Patterns on the Piano: An introduction to ii V I patterns

(Paperback)

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The ii V I (two five one) chord progression is used extensively throughout jazz music and is often
described as the harmonic motor of jazz. It is by far the most important chord progression, and
knowing how to improvise and use this progression intimately is of paramount importance to jazz
piano playing. This method book will take the mystery out of ii V I progressions by showing you
how to play the left hand pattern for ii V I in all inversions using simple finger movements.
Learn the ii V I progression using patterns and repetition in pleasant sounding exercises designed
to help you gain mastery while encouraging improvisation.
Part I and II will show you the movement and let you practice the pattern for all four LH
inversions. Playing these exercises daily will reinforce the movement and help you to develop muscle
memory. With LH muscle memory acquired, you will find it easier to explore RH improvisation
In part III you are introduced to two-hand voicings in whole note and chromatic movement.
The main mantra and what I hope students will get out of this book is threefold:
1. Practicing the pattern will help you gain mastery
2. Mastery of the LH inversion patterns will give you confidence and free you to explore RH
improvisation
3. Learn the pattern in one key and you can do it in any key.
PATTERNS ON THE PIANO WILL
- Teach you left hand voicings for 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th inversions of the ii V I pattern in the key of
C in two simple and easy to follow steps.
- Show you how to play ii V I in any key using the same finger movement.
- Analyze chord voicings as you move through the progression
- Teach you how to seamlessly move through two hand voicings of ii V I

Author Bio

Born and raised in Hawaii, I currently reside with my wife and son in San Francisco. A gigging keyboard player for most of my life, I am a songwriter, producer, recording engineer with a gold record, a triple platinum award, a Bay Area Music award and an MTV video of the year nomination to my credits. I work in the SF Unified School District where I've been a Middle School Band Director for 10+ years.