@Realalexhahn Vol. 3: Transcriptions from my Instagram Videos

Listening and transcribing is the best way for students to improve improvisation, vocabulary, and knowledge of harmony. However, most students fail to get the most out of the solo they are learning.

Transcribing is a 4 Step Process...
1. Listen and write down the notes and rhythms of the solo
2. Learn to play the notes and rhythms of the solo accurately on your instrument
3. Learn HOW the soloist plays the notes. Pay attention to articulation, sound/tone, dynamics, vibrato, scoops/bends, and any other small details of the music.
4. Learn WHY the soloist played those notes. Analyze and study how the notes relate to the harmony. Try to get in the mind of the soloist to learn the scales/concepts behind the licks.

Step 4 is an incredibly important step of this process. Learning the licks of a solo and being able to play them on your instrument is great. But, learning, analyzing, and studying how the licks work, why the licks work, and the concepts behind them is the true treasure. For example, it's like the old saying, "if you fish for a fisherman, he eats for a day. But if you teach him how to fish, he can eat for the rest of his life." The same is true for the transcribing process! Study the solo so you can understand and use more than just the licks in future solos.

Luckily for you in this course, step 1 is already done for you. Now get to work on steps 2-4!