished as you explained them in this video ( i.e C, F and G) and in your video about Cool Chord Patterns (Altered Dominants in Diminished Pattern) are all related perfect intervals. It is really a cosmic thing like you say. There is so much beauty in these relationships. This really helped me not only to be able to spell all my diminished chords but to use them more effectively. Thanks Kent!
Thank, Robert, It's always a lift to me when someone like you "get's it" and is excited by it like I am. I suggest you watch one of my favorite theory lesson I did early on....which I think is really a basic and important lesson to start with. Here:ruclips.net/video/6lXRj0hjHcM/видео.html&index=1
Brilliant lesson! I always liked the altered scale, but I never knew how to apply it well in a jazz context until now - and your video has opened my ears to how it is employed by many great jazz musicians.
I'm glad to hear that we are in the same camp. Now you have inspiring work to do, to apply it to your jazz studies and improvisation. It's a fun trip, and you will impress your fellow musicians!
Thanks for the comment! It's not a scale that you would just learn about casually. How did you know about it and not know how to apply it! Just curious.
A SUBSCRIBER'S BOOK ENDORSEMENT - "Mootrevo" just wanted to do a shout-out for your book; People, I’ve been using Kent’s book every day for over a year, and it’s a work of art. If you like Kent’s playing and the way he explains jazz and music harmony, and the songs he chooses as examples... then RUN, don’t walk to Kent’s website and get this book. He IS far too modest about this amazing jazz workbook he has created. It is simply the best I have ever used, and I’ve tried a lot of them. It has improved my playing and understanding of jazz theory tremendously. I can’t imagine any student of jazz piano and/or jazz harmonic theory not liking this book. It’s simply that good. It’s fun. It’s straight forward. And unlike so many other jazz books, it’s not boring!! (sorry for the immodesty, if you want my book, but can't afford it, write to me for special price ..KH).
"welcome back cool cats and grooving chicks"
liked
And finger -poppin' Daddies.
como mexico no hay dos
As soon as he said that, I wanted him to be Christopher Walken. Great video though. Subscribed on the spot.
Thanks for subscribing!
Dan the joke of the piano teacher made me like
Thank you for educating people on the wonders of Jazz and bringing the world a little bit more together through music!
I appreciate your telling me. Thanks for that great comment...I have the same wish for you...to pass on the knowledge ...if you can. from you and I learn a lot by doing this!
Yeah, great videos in here.... and I am glad I just came to this one ;)
Reminds me of my ex, she diminished and dominated me constantly.
I dig!.... I'm sorry, ...but in music, they function to take us from tension to resolution. So I wish that for you, brother.
Did you enjoyed it? Did she used leather, straps and stuff? XD
hehehe
Apparently it still wasn't enough for you. Otherwise. You'd still be with her. Right?
weird i thought the same thing no joke 😅
Please don’t ever, ever drop this video. It simplifies so much w/regards to diminished harmony. Great stuff.
Thanks for the comment!
This guys is an actual legend, can't tell you how much these videos have not only helped me along my way as a musician but also just inspired and existed me, which is everything because I still have a ways to go, thanks Kent, your a true blue piano hero.
Thanks, Carl, you are a cat! I still feel like there's so much more I need to learn....but that keeps it inspiring...partially if the journey is fun.
I agree totally!!! Have learned so much
Glad I stumbled upon this one. Great lesson. Been hearing these jazz runs for years and never knew what it was. Thanks for sharing it!
Thanks for the support and appreciation. Please check out my list:ruclips.net/channel/UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
Hey Kent- well you're doing it in an amazing and clear, generous way in my opinion !. i'm a professional film composer , self taught musician - it took me years to understand music and my favourite music has always been Jazz - when i was a young teenager i was lucky ( or unlucky enough ) to have Jazz piano lessons from a semi-well known musician composer, it was hopeless - i was desperate to see those chord shapes- you know, the changes that make our hearts tingle , and understand those scales and little melodic cells: the best way is visual for many people ( slow readers etc. ) that's why your videos are the BEST i've ever seen because we can SEE what's going on and you play in a calm and structured way to allow the novice to see and hear the components , voicing etc. Jazz is a tradition and it needs to be handed down , we can't all afford to go to academies or even study privately and so these videos are as good or even BETTER than private lessons because you cut to the chase and give us the essentials from which people can work from . amazing and i'm very grateful to you Kent because although i'm an okay player , its not built on solid-enough ground. Now i'm going to go through all your tutorials and stop leaping into the dark when i improvise on 'Stella By Starlight' Thank you so much Kent !
Paul....Thanks for telling me your story. I have total respect for you and I thank you deeply for your affirmation for what I'm trying to do..just passing on the knowledge.
You are without doubt the World’s best teacher making this so easy to understand. Your video offers more inspiration than any other tutorials on the Net and your enthusiasm and own excitement for this scale is infectious. I wish I could meet you in person. Thank you so much from Andrew in the UK
Andrew, your generous comment is one of the best comments I've had over the last 3 years...I hope you will be receptive to my using your quote. Please write to me anytime, and it would be a pleasure to meet you someday. (I'm in New England and still have some family in UK)
@@KentHewittpiano88I agree, I'm still watching these
Don't take the video down please, because there are more people that like than those that dislike it
it is very informative we always have some thing to learn from you thanks as always.
You popped up one day and I've been absorbed ever since. I'm adding your tutorials to my daily diet of Hanon and will get back🎶.
Glad to here this...please go to my playlists for all categories here:
www.youtube.com/@KentHewittpiano88/playlists
You had me. You lost me. Found me. Lost me. Found. Lost. Found. Lost. Found.
I don't even know how to read music. Used to play guitar by ear. Just listening to you talk and play those scales. I had no idea I liked jazz that much!
What a great ride!
A tip: you can slow down the video by using the settings button under the video, the wheel... (while it's playing only) to slow down the video to 1/2 speed. Let me know!
Cool! I am a classical pianist with RA(Studied with Phenom Susan Starr) but my Dad was a fine jazz Guitarist and he and Dennis Sandole were very close. He considered my Dad his equal on guitar (Contrary to legend, Dennis was a sweet human being, extremely warm and loving. I grew up listening to Dennis and Daddy and remember that incredible arrangement of "Prelude to a Kiss". In fact I still have Dennis' 1940's Gretch Electromatic guitar). I really enjoy your lessons because my condition has severely effected my hands so I can't play anything more difficult than some easy sonatas and etudes but never on a performance level. But I want you to know that I can easily follow you. You have opened up a new world for me ( I was always a bit snooty about music). Actually I really admire the risks that jazz improv people take.To a classically trained person, the thought of just "winging it" musically is absolutely terrifying but I am starting to get by that fear of making a mistake or not " properly executing a cadenza". In fact some of the most interesting sounds I have discovered have been born out of my screw ups. It's a new found freedom to let go of that crushing fear of hitting a wrong note and I thank you for putting music back in my life. For years I couldn't even listen to Mozart without bursting into tears.Now I am actually having the action in my Steinway B redone to lighten it up. I haven't touched it in ten years.Too Sad.I have been screwing around with my Baldwin ( that was my teaching piano). Anyway, I Just wanted to say thanks for your videos. The life you saved may have been mine. You never know how many lives you touch out here.Thanks again... Sending you love, good vibes and great admiration. Beth
Dont ever delete this video...amazing.. thanks
It's one of my most popular ones. How do you figure that? Thanks!
Finally, I found what I was looking for after 69 years on the planet.
I'm eternally grateful to you and RUclips.
I played the piano since I was five, the traditional classical way then my physician Abad introduced me to the chords and playing by ear.
I learned to play other instruments like the guitar, French horn and trumpet but
didn't have a chance to play jazz the way I want to because I never got as far as music theory and was afraid to ask my learned friends who I adored and listened to.
Thank you because I have at least 30 years more to learn a whole new world of music, I finally have an idea how to get there.
I love this video so much. Please don't delete it! It's so inspiring and full of musical and educational materials. Hands down the best tutorial explaining this scale on youtube.
Many, many, thanks for the great affirmation!
"It's amazing... It's almost like the symmetry within the piano is a lesson about something within the universe."
Genial! Keep it swinging!
What a fantastic tutorial. Love the humour and clear and impromptu way you impart knowledge, Kent. I will refer to this many times and try to get fluent and fluid. There's a lot a relative novice can achieve with these tools. Thank you very much. I shall now cry in a corner with my left hand thumb and pinky in opposing vices until I can reach a tenth.
I have the problem in the right hand but the left hand is fine. Keep at it!
gmgroucho77 one day do octaves boggies I reached a tenth.. it's coming now.. I think I can eventually get an 11th.
how could anyone NOT like this video? only peeps who weren't ready for it. Where's this been my WHOLE LIFE????
I appreciate the vote of confidence and the positive support. I guess I'm glad I did this...and there's so much more to do. Please subscribe. Thanks!
Please don't delete this video because there are thumbs down! :-) It's great! Thank you so much!
he said at the end he'd delete it if there were more than 2 dislikes, but i'm sure after the overwhelming support he can tolerate a couple thumbs downs
Please don't delete this video. I don't really understand it but I'm working on it. I'm just starting to learn jazz piano. I love all your stuff.
@@youngadultcontemporary George - why would he theres only like 83 dislikes ..... ???
Great job explaining the diminished scale. It changed my life about 25 years ago and I will never hear music, especially jazz the same way ever again.
That's great to hear ...we see it the same way, friend!
This is what I am looking for. Thanks
+seng ip That's what I thought, because that is what I was looking for. You just sent me an affirmation....thanks!
OMG when youre using it with all those different resolves you do it so effortlessly thats amazing
That's practice...it can be fun and rewarding!
Has resuelto un misterio de 20 años para mi..! Muchísimas gracias (desde Colombia)!!! Great videos master!!
David Pinzon tambiem muchisimas gracis.
I watched this video 2 years ago. At the time I didn't understand it and couldn't follow it but now, rewatching it is amazing. Thank you :)
Thanks...wonderful comment!
My pal tried drumming this into my head a few decades ago. When the bulb in my head eventually sparked into life it did change my life. I've since tried to so spread the gospel but I usually get looks of disbelief along with confusion. This video is great great great!!!
That's a wonderful comment, Pete, because there is a higher intelligence that make this knowledge happen for me and enables me to pass it on to you. So I BELIEVE!
in all honesty you are a fantastic teacher. thank you so very much
Many thanks for the affirmation!
Understood. Excelent lesson, very clear, detailed explanation. You are one of the Best Jazz Master Professor. Thanks for your kind. Best regards, Ivan da Costa, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro.
Many, many thanks for those kind and generous words!
"....this one scale will change your life".... keep on sharing brother! Great video, love the passion.
I'm glad to hear it comes off that way...because I see myself as uptight white, but a hipster in my heart.
So glad I found this video. Camera angle allowed a visual guy like me to immediately absorb your instruction and even your technique THANK YOU!
Sir, the way you speak is pure logic to me. You understand distances between notes, and actually translate it in a way it is easy for me to pick up. I've been playing guitar for 10 years now and I've had lessons from various guitar players, all of them studies at conservatoria, but none of them ever taught me in a way you just did. Cant put it in words how this single video blew my mind. Thank you for enlightening me.
Thanks, brother, there's a lot more enlightenment there ...if we seek ...we will find. I'm just seeking..so you see.... when I find.... I have to pass it on...because it's all there for us ...if you seek. I'm glad I found you!!
I’ve learnt a lot from this video I wish you could be my uncle to teach me jazz piano and give me fashion advice.
I like that...I wish I had an uncle like that too!
There's a video called A Kind of Blue - in three parts. It's about why that Miles Davis album has become a hallmark of jazz. This got into how all the tunes on the album were based on six of the modal scales. This prevented hard resolutions and allowed for very freeform playing because the modes freed the players from melodies. It was this tune structure that contributed to that album becoming the best selling album in jazz. I think this is fascinating because it shows that people find beauty and meaning without needing to understand why. This vid helps me understand something about playing in modes.
Thanks for the comment and for passing on your knowledge to me and others. Please see my series on modal playing staring with this one: ruclips.net/video/kJHsdGsf00o/видео.html
Thanks. I'll check it out.
Yes, modal playing allowed for more freedom of expression, and created greater passion in the improvisation, because the tunes on your named session were simpler, (chord progressions) and allowed for pentatonic scale concepts and outside the chord runs.... but this style grew out of bebop and hard bop in which the chord progressions were complex, and required a more comprehensive and challenging means of improvisation. This modal concept created a whole new way of playing. It's interesting that this style is not as common today...it really fits the 60's pivotal movement of culture, in which spiritually and self-discovery played a part in the expression. Coltrane was the Grand Master of this era, and I was truly blessed to see him live numerous times. (life changing) He was the epitome of this new wave of playing...do you agree?
You know Kent, I've listened to Coltrane over the years trying to fathom the amazing reputation he has as what you, and many others, say he was - the epitome of post bee-bop jazz and I'm not moved. As the contrast of Coltrane and Miles is fresh in my mind from having heard them recording A Kind of BLue, I can say that I relate more to Miles as that hallowed epitome - or even Milt Jackson. I have to say, I don't relate that well to pure abstraction. I need the theme or melodic or conceptual intent reiterated in order to have the contrast by which to make abstraction relative. (which is why I like your teaching style!) Coltrane seems to me to take off on the abstraction and never look back - at me - standing in the dust as the bus leaves town. I love melodic (or thematic) playing. I'm probably corny in this respect but I can't help it.
STan Getz is the Grand Poet for me in this sense - but only on the Bossa Nova stuff, which was only a phase for him. His abstract playing also leaves me in the emotional dust. (I'm not all that hip to many of the players - but I instinctively like even Eric Dolphy and even (live) Roland Kirk) It's the emotional element - personalized blues - that fleshes out the runs for me. I realized watching A KInd of BLue how Taoist Miles has - intent spontaneity - in which 'corrections' or 'redirections' aren't mistakes but in-the-moment acts of insisting the music remain authentic to a personal emotion rather than being blinded by one's own pyrotechnics. But I'll listen again to Coltrane and see if can understand something just a little beyond my understanding. Thanks for asking. What do you think of this?
Dagaan...my apologies...I missed seeing your very interesting and thoughtful response. I agree with you in a lot of ways. I tend to listen today more to early Miles, early Trane, Herbie, Jamal, early Bill Evans more so than their later works. I think their earlier playing was perhaps more melodic and lyrical in a lot of ways. I think what makes Kind Of Blue so great is that it is lyrical and melodic while still having a lot of freedom, innovation, and simplicity. But we can't not understand these great players (especially Miles and Coltrane) needing to innovate and explore new expressions (and make a living). Like abstract artists, freedom to innovate made the great ones famous. I love most everything that Getz does esp. Focus. (have you heard it?...beautiful orchestrations). Actually I've gotten more into West Coast Jazz lately because the arrangements are more succinct and well-written, the solos are melodic and to the point, rather than 2-3 chorus of improv.... so I find a lot of that more palatable...I'm sure it's because I'm mellower than I use to be when I listened to a lot of abstract stuff and thought that was the coolest. Now I just like to relax (surprised I'm saying that, because it makes me feel like I need to get back to the other stuff.) Anyways...I hear you and agree. But I would recommend checking out the Coltrane ballads album, they are the more lyrical side of Coltrane with some great tunes and phenomenal playing by McCoy Tyner. Here's a link: ruclips.net/video/8rOMV0A5jd0/видео.html All the best...and please write to me anytime.
This video was totally ad lib... which goes to show... that everyone has a story to tell. (off the top of thy head!)
Wish I could get to speak with you.
Never had a piano lesson...But played piano by ear for 80 years.Be-Bop in 1948 was to me something else...I loved it.So I have been playing -9 +9 -5 (+4)+5 13 etc...and never worked out the Most Amazing Jazz Scale as you have.Thank you from an 89yr old jazz pianist.Love your video.
God bless you, brother. ...and I hope you will watch more of my videos , and it will be helpful in your golden years of greater appreciation.
Dear God, Kent, I just love your lessons, your sence of humour, your overall style... Just wanted to tell thank you once more!
Thanks, David, for a great and generous comment....helps keep me going. Best to you always!
Holy crap, I am glad I was born with the internet.
I wasn't ....but that's good and bad. I'm glad it's good for you!
Kent, I'm not a jazz player, but I found the video mind-blowing. This is the octatonic scale that the great french composer Messiaen used in his work. A lot of his work does have a unique jazz sound-- now it makes more sense. I never thought of it as a jazz scale. Maybe an easier way to explain the three 'families' you refer to is to say that there are 3 and only 3 unique octatonic scales-- scales made of alternating half and whole steps. There is the family that contains C to C# (the half step up from C), the family that conains C to D (the whole step up from C), and the family that doesn't contain C: the scale that includes B to C#. Thanks, Ken. Very interesting.
+Greg Scott Thanks, Greg, for the great comment! Whatever you want to look at it is your own personal thing, I totally approve. I look at it the 2 ways ...the alternating half- whole intervals for the dominant families and the alternating whole-half intervals for the diminished families. I like to think of the 3 families being built on C, F , and G because they are the tonic, sub-dominant, and dominant in the key of C, the simplest key. There are numerous ways to look at it and your way works too, and thanks for pointing it out!
Thanks! That's an interesting concept, along with the idea of the emancipation of the dissonance, in modern 12 tone music. I talk about the chromatic, whole tone, diminished, pentatonic, and super locrian scales in my videos. ruclips.net/p/PLFuMibnl_h5aW6gJP9I6agqkEaggaynVC
The Russian composers were very found of it as well. First came across it studying Rimsky-Korsakov. Such a useful scale in jazz though.
OH MY GODDD YOU LOVE OLIVIER MESSIAEN TOO?! Lol, I remember studying him two years ago for History III for my ARCT when I was 12... that was interesting, I studied Catalogue d'Oiseaux
Greg, that's very interesting, and your way of looking at it is correct...and just different from how I like to see it, but I understand what you're saying. Also I'm glad to learn about Messiaen and the octatonic scale. There are 8 notes in the scale. Funny that when I type that word it's underlined in red for wrong spelling or not a word...you could be "putting me on". ha, ha! Thanks!
Kent - this is hugely helpful. Thanks.
+Louis Levy Hey Lou! Great to hear from you...how are you doing? Check this and please keep in touch:
ruclips.net/channel/UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
I appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Dont be disheartened by mean comments. Thank you!!
This is the scale I've been waiting for my whole life. Shalom!
I was happy to lay it on you...use with pleasure...Shalom!
Bloody brilliant. So pleased I found this channel. My only issue, and I can't be alone on this, is:
Is it Kent Hewitt, or Ken the witt? *ponders question with squinty, long-distance-stare*
I guess the truth is:.... I'm both... as well as the Altered Dominant Ego Man.!
I love your videos, please continue with your work :)
+PianoMusic byViktor Thanks for the compliment and I certainly will!
Finally understand the use of half-whole and whole-half. Thank you.
Thanks for telling me.
I am so happy someone like you has decided to share your knowledge with learners like me. Much of what you teach is over my head. BUT, some things I didn’t understand 6 months ago make sense. It is just not my natural language yet. I big thank you. I keep learning. Don’t delete.
Thanks for the support. Please see my playlists for subjects that are most valuable to you.
ruclips.net/channel/UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
That was the easiest sub ever in the intire RUclips history. Thank you for your videos :)
Great comment, best this week, best this year....thanks!!
Kent Hewitt
Thank you, you have a great gift, and thank you for sharing it with us. I will definitely be watching all your other videos soon. Again, thank you.
Kind regards.
Us classical music people just call that the octatonic scale. Scriabin wrote a ton in it. Lots of his contemporaries did.
I think of it as the combination of all the church modes. To pull all the scales out of context of key, I relate them to Ionian and Aeolian (natural minor).
Ionian...
Dorian is just Aeolian, but with a raised 6th.
Phrygian is Aeolian, but with lowered 2nd.
Lydian is Ionian, but with a raised 4th.
Mixolydian is Ionian, but with lowered 7th.
Aeolian...
Screw Locrian. Obviously unusual, and without a tonic dominant relationship. Essentially not a standalone key.
Add all these church modes quirks together and you get 1, flat2, flat3, 3, sharp4, 5, 6, flat 7, 1.
Probably too much to think about, but I like it. Also probably why I'm bad and slow at jazz.
I donno, I read that once and think I followed it. better go back and check.....
hmmm, tonic dominant relationship? the locrian mode obviously has what could be considered a flat 7 in it's construction, what do you mean?
+Treble Bass I'm just saying the distance between the 1st scale degree and the 5th scale degree of Locrian is a tritone and not a perfect fifth, so it makes it a bit unusual to cadence in.
ah, yes it is clear. and I see i was off point by referring to the 7th in the Locrian modeinstead of the fifth, which is what I actually intended. when you said dominant, I automatically thought : 7th. I am an avid music fan, and tend to to be moved by what I consider to be "beautiful" music. as a player by ear, and by what little I have assimilated through some theory, I find great pleasure in "understanding" relationships between various aspects of musical paths that can be used to create tension, feeling, resolution and the unexpected phrase. thank you for responding, I wasn't expecting it. cheers from Florida, USA.
I had a few lessons where altered scales were mentioned, but never this much in depth. Its real refreshing to see these scales explained, thank you very much. Keep up the interesting work, many thanks.
Thank you so much for the comment... and welcome to my subscribers club. I have 130 videos for you...please select from my list: ruclips.net/channel/UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
Your a legend Kent. Thank god there are people like you in the world.
Wonderful comment...thanks so much!
This was an amazing tutorial man
Thanks for taking the time to watch and write a comment!
Three things that changed my life:
1. Jesus
2. Sex
3. The diminished scale.
Thanks for telling me!
I actually am using it though, so thanks!
Is that the holy trinity the bible is always talking about.
I guess you mean Gsus.
Hahahaha GREAAAT
In french we call it the Demiton-ton -> halftone-tone
Very glad to know that!
Best teacher on the internet.
Love bless you.
Great comment and much appreciated!
I was a music major in college, then went to med school. I have always played piano. I had lessons from a great teacher, who exposed me to the diminished scale but I never got it until you did your video. Now it's perfectly clear and all the jazz I've listened to has a new insight. Thank you so much!!
James, please, will you do me a personal favor...and tell GreenTheater (above) what you just told me. I will be eternally grateful...thank you!
I don't see GreenTheater link anywhere.
I can't respond to a linked comment...it's not possible on RUclips. Thanks for the generous compliments. I learn things by doing these videos. So I'm grateful and happy to pass on the knowledge. Here's my list: ruclips.net/channel/UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
this video is awesome +kent hewitt !!!!
I am in the process of teaching myself music theory and wow does this make soo much sense!
Thank you for telling me...because that is very helpful to me to know there is clarity in what I'm trying to convey.
Kent Hewitt keep up the good work hew,thank you for the knowledge.
can u do something on tritones and tritone substitutions in a jazz context?
Kent Hewitt
Colin O'Neil
10:50 wow that sounds nice
Thank you!
i think i just got inspired to learn piano
That's pretty cool...it can bring you a lot of joy! Thanks for writing!
You're a very enthusiastic teacher, and your videos are well made and appreciated by many! Thank you Kent!
Dear Salt...it is so kind of you to tell me. I'm just "doing what comes natural", so I'm grateful when you compliment me for being me!
Least I can do. As a young jazz fan (mid-teens), it's great to see educational videos like this to teach me more!
Thank you very much Sir. It is refreshing to see someone teaching Jazz how knows what is he talking about and back it up with sound and playing.
Great comment and encouraging to me...to keep at it! Thanks!
I'm new to jazz and I understood the scale, but which chords would I use to accompany it? There are so many different chords in jazz and it is really hard to make it sound good.
all of the chords in the family
Emanuel Guzman-Garcia Could you elaborate please? As I mentioned I'm new to jazz.
George Hypotenuse and the Triangles I think he meant these: b9, #9, #11, 13
Dennis Murphy Alright thanks.
It's explained in the video briefly, it fits on both diminished and dominant 7 chords. In the case of the C altered dominant 7 scale (same notes as the Eb, Gb and Bb scale):
C7, Dbdim7, Eb7, Edim7, Gb7, Gdim7, A7, Bbdim7.
Note that those four diminished chords are also friends, just like the four modes of the scale mentioned above (they contain the same notes).
-Watched this video
-Didn't understand
-Studied music theory for 3 years
-came back
-itwasworthit.PNJPEG
Jejeje
THEORY 💜
he used a technique called equal Octive division can you explain that one thank you for your response....
Equal division of the octave (6 aspects) = into 12 equal parts (by semitone), into 6 equal parts (by whole tone), into 4 equal parts (by minor 3rd), into 3 equal parts (by major 3rd), into 2 equal parts (by tritone, augmented 4th).
This is different in that it's strictly an 8 note scale which alternates between 1/2 step and whole steps...it's not equal division like the other aspects. However if you took the 1st 4 steps (as a lower major 3rd, starting with a semitone) and compared it to the next 4 steps ) as an upper major 3rd)...they would divide the octave equally, (with a semitone in between each). Fascinating!
Thank you...
Hi All,
Here is an interesting read if you are into this method of seeing the scales: www.u.arizona.edu/~gross/Slonimsky/Thesaurus.of.Scales.And.Melodic.Patterns.Nicolas.Slonimsky.pdf
Also, you may see it from the Messiaen's viewpoint - Modes of limited transposition as the wiki page is labeled.
This video really got me into this topic and those above I found very fascinating.
Another excellent video, understood every thing you said and I'm able to apply it! 😀. Than you Mr Hewitt😀. Or may I say teacher Hewitt!!!
hosemarino 愛
I've been studying this lesson for two years now, always reviewing and getting better at the execution of the scales and licks used herein, writing new diminished licks, practicing drop two diminished chords, et al... how this post ever got any thumbs down is a mystery, but I and 21K others say, Thank You, KH. Enduring concepts.
You keep me going with comments like this!
I just wanted to post my 3rd Comment about this one lesson. It's one of my Top Ten in the History of Lessons. As the years have passed, I am finally bringing this into my playing. But I've referred back to this Video over the years to keep developing my understanding. What a great gift this lesson is, and will remain to be for years to come, for all aspiring Jazz Musicians. The Symmetry still takes my breath away, because of it's utter simplicity, yet, unmatched ability to move the Human Spirit when Mastered. Thanks Kent I Love You Madly, Reverend Ronnie
Wonderful comment and compliment, Rev. Ronnie. I"m glad this video resonates so well with you, that you keep going back to it. I'm surprised because I made this video off the top of my head w/ very little preparation, and other videos that I spent more time constructing are not anywhere near as popular. Go figure. Blessings..sir!
I listen to grime... don't know why I'm here or how I got here from Integrity by JME... HOW???
I don't know why I'm here too.
i listen to Grime, too...but i´m here on purpose :)
I.have struggled with this particular sound for all my life and now you have unlocked what I have been searching for..you are truly amazing. Thank you does not full describe my gratitude...but until I have expanded my vocabulary....THANK YOU..
Wonderful comment...just made my day...thanks!
at first i was a little confused but then you started applying it to music and THAT WAS EYE OPENING FOR ME. Definitely gonna use this.
Yes, that's what it's all about...applying it, then it can open up a whole new world!
Amazing fun and lighthearted video! Im having a lot of fun playing around with these scales!
That's the best part...playing around...if you play jazz, it's like a Peter Pan trip.
please don't delete. musicians who refute your statements are showing off that they know theory better. that may well be, but you're helping a lot of people. so focus on the number of thumbs up. and you're funny without even trying. love it. keep teaching, sir.
Philip...people like you are my true fans...and I'm not here for no reason...there's a purpose...and we all need that!
Woah! You are my new hero. Seriously: I've heard this idea pointed at from a number of directions, but this is the only time it's clicked and made sense. That's pretty incredible for under 15 minutes in an unscripted video. Thank you. What a wonderful way to create great licks and runs.
I've always wanted to learn jazz and I randomly stumbled across this video, needless to say I'm TOTALLY INSPIRED!!!!!!
Thanks for the affirmation...I really appreciate!
I AM FROM BRAZIL, I JUST LEARN SO MUCH WITH YOUR VIDEOS. SO THANKFULL TO SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE.
Thanks for the nice comment!
Kent, you're one of the very best teachers I've come across. I love the dichotomy of the Diminished Scale/Alt-Dominant scale. Did not quite get what you call the flat-6th add-on, but I can certainly hear it in the 'line'. And that's what makes you a great teacher for me, at least - I have not the theory, nor the discipline, maybe, but I sure as hell have the line, and this will indeed help me refine it. Thanks so much!
Thanks, David. Please rephrase the question. This a complicated subject... so I want to be sure to understand what your question is, to give you a proper answer. All the best!
WE ALL ARE LIVING BY THE "RULE OF THUMB" NOWADAYS ! ALL THUMBS UP FOR THIS ARTIST FOLKS !!! YOUR UNSCRIPTED VIDEOS ARE EQUALLY AS GREAT AS YOUR SCRIPTED ONES ! MANY THANKS KENT HEWITT !
High 5's to you , brother!! You have a super generous soul, which will serve you well in this ____ world. You and I need to hang...please write to me at: kenthewitt@hotmail.com
Beginning piano player here. Best find so far on YT! Thank you sir
You are a crazy cat man. I was with you to the very end of this video. I have to say I have made more significant breakthroughs from your jazz videos than anywhere else. Don’t stop - or take this one down.
This is one of my early videos...I would have taken down by now ...if it wasn't so popular. Thansk a million! Swing Loose!
It's so funny! Today I was just explaining this scale to a guitar player friend of mine. I pretty much blew his mind with it and he asked me to write it down for him. I told him its application to dominant chords, and how if you were to connect the roots of those dominant chords together you create a diminished 7th chord. I also showed him many of the same "Licks" of the diminished scales. Understanding this scale and its application have really changed my vocabulary, opened up my eyes, and ears while playing. My favorite scale!
Are you saying, you already knew all this and so this video confirmed it for you or was it not necessary?
Kent Hewitt this confirmed my thinking of it in some ways. I discovered all this not long ago while practicing the scales and playing them over chords. Also just a funny coincidence. Still a great video!
magic, young players need to grasp this as rely as possible- beautifully demonstrated - thank you for sharing what REALLY needs to be shared and past on by jazz players to other musicians and people entering jazz ...... perfect !
Thanks for that great affirmation because that's what I am hoping to do!
Hi Kent, I've watched and played along with a few of your videos. This is exactly what I've been looking for, and for many years... I love the way you deliver these lessons and explain things... You've both inspired me and re-kindled my desire to play jazz, you've put it within my reach... and I can't thank you enough. Wow, thank you so much
Dave...That's about one of the best compliments I ever received ...so deep, humble, thanks!
Great for opening up. I had great fun with this,, it felt freeing. And I was able to explore b/c it all sounded good….Thank you
Many thanks!
This is an awesome lesson, especially for those of us who are sensitive to the sonic experience of shifting harmony, but not schooled very much in HOW these sounds are produced. This opens up a new vista for me! I think the example highlighted at 10:51, using the diminished scale over a II chord and resolving back to the I is a *PERFECT* instance of its use in creation tension and resolution. Thanks so much for this information - so plainly laid out!
I think you understand perfectly what I was trying to show or demonstrate ...so thanks so much for the affirmation!
You just made my day Mr Hewett, absolutely fantastically explained, structured tutorial, I am now an avid fan, and thank you sir!
I appreciate your nice comment, Norman. Please check out my playlists for categories most interesting to you.
ruclips.net/channel/UCdmjw5sm9Kn83TB_rA_QBCwplaylists
Had the internet existed when my mother first decided to pay for piano lessons for me (some 60 years ago) and had you and so many other really fine pianists/teachers been around with RUclips videos, I can't imagine how different life might be for me now. The ONLY style of piano I wanted to learn back then was jazz but my mom and the teachers she hired for me had no interest in any of that.
I just learned more about the structure of Jazz in this 14 minute video than I did in the 7 years that my parents squandered so much money trying to get me to learn something I didn't want to learn. Thank you. I'm looking forward to practicing this and future video lessons that you might put into your channel.
Thanks again.
Hi Bob...I understand totally...my parents had no idea what I was doing... playing "jazz". They sent me to prep school so that I'd be prepared for a good education.... leading to the "American Dream". Unfortunately, it didn't work out. So that's my story...what's the rest of yours. Your affirmation is the best gift to me that I can receive. Please keep watching and write to me again! All best wishes... kenthewitt@hotmail.com
I think I actually understood much of that! Now it's a matter of practicing that scale and wrapping my brain completely around it. Great instruction, Mr. Hewitt. I especially like the overhead view of your hands as you discuss chords & fingerings. You're a master. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the compliments....and please watch all my videos.... because this is just a little part of it.
Formidable. One of most important things I've learned in all my years of playing. Who said u can't teach an old dog new tricks. Thank you.
You, sir, have just joined the "elite club" of best all-time comments, and I love you for it.!
Do not delete this VIDEO! It’s damn good!
That's what they've all told me!
Dear Sir. I really enjoy and appreciate seing you passing your Music knowledge. we need more people like you on earth. thank you so much.
Your comment does my heart good...and very helpful to keep me going. Thanks!
This RUclips video is easily my biggest breakthrough since I learned about II V I. Stellar stuff. Thanks a lot.
Finally someone who understands exactly how I felt at the time. Thanks for telling me, Gary.
Amazing! I am a classically trained composer who teaches this scale as the 'octatonic scale' which is from the family of 'modes of limited transposition'. Messiaean really claimed these scales in his 20th art music pieces. Love seeing it in a jazz context! Thanks :)
Thanks for the comment. I've heard from a number of classical musicians who told me that, and to check it out in Debussy, Stravinsky and Bartok melodies. Makes sense, 'cause it's 8 notes.
Watching this again, I'm blown away! YAY KENT!!
As guitar player I always watch these type of videos, it helps me a lot to understand jazz applied scales AND chords. I'm even flirting with the idea of learning piano. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, much love from Mexico.
Thanks Taylor, for the love and appreciation. I love the guitar and wish I could play it. But I've always envied guiatrists...so thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Brilliant tutorial, demystified a lot of jazz improvisation with one basic scale. Thanks Kent.
It's a great scale because it works in a variety of ways and is also symmetrical.
It really helped me to learn about the C,F, and G families. I've been studying diminished scales for a while, and your video really helped.
There's a lot to be credited to someone who does the work to grow...so now the challenges are ahead of you... to use the knowledge I've passed on...if you want to. Thank you for telling me!
Always was the symmetry in Diminished chords...only 3.
Never put it together with dominant chords/ Scales,
Thank You Kent !!
This video is my most popular, and probably because, candidly I was relating an amazing concept in music that has a deeper meaning in the creation of, what some say is, a perfect universe.
for years I wondered what that thing bill evans always played was - thank you so much for showing me!
Thanks, Jacob, for the comment. The way Bill Evans used these scales is way beyond genius.
I think it's fascinating that the three groups of the diminished as you explained them in this video ( i.e C, F and G) and in your video about Cool Chord Patterns (Altered Dominants in Diminished Pattern) are all related perfect intervals. It is really a cosmic thing like you say. There is so much beauty in these relationships. This really helped me not only to be able to spell all my diminished chords but to use them more effectively. Thanks Kent!
Thank, Robert, It's always a lift to me when someone like you "get's it" and is excited by it like I am. I suggest you watch one of my favorite theory lesson I did early on....which I think is really a basic and important lesson to start with. Here:ruclips.net/video/6lXRj0hjHcM/видео.html&index=1
Brilliant lesson! I always liked the altered scale, but I never knew how to apply it well in a jazz context until now - and your video has opened my ears to how it is employed by many great jazz musicians.
Thanks for that extremely well- written, thoughtful comment and you nailed exactly what I was trying to accomplish...so... many thanks!
This video just changed my life! I now want to learn this versatile scale and how to play jazz
I'm glad to hear that we are in the same camp. Now you have inspiring work to do, to apply it to your jazz studies and improvisation. It's a fun trip, and you will impress your fellow musicians!
I knew of the scale but never saw how it could be applied to different chords. Great lesson, I appreciate it.
Thanks for the comment! It's not a scale that you would just learn about casually. How did you know about it and not know how to apply it! Just curious.
I've known about this scale for years but never knew where or how to use until watching this. I can't wait to try this stuff out. Keep it up!
Thanks for writing...I'm glad you enjoy it!