The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast

🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of "The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast", I explore the emotional “colors” of chords—major, minor, diminished, and augmented. Learn how to hear each chord by its intervals and emotional quality. A perfect guide for trumpet players building their ear training skills! 🧠 Key Topics: Major chords: bright and happy (C–E–G) Minor chords: introspective and cool (C–Eb–G) Diminished chords: tense and spooky (C–Eb–Gb) Augmented chords: dreamy and mysterious (C–E–G#) Importance of recognizing major and minor 3rds 📌 Previous Episode Reference:Be sure to revisit the last episode (JLTP 058-) where we covered interval recognition by ear—it’s foundational for today’s content! You can find Episode 58 here; https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/jltp-058-music-theory-basics-part-1-intervals/ 🎺 Practice Challenge:Build and compare C major, minor, diminished, and augmented chords. Notice the emotional difference. ✅Subscribe to my newsletter and receive my free ebook "11 Scales For Jazz Improvisation"; https://jefflewistrumpet.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9f983684beb3f44b8e9335b5a&id=68f0f3e626

In Episode 58 of "The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast", I break down one of the most essential skills for any trumpet player or musician—how to recognize musical intervals by ear, eye, and on your instrument. Learn how intervals work, why they matter, and how to identify them using classic songs, piano examples, and trumpet-focused exercises that will strengthen your ear, improve your improvisation, and sharpen your reading. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned brass player, this episode will help you level up your musicianship. Be sure to stick around till the end so you can test your ear and try to identify the interval examples! In this episode, you will learn; 🎵 What musical intervals are and why they’re essential for trumpet players 👂 How to recognize intervals by ear using well-known songs 🎹 How to hear and visualize intervals on piano and apply them to trumpet 🎺 How different intervals feel on the trumpet in terms of valve combinations and embouchure 🎶 Song examples that help lock in each interval (e.g., “Jaws” for minor 2nd, “Happy Birthday” for major 2nd) 🎧 Ear training tips and tricks to improve your listening and transcribing skills 🗣️ The power of singing intervals to internalize them before playing ✅Subscribe to my newsletter and receive my free ebook "11 Scales For Jazz Improvisation"; https://jefflewistrumpet.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9f983684beb3f44b8e9335b5a&id=68f0f3e626 ✅Patreon; https://www.patreon.com/JeffLewisTrumpet ✅Website; https://www.JeffLewisTrumpet.com

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I discuss an easy way to develop your sound by using rhythmic variety in your solos. In this particular episode, you will learn; How to play 2, 3, and 4 note phrases How to create rhythmic variety using short phrases How to use chord tones to build harmonic clarity Items mentioned in this podcast; Blue Mitchell's solo on "I'll Close My Eyes" Parts 1 and 2 from this Basic Improv series Louis Armstrong's version of Dinah on YouTube, where he uses a two-note "theme" to develop an entire solo; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhVdLd43bDI My Descending Dominant 7 chord play-along track on YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH7SjaYlOUg

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I review the importance of the ii V I chord progression, how to apply scales to that progression, and an easy ii V I lick in all 12 keys. Stick around until the end of the podcast, grab your horn, and let's trade 4's in the Key of C! In this particular episode, you will learn; The notes in a ii V I chord progression in C Major and the scales that go with the chords Dorian and Mixolydian modes in C An easy "short" ii V I lick in C What a digital pattern is An easy ii V I lick in all 12 keys Patreon; https://www.patreon.com/JeffLewisTrumpet Website; https://www.JeffLewisTrumpet.com Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/JeffLewisTrumpet/ Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jefflewis6519/ Podcast on iTunes; https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jeff-lewis-trumpet-podcast/id1333984769?mt=2&at=1000lHQ6

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over how to improvise over the jazz classic "Blue Bossa" for beginning, intermediate, and advanced players. In this episode you will learn; Three different levels of improvisation from beginning to advanced Which scales to use over all of the chords from easy to difficult Melodic minor, harmonic minor, diminished, and altered scale harmony Download the free color-coded PDFs for all instruments below and follow along with the podcast.

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I break down the essentials of jazz improvisation starting with the foundation, learning scales. Part 1: The Foundation – Learning Scales To start with jazz improvisation, you must first be comfortable with your scales. Jazz relies heavily on modes, especially the **Major Scale**, **Natural Minor Scale (Aeolian mode)**, and the **Blues Scale**. If you’re just starting, the **C major scale** is a great place to begin, as it has no sharps or flats. Pick up your trumpet and play the C major scale. Here’s the pattern: **C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C** Be sure to practice independently with the backing tracks I have provided for all my podcast listeners. Here are all the scales used in this podcast C Major play-along https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/C-Major-Play-Along.wav Once you're comfortable, you can move on to the **C minor scale**: **C, D, E-flat, F, G, A-flat, B-flat, C** This is an E flat, major scale starting from C, otherwise known as the C natural minor scale or the Aeolian mode. Now practice improvising in C minor. C minor play-along https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/C-Minor-Play-Along.wav Now let’s trade fours in the key of C Minor And finally, try the **C blues scale**, which is very important in jazz: - **C, E-flat, F, G-flat, G, B-flat, C** Practice improvising only using the blues scale over this 12-bar blues. 12-bar blues in C https://www.jefflewistrumpet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Blues-Simple.wav These scales provide the groundwork for your improvisation, so practice them slowly at first, then increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

In this episode of "The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast", I review the benefits of a 10-minute practice session. In this particular episode, you will learn; The benefits of practicing short 10-minute sessions at a time What and how to practice for 10 minutes Why resting as much as you play is important Download the free PDF of the "10 Minute Practice Session" here; You can also use my YouTube video in your warm-up session for mouthpiece buzzing and free lip buzzing here; Trumpet lip and mouthpiece buzzing exercise #1 Other books mentioned in this podcast that you can use to practice your fundamentals during your 10-minute practice session; "27 Groups of Exercises" by Earl Irons "Advanced Lip Flexibilities" by Charles Colin "Arbans Complete Method for Trumpet" by John Baptiste Arban "Daily Drills for Trumpet" by Max Schlossberg DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, meaning I'll receive a small commission if you click on one of the product links. It will not cost you more money, but it will support the channel and allows me to continue to make podcasts like this. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over how to improvise over the A section of the jazz classic "All The Things You Are". In this particular episode, you will learn; What scales to use over the A section A scale "workout' to become familiar with improvising use the notes from the two scales Harmonic generalization If you want more tutorials, PDF worksheets, in-depth analysis of ii V I chord progressions, jazz play-alongs, how to improvise on "All The Things You Are", and more, check out my NEW Patreon channel here; https://www.patreon.com/JeffLewisTrumpet Use this color-coded free PDF to follow along; Use this scale workout sheet to become more familiar with improvising in these two keys; Listen to my solo on YouTube on "All The Things You Are" and download the free PDF here;

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over how to practice ii-V7-I Licks. In this particular episode, you will learn; What a ii-V7-I lick is Why they are important How to practice ii-V7-I licks An easy ii-V7-I lick to play in all 12 keys Download the Easy ii-V7-I Lick here; My favorite ii-V7-I books for practicing licks in all 12 keys; Jamey Aebersold, Volume 3, The ii-V7-I Chord Progression Melodic Shapes for the Modern Improvisor Hip Licks for Trumpet by Greg Fishman DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It will not cost you more money but it will support the channel and allow me to continue to make podcasts like this. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over how to improvise on the Henry Mancini classic "Pink Panther". This is the solo section only. It can be found in the second trumpet part in the Big Band composition and arrangement by Henry Mancini. Be sure to stick around to the end, grab your horn, and let's trade 2 and 4-measure phrases. Download the companion PDF "cheat sheet" with the color-coded scales and chords here; "Pink Panther" color-coded PDF YouTube play-along/backing track for "Pink Panther" I use the Jo-Ral copper bubble Harmon mute for this recording. DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It will not cost you more money but it will support the channel and allows me to continue to make podcasts like this. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about my thoughts on the jaw position when playing the trumpet and how the Cat Anderson "whisper G" may help with jaw awareness, endurance, range, and overall sound. In this particular episode, you will learn; The importance of jaw position when playing the trumpet and how it affects range and sound. My take on the Cat Anderson whisper G. An example of me playing the whisper G. Common problems when trying to play the whisper G when first starting out. How practicing the whisper G may increase jaw awareness, embouchure placement, lip placement, and may have an overall positive effect on your playing. Items mentioned in this podcast; The Real Way To Play The Cat Anderson Trumpet Method by Geoff Winstead DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It will not cost you more money but it will support the channel and allows me to continue to make podcasts like this. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about my embouchure change journey, the resources I used, and a few tips on how to physically and mentally prepare yourself for what to expect. In this episode you will learn; The difference between an embouchure change and an embouchure adjustment How to mentally prepare for a change Resources to help you unlock the key to your best embouchure Items mentioned in this podcast; "The Art of Brass Playing" by Phillip Farkas The Encyclopedia of the Pivot System by Dr. Donald Reinhardt The Pivot System by Donald Reinhardt The Balanced Embouchure by Jeff Smiley Embouchure Self-Analysis The Stevens-Costello Embouchure Technique (Complete): William Moriarity The Real Way to Play the Cat Anderson Trumpet Method by Geoffv Winstead DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It will not cost you more money but it will support the channel and allows me to continue to make podcasts like this. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over an easy way to improvise over the Miles Davis jazz classic "Four". Items mentioned in this podcast (click the descriptions for access); "Major Scale Patterns for Jazz Improvisation" (Free version in C only) "Major Scale Patterns for Jazz Improvisation" (In all 12 keys) My jazz play-along/backing track for "Four" on YouTube In this particular episode, you will learn; The form The key centers An easy way to navigate the chord changes Which 4 major scales to use for improvising over the tune Download the free PDF for the "Four" tutorial here

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over what to practice and how long to practice each topic in order to improve your improvisational skills. In this episode, you will learn; What types of scales to practice for maximum improvement. 4 things to practice to improve your improvisational skills. Multiple jazz resources. Items mentioned in this podcast; Jamey Aebersold Volume 3 The ii V I progression Melodic Shapes for The Modern Improviser The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine Items mentioned in this podcast from my website; Jazz Trumpet transcriptions Jazz Licks in 12 Keys DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It will not cost you more money but it will support the channel and allows me to continue to make podcasts like this. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over the "Kansas City" blues scale, how to use it, and how it differs from the regular blues scale. The Blues Shuffle in Bb Concert play-along used in this podcast is available on YouTube here. In this particular episode, you will learn; What a Kansas City Blues scale is 10 short phrases, or "licks", you can play over a blues How the Kansas City differs from the "regular" blues scale Listen till the end, then grab your horn and play along using all of these "riffs" to create your own melodies. Use the two blue scales and 10 "licks" provided for you with the free PDF located below. Download 10 "Kansas City" blues licks here.

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over different ways of adjusting your embouchure for maximum sound and efficiency, how to be your own best trumpet teacher and a list of suggested books for embouchure development. In this podcast you will learn; Different ways to adjust your embouchure for better sound and efficiency through self-analysis and micro-adjusting List of potentially helpful books, methods, and systems for improving range, endurance, and sound. Links and suggested books mentioned in this podcast; "The Balanced Embouchure by Jeff Smiley" trumpetteacher.net "Embouchure Self-Analysis The Stevens-Costello Embouchure Technique" Roy Stevens Tribute site; RoyStevens.org "The encyclopedia of the pivot system" by Dr. Donald Reinhardt "The art of brass playing" by Philip Farkas "The buzzing book" by James Thompson "The real way to play the cat Anderson method" by Geoff Winstead "Musical calisthenics for brass" by Carmine Caruso "Flexus: musical calisthenics for the modern improviser" by Laurie Frink and John McNeil "Systematic approach to daily practice" by Claude Gordon "Warm-Ups and Studies" by James Stamp "The original Louis Maggio system for brass" by Carlton Macbeth DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It will not cost you more money but it will support the channel and allows me to continue to make podcasts like this. Thank you for the support!

In this episode of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I talk about how using major scale modes to improvise can be an easy way to navigate through many different chord types. In this episode you will learn; What the seven major scale modes are An easy way to remember all seven modes How to apply the major scale modes to multiple types of chords Why using modes to improvise is an easy way to start "playing the changes" like a pro Items mentioned in this podcast; "The Jazz Theory Book" by Mark Levine (the best jazz theory book in my opinion) Use my YouTube backing track for all 12 minor seven chords and start improvising today. DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It will not cost you more money but it will support the channel and allows me to continue to make podcasts like this. Thank you for the support!

In this session of the Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over Chet Baker's jazz lick on his rendition of "I'll Remember April". Download the free PDF of Chet Baker's jazz lick in all 12 keys here In this particular episode, you will learn; How to swing like Chet Baker How to analyze this solo How to approach practicing jazz licks in all 12 keys Why this solo sounds so great I use software called "Transcribe" (not free) on my laptop and "Anytune" (free version) on my iPhone to transcribe solos and tunes.

In this session of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I go over how to improvise on the jazz standard "I'll Remember April" using six different major scales. I also discuss chord theory, scale analysis, and modes used for improvisation. In this particular episode, you will learn; The six major scales you can use to improvise over the entire song. How using major scale modes is one of the easiest ways to navigate jazz theory and chord changes. What Dorian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian scale modes are. An easy way to practice jazz improvisation if you are just starting, or a grizzled veteran! For maximum benefit, download the FREE worksheet to podcast 041 and follow along here; Download my FREE ebook "Major Scale Patterns for Jazz Improvisation" in the key of C here You can use these patterns to play over the Bridge section to "I'll Remember April". My YouTube play-along for "I'll Remember April" (created with Band In A Box) Get this edition of "The Bb Real Book" (in trumpet, tenor, and clarinet key) that contains "I'll Remember April" and many other jazz standards here. DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. It will not cost you more money but it will support the channel and allows me to continue to make podcasts like this. Thank you for the support!

In this session of The Jeff Lewis Trumpet Podcast, I review the third step on navigating through minor iib5-V7b9-i chord changes using three different scales. My YouTube tutorial on "Diminished scales and Theory" My YouTube Play-along for "Minor iib5-V7b9-i Chord Changes in All 12 Keys". Download the free PDFs for "harmonic minor scales" and " ii7b5-V7b9-i Pattern #3 Locrian/Diminished/Dorian". In this particular episode, you will learn; What a Locrian scale is and how to use it over the iib5 chord. How to use a half step/whole step diminished scale over the V7b9 chord. How to use the Dorian scale over the minor i chord. An "easy" iib5-V7b9-i jazz lick in all 12 keys.