Use the must-know "Rhythm Changes" song form to build the core jazz language—from bebop foundations to modern sounds.

You've Got (to Learn) Rhythm is a series of 12 etudes designed to spell out with crystal-clarity the very building blocks of the "bebop-and-beyond" language in a way that's far more obvious than a transcribed solo.

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️

Once you dig into the included analysis for each etude, you'll see that there really aren't that many "tricks" you need to know to play great solos.

By the time you get through just a few of these tunes, you'll be well on your way to having a rock solid "improvisational arsenal".

Taking It Waaay Beyond a PDF


What You Get

Sheet Music with Harmonic and Melodic Analysis

  • Written for both Bb and Eb instruments, the etudes take you through a variety of keys and super-hip chord substitutions to give your ears and fingers game-changing but super-fun workout.
  • Each etude is also accompanied by a written analysis to help you actually incorporate into your playing the melodic and harmonic sounds that appeal to you.
  • Got an iPhone or iPad? There's a (super-slick) optional app included so you can hop right in from a tap on the home screen!

PLUS...

  • We've added two delightful quizzes using both written and audio examples to ensure that the melodic and harmonic devices are TRULY sinking into your brain AND your ears.
  • Expand your musical horizons with a crash course on the history and music theory behind this magical song form.
  • Internalize the most effective and heart-stopping examples of rhythm changes with a list of my all-time favorite "must-hear" recordings featuring rhythm changes being performed by the jazz greats.

SAMPLE ETUDE

Below is a copy of the etude with analysis text. A plain copy without the analysis text is included as well.

SAMPLE ANALYSIS

This etude makes extensive use of a cycle of major/dominant chords that start on the flat-six of the key. They progress around the circle of fourths until the cycle resolves in measure five.

Measures 1-2:
The opening two measures are diatonic and consist of inverted triad shapes.

Measure 5:
This measure references the motif played in measures 1 and 2.

Measure 9-12:
These measures constitute the cycle of chord changes (V7 to I), starting on the flat-six, progressing around the circle of fourths. These four bars are also an example of melodic sequencing.

Measures 17-24:
These measures are a long melodic sequence that is built upon descending arpeggio shapes, diatonic to the chords they are played over. Measures 23 and 24 use the sound of tri-tone substitution.

Measures 25-28:
Yet another example of the cycle of chord changes (V7 to I), starting on the flat-six, progressing around the circle of fourths. Measures 26-28 are another example of melodic sequencing.

Demonstration and Backing Tracks

  • For each etude, there's a recording of me playing the piece over a backing track to eliminate any guesswork when it comes to knowing exactly what the “end result” is supposed to sound like.
  • After 1 chorus of me demonstrating, the track continues with just the rhythm section so you can soar off into your own solo.
  • Each tune is also accompanied by the backing track in the demonstration.

SAMPLE DEMONSTRATION TRACK

SAMPLE BACKING TRACK


Adam Larson is a saxophonist, recording artist, composer and educator. Described by Nate Chinen of The New York Times as “the sort of jazz musician who gets flagged early on as a promising talent and then hustles to meet every requirement for success”, Larson has garnered numerous awards that distinguish him as one of the most promising artists of his generation. Adam holds BM and MM degrees in Jazz Performance from The Manhattan School of Music, where he graduated with honors.

After practicing and studying just a few etudes...

You'll have made a major leap towards being able to set aside the thinking and the theory, using your deepest intuition to improvise freely, beautifully, and authentically.

So with that, I invite you to take this musical adventure through the rich musical landscape that is Rhythm changes, and may the journey be just as exciting as the destination!

Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is With a 100%, 14-Day No-Hassle Guarantee

If for whatever reason you aren't happy with You've Got (to Learn) Rhythm, then just let us know within 14 days of making the purchase and we'll quickly refund you your money, no questions asked. We know for a fact that applying the information in this program is going to have a massive impact on your playing at a fraction of the cost of private lessons, but the most important thing to us is that you're happy with your purchase , so no need to worry about wasting money on something that's not going to fit your needs exactly.