Micro-Studies #001 - Practice Cycles for Secondary Dominants (pdf)

Content/ Topic:

In this micro-study various chord progressions for effective practice of secondary dominants will be presented. Secondary dominants are an integral part of harmony theory in general and jazz improvisation in particular. They add color and excitement to diatonic contexts and expand cadential harmony.
The introduced cycles all have in common that each progression contains all secondary dominants and thus represents a condensed possibility to approach this important topic for jazz improvisation in an effective way. This micro study will give you a brief look at the theoretical background and examine multiple ideas for practicing. There are playbacks available for download for all four practice cycles.


For whom is it intended:

This micro-study is intended for the ambitious jazz player and student. It is an effective, intensive and compact way to practice secondary dominants and use them effortlessly in improvisation, e.g. over jazz standards. Furthermore, the cycles can also be used theoretically and practically in individual or group lessons and thus represent a great concept for teachers who want to explore this topic in more depth with their students.