Steal this move from Miles Davis on Freddie Freeloader

Reader,

Miles' solo on Freddie Freeloader from Kind of Blue is a perfect example of the soloing concepts we've been talking about lately.

This album is, of course, legendary. The solos on this album are generally very approachable to transcribe and learn from at any level. And, Freddie is the one I would start with. Both Miles' and Wynton's solos are full of great phrases and language.

Here's an example from Miles' solo...

Download the solo PDF: Freddie Freeloader.pdf​

This past weekend I sent out early invitations to the brand new 7-Day Soloing Challenge. The response has been incredible, thank you so much for everyone who's tried it out and shared their feedback. I'm glad you are learning so much from it.

The lessons I teach in that challenge all come from transcriptions and study that I do for myself, like this one on Freddie Freeloader.

As you go through the challenge, I would encourage you to look at this transcription and look for the movements you are learning in Miles' solo.

Chord tone phrases, approaches from below and above... they are everywhere in this solo.

Your Practice Plan

1. Sing this solo along with Miles. Match his phrasing, length of notes and articulation as best you can.
2. Take it to the piano, and play along. Keep that phrasing aligned as best you can (it can be hard to match a horn with a piano or guitar, so just do your best)
3. Take one phrase from the solo that you are drawn to. Doesn't matter which one. Memorize it and play it back a few times. Move it around to a few other keys, and use it in your own playing over other songs.

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Happy Practicing,