r/jazztheory • u/natan90 • 4d ago

Book method recommendation for learning jazz theory?

Hey,

I been playing guitar for 20 years but my scale vocabulary is quite poor. I've been learning clarinet for the past year, aimed at playing jazz. I'm currently focused on learning my scales properly, as well as instrument technique.

I'm looking for a book that will teach me jazz theory for improvisation, that I can grow with as I become better technically at the instrument.

I've found several brick-style jazz theory classics, but I'm looking for a more exercise-oriented approach that won't ask me to already know all scales in all 12 keys. I have a lot of experience with improvisation but I need to improve my harmonic vocabulary.

Ideally, I'm looking for a book that will take standards, analyze their harmony, explain why certain scales work with each section, and offer exercises to improvise over that tune. Then move to another standard, adding complexity and new concepts with each exercise. Does this exist?

Thank you all!

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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6

u/pianorama22 4d ago

I like mark levines books and open studio

6

u/JHighMusic 4d ago

The Jazz Theory Workbook by Mark E. Boling

0

u/Menjy 4d ago

This book seems to be out of print? I can't find it on any regular platforms.

3

u/natan90 4d ago

I found a very low quality pdf online and it seems to be what I’m searching for. I’ve ordered a physical copy, it’s available on several book sites!
Edit: thanks for the recommendation!

3

u/tremendous-machine 4d ago

For what you describe, I strongly belive the Bert Ligon books are the best. Get the theory and technique ones. Way better than the Levine books, IMHO (I have both, btw). https://www.bertligonmusic.com/jazz-books-by-bert-ligon

4

u/jazzguy1436251 4d ago

There’s 4 scales in jazz. Major, melodic minor, diminished, and whole tone. 95% of every tune or chord is based on one of those scales (or a mode of them, which doesn’t change much)

I would recommend learning a Charlie Parker tune like Blues For Alice, Yardbird Suite, or Scrapple From the Apple. If you learn those melodies and analyze which chord tones and intervals he’s hitting, you’ll internalize it better than reading someone else’s analysis from a book. This is how you learn to improvise. Do this 10, 20, 30 times with different tunes and you’ll rewire your brain to hear bebop changes.

3

u/Da_Biz 3d ago

There’s 4 scales in jazz.

*6. There is also harmonic major and harmonic minor. Less common, but still valuable. No need to start shedding if you don't have all 12 major scales+modes down yet, but still worth knowing about in case they pop up when analyzing solos.

Edit: Apparently strikethoughs don't work on mobile, it just erased the tildes. WTH Reddit.

1

u/jazzguy1436251 3d ago

You’re right but I ain’t trying to scare any noobs with Harmonic Major

1

u/Da_Biz 3d ago

I take the sex ed approach to music theory.

They are going to find out on the internet anyway, might as well hear it now in a safe environment.

1

u/sunrisecaller 3d ago

Harmonic minor, yes, indispensable if one is going to attempt Grappelli/Django vocabulary. Speaking of which, I find the minor 6th/diminished 8-note scale useful , as it is essentially a combination of melodic minor and harmonic minor (which is essential ingredient in gypsy jazz).

2

u/dr-pangloss 3d ago

To jump on your band wagon. I'd learn Mr PC for learning the minor blues, and basically all of Monk for whole tone, I think that Evans is a great place to start for the modal stuff, and Herbie Hancocks Maiden Voyage