Paul Williamson explains the uses of bebop scales in jazz improvisation. In this video, Paul’s first post for Digital Pill, he describes the construction of bebop scales, jazz articulation, the use of a metronome and how bebop scales place the chord tones firmly ON the beat to create an “inside” sound in improvisation. The video together with the pdf download explain the uses of bebop scales over major, dominant and minor scales.
Click > HERE < to download a pdf of the lesson
Listen to Paul’s music here
Paul playing with Way out West on myspace
Way Out West – Old Grooves for New Streets available from iTunes
and from CDbaby





4. January 2009 at 5:50 pm
That Paul has the “podcast” voice.
Well done guys.
9. January 2009 at 4:40 pm
I agree, nicely done.
Where would the passing tone fall in a minor scale, or over different modes?
10. January 2009 at 10:50 am
Check back in a few days and I will have posted the pdf which tells you what happens with different scales. Sorry for the delay everyone, Paul shot the footage just before going on holidays. Now he’s back and I’m on tour with the SAINTS. Should be sorted by Tuesday
20. February 2009 at 8:11 pm
Great lesson! Thanks Paul!
12. April 2009 at 12:47 pm
I am excited about this blog… Working those Bebop scales into my rep. It’s good to know what you are doing, even if you were doing it, well sort of…
25. July 2009 at 2:49 am
so chiefs_55 …… the well sort of … what is that supposed to imply ?…
25. July 2009 at 7:47 am
So Paul, I think it means thanks
1. May 2010 at 4:48 pm
Dear Paul
Thank you! I really appreciate your clear statements and articulation of the tonal structure. I am just a has-been wannabe who has taken up Sax for hobby again after a 30 year break. I am really grateful to have my ear-muscle memory engaged again.
Yours
Paul
7. August 2010 at 1:10 am
thanks!!! thanks!!!! thanks!!!!!
and many more thanks for sharing this, very usefull.
Regards from El Salvador, it is hard to find this kind of resources here, when I found this site…yeah!!!
thanks again and again…