Peter Martin digs deep into his Stevie Wonder bag to show some hidden pentatonics over the classic tune, Overjoyed. Explore the #1 global jazz community: openstudiojazz.com
Altered scales and altered pentatonics: Get a note book, alter 1 note at a time for every scale you can think of. Write them all down. Every possible 1 note alteration. Then alter 2 notes, 3 notes, 4 notes. Have fun!
I've listened to Stevie Wonder for years. He's not on another level but a whole other dimension. I love his music. But hearing it broken down like this and disecting the chords, makes u really see what Stevie was playing. It makes me wanna stop playing and singing all together. Lol This post is emensely inspiring but daunting at the same time. LoL. All seriousness, thx for this post.
I appreciate your passion, recognition, explanation, demonstration of Stevie Wonders music. I'm a fan of music I don't know what you are talking about but I hear what you're saying. I'm glad I found you and your posts. I feel you are one of the cats.
awesome Peter, I do actually like the Steve just goes a Bb (one chord sound) the last chord of the intro. then throws us a curve going to Eb. (melody notes d and Bb to Eb. Thank you for all you do!
There's a few in this that are based off of the third of the chord, ie. E minor pentatonic over C major chord, this just gives you colour tones without the root! Hope this helps
There's no set rule but here is what I usually use as a guide: Maj7 chords: work well with minor pent built off of the major third or major 6th m7 chords: work well with minor pent off the root Dominants: work well with minor pent built off the second or 5th for a sus sound The main thing is just realizing that you can superimpose a pentatonic scale on almost any chord tone to get interesting colors out. Those above are some of the most pleasant sounding which I think fit better for this type of music but you can explore with others to get a spicier sound.
Analyze and find the pattern. Try them with the same or similar chords in different songs and contexts. try them in different keys. You'll start to hear the stuff in the playing of others, then you start hearing it and playing it yourself. A little smart stealing and re-appropriation will go a long way!
First learn each major scale mode has 3 possible maj/min pentatonics that fit each mode. A Dorian A min pent , B min pent, E min pent for example. Secondly go through all 12 keys of maj/min pentatonic scale super imposed over a dom7 chord. Write down and learn what intervals are being used and devolpe which ones you like. There's a whole lot of other pentatonic scales also altered pentatonic scales Dom pent 1 2 3 5 b7 for example Can be superimposed. Thirdly go through the maj/min pent and start altering 1 note at a time. Write them all down. Again developed your own opinion about them Min pent 1 b3 4 5 b7 1 b3 4 5 7 1 b3 4 5 6 1 b3 4 5 b6 1 b3 4 #5 b7 1 b3 4 6 b7 1 b3 4 b5 b7 1 b3 #4 5 b7 1 b3 b4 5 b7 1 3 4 5 b7 1 2 4 5 b7 1 b2 4 5 b7 Work out that there's 5 possible modes for each one. Some are related. Do the same thing with major pentatonic. You'll start finding all the possible pentatonics within the major modes and a lot of other scale/modes. Learn modal pentatonics. Research the subjects. Every time you take on a lot of information take some time to let it set in subconsciously over several months. It's a life long journey and all I can tell you is down every hallway is another door with a hallway filled with more doors and hallways. It never ends. Good luck
His altered pentatonic is E min with a flat A 1 b3 b4 5 b7 (#9, 3) From Hungarian minor (Lydian dom #9) 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 b7 Or Phrygian b4 (Harmonic major mode 3) 1 b2 3 b4 5 b6 b7 It could also come from Dorian b4 (Ionian b5 mode 2) 1 2 b3 b4 5 6 b7 Altered pentatonic would have a b5 also 1 b3 b4 b5 b7 From the altered scale (melodic minor mode 7) 1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 b7
I think many of your fans and students including this one would appreciate just a bit more definition of terms. I’ve never heard of an altered pentatonic nor of a blues pentatonic so I was left in the dust on this one.
I know piano is different from guitar. The main hidden pentatonics people use are the 4 Dorian 1 step up Phrygian 1 step down The relative majors are Mixolydian 1 step down Lydian 1 step up So if you learn and combine the root pentatonic and superimposed pentatonic once it works for all 4 of those. Other 2 are minor pent 1.5 step up locrian Minor pent 1.5 step up can also work to super imposed the altered scale. 1.5 steps down would superimpose locrian nat2 aka Aeolian b5.
Super imposed maj/min pentatonic scales all 12 over E: Bb/Gm = Locrian F/Dm = Phrygian C/Am = Aeolian G/Em = minor pentatonic D/Bm = Mixolydian A/Gbm = Dorian E/Dbm = major pentatonic B/Abm = Ionian F#/Ebm = Lydian Db/Bbm= Lydianb2 Ab/Fm= Lydian #5b2 Eb/Cm= Locrian nat 7 This is all subjective because each maj/min pentatonic scale can be played in 3 modes and is a matter of opinion. Bb/Gm would go good over E ALTDOM because it yields b9 #9 and b5. There are charts with all the intervals for all 12 superimposed over dom and ALT DOM chords. Anyone can write out all the intervals. Any scale can be played 1 way and super imposed 11 ways. Hirijoshi 1 2 b3 5 b6 Kumoi 1 2 b3 5 6 Dom pent 1 2 3 5 b7 Lyd aug pent 1 3 #4 #5 7 For example
I failed to understand how you choose what pentatonic scale to use over what chord. Do you just do it by ear or is there a more formulaic way? I would appreciate the help
Cow chord! It conducts better than bismuth! I think I'd call it a sus2 with a shell in the LH... but I'm not a jazzer, so you'd best wiki that definition! (I haven't gotten to that part of the vid yet😅)
The melody goes to the 6, however the chord stays major. Respectfully, I listened to the Stevie Wonder track and don't think it goes to m6. So staying on M7 is fine.
Be it super impressive, but unfortunately for me this video is a bit over my head. How did you choose what hidden pentatonic scale to play over what chord.? just so i can try take the same principle in other songs etc. Is it just picking pentatonic scales from neighbouring keys instead of playing on the root note? is there a concept or an idea that i can educate myself on so i can understand your choices in irregular scales over chords? thank you
Yeah pick related pentatonics, especially those that share notes. It’s about creating connecting lines accords the chords instead of winding between scales. It’s more like singing.
Respectfully speaking, I think the “Jazz” approach sound much more developed and musical. The “hidden” pentatonic approach sounds like a pianist who doesn’t have much to say musically.
This was helpful, but you never went over how the pentatonics were structured. You never answered the question in the thumbnail: what is an altered pentatonic? It’s like he got so excited to play the demonstration that he forgot to go over the actual scales!
Yeah, I'm confused on whether this is just intended as a 'solo' section within the song vs. reharmonization of the melody? Even with a solo, I kinda prefer to adhere a bit more closely to the melody, and a little ornamentarion goes a long way. But that's just my personal preference.
I think he just wanted to outlay the harmonic idea he had in mind, its not supposed to be in the song if you were to play it, it should be in your head to use if needed
@@Jasper_the_Cat Anything that gets you inside the chords and flow of the progression helps with improv and reharm, along with further appreciation of the composer. Why can't it be all of the above?
As Peter said, "but wouldn't you rather play it like this," I heard him go from where he started with the opening melody back to the introduction, changing to the hidden pentatonics concept as he did so. Perhaps the comparison would have been clearer had he played the same section for both.
guys, you need to constantly show the overhead shot of the keyboard - as much as I like to look at Peter's face I want to always be able to look at the keyboard to see his fingering notes etc. Most of your videos you guys focus too much on the person speaking. Some people learn better by watching and not listening. And no offense to Peter, but he plays always too fast, like he is trying to impress people. I don't watch to see how fast he can play? Yeah I know there is the slow motion function, but it sounds shit when you slow it down sounds like a cassette tape being stretched. Slow it down please Peter
Peter plays Stevie's music with such LOVE.
How can you not when you fully grasp it
Altered scales and altered pentatonics: Get a note book, alter 1 note at a time for every scale you can think of. Write them all down. Every possible 1 note alteration. Then alter 2 notes, 3 notes, 4 notes. Have fun!
That’s very clever. You’re thinking like a real Open Session contributor!
“Take that through all 12 keys and you’re good to go” 😂
Welp, there's my weekend plans
We need an album with Peter Martin playing Stevie Wonder.
on a rhodes though
No one explains SW better than PM. Brilliant! You just unlocked a new level of understanding. Thanks.
That could not have been played, produced, or explained any better. Keep it up!
I've listened to Stevie Wonder for years. He's not on another level but a whole other dimension. I love his music. But hearing it broken down like this and disecting the chords, makes u really see what Stevie was playing. It makes me wanna stop playing and singing all together. Lol
This post is emensely inspiring but daunting at the same time. LoL. All seriousness, thx for this post.
Why? Pentatonics are very simple scales to learn. You may need to unlearn some reflexes but it's not as intense as it feels.
Peter Martin! You NEVER cease to amaze me, brother!
I’m here for the Stevie videos all day every day
In lack of a better vernacular... Legit!!!!! 👏💯👍
Dang! Class is in session up in here! KEEP THE STEVIE CONTENT COMING!
Pure gold!
Thanks a ton Peter!
Thank you very much for explaining and showing. Great chords, beautiful song.
You play amazingly, smooth and wildly interesting. 🌞🎶🌧🎶🌙🎶
I appreciate your passion, recognition, explanation, demonstration of Stevie Wonders music. I'm a fan of music I don't know what you are talking about but I hear what you're saying. I'm glad I found you and your posts. I feel you are one of the cats.
Great, you are very able to explain and playing all in.
Extremely beautiful playing
Interesting and beautifully presented. Thanks a lot!
WOW!!! Brilliant! Tears of joy. Astounding... superb presentation, superb graphics... wonderful. Thank you.
Every major scale mode has 3 possible maj/min pentatonics that can be used.
I tried to help make sense of some of that.
you can use 4 blues major scales for each major scale also, i think. You can use the root, 2nd, 4th and 5th
Pure gold
I love the way the melody is like this ray of sunshine coming out of the intro. Sonic "Joy".
Peter your playing is incredible. Really interesting video lesson. Superb cheers
Well done! So professional and well thought out.
Beautiful playing, Peter!
Thank You! So truly appreciated.
This is awesome!!! Keep up the good work!!
I would take an entire semester or two long course on Stevie's music from Peter
Beautiful playing
Just glorious.
Thank you so much for this....
KILLER peter!!! I am now a FAN! Keep 'em coming!👍
Great stuff as always! I’m starting to think the random fluff always on Peters head is his jazz antenna 😂
Great content. Big up from France
thx alot Peter !! so good explained ....
so good teacher !
GOD!!! WHAT AN AWESOME MUSICAL UNIVERSE
Blessed
So good. Thank you < 3
Genius Peter
Thanks for this. Probably my second favorite Stevie tune (the first one is As). Esperanza Spalding's version of this as a samba is also fantastic.
thanks so much, Master.
Marvelous. Just marvelous.
Beautiful
awesome Peter, I do actually like the Steve just goes a Bb (one chord sound) the last chord of the intro. then throws us a curve going to Eb. (melody notes d and Bb to Eb. Thank you for all you do!
damn. outstanding, brother peter!
Awesome!
That's so good... so good... I need to get out of my comfort zone and learn these.
Thanks UA-cam for the ad you provided at 03:18! It allowed me to breathe :)
Amazing.
The Great teacher ever
Love it
Woooow!!!!
Editing is next level!
6:37 so good...
Gorgeous but flying over my head-like magic😅
Frank Zappa had some great takes with hidden pentatonic ideas. Thanks Peter, awesome as always.
Pure gold! ❤
Your E alt on the Bb7. I think we used to call that the Jimmy Hendrix Scale.
How do I identify these hidden pentatonics? Instead of being told what to play. What are they built from so that I can identify them myself?
There's a few in this that are based off of the third of the chord, ie. E minor pentatonic over C major chord, this just gives you colour tones without the root! Hope this helps
There's no set rule but here is what I usually use as a guide:
Maj7 chords: work well with minor pent built off of the major third or major 6th
m7 chords: work well with minor pent off the root
Dominants: work well with minor pent built off the second or 5th for a sus sound
The main thing is just realizing that you can superimpose a pentatonic scale on almost any chord tone to get interesting colors out. Those above are some of the most pleasant sounding which I think fit better for this type of music but you can explore with others to get a spicier sound.
Analyze and find the pattern. Try them with the same or similar chords in different songs and contexts. try them in different keys. You'll start to hear the stuff in the playing of others, then you start hearing it and playing it yourself. A little smart stealing and re-appropriation will go a long way!
First learn each major scale mode has 3 possible maj/min pentatonics that fit each mode.
A Dorian A min pent , B min pent, E min pent for example.
Secondly go through all 12 keys of maj/min pentatonic scale super imposed over a dom7 chord. Write down and learn what intervals are being used and devolpe which ones you like.
There's a whole lot of other pentatonic scales also altered pentatonic scales
Dom pent 1 2 3 5 b7 for example
Can be superimposed.
Thirdly go through the maj/min pent and start altering 1 note at a time. Write them all down.
Again developed your own opinion about them
Min pent 1 b3 4 5 b7
1 b3 4 5 7
1 b3 4 5 6
1 b3 4 5 b6
1 b3 4 #5 b7
1 b3 4 6 b7
1 b3 4 b5 b7
1 b3 #4 5 b7
1 b3 b4 5 b7
1 3 4 5 b7
1 2 4 5 b7
1 b2 4 5 b7
Work out that there's 5 possible modes for each one. Some are related. Do the same thing with major pentatonic. You'll start finding all the possible pentatonics within the major modes and a lot of other scale/modes.
Learn modal pentatonics.
Research the subjects.
Every time you take on a lot of information take some time to let it set in subconsciously over several months.
It's a life long journey and all I can tell you is down every hallway is another door with a hallway filled with more doors and hallways. It never ends. Good luck
His altered pentatonic is
E min with a flat A
1 b3 b4 5 b7 (#9, 3)
From Hungarian minor (Lydian dom #9) 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 b7
Or Phrygian b4
(Harmonic major mode 3)
1 b2 3 b4 5 b6 b7
It could also come from Dorian b4 (Ionian b5 mode 2)
1 2 b3 b4 5 6 b7
Altered pentatonic would have a b5 also
1 b3 b4 b5 b7
From the altered scale (melodic minor mode 7)
1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 b7
Thank you so much. Can you please share proper fingering for practicing the pentatonic scales?
💛
my guy you are so underrated
Greetings.
May I ask what Make , Model and size piano you are playing. Truly a quality piano whatever it is.
I think many of your fans and students including this one would appreciate just a bit more definition of terms. I’ve never heard of an altered pentatonic nor of a blues pentatonic so I was left in the dust on this one.
5:59 😂 oh my goodness. So many things are possible.
Genial
Maybe my favorite video I've ever seen haha
Sheesh 🔥🔥🔥
The intro section reminds jobin's one note samba
I know piano is different from guitar. The main hidden pentatonics people use are the 4
Dorian 1 step up
Phrygian 1 step down
The relative majors are
Mixolydian 1 step down
Lydian 1 step up
So if you learn and combine the root pentatonic and superimposed pentatonic once it works for all 4 of those.
Other 2 are minor pent 1.5 step up locrian
Minor pent 1.5 step up can also work to super imposed the altered scale.
1.5 steps down would superimpose locrian nat2 aka Aeolian b5.
Super imposed maj/min pentatonic scales all 12 over E:
Bb/Gm = Locrian
F/Dm = Phrygian
C/Am = Aeolian
G/Em = minor pentatonic
D/Bm = Mixolydian
A/Gbm = Dorian
E/Dbm = major pentatonic
B/Abm = Ionian
F#/Ebm = Lydian
Db/Bbm= Lydianb2
Ab/Fm= Lydian #5b2
Eb/Cm= Locrian nat 7
This is all subjective because each maj/min pentatonic scale can be played in 3 modes and is a matter of opinion.
Bb/Gm would go good over E ALTDOM because it yields b9 #9 and b5.
There are charts with all the intervals for all 12 superimposed over dom and ALT DOM chords.
Anyone can write out all the intervals.
Any scale can be played 1 way and super imposed 11 ways.
Hirijoshi 1 2 b3 5 b6
Kumoi 1 2 b3 5 6
Dom pent 1 2 3 5 b7
Lyd aug pent 1 3 #4 #5 7
For example
I dont think it's possible to improvise this way and I'm pretty sure it's not his approach
I failed to understand how you choose what pentatonic scale to use over what chord. Do you just do it by ear or is there a more formulaic way? I would appreciate the help
E altered pentatonic
1 b3 b4 5 b7 (or #9,3)
From Hungarian major
(Lyd dom #9) 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 b7
Now we have our first Mu chord! Yeah! Awesome! What?
Cow chord! It conducts better than bismuth! I think I'd call it a sus2 with a shell in the LH... but I'm not a jazzer, so you'd best wiki that definition! (I haven't gotten to that part of the vid yet😅)
I just HAD to look it up, in case... I was close, but it's more of an add2 than sus2 idea...
Nice
💯👌
4:54 Our first “moo” chord? What?
Mu
more Stevie wonder please
I would gladly like to play it like that mang ....But I don't have a 120K Bosendorfer Grand Pianol, heh
Ciao dall'Italia
Prova a prendere la pentatonica di Bbm anche sul Bmaj7.
Hidden pentatonics.
Eb Lydian=F/Dm, Bb/Gm (Eb/Cm)
C Dorian=F/Dm, Bb/Gm (Eb/Cm)
Relative major/minor pentatonics
What software are using to live notate your playing?
Soundslice
Hello Peter, think it's fine to add, in the bridge, a m6 chord after AbM7 / BbM7 (it matches the melody)
The melody goes to the 6, however the chord stays major. Respectfully, I listened to the Stevie Wonder track and don't think it goes to m6. So staying on M7 is fine.
@@ItaniuMatrix yes fore sure, but it's not forbidden because sw don't play it ..
Its just a reharm idea witch is also fine..
BROO CMON WHY IM LATE TO KNOW THIS CHANNEL
I think the diminished sub makes it sound a little too off the style. But again, jazz is jazz 🙂
So is the "hidden pentatonic" always from the third?
Be it super impressive, but unfortunately for me this video is a bit over my head. How did you choose what hidden pentatonic scale to play over what chord.? just so i can try take the same principle in other songs etc. Is it just picking pentatonic scales from neighbouring keys instead of playing on the root note? is there a concept or an idea that i can educate myself on so i can understand your choices in irregular scales over chords? thank you
Yeah pick related pentatonics, especially those that share notes. It’s about creating connecting lines accords the chords instead of winding between scales. It’s more like singing.
Slonimsky transcibed different pentatonic scales in his thesaurus.
Respectfully speaking, I think the “Jazz” approach sound much more developed and musical. The “hidden” pentatonic approach sounds like a pianist who doesn’t have much to say musically.
🤙🏼
« Wouldn’t you rather play it like this? « Yes please…I’m trying to imagine any one saying « no not really »🤭
I liked both.
please pdf
Most comedians play Stevie Wonder like this: 😎
It’s funny because this is the only way I know how to think about music, all the stuff at the beginning is what I don’t understand
Thank you ! Just à comment: why playing so fast ? You have time for explanattions 😀
This was helpful, but you never went over how the pentatonics were structured. You never answered the question in the thumbnail: what is an altered pentatonic? It’s like he got so excited to play the demonstration that he forgot to go over the actual scales!
Lesson in making funny faces...
I'm out of my depth here
Me too, John. This one was more of a nodalong for me.
but wouldn't you rather play it like this:
completely abandons playing the melody as a point of reference.
Yeah, I'm confused on whether this is just intended as a 'solo' section within the song vs. reharmonization of the melody? Even with a solo, I kinda prefer to adhere a bit more closely to the melody, and a little ornamentarion goes a long way. But that's just my personal preference.
I think he just wanted to outlay the harmonic idea he had in mind, its not supposed to be in the song if you were to play it, it should be in your head to use if needed
@@krystiangorczyca77 thanks. That makes sense the way you describe it.
@@Jasper_the_Cat Anything that gets you inside the chords and flow of the progression helps with improv and reharm, along with further appreciation of the composer. Why can't it be all of the above?
As Peter said, "but wouldn't you rather play it like this," I heard him go from where he started with the opening melody back to the introduction, changing to the hidden pentatonics concept as he did so. Perhaps the comparison would have been clearer had he played the same section for both.
That's not even the same song
guys, you need to constantly show the overhead shot of the keyboard - as much as I like to look at Peter's face I want to always be able to look at the keyboard to see his fingering notes etc. Most of your videos you guys focus too much on the person speaking. Some people learn better by watching and not listening. And no offense to Peter, but he plays always too fast, like he is trying to impress people. I don't watch to see how fast he can play? Yeah I know there is the slow motion function, but it sounds shit when you slow it down sounds like a cassette tape being stretched. Slow it down please Peter