Jake Hertzog's blog

Hey Jazz Guy,

I feel totally lost with minor chords, there are so many different types. What on earth do I play?
–Lost in Long Island

Dear Lost,

Hey Jazz Guy,

I feel like all my solos sound the same. Any advice on how I can diversify?
–Uniform in Unity Village

Dear Uniform,

Open Ended Questions for The Advancing Musician

What kind of music is your favorite to listen to?
What kind of music is your favorite to perform?
How will what you are practicing now be different than what you practice next year?
What are your musical goals? (Playing, writing, recording etc)
What are your non-musical goals? (career, lifestyle, relationships etc)
What are the characteristics of great music? Groundbreaking music?
What do you value more, creativity, or perfect execution?
What makes you a great musician?

Hey Jazz Guy,

Im always playing constant eighth-notes, or the same rhythms. How can I get more rhythmic variety in my playing?
–Constant in Colorado Springs

Dear Constant,

Hey Jazz Guy,

Now that I’ve got the inside playing down, how bout that ‘out’ stuff?
–Inside in Indianapolis

Dear Inside,

Hey Jazz Guy,

I’ve got all my scales down pretty good, but still having trouble making all the changes. Can you give me some advice on how to put it all together?? –Fragmented In Fargo

Dear Fragmented,

Hey Jazz Guy,

I got the major scale down well, but I keep hearing about melodic minor, can you give me some tips on how it works?? –Major in Minneapolis

Dear Major,

Hey Jazz Guy,

What are some more ideas for re-harmonizing a melody? –Standard in Syracuse

Dear Standard,

Hey Jazz Guy,

Now that I got the A section of “Rhythm Changes” together, what can I play on the dominant chords in the bridge? –Subordinate in Salem

Dear Subordinate,

Hey Jazz Guy,

What kinds of things can I play over ‘rhythm changes’? –I Got Nothing in Naperville

Dear I Got Nothing,