StyleSwing / Big Band
FormAABA 32 bars
KeyC major
HarmonyII V I in part [A], modulation to IVth degree in part [B]
MelodyThe phrases start on the 5th of the chord


Study the theme with the help of video #1, then move on to video #2 to perform the improvisation exercises.

Video 2, improvisation

Exercise 1

Play along with the video and perform the exercise as in the example, playing the root note of each chord. In the example below you see only the first eight measures of the piece, continue in the same way for the whole song.


Exercise 2

Play along with the video and perform the exercise as in the example, playing 1st 3rd 5th of each chord. In the example below you see only the first eight measures of the piece, continue in the same way for the whole song.


Exercise 3

Play along with the video and perform the exercise as in the example, playing 3rd 2nd 3rd 1st on each chord. In the example below you see only the first eight measures of the piece, continue in the same way for the whole song.


Exercise 4

Play along with the video and perform the exercise as in the example, playing 1 2 3 5 on each chord. In the example below you see only the first eight measures of the piece, continue in the same way for the whole song.


Exercise 5

Play along with the video and perform the exercise as in the example, playing the complete chord (1 3 5 7 or 1 3 5 6).  In the example below you see only the first eight measures of the piece, continue in the same way for the whole song.


Backing Tracks with slower tempo

If the videos are too fast and you want to practice at a slower tempo first, you can use these two backing tracks.

80 bpm

100 bpm


Sample solo

Resources

Take the A Train - chords only

Take the A Train - chords and melody (lead sheet)

Take the A Train - sample solo

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>