Free lessons

I have some free study material on my regular web site, some are soloing examples in the form of animated fretboard videos (and some notation and TABS in PDF). The notation is meant as a reference after you've listened or while you're listening, don't try to read it on it's own, unless you're a very good reader, rythmically it is pretty hard to read, and the real timing and expression cannot be captured in notation very well, so it's better to listen.

There is a slow blues in G: it is a good example of mixing up linear improvisation using (mostly) myxolydian scales and more 'bluesy' type phrases which tend to be more pentatonic.

There's a fretboard video of Autumn Leaves, where a solo is constructed in a few phases, from basic melody to variations on the melody to a freely improvised solo. It kind of gives an idea of how you can gradually increase the complexity of a solo, starting with the melody.

There's a bossa tune with TABS

Then I also have some video lessons, that I posted on YouTube, and received a lot of positive reactions.

1. using a single scale to the max; play an interesting solo with one major scale; the point is obviously to demonstrate, and for you to experience and learn, that you can play interesting melodies, without making using of complex harmonies, and esoteric licks or whatever. The point is you have to use things like tone, rhythm and phrasing. In the video I give some tips on how to try that.

2. expanding on the above, with 2 chords/scales, including making simple but effective transitions

3. Soloing examples based on a real ''smooth jazz'' type of tune, from my CD Secret Combination'. It's a relatively slow and uncomplicated tune, very good for practicing, I thought.

4. Lesson based on album tune The Only One; covers chords, scales and soloing.

5. a medium tempo blues with fretboard video.

Matt Otten Video Lessons