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Harmony&Improvisation

by Doub Pearce

Harmony&Improvisation is a Vidcast/Podcast dedicated to helping musicians of all levels to hear, know, and play better music; as well as more styles of music. The goal is to make Harmonic and improvisational Principles readily available to:1. Students who don’t have local access to teachers,2. Teachers who don’t have time to teach performance and theory together, and would like an online resource to guide their students to, and3. Those who just like to study music online on their own.We want to offer information, but more importantly inspiration, to musicians who want to understand how music works “under the hood”. We have started episodes very slowly and simply to help beginners know how basic principles of harmony and melody work. These include sound examples, exercises and tests. Further episodes will continue to dig deeper and reach further into music, exploring different sounds and styles (harmonic and melodic minor studies, etc). These will also include explanations, song or

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Episodes

  1. Modes Aural Test

    - Triads - major, minor, diminished, augmented - 4 note chords - major 7, minor 7, dominant 7, minor 7 flat 5 - Name the Modal Sound - determine the type of 4 note chord and which modal note set is being played along with it Episode Image Link -...

  2. Modes Test 2

    - Similar test but sped up and simplified - Spell a chord to the 7th, name one possible mode and its parent key Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link -...

  3. Modes Test 1

    Section 1 - spell the arpeggio or chord type to the 7th, state the possible mode and the possible parent keys Section 2 - name the parent key for each of the stated modes Section 3 - name the 1, 6, 2, and 5 chords for each of the stated keys Episode Image Link -...

  4. Modes Wrap Up 2

    Using the parent key of each mode starting on the D note, use the 4 and 5 chords of the parent key as your easy start for improvisation. Listen as Doub walks you through the process of finding these, and the neat sounds that come out of this trick. Get ready for the modes test next! Episode Image...

  5. Modes Wrap Up

    - What to expect in the Modes Test, what to prepare for - Some tips and tricks on other ways to think through the modes - Review/Overview of all modes of major - Using A as the starting note for each mode of major, Doub helps you understand how to find the parent key by using the WWhWWWh…

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  6. Mode 3 of D Melodic (Jazz) Minor

    - a quick explanation of melodic and harmonic minors - explanation of mode 3 of Melodic or Jazz minor and where you may have heard it - hear it played over D melodic minor changes Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel -...

  7. D Locrian

    - explanation of D locrian - minor 7 flat 5 - listen to Doub play simply over D locrian sounds - time to practice on your own in D locrian - final note on modes - all of the chords for the major note set being used also applies to the mode you are targeting Episode Image Link -...

  8. D Aeolian

    - explanation of D aeolian - listen to Doub play simply over D aeolian sounds - time to practice on your own in D aeolian Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link -...

  9. D Mixolydian

    - explanation of D mixolydian - some tips on landing notes while improvising - listen to Doub play simply over D mixolydian sounds - time to practice on your own in D mixolydian Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel -...

  10. D Lydian

    - explanation of D Lydian - listen to Doub play simply over D Lydian sounds - time to practice on your own in D Lydian Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link -...

  11. D Spanish Phrygian

    - explanation of D Spanish Phrygian - D phrygian but with a major 1 chord - listen to Doub play simply over D Spanish Phrygian sounds - time to practice on your own in D Spanish Phrygian Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel -...

  12. D Phrygian

    - explanation of D Phrygian - listen to Doub play simply over D Phrygian sounds - time to practice on your own in D Phrygian Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link -...

  13. D Dorian

    - explanation of D Dorian - listen to Doub play simply over D Dorian sounds - time to practice on your own in D Dorian Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link -...

  14. D Ionian

    - An intro to the D major note set and what we'll be exploring over the next few episodes - Listen as Doub plays with the D Ionian notes over a simple track - Take a few turns playing with those notes on your given instrument over the track Episode Image Link -...

  15. Modes Sounding 1

    - What to expect this episode - C Ionian, D Dorian, E Phrygian, F Lydian, G Mixolydian, A Aeolian, B Locrian, all using the C major note set - All modal sounds explored starting on the C note - C Major Ionioan (Key of C), C Minor Dorian (Key of Bb), C Minor Phrygian (Key of Ab), C Major Lydian…

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  16. Intro to Modes of Major

    intro to modes of major the idea of a parent note set, and using that same set of notes but just starting on a different note each time the seven modes of major - ionian, dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian, aeolian, and locrian these modes broken down in the key of C major, as well as each…

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  17. Chord Change Analysis Test

    Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link - https://open.spotify.com/show/3s7KQqOZlrbk0vZkoe4buC?si=jk14dlxoQJ-V4jhpNeU6sA Website - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov

  18. Chord Change Analysis

    -explanation of what to expect and what to prepare for -explanation of how to read roman numeral chord sheets, including the ones provided in this podcast's downloads available on the website -Chord changes following the downloadable sheet in the keys of D and F Episode Image Link -...

  19. Diatonic Four Note Chord Test

    Explanation of why we went through the four note chord explanation the way we did what is this test going to look like and tips on how to succeed what is coming in the next section of lessons four note chord test Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads...

  20. G Diatonic Four Note Chords

    The key of G Major broken down into it's four notes chords - each spelled our and played The key of Gb Major similarly broken down Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link -...

  21. F Diatonic Four Note Chords

    - F# major four note chords - F major four note chords Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link - https://open.spotify.com/show/3s7KQqOZlrbk0vZkoe4buC?si=jk14dlxoQJ-V4jhpNeU6sA Website -...

  22. E Diatonic Four Note Chords

    - E major four note chords - Eb major four note chords Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link - https://open.spotify.com/show/3s7KQqOZlrbk0vZkoe4buC?si=jk14dlxoQJ-V4jhpNeU6sA Website -...

  23. D Diatonic Four Note Chords

    - D major four note chords built on the scale tones - Db major four note chords built on the scale tones Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link -...

  24. B Diatonic Four Note Chords

    - B Major four note chords - Bb Major four note chords tip on seeing triads within these four note chords Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link -...

  25. A Diatonic Four Note Chords

    - A Major four note chords - Ab Major four note chords Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link - https://open.spotify.com/show/3s7KQqOZlrbk0vZkoe4buC?si=jk14dlxoQJ-V4jhpNeU6sA Website -...

  26. C Diatonic Four Note Chords

    -Four note chords built on each scale tone of the keys of C, C# and Cb Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link -...

  27. Diatonic Four Note Chord Sound Out

    - recap of chord extensions - key of C major 4 note chords played and applied - full extensions and their sounds explored more - notes to watch out for Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast...

  28. 4 Basic 4 Note Chords with Application to Diatonic Harmony Pt 2

    - Explanation of attached/downloadable graphics - Tips and tricks on figuring out the 7th note of the 4 note chord - Look forward to "modes" to come in the future - Maj7, min7, min7, Maj7, Dom7, min7, dim7 - seven chords built on the seven notes of a major scale - full extensions of each note set…

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  29. 4 Basic 4 Note Chords with Application to Diatonic Harmony

    - in major harmony, we are building off of the triads (that you have already learned) to teach you the main 4, 4 note chord types -from the major, minor and diminished triads that have been learned, we will add a 4th note on type using either a major or minor 3rd interval - Major 7 - 1 3 5 7 -...

  30. Common Simple Chord Changes Analysis - Keys of Bb and E

    - explanation of why, again, we are taking this so slowly and thoroughly. It's like learning a language, and we hope to help you know your instrument wholly - Key of E major revisited, note sets and triads - Key of Bb revisited - same three chord changes as last episode played/talked through -...

  31. Common Simple Chord Changes Analysis - Key of C

    tip on listening to the beginning music of the podcast and how you may recognize those sounds with what you've learned up to this point why roman numerals are small and big in music theory and what they mean how to make these chord changes not sound so diatonic or vanilla 3 common chord changes…

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  32. C, A minor, D minor, F Chords - Improvisation

    - discussion on landing notes when improvising, and what always works - example of jamming over each of the discussed chords - re-explanation of the C note set, which can be used to jam over each of these chords - opportunity to practice jamming over each of the chords yourself Episode Image Link…

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  33. Diatonic Chord Functions

    why triads pull your ear in one direction or another the 1 chord, the root, the center of the key The 5 chord, the dominant, pulls your ear strongly toward the 1 chord The 4 chord, particularly the 4 to the 5 chord The 2 chord to the 5 chord The 1 to the 6 chord a peek into chord extension and...

  34. Triad Test Day

    - a few words on how all of the information taught until now can help you succeed in this test, and moving forward in your music education - give yourself grace as you learn, but seek knowing these without a doubt - major triads test - minor triads test - diminished triads test - a look into...

  35. Diatonic Triads - Keys of G and G Flat

    - walk through the triads in the key of G major, up and down - the triads of Gb major, up and down - a dive into why we need to know these triads and the language being taught here Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel -...

  36. Diatonic Triads - Keys of E, E Flat, F and F#

    Review of the basic formula for all major diatonic triads - M, m, m, M, M, m, dim Key of E - E maj, F# min, G# min, A maj, B maj, C# min, D# dim Key of Eb - Eb maj, F min, G min, Ab maj, Bb maj, C min, D dim Key of F# - F# maj, G# min, A# min, B maj, C# maj, D# min, E# dim Key of F - F maj, G…

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  37. Diatonic Triads - Keys of D and D Flat

    A quick overview of why we are approaching these episodes the way we are - we want this podcast to be comprehensive so that you can use this as a tool wherever you are at in your musicianship. Jump in at your own pace and from where you are in your current understanding. Overview of the key of D...

  38. Diatonic Triads - Keys of B and B Flat

    -Explanation of what we've worked on so far, and what's coming next -Breakdown of the Key of B major and the triads that are built on each note of that scale - B maj, C# min, D# min, E maj, F# maj, G# min, A# dim -Breakdown of the Key of Bb major - Bb maj, C min, D min, Eb maj, F maj, G min, A…

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  39. Diatonic Triads - Keys of A and A Flat

    Show Notes - -a quick refresher on the basic triads built on each note of the major scale - major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, and diminished -a walk through each of those chords in the keys of A and Ab Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads...

  40. Diatonic Triads - Key of C

    Show Notes - recipe for triads built on each note of the major scale - the formula is the same for every major key major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, diminished examples of playing around with those triads in the Key of C quick look at using those triads to start into extensions of the 1...

  41. Triad Drills

    Show Notes - -all major triads and their inversions walked through slowly so you can test your comprehension and understanding -all minor triads and inversions -refresher on diminished and augmented triads Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube...

  42. Triads - Four Basic Chord Types

    Show Notes - -Shout out to Wil Pearce, son and contributor to the podcast -Shout out to Learn Jazz Standards and other influential podcasts -Interval Overview -Breakdown of Triads - three notes played together or arpeggiated -4 basic types of triads- major, minor, diminished and augmented...

  43. Other Intervals

    Show Notes – -An explanation of what we are studying this episode - non-diatonic intervals -Placed with the key of C for ease of understanding -b2, #2 or #9 (extension of a dominant chord), #4 #11 b5 or tritone, #5 or augmented 5th, #6 or b7 -the strength of the tritone in relation to dominant 7…

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  44. Major Note Set Intervals

    Show Notes – -Further explanation of the intervals that exist in a major scale -explanation of a major scale - WWhWWWh -breakdown of each interval and the semitones to get there, up and down Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel -...

  45. Major Note Sets Test Day

    Show Notes – -tips for taking the test and explanation of format -explanation of “scales” and what Doub means when he talks about them, in contrast to what might normally be taught -15 keys tested -answers talked through Episode Image Link -...

  46. G and Gb Major Note Sets

    Show Notes – -Review of F and F# Keys -Tip for memorizing these keys as words or phone numbers instead of in the circle of 5ths -G Major Note Sets and Intervals -Gb Major Note Sets and Intervals -Practice Tips Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads...

  47. F and F# Major Note Sets

    Show Notes – -Review of E and Eb Major -Ways to test your brain on intervals with the learned keys -F Major Note Sets and Intervals -F# Major Note Sets and Intervals Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel -...

  48. E and Eb Major Note Sets

    Show Notes – -E Major Note Sets and Intervals -Eb Major Note Sets and Intervals -Introduction to Half and Whole Steps -Great Tip on how any major scale is built using whole and half steps - WWhWWWh Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel…

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  49. D and Db Major Note Sets

    Show Notes – -Review of B and Bb Major note sets -D Major Note Sets and Intervals -Db Major Note Sets and Intervals -1 3 5 7 9 11 and 13 broken down Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast…

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  50. B and Bb Major Note Sets

    Show Notes - B Major Note Sets and Intervals Bb Major Note Sets and Intervals A few tips on where the podcast is going Enharmonic Explanation Episode Image Link - https://harmonyimprovisati.wixsite.com/harmonyimprov/downloads YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/tpfbb Podcast Link -...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Harmony&Improvisation is a Vidcast/Podcast dedicated to helping musicians of all levels to hear, know, and play better music; as well as more styles of music. The goal is to make Harmonic and improvisational Principles readily available to:1. Students who don’t have local access to teachers,2. Teachers who don’t have time to teach performance and theory together, and would like an online resource to guide their students to, and3. Those who just like to study music online on their own.We want to offer information, but more importantly inspiration, to musicians who want to understand how music works “under the hood”. We have started episodes very slowly and simply to help beginners know how basic principles of harmony and melody work. These include sound examples, exercises and tests. Further episodes will continue to dig deeper and reach further into music, exploring different sounds and styles (harmonic and melodic minor studies, etc). These will also include explanations, song or

HOSTED BY

Doub Pearce

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Harmony&Improvisation have?

Harmony&Improvisation currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Harmony&Improvisation about?

Harmony&Improvisation is a Vidcast/Podcast dedicated to helping musicians of all levels to hear, know, and play better music; as well as more styles of music. The goal is to make Harmonic and improvisational Principles readily available to:1. Students who don’t have local access to teachers,2....

How often does Harmony&Improvisation release new episodes?

Harmony&Improvisation has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Harmony&Improvisation?

You can listen to Harmony&Improvisation on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Harmony&Improvisation?

Harmony&Improvisation is created and hosted by Doub Pearce.
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