Heinrich Van Bluescalsen's joint recital with Nigel St. Clair at the first World Saxophone Congress in Chicago in 1969 was a seminal moment in saxophone history.
Just like major/minor scales, going through and picking out all the possible chords within these scales unlocks even more versatility. Also fun fact Central Park West is a tune based around a diminished pattern, i.e. The same diminished scale works on all the dominants in that tune.
I have been using these sounds in my solos not really realizing what they are. I just like the sound. I will use the worksheet to shed them out. Experimenting and learning everyday. Thanks 😊 Dr. Wally. Excellent presentation... You the man!
Yes!! You’re back!! We’ve been friends all the this time and I never knew you say bis as “biz” not “biss”. Way to throw in a late bombshell in this relationship! 😮💨
DrW - good to see & hear you again. @ 5:44 really 'resonated' with me. Rarely ever practice patterns & have never given much thought as to whether the riffs were slurred or tongued. Just played what seemed right to me at the moment. HOWEVER... per your advice, I'm spending a lot of time now playing legato, non-articulated riffs & really enjoying it. Thx for the inspiration. 'Ad spiritum' is one of the greatest gifts one can give...
The 1/2 whole diminished scale contains a minor 7th, b9 and #9 so its perfect for altered dominant chords. The whole 1/2 diminished scale contains major 7th and Flat 3rd, so it's perfect for minor major 7 chords.
Love your videos! Question about the D diminished scale... what's the reason for not using the side F#? Is it because it doesn't work in some intervalic passages? (It works well in the scale, but guessing you are thinking about use in licks...)
I am loving this - thanks so much for the instruction and resources. I am new to the improv scene and wouldn't mind a bit more background on the types of scale etc as a lot of it is a bit beyond me. Any ideas where I can get a good grounding?
Yes. I have them all now, editing and compiling into a beautiful complete edition. Will also have an amazing new book studying the style of 12 master saxophonists. Goooood things coming. Just had to get my new studio settled and keep the lights on first :)
Good stuff. I still remember your observation that there are over 800 scales and music theorists are coming up with more every day. I notice you’ve got a different horn - will there be a video forthcoming about that?
"pig in shit" happy ..thanks Dr W.. but hey..Ive been trying to incorporate 100 100 Bb over the past year(Id never heard of it until a Sax Academy comment ? )..Ive had Bis.. for quite some time (But sidekey Bb (stilling that right hand down and being close enough etc ) is an issue for me (all good on rsk2 (can you believe..before you entered my universe... I had never before used sidekey C ??? WTF !!! (now its..how can one live without it ? (especially descending to B) I was using 100 100 yesterday (Im aware it can be a finger flip).. but.. holy cow...! I got "some stuff" really really happening there (more riffy stuff tho.. not really the 8s)..stuff that I cant play the same via the bis or rskey) ...oh thats right..June G7 page... # 9... and its also very good for that turnaround at #8 Gm page(as its Bb B and the F)..yes.. Im still working on last June (last Feb really) its also been "a major trip area" .. at bar 12 amii-D7 .. of Hitchcocks Feb 32 bar (at higher tempo) I totally trust your direction .. and I have spent some time with rsk. and had it working ok there.. I dont really like ascending with Bb side.. yet.. it certainly has its own language (space and timing qualities) that I dont get with Bis or 100 100.. (much like all these fingering variations.. seem to shine in certain lines ..and not in others ........So my question is (do you personally.. ever use 100 100 ?) I find myself.. just recently.. desiring an F#.. up on top ) apparently there is a single button for that too ? (maybe Ex zero B overtone is the best high F# ? .. ( so again good Dr.. how do you F# up above (I believe your Tenor doesn't have high F# key)..yeah.. Im very happy practicing..but how does one actually get to leave the June Module ? Tenor G7/Gm ? (F7 concert) .. everyday.. one seems to discover more and more Top Shelf Gold (its like "all the circle is right" there (and 1000 songs) those 30 variations are "well embedded"... I LOVE Tenor G (F on guitar.. that 1st fret F7 or as Fmii ... but AS ..Fmvi in AbM..!(ie... under it) ... so yeah.. "parallel minor" has been a game changer (especially for the guitar harmony side) ..and as far as "just hearing" ...its hearing A concert.. as tenor B .. but mostly as M3.. close to your very first lesson ? .. Feb one year ago ...G Blues 12 bar ... and that quick 2-b3 T ..followed by the b3-3 T... and hearing the Eb as "out" as b6 in G (enclosures) .. but WOW.. just hearing B Bb in GMm7 has lined up all the circle directional movements (Im no longer enharmonically challenged !) just 2 scales eh (music is so marvellously elegant) harmonic minor (b6) .. hey take care Dr W...thanks for the keys to the jazz larder...and thanks again.. for these last 2 especially (whole tone....half/whole) I shouldnt be allowed around computer keyboards after dark ! (apologies for my longwinded-ness(Im working on making it an asset )
Oh. Now I see, he ended up with a job at Volkswagen. That way he came to Germany. Anyway, continue with your great videos. That makes the jazzy world a lot better. Even in Europe.
@@drwallysax A well setup S20 paired with a large chamber mouthpiece can be a lot of fun. They speak big, lush, free, in tune and can blow down the walls. Every alto player should get to try one once in their life! Enjoy!
been grinding out those scales, both on piano and on sax. Piano really helps when visualizing scales and other things on saxophone
Very much agree! I play the piano like a orangutan, but it really does help!
Heinrich Van Bluescalsen's joint recital with Nigel St. Clair at the first World Saxophone Congress in Chicago in 1969 was a seminal moment in saxophone history.
Meeting of the Mustachioed
Great to see you back, Dr Wally. Thanks for this great lesson and worksheet. Hope all is well with you.
Things are wonderful here, hope you're doing great as well Francis! happy Wednesday my friend 😀
Just like major/minor scales, going through and picking out all the possible chords within these scales unlocks even more versatility. Also fun fact Central Park West is a tune based around a diminished pattern, i.e. The same diminished scale works on all the dominants in that tune.
I love your sessions. The Caravan performance was GREAT!!!
Thanks so much, Don! Jamie really outdid himself on that arrangement, was a lot of fun to record!
I like your style. It makes me want to go back to the 1950s. Not just with music but with everything.
We've had some pretty great social advances since then, but I'd love to get back to the style and lack of digital distraction.
I have been using these sounds in my solos not really realizing what they are. I just like the sound. I will use the worksheet to shed them out. Experimenting and learning everyday. Thanks 😊 Dr. Wally. Excellent presentation... You the man!
Thanks Jacque, happy practicing my friend!
Yes!! You’re back!!
We’ve been friends all the this time and I never knew you say bis as “biz” not “biss”. Way to throw in a late bombshell in this relationship! 😮💨
Will our friendship ever recover?!!
@@drwallysax Well, I’ve been thinking about this…the french actually say “beeze” which is kinda half way between us both, so I think we’re cool 😎
Good one! Welcome back and thank you.
Thanks Sergio, glad to be back!
Start mixing the scale with triad and chord stacks derived from the diminished scale and the REAL FUN begins! And the REAL WORK!
Hi Dr Wallace, great to see you online again! Thanks for the interesting lesson
Hey, thanks Nestor! Hope you're having a great week - and go practice!!
No cap your vids are so good I eat popcorn while watching,apart from playing saxaphpne
DrW - good to see & hear you again. @ 5:44 really 'resonated' with me. Rarely ever practice patterns & have never given much thought as to whether the riffs were slurred or tongued. Just played what seemed right to me at the moment. HOWEVER... per your advice, I'm spending a lot of time now playing legato, non-articulated riffs & really enjoying it. Thx for the inspiration. 'Ad spiritum' is one of the greatest gifts one can give...
Oh man, that makes my heart happy! Thanks so much, hope you're having a great day!
The 1/2 whole diminished scale contains a minor 7th, b9 and #9 so its perfect for altered dominant chords.
The whole 1/2 diminished scale contains major 7th and Flat 3rd, so it's perfect for minor major 7 chords.
Great video. Many thanks. You make these isssues much easier to understand than other places online
That's really kind, thanks!
Dr W! Glad you're back. I was getting concerned you weren't practicing.
Sister Jeni, I'm always practicing :)
Fantastic instruction. Thank you so much for clarifying the fingerings. That will save us a lot of time. You are the best, Peace
Most welcome, happy practicing my friend!
Absolutely love your style Wally ❤
Well thanks, Ralf, most kind!
I missed you too Dr. Wally!
...I'll go practice now.
Go. Practice. (and Happy Monday)
Welcome back and Happy New Year Doc- glad to see you!
Happy New Year to you as well Ickey!! Hope you're having a great week my friend!
Great to see another Van Bluescalsen fan
Thanks Wally. I’ve been working these myself. Trying to get them under the fingers and then into some tunes.
Excellent, keep at it!
good to see you ! having funny with the lessons . JBS
The video and patterns pdf is really helpful! Thanks!
I expect good follow up questions at office hours, Patrick, see you Wednesday?
I remember, during the late 50's and early 60's, these scales dominated Bebop sax improvisations, of which Sonny Stitt was the grandmaster.
Very common indeed. I adore Stitt :)
LETS GO, I NEEDED A NEW REGIMENT!!!! THANK YOU DOC.
you're welcome - get to it!!!
just gorgeous lines !!!
And you're a gorgeous goose!
Dr. Wally is awesome!! 😊
You're awesome L.J.....you're awesome 😊
Those diminished scales perfectly suit these augmented eyebrows, god damn. Thx for the another perfect lesson.
Eyebrows are the curtains to the window of the soul.
Love your videos! Question about the D diminished scale... what's the reason for not using the side F#? Is it because it doesn't work in some intervalic passages? (It works well in the scale, but guessing you are thinking about use in licks...)
Just to let you know there should be a F natural on the 4th beat of the pattern 2 of the D7b9 to cancel out the F#.
I'll check it out, thanks!
Which drugs in what quantities and how often must one do to come up with a talking B-bis key (@5:14)? (Dude, I just lost it!)
I am loving this - thanks so much for the instruction and resources. I am new to the improv scene and wouldn't mind a bit more background on the types of scale etc as a lot of it is a bit beyond me. Any ideas where I can get a good grounding?
Good to see you back.
Any chance of finishing off the Sax Academy from July to December?
Particularly posting up the Hitchcock Etudes. :)
Yes. I have them all now, editing and compiling into a beautiful complete edition. Will also have an amazing new book studying the style of 12 master saxophonists. Goooood things coming. Just had to get my new studio settled and keep the lights on first :)
yes, I have whole new notes to practice. thanks a lot, teacher nd God bless. Good day also. 🤩😊🙏
You as well, and thanks Jessie! 😀
thank you very much .best teacher
Thank you my friend, Happy practicing!
Thank you very much Sir for the pdf. ❤❤❤👏👏👏
Most welcome, happy practicing my friend!
Heinrich Van Bluescalsen is my favorite!
Thanks Hellstenjan! happy Thursday!
Clicked on the link to find the diminished scale .pdf. What comes up is a D Major exercise, and not a diminished scale.
Okay. I wasn't patient enough. I see it. Thank you for your content!
Glad you found it, and MOST welcome!
Awesome as Always!!!
Thanks Reuven, hope you're having a great week my friend :)
Thanks Wally!
Most welcome, Rob. Good to see ya. hope. you're having a great week!
@@drwallysax Thanks. I haven't been able to practice as much as I like, but I did record something ua-cam.com/video/BrPx0x1JnIo/v-deo.html
Excellent Doctor! What horn and mouthpiece and reed are you on here?
It's the 56 Select on my new King Super 20 Silver Sonic!
(thanks for asking)!
Pls what is the link to join this class
I've gotten real outside with my guitar playing when I'm getting a lesson from a guy holding a sax :).
Ha! Make sure you transpose or play by ear - the written music is in the wrong key for you!
Thank You
Most welcome, happy practicing Goose!
The talking bis key cracked me up!
Super 💚🎷
Good stuff. I still remember your observation that there are over 800 scales and music theorists are coming up with more every day.
I notice you’ve got a different horn - will there be a video forthcoming about that?
Probably not a video - it's a vintage King Super 20 Silver Sonic. Happy practicing!
The jokes made this lighter to watch. Made it feel like learning is fun and not a chore
I really appreciate that, thanks Gabriel! I find music theory rather boring, so I try my best to make it at least sliiiightly interesting!
Wow I do remember you!
Hey Edward!
"pig in shit" happy ..thanks Dr W.. but hey..Ive been trying to incorporate 100 100 Bb over the past year(Id never heard of it until a Sax Academy comment ? )..Ive had Bis.. for quite some time (But sidekey Bb (stilling that right hand down and being close enough etc ) is an issue for me (all good on rsk2 (can you believe..before you entered my universe... I had never before used sidekey C ??? WTF !!! (now its..how can one live without it ? (especially descending to B) I was using 100 100 yesterday (Im aware it can be a finger flip).. but.. holy cow...! I got "some stuff" really really happening there (more riffy stuff tho.. not really the 8s)..stuff that I cant play the same via the bis or rskey) ...oh thats right..June G7 page... # 9... and its also very good for that turnaround at #8 Gm page(as its Bb B and the F)..yes.. Im still working on last June (last Feb really) its also been "a major trip area" .. at bar 12 amii-D7 .. of Hitchcocks Feb 32 bar (at higher tempo) I totally trust your direction .. and I have spent some time with rsk. and had it working ok there.. I dont really like ascending with Bb side.. yet.. it certainly has its own language (space and timing qualities) that I dont get with Bis or 100 100.. (much like all these fingering variations.. seem to shine in certain lines ..and not in others ........So my question is (do you personally.. ever use 100 100 ?) I find myself.. just recently.. desiring an F#.. up on top ) apparently there is a single button for that too ? (maybe Ex zero B overtone is the best high F# ? .. ( so again good Dr.. how do you F# up above (I believe your Tenor doesn't have high F# key)..yeah.. Im very happy practicing..but how does one actually get to leave the June Module ? Tenor G7/Gm ? (F7 concert) .. everyday.. one seems to discover more and more Top Shelf Gold (its like "all the circle is right" there (and 1000 songs) those 30 variations are "well embedded"... I LOVE Tenor G (F on guitar.. that 1st fret F7 or as Fmii ... but AS ..Fmvi in AbM..!(ie... under it) ... so yeah.. "parallel minor" has been a game changer (especially for the guitar harmony side) ..and as far as "just hearing" ...its hearing A concert.. as tenor B .. but mostly as M3.. close to your very first lesson ? .. Feb one year ago ...G Blues 12 bar ... and that quick 2-b3 T ..followed by the b3-3 T... and hearing the Eb as "out" as b6 in G (enclosures) .. but WOW.. just hearing B Bb in GMm7 has lined up all the circle directional movements (Im no longer enharmonically challenged !) just 2 scales eh (music is so marvellously elegant) harmonic minor (b6) .. hey take care Dr W...thanks for the keys to the jazz larder...and thanks again.. for these last 2 especially (whole tone....half/whole) I shouldnt be allowed around computer keyboards after dark ! (apologies for my longwinded-ness(Im working on making it an asset )
Hey Doc - I just got my 56 Mk. II alto piece the other day and I dig it 😁 🎷
Nice!!! It's a great piece eh! Happy practicing Chip!
@@drwallysax Thanks Doc - it's a keeper for sure 👍
Heinrich van Bluescalsen :-) You love us Germans, don't you. Despite that, great video. As always.
He's Genovian!
@@drwallysax Oh, I didn't know that. He looks like Bavarian.
Oh. Now I see, he ended up with a job at Volkswagen. That way he came to Germany.
Anyway, continue with your great videos. That makes the jazzy world a lot better. Even in Europe.
On a side note, fine biz, Doc!
🎷🎷🎷🤣🤣🤣✌️👨🏻
I can always find the Bizness end of the horn.
@@drwallysax
🎷😎Welcome Back🥳
We missed ya!😀
And it sounded a bit like Smeagle! 8) hahaha
@@Marcosls2015
That biz boy was just plain creepy! 🤣🤣
Hilarious and brilliant
You. I like you.
2:56 I see what you did there
💥💥💥🐻👍 🎷🎷🎷
I clicked 'like', but now the FAA won't let me play my horn within 25 miles of an airport
Yeah, but what are you're scale upload speeds like?!!
@@drwallysax I started with the metronome set to 80 BPM, and worked my way up from there. The pads started smoking somewhere around 20 gigahertz...
Big bore! Horn that is. :-)
It's my new King Silver Sonic - less boring than music theory to be sure.
@@drwallysax A well setup S20 paired with a large chamber mouthpiece can be a lot of fun. They speak big, lush, free, in tune and can blow down the walls. Every alto player should get to try one once in their life! Enjoy!