The MIDI file of my solo as well as a PDF of the transcription and the backing track files I used on this video are all available on my website at [ Ссылка ]

Most of you know McCoy Tyner is one of my favorite musicians. I love the way his style is so immediately noticeable no matter what song he is playing. The energy that comes through his playing never ceases to amaze me.

For this video I have created a simple compostion that is essentially a modal blues. The two main key centers ar D dorian and F dorian. I have tried to add annotations to help decipher some of the techniques used in the performance of this piece.

A few hints and tips:
1. Know your pentatonic scales in all keys. Practice different patterns in the right hand using these scales and try moving in and out of different keys.
2. You can move in and out of different keys as long as you end up at the tonal center at key points or as I call them "landing zones". These typically will be the first beat of a 4 measure phrase.
3. 3rd inversion triads can be effective in the right hand when used in combination with stacked 4ths in the left.
4. Much of McCoy's improvisation is rhythm based - that's why he usually has dynamite drummers and very solid bass players.
5. Anticipate the upcoming chord in the LH by playing a line in the RH based on that upcoming chord in beat 3 or 4 of the preceding measure.

A quick note to viewers who have been requesting Skype Piano lessons: they are now available! Send me a message for details.

As always, thanks for your support.
- Roger

Technical notes:
1. A drum track was created first with Band-in-a-Box. I then recorded a bass track and added some additional percussion using the Roland FP-4. Video was composited in Serif MoviePlus with titling and rendering done in Camtasia Studio.

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