II V I - You Need To Practice This For Solos

The II V I progression is probably the most common chord progression in Jazz. In this video, I am going to go over some of the basic things that you need to practice and also how you take those basic tools and turn them into great material for a solo.

This will help you really improvise over the chord changes so that your solos sound like Jazz and not just noodling in a scale.

The Most Important Scale Exercise In Jazz:

Get the PDF on my website:

Get the PDF and GuitarPro files on Patreon:

Content:
00:00 Intro
00:20 What is a II V I?
01:09 How To Solo Over A II V I - Basic Arpeggios
02:36 The Most Important Scale Exercise
03:35 Use The Scale As Well
05:13 Chromatic Notes (Bebop Made Simple)
07:28 More Amazing Arpeggio Ideas.
08:57 Learn this exercise!
09:02 Like the video? Check out my Patreon page!

✅DOWNLOAD A FREE E-BOOK with 15 II Valt I licks!
Sign up for my newsletter:

My name is Jens Larsen, Danish Jazz Guitarist, and Educator. The videos on this channel will help you explore and enjoy Jazz. Some of it is how to play jazz guitar, but other videos are more on Music Theory like Jazz Chords or advice on how to practice and learn Jazz, on guitar or any other instrument.

The videos are mostly jazz guitar lessons, but also music theory, analysis of songs and videos on jazz guitars.

My Gear:

[matturner]

As a straight-ahead rock player, seeing "Bø" scared the shit out of me. Errybody gangsta till the chord chart gets scandinavian.

[KAIOabstrct]

"Than it wont look like you're just noodling in a scale" That hit close to home, damn.

[livealohaf]

You’re the bravest jazz teacher on YouTube. No lies. No gimmicks. You do break it down as easy as can. You have mad teaching skills. But thank you for not making money off of lies. Playing jazz is hard. Thank you for doing all you can - without lying about it. “Learn BeBop in 10 min” might make you money and give me hope. To new players reading this I would say 1.) if you can’t follow Jens “you’re not reeady” 2.) if you can follow him. He’s the most thorough base (not basic) level teacher. He represents the fundamentals that make jazz playing. Maybe Jazz 101 and Jazz 201.

[kevinelliott]

I rely heavily on my ear and have never seen such a clearly stated lesson on what I’m missing out on. My noodling days are numbered! Can’t thank you enough for this eye opener!

[twostep]

You, Frank Gambale and YouTube’s Steve Stine have done more to elucidate soloing than any other teachers I’ve worked with.. thank you so much for the time and effort you make for these videos.

[JimmyDeLocke]

These are the best jazz lessons on YouTube

[shocktones]

I dont know why most Jazz teachers cant just explain this as easy as you . Im a blues, country, rocker and would like to jazz up my playing. I notice a lot of teachers overwhelm you with stuff all over the neck that you may never use. (at least not at first) Great job!

[Gdbeast]

This channel has been doing wonders for progressing my practical theory.

[petejandrell]

Another template for excellence Jens. This lesson should be taught to ALL musicians not just the jazz players, in my opinion.

[michaelbarbermusic]

This man is a blessing on YouTube!
Never give up God will reward you brother.

[zelator]

I studied jazz with Barry Harris in High School (in 1979 and 1980) - I hear he is still around! Learned more about jazz from him than anyone I ever met! Great video!

[diseulf]

I'm not playing guitar - but accordion. These videos you've made, Jens are extremely pedagogical, and very musical.

[kjv-public-domain]

Absolute 24kt gold. Thank you for giving away some of the most important information that a working guitarist can utilize immediately.

[kamrankerim]

Thanks a lot, Jens! I am one of those people who learns stuff without any teachers, and you help me greatly in my path.

[salvadora]

It's soo much info in under 10 minutes. From the first half of the video I already picked up 6 months of things to practice.
Just amazing! Thanks for the video

[bmoore]

I've been playing for 45 years and this is one of the best presentations of this subject I've ever seen... well done

[marknolan]

Jens, you are simply the best jazz guitar teacher on the Web. Thank you for the amazing lessons and the work you put in to make them accessible for beginner jazzers. 🙏👍❤️

[inthewild]

I've been following Jens for a while. The years of knowledge he conveys in such a practical way is priceless. Everyone should be subscribed!

[garnettk]

You are an amazing teacher. After watching your video, I went and listened to Grant Green and a whole new universe opened up. I wrote my first jazz song today. Thank you.

[georgeabee]

This is awesome, absolutely fantastic. I've been playing guitar for a while now with a fair knowledge of appegios and modes. However, I couldn't put them together in full use to actually feel confident. You've unravelled the mystery surrounding jazz playing, and I can see the benefits in my playing since I started watching and playing along with your videos.
I've started experimenting with the arpeggios and the scales, and it feels so good that I'm beginning to sound like a jazz guitarist whenever I practice.
I've been waiting for this moment in my life for a long time and I look forward to grabbing my guitar, everytime, to venture into the world of jazz.
Thank you so much, Jens...more grease to your elbow.