This method presents 20 exercises designed to develop technical
control and melodic fluency over the II–V–I progression, one of the
pillars of modern harmony.
Each study is written in standard notation and tablature (TAB) for
direct and practical application on the instrument.
Below every score, a detailed explanation clarifies the melodic,
harmonic, and technical ideas, creating a seamless link between theory
and performance.
The material explores the II–V–I progression in depth, introducing
non-diatonic modal substitutions on the V chord to expand harmonic
color and expression.
All exercises are meant to be transposed into all twelve keys, ensuring
a complete and flexible command of the progression.
The method suits jazz, rock, fusion, and modern players, offering both
solid technical study and creative freedom.
Each exercise functions as a short melodic etude, musical, practical,
and designed to refine both technique and phrasing.
Study Agenda
1. Start slowly: practice each exercise at a low tempo, paying
attention to tone, timing, and articulation.
2. Read and analyze: follow the explanations under each score
to understand how every melodic line relates to its harmonic
background.
3. Gradually increase speed: once the notes and phrasing feel
comfortable, bring the tempo up while maintaining control.
4. Transpose to all keys: play every study in all twelve keys to
internalize shapes, fingerings, and harmonic functions.
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5. Use the backing tracks on MuseScore: each of the 20 II–V–I
exercises comes with its own built-in backing track on
MuseScore.
Practice directly with these play-along tracks, slow down the
tempo, loop difficult sections, and work on your time and
phrasing in real context.
6. Experiment with styles: interpret the same material using swing,
straight, rock, or funk grooves to strengthen stylistic versatility.
7. Integrate the ideas: apply the melodic and harmonic concepts in
solos, improvisations, and compositions to make them part of
your natural vocabulary.
This method is a comprehensive and practical journey through the
II–V–I progression, guiding you from technical precision to musical
expression and from study to performance.
Frank Pilato