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Play the Iconic Jazz Piano Standard "So What" by Miles Davis

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 38 ratings
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Willie Myette

Using the classic jazz standard “So What” by Miles Davis you will learn this modal song in two parts. In the first part of the lesson, you will learn about the dorian mode how to create dorian chord voicings which make this song so iconic.

In the second part of the lesson, you will learn different ways of using both the dorian and pentatonic scales for improvisation. Several scale patterns that will boost your improvisation creativity are also included.

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Using the classic jazz standard “So What” by Miles Davis you will learn this modal song in two parts. In the first part of the lesson, you will learn about the dorian mode how to create dorian chord voicings which make this song so iconic.

In the second part of the lesson, you will learn different ways of using both the dorian and pentatonic scales for improvisation. Several scale patterns that will boost your improvisation creativity are also included.

In addition to some really cool pentatonic and dorian improvisation patterns that will have heads turning, you're also going to learn some super-hip quartal voicings.

These are the same type of voicings used by Bill Evans and other iconic jazz pianists.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand modal playing
  • Create chord voicings
  • Confidently use several scale patterns

Syllabus

Introduction
Learning The Song
Dorian Mode Theory
Comping Voicings in The Left-Hand Pt. 1
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the Dorian mode, which is foundational for understanding modal jazz and its characteristic sound, offering a solid base for further exploration
Teaches chord voicings, which are essential for creating rich and interesting harmonic textures in jazz piano playing, enhancing the student's ability to comp effectively
Develops improvisation skills using both Dorian and pentatonic scales, providing practical tools for soloing and creating original musical ideas within the jazz idiom
Introduces quartal voicings, which are a hallmark of Bill Evans' style and a valuable technique for adding sophistication and depth to jazz piano arrangements and improvisations
Focuses on a specific jazz standard, providing a practical context for learning and applying theoretical concepts, making the learning process more engaging and relevant
Requires familiarity with basic music theory concepts, such as scales and chords, which may necessitate prior study for complete beginners in music

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Reviews summary

Playing 'so what' jazz piano

According to learners, this course is an excellent, well-structured, and concise guide that gets straight to the point. Students consistently praise the clarity of the instructor's explanations. The course successfully delivers on its promises, covering Dorian mode theory, essential left-hand comping voicings (including highly valued quartal harmony), and soloing ideas for the iconic jazz standard "So What." Reviewers found the exercises and examples to be highly practical and immediately applicable, leading to significant improvement in their playing of the tune. While one review noted the improvisation section was a bit basic, the overwhelming feedback is that the course provides good ideas for improvising and is invaluable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of modal jazz.
Good soloing ideas, some find depth limited.
"provides great ideas for voicings and soloing."
"gives good ideas for improvising."
"The improvisation part is a bit basic, but a decent starting point."
Short, well-structured, and to the point.
"Short and to the point."
"Nice quick course..."
"gets straight to the point."
"concise and well delivered course covering exactly what it sets out to do."
Effectively teaches theory, comping, and soloing.
"Covers theory, left hand comping and soloing."
"It covers theory, left hand comping, and soloing, exactly as stated in the syllabus."
"Covers theory, voicings and soloing over the tune."
"Helps clarify modal playing."
Exercises and ideas are practical and useful.
"...the exercises were very practical."
"The exercises are practical and easy to follow."
"Very practical and immediately applicable."
"delivers great insight into modal harmony and effective voicings."
"gives good ideas for improvising."
Excellent content on voicings, quartal harmony.
"The section on quartal harmony was very informative..."
"Particularly useful for... developing effective voicings on piano."
"provides great ideas for voicings and soloing."
"The section on voicings is fantastic for left hand comping and soloing."
"The voicings section is excellent."
"The voicings section was particularly useful."
Instructor provides very clear explanations.
"Excellent course which clearly demonstrates how to apply the Dorian mode..."
"Great course. The teacher is very clear in explaining everything."
"instructor goes at a steady pace and is easy to understand."
"Clear and concise explanations."
"Nice quick course, teacher explains everything very clearly..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Play the Iconic Jazz Piano Standard "So What" by Miles Davis with these activities:
Review Basic Music Theory
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental music theory concepts, including scales, chords, and modes, to better grasp the modal playing techniques taught in the course.
Show steps
  • Review the circle of fifths and key signatures.
  • Practice identifying major and minor scales.
  • Study basic chord construction (triads and seventh chords).
Read 'The Jazz Piano Book' by Mark Levine
Deepen your understanding of jazz piano techniques and theory with this comprehensive guide, which covers chord voicings, improvisation, and modal playing.
View For all musicians, jazz piano voicings on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the sections on modal jazz and chord voicings.
  • Practice the exercises and examples provided in the book.
  • Apply the concepts learned to the 'So What' standard.
Practice Dorian Mode Improvisation
Refine your improvisation skills in the Dorian mode by practicing scales, arpeggios, and licks over backing tracks.
Show steps
  • Find backing tracks in D Dorian.
  • Practice D Dorian scale patterns.
  • Improvise over the backing track.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore Advanced Jazz Piano Tutorials
Seek out online tutorials that delve deeper into advanced jazz piano techniques, such as reharmonization and complex voicings.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on YouTube or other platforms.
  • Focus on topics related to modal jazz and improvisation.
  • Practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
Create a 'So What' Arrangement
Solidify your understanding of the song by creating your own arrangement of 'So What' for solo piano or a small ensemble.
Show steps
  • Transcribe the original 'So What' recording.
  • Experiment with different chord voicings and rhythms.
  • Record your arrangement and share it with others.
Study 'Bill Evans Omnibook'
Analyze Bill Evans' playing style to understand his use of quartal voicings and modal improvisation, as mentioned in the course.
View Bill Evans Omnibook for Piano on Amazon
Show steps
  • Select a few solos to transcribe.
  • Analyze Evans' chord voicings and melodic lines.
  • Incorporate his ideas into your own playing.
Jam Session with Other Musicians
Improve your improvisation skills and learn from other musicians by participating in a jam session focused on modal jazz.
Show steps
  • Find other musicians interested in modal jazz.
  • Organize a jam session and play 'So What'.
  • Experiment with different improvisational approaches.

Career center

Learners who complete Play the Iconic Jazz Piano Standard "So What" by Miles Davis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Jazz Pianist
As a Jazz Pianist, your performances captivate audiences through improvisation and harmonic understanding. With the knowledge this course provides, you will have the tools to explore modal playing demonstrated in "So What" by Miles Davis. You will develop comping voicings in your left hand and fluency with both dorian and pentatonic scales, enriching your improvisational skills. The course may be useful as it explores patterns using triads and seventh chords, which you can integrate into your unique style. The quartal voicings, echoing those used by Bill Evans, can add a sophisticated dimension to your playing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Jazz Pianist
Jazz Club Performer
The role of a Jazz Club Performer involves playing live music in jazz clubs, captivating audiences with your improvisational skills. This course will help you master modal playing and improvisation through the study of "So What" by Miles Davis, enhancing your ability to create exciting and engaging performances. The course will give you the ability to create chord voicings and confidently use various scale patterns. The knowledge of dorian mode theory and pentatonic scales will enable you to craft unique and compelling solos.
See salaries and explore the career path for Jazz Club Performer
Session Musician
A Session Musician records music in studio environments, providing instrumental accompaniment for various artists and projects. Mastering modal improvisation, as this course can help you do using "So What" by Miles Davis, can expand your versatility and marketability as a session player. The understanding of dorian mode theory and the ability to create chord voicings will allow you to quickly adapt to diverse musical styles and genres, making you a valuable asset in many recording sessions. The exploration of pentatonic scale usage and quartal voicings can enrich your improvisational palette.
See salaries and explore the career path for Session Musician
Accompanist
An Accompanist provides musical support to singers or instrumentalists during rehearsals and performances. With the knowledge this course provides, you will have the tools to effectively accompany musicians in modal jazz settings. The exploration of patterns, including triads and seventh chords, can enhance your ability to provide supportive and creative accompaniment. The ability to create chord voicings and confidently use scale patterns will enable you to provide a solid harmonic foundation for soloists.
See salaries and explore the career path for Accompanist
Private Music Instructor
As a Private Music Instructor, you provide personalized music lessons to students of all levels. This course may be useful by providing insights into modal playing and jazz improvisation, specifically through the lens of the jazz standard "So What". The course explores dorian mode theory and scale patterns, which you can adapt into your teaching methods to share with students interested in learning jazz piano and improvisation. Exploring chord voicings and improvisation techniques enhances your ability to teach effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Private Music Instructor
Music Teacher
The career of a Music Teacher involves educating and inspiring students in the art of music. This course may be useful in providing insights into modal playing and improvisation, specifically through the lens of the jazz standard "So What". The course explores dorian mode theory and scale patterns, which you can adapt into your teaching methods and share with students interested in expanding their jazz piano skills. Especially beneficial is the focus on creating chord voicings and improvisation techniques, enhancing your ability to teach jazz piano.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher
Music Director
A Music Director oversees the musical aspects of a performance or production. By learning the intricacies of modal improvisation of the type this course offers through the song "So What," you can lead ensembles with greater confidence and creativity. You will have the ability to guide musicians in improvising and arranging music, creating a cohesive and captivating performance. The course's emphasis on creating chord voicings and understanding the dorian mode can enhance your musical leadership and vision.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director
Arranger
An Arranger adapts existing musical compositions for different instruments or ensembles. This course may be useful by offering you a deeper understanding of modal harmony and improvisation through the study of "So What" by Miles Davis. The course content, which teaches you how to create chord voicings and confidently use scale patterns, gives you practical knowledge applicable to arranging jazz pieces. The exploration of dorian mode theory and quartal voicings can expand your arranging skills, enabling you to create intricate and compelling arrangements.
See salaries and explore the career path for Arranger
Bandleader
Leading a band requires not only musical skill but also the ability to guide and inspire fellow musicians. This course helps you explore modal playing and improvisation using the classic jazz standard "So What" by Miles Davis. The knowledge of dorian mode theory and the creation of chord voicings will allow you to lead your band with confidence and authority, fostering a collaborative and creative environment. The exploration of pentatonic scales and quartal voicings can enhance your arrangements and compositions, setting your band apart.
See salaries and explore the career path for Bandleader
Composer
As a Composer, you create original musical works for various mediums. This course may be useful in helping you explore modal composition techniques using the principles demonstrated in "So What" by Miles Davis. The course content, which includes the dorian mode and pentatonic scales, provides you with the tools to create unique and captivating musical pieces. The course's emphasis on creating chord voicings and improvisation techniques can spark creativity and innovation in your compositions. The exploration of scale patterns using triads and sevenths can help you develop original and sophisticated harmonic textures.
See salaries and explore the career path for Composer
Music Journalist
Music Journalists write about music, be it reviews, interviews, or articles. This course will help you understand the specifics of jazz piano and modal playing, explained through the case study of Miles Davis' "So What." This course gives you the ability to discuss music with greater expertise and technical understanding. Learning about dorian mode theory, chord voicings, and improvisation techniques will make your analysis more insightful and informed.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist
Ethnomusicologist
As an Ethnomusicologist, you study music in its cultural context. This course may be useful by providing a deeper understanding of jazz piano techniques and improvisation. The course's emphasis on the Dorian mode, chord voicings, and soloing techniques, as exemplified by "So What", can enrich your understanding of jazz's cultural and historical significance. The course's exploration of pentatonic scales and jazz harmony can aid in analyzing and interpreting jazz music within its cultural milieu. Ethnomusicologists often require an advanced degree.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ethnomusicologist
Music Librarian
A Music Librarian manages and catalogs musical resources in libraries or archives. This course may be useful by providing practical knowledge of jazz piano techniques and improvisation styles. The course's exploration of the dorian mode, chord voicings, and scale patterns can enhance your ability to catalog and categorize jazz music effectively. This understanding may be helpful in assisting researchers and musicians in finding relevant resources. The study of "So What" provides a concrete example.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design and develop software applications. This course could provide an appreciation for music and music production. Although seemingly unrelated, this course is useful to Software Engineers designing audio software such as DAWs digital audio workstations, VST virtual studio technology instruments, effects plugins, and notation software. In their design, it may be useful to note how a song like "So What" is structured in terms of scales, chords, and modes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Acoustical Consultant
Acoustical Consultants advise on sound and vibration issues in buildings and environments. While seemingly unrelated, this course can enhance your understanding of music theory and harmony, specifically jazz piano techniques. You will gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of sound and how musical elements interact, which may inform your work in optimizing acoustics for concert halls, recording studios, or other performance spaces. The course provides a foundation in scales, chord voicings, and improvisation, providing useful knowledge about sound for this kind of consultant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Acoustical Consultant

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Play the Iconic Jazz Piano Standard "So What" by Miles Davis.
Cover image
For all musicians, jazz piano voicings
Save
Comprehensive guide to jazz piano playing. It covers a wide range of topics, including chord voicings, improvisation techniques, and modal playing. It valuable resource for understanding the concepts presented in the course and expanding your knowledge of jazz piano.
For all musicians, jazz piano voicings
Paperback
Check
For all musicians, jazz piano voicings
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Bill Evans Omnibook for Piano
Save
Contains transcriptions of Bill Evans' solos and compositions. Bill Evans is known for his innovative chord voicings and melodic ideas. Studying his work will provide insight into the techniques discussed in the course. This book is more valuable as additional reading to gain inspiration and understand the application of the concepts.
Bill Evans Omnibook for Piano
Paperback
$$
Bill Evans Omnibook for Piano
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
1.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Willie Myette
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the Dorian mode, which is foundational for understanding modal jazz and its characteristic sound, offering a solid base for further exploration
Teaches chord voicings, which are essential for creating rich and interesting harmonic textures in jazz piano playing, enhancing the student's ability to comp effectively
Develops improvisation skills using both Dorian and pentatonic scales, providing practical tools for soloing and creating original musical ideas within the jazz idiom
Introduces quartal voicings, which are a hallmark of Bill Evans' style and a valuable technique for adding sophistication and depth to jazz piano arrangements and improvisations
Focuses on a specific jazz standard, providing a practical context for learning and applying theoretical concepts, making the learning process more engaging and relevant
Requires familiarity with basic music theory concepts, such as scales and chords, which may necessitate prior study for complete beginners in music
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