🤨The Ultimate Practice Exercise: A Barry Harris Routine

Studying Barry Harris routines is one of my favorite things to do. So I have taken one of his practice exercises and made it my own. This isn't just a standard tutorial; you're getting a modern and versatile practice routine that will transform your playing.

In this detailed video, we begin by breaking down the original Barry Harris routine, guiding you step-by-step through the process as we navigate through four different keys. Discover the beauty of the interplay between tension and release, uncovering the hidden depths of each chord's function.

Our guide continues as we reveal our personal modifications to the routine, including how to utilize dominant chords in various creative ways, explore different harmonic choices, and understand melodic movement in both hands. We dive into the specifics of this transformative exercise, explaining each block and the intricate melodies associated with them.

As we progress, we explore how this updated Barry Harris routine can be applied to other songs, using 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' as our example. We reveal how understanding each section as blocks allows for a unique and innovative approach to familiar songs.

If you've ever wondered how to take your practice routine to the next level, or how to blend the lines between different genres, this video is a must-watch. Perfect for both ear and theory players, this reimagined Barry Harris routine is set to inspire and enhance your musical journey. Tune in, play along, and discover your next favorite practice routine!

🟠 IMPORTANT:

🟠 TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:50 Barry Harris Exercise Explained
7:04 Barry Harris Revised Exercise
10:36 Somewhere over Rainbow

🟠FAVORITE GEAR Sean uses in videos *affiliate links help to support this channel

[doce]

Barry describes how in the '30s and '40s the NY kids knew this stuff (role of diminished chord) from 'old-time' hymns and rags, and then adapted it to the 'pop' tunes of the day mostly penned by European immigrants with classical music backgrounds, who also 'knew' it ... bringing us the jazz standard american songbook with its mix of afro-rhythms/dominant sounds and european harmonic forms... hip lesson to add your own neo-gospel vibe, thanks ! subscribed !

[Jazman]

I have been watching you for a while. Your work is truly excellent. I am an old Jazz guy. I always have loved the way Gospel keyboardist would squeeze all the good flavors out of their chords. I also loved that distinct genre sound. You can't sit through a Gospel worship service without having your soul stirred. Thank you for your video on my hero Chick Corea. Thank you for your craftsmanship and your generosity.
Barry Harris always seemed like a guy you might run into at Walmart. Nothing special humble guy... but when you look at his work, it is like he totally reimagined Western harmony. Thank you, brother. Excellent and useful work.

[Bashanvibe]

I remember as a kid when my father had his advanced students come I would hear this style of teaching in the 80s!!! Bu t I like your version!!! I need to sit with that!!!

[_sonicfive]

Why do I love complex things? It hurts my brain but I love it

[wheatworkspro]

I love what you did with it. Converting it to a Gospel feel. That was one of my greatest challenges. When I took lessons with Barry how do I apply to Gospel.

[Locriantheory]

This is absolutely the most powerful video I've seen on expanding the understanding the piano.

Bravo!!

[SoulStBlues]

This is the simplest and clearest way I've seen the 'Torture Test' explained. Thank you so much Sean, you're an amazing teacher!

[mhawk]

I watched that Barry Harris video but you have really taken it to another level for me. You are such a good explainer - teacher. Thank you 🙏🏼

[JohnHank-to]

This freestyle or this mesh of a bunch of songs sound like a song on its own and it's crazy good! Wow.

[EliaGaitau]

Sean, you never cease to AMAZE me. I really hope someone in any of those established Jazz Faculties throughout America hires you for a few MASTER CLASSES. There's no one else breaking it down like you. God Bless from Japan.

[MLaurence]

I couldn’t put my finger on what this reminded me of and then I realized this exercise is one of the songs in Zelda. I had to look it up but it’s called the fairy fountain theme. It’s just in the key of F and a major 4 instead of a minor 4

[merveilkioto]

I think this is what I was lacking to make more movements in my playing. Because, I learned this about Barry Harris, but I needed much understanding on how to use it. You are helping us with your amazing ear and teaching skills. Thank you.

[FrederickWeeksJr]

Just watching this is helping me to understand the playing of the melody and incorporating the use of the left GENIUS I had to get a new phone but will be getting my old phone back. ALWAYS enjoy watching your thought process in motion .

[aidensullivan]

Can you please do more breakdown videos of the Jazz academy videos! This aside from robotically playing the 6th diminished scale over and over in different directions is the first time i truly understood and implented movement into my playing! Thank you so much i may not be the mastermind Barry Harris himself but i want to sound really close to that style and you are an amazing teacher 🙌🏾🙏🏾

[rogerpercival]

Sean you are so ethereal my friend I wish I could meet you God bless your one of a million points of light for Christ

[whatwassaid]

Your take on this exercise sounds like Take 6 movements to me! I love this!!!

[mwangikelvin]

Sean Sean !!! Thanks for sharing your experience with the world…. This video has explained and exposed secrets that open up unlimited possibilities in musicality!!!! RESPECT TO YOU SIR

[ber]

Even though this is very basic material that most serious and professional musicians have already uncovered we need good teachers like this guy who can help the beginners and the self-taught players understand what they need to do to improve their musicality. This guy is very good

[carlinwoods]

an ancient proverb says that we die twice. once is the physical death second is the last time your name is ever mentioned. thank you young brother for keeping Dr Harris alive...

[sceptersax]

This is the exercise I’ve been waiting for my whole life.. thank you. Blessings