2 5 1 - How To Solo with Diatonic Arpeggios

You Need to be able to improvise over a II V I or 2 5 1 in Jazz. In this video, I am going to show you how you can get started improvising over this progression using the scale and the diatonic arpeggios in that scale.

The examples are a 2 5 1 in C major, a scale position and the diatonic arpeggios in that position. Then I am going to give you some examples of lines using the basic arpeggios of the chords but also a few other very useful suggestions. Then I am going to add the triads in there, and in the end, you have a lot of material to work with from this very basic approach.

This is the most important part of how I improvise. Having a set of arpeggios that work for a chord in a progression is a great way to have lots of options when you improvise. So you learn to think the chord but you have 8 or 9 different arpeggios that you can use when you are improvising.

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Content:
0:00 Intro
0:48 The basic framework
1:12 The Scale Position
1:28 The Diatonic Chords and the 2 5 1
1:48 Example - The Diatonic Chords of C major
1:57 Degrees and Roman Numerals - II V I
2:19 Example - Dm7 G7 Cmaj7 - II V I in C major
2:23 Soloing in a Key following the Chords
3:22 The Diatonic Arpeggios of C major
3:55 Finding the Arpeggios for the 2 5 1
4:13 Example - Arpeggios on the 2 5 1 Chord Progression
4:33 Making Lines using the arpeggios
5:17 Example - 2 5 1 Lick with only Arpeggios
5:51 Example - Mixing Arpeggio and Scale
6:41 Develop your ability to use the arpeggios on the chords
7:09 The Arpeggio from the 3rd of the chord
8:17 Example - Arpeggios from the 3rd in the chord progression
8:27 Example - 2 5 1 Lick with Arpeggios from the 3rd
9:17 Example using several Arpeggios on each chord
10:14 Diatonic Triads
10:31 Example - Diatonic Triads of C major
10:40 Assigning 3 Triads to each Chord
11:42 Example - 2 5 1 Lick Using Triads
12:21 Like the video? Check out my Patreon Page

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:

[spivvo]

I am 54 years old, I listened to Joe Pass “Virtuoso” in 1978 and was mystified so focused on rock and blues. Now I want to play something with more meaning and after years of being bemused by jazz this man has opened the door for me.... I finally get it.... learn the scales and then learn the arpeggios to know which notes to emphasise. 40 years after picking up a buitar it is finally making sense. Thank you Jens.

[sleepymarauder]

Jens You are amazing at explaining jazz to musici from different genres. Instead of jazz being scary it is understandable and awesome! I thank you for the amazing resources you are giving to the community.

[leavethebasket]

This is immensely useful for soloing in any genre, you have shown me the light. Notice the scale in terms of the scale degree, then notice how you can play the arpeggios over the scale, and then you are free to play any of the notes in the current chord and it will sound pleasing, and you can anticipate the chord coming up and play a note in the current chord that strongly pulls to a note in the next. Unreal. This has totally changed my guitar playing.

[rezacheshmeshab]

Peace be upon you, great and kind teacher. you're perfect🙏🙏

[jcee]

This is It's like you opened the door to improvising using arpeggios. I ve never been able to apply it in practice but this makes perfect and clear sense.

[vblocks]

Demonstrating the importance of mixing scale intervals with basic arpeggios for musical lines was helpful. It adds depth to the arpeggio

[antserf]

I have been trying to learn to play jazz for 40 years, your lessons are absolutely useful, you teach slowly and thoughtfully. thank you

[medelle]

The Diatonic Arpeggios of C major...!!! This made so much sense. Chord tone and scale tone... Made so much sense to me. Thanks! I finally passed thru my mind barrier!

[JensLarsen]

A more fundamental video this week, but a really important topic. What do you think?


Content:
0:00 Intro
0:48 The basic framework
1:12 The Scale Position
1:28 The Diatonic Chords and the 2 5 1
1:48 Example - The Diatonic Chords of C major
1:57 Degrees and Roman Numerals - II V I
2:19 Example - Dm7 G7 Cmaj7 - II V I in C major
2:23 Soloing in a Key following the Chords
3:22 The Diatonic Arpeggios of C major
3:55 Finding the Arpeggios for the 2 5 1
4:13 Example - Arpeggios on the 2 5 1 Chord Progression
4:33 Making Lines using the arpeggios
5:17 Example - 2 5 1 Lick with only Arpeggios
5:51 Example - Mixing Arpeggio and Scale
6:41 Develop your ability to use the arpeggios on the chords
7:09 The Arpeggio from the 3rd of the chord
8:17 Example - Arpeggios from the 3rd in the chord progression
8:27 Example - 2 5 1 Lick with Arpeggios from the 3rd
9:17 Example using several Arpeggios on each chord
10:14 Diatonic Triads
10:31 Example - Diatonic Triads of C major
10:40 Assigning 3 Triads to each Chord
11:42 Example - 2 5 1 Lick Using Triads
12:21 Like the video? Check out my Patreon Page

[tahsinthoughts]

I just wanted to let you know:


I am learning jazz from instructor and we're starting off with c major, c major scale arpeggios etc.


ANd your lessons on Diatonic arpeggios are one of the most helpful for me

[realeyesrealizereallies]

Im an oldschool metal drummer, now 55, and started playing guitar aside. As a metalhead Ive always like the bands with jazzy drumbreaks. As a guitarplayer its fun playing jazz.

[loran]

thank you Jens for the quality and progression "step by step" of the lesson.
finally a big lesson about 2-5-1

[bayujiwandono]

Thank you Sir, you made it simple and easy to understand. You are the Master Yoda in jazz guitar learning.

[marianorojo]

Thanks a lot Jens!!! Your work is amazing! and so usefull! Grettings from Argentina!

[vaibanez]

You're the first person ever to make jazz click. At least I understand now why everything is like it is, and I'm working on actually being able to play it.

[rogeralleyne]

Great video lesson!!! Love the reminder that we can use the 3rds & the 5ths to create arpeggios against the root!!!🙏🙏🙏🤘🤘🤘

[MichaelDHockenberry]

You really have a spark for guitar instruction. I can actually fundamentally see and hear what you’re playing. Some of the best instruction I’ve ever seen, or heard.

[xyzman]

Wow this awesome! I hear the chords and individual notes he's hitting. I now understand what emphasizing on root note etc within each chord means. This can apply to every chord progression. Thank you for the explanation!

[neilmarsh]

Love your lessons Jens! This scale exercise and concept is very far reaching! Has already led me to many light bulb moments thanks

[DaveKaplowitz]

This is so helpful, Jens, the way you walk us through starting with arpeggios and then adding notes from the scale. Super helpful and I am going to add this into my practice routine. Thanks!