Solo Workout

Solo Workout
Edited by Andrew Gordon
Published by ADG Productions

(C, Bb, Eb  parts included with CD)

Introduction:
       The object of this book is to give most instrumentalists the opportunity to practice improvisational techniques while playing along to rhythm tracks of keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums in the styles of ROCK, BLUES and FUNK (R&B).
       “I had the opportunity of learning to improvise by playing and jamming with musicians during practice sessions 3 or 4 evenings a week. I would spend hours practicing with the band, improving both my improvisational skills as well as my rhythmic skills.”
       It is important to play and learn from other musicians but if one is unable to do so then incorporating this product into your practicing routine is the next best thing. By playing along with the rhythm tracks of the CD, your improvisational skills will definitely improve. 
      There are 15 different “grooves” consisting of 5 Blues grooves, 6 Funk grooves and 4 Rock grooves. Each track is approximately 3 minutes long, giving the musician enough time to practice improvising over each groove. 
       The 15 grooves consist of a variety of tempos and keys. The book is divided into three sections: the first section for “C” instruments such as: piano, guitar, vibes, violin, flute etc: “Bb” instruments such as: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, trumpet etc. and “Eb” instruments such as: alto and baritone saxophones. 
       The first part of each section consists of the chord progression for each groove that repeats for the length of the song. Following this section are 10 improvisational phrases for each groove giving the aspiring musician a guide to learning and playing musical phrases that can be used for each of the grooves. These improvisational phrases can generally be used anywhere throughout the corresponding chord progression and should be used as a starting off point for one's own improvisations. Also, these musical phrases may be interchanged throughout the different grooves and should be learnt in as many keys as possible. Note in the major, minor and blues scales and combinations of these scales are used as the basis for the improvisational phrases.