Douglas, check your e-mail.

There are many ways to approach this subject.
Mine is:
Reduce evry chord in the song to it's simplest form. C7-9 = C7 Fm9-5 = Fm
G13-5+9 = G7 ECT--

1- Now it's very easy to memorize. Also very easy to find familiar progressions.The first time I saw the sheet music to the song More, I was able to play the song without the music. There are two types of progressions in the song and I knew them both -- ala, no music needed, I knew the melody.

2- Because I have learned the basic of chord subsitution, I color the song as I wish. The progression of chords should tell their own story, they should sound good by thenselves.

And of course the song has my own personal flavor. Is this hard to learn? No. Is it worth spending the time learning? Only if you love music and wish to spend time enjoying.

All in my humble opinion, John C.

PS,I use the original chords only to understand what is being said.

B
While learning typical progressions in context (in the actual song) is always vital and important, there is merit to practicing a certain skill - like the ii-V7-I - over and over again until it becomes second nature. Getting the feel of the movement from one chord to the next is important, too. The standard LH voicings were novel for their time but no longer are thought of that way. They really are standard today. They are also models of simplicity and efficiency. Getting even a few of them under your fingers will allow you to "play thru" sheet music with greater ease and sophistication.

There are many books that can help here, but one that I have found invaluable because it includes great sounding practice routines as well as real "in the context of a tune" exercises etc is Jerry Coker's Jazz Piano book. It is a classic - very slim and accessible and chock full of immediately useable stuff that will make a big difference in your playing.

Now...if I only would listen to myself...

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Thanks to all who responded to my query.

I feel as though you have allowed me to look over your shoulder as you perform the musical magic that you do. I have a long way to go before I will be able to handle all these changes and make it look easy the way you do. Now, thanks to you, at least I have the tools I need to get there. I sure do appreciate your willingness to share your wisdom.

Douglas Wolfe

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Thanks to all who responded to my query.

I feel as though you have allowed me to look over your shoulder as you perform the musical magic that you do. I have a long way to go before I will be able to handle all these changes and make it look easy the way you do. Now, thanks to you, at least I have the tools I need to get there. I sure do appreciate your willingness to share your wisdom.

Douglas Wolfe

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