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25 Easy ii-V-I Licks

By Brent Vaartstra February 1, 2014  135146  7

When it comes to becoming a great jazz improviser, it’s all about learning jazz
language. Learning jazz language can happen in a lot of different ways. Listening to
jazz, learning solos by ear, or learning jazz standards.

But if you want some quick and helpful rewards for your me investment, learning
licks is a great way to go.

Licks are short musical phrases, usually played over the context of a chord or chord
progression. You can learn them by ear from one of your favorite jazz musicians, from
teaching resources, or even create your own.

But if you’re not sure what chord progressions you should be learning licks over, look
no further.

The 2-5-1 (or ii-V-I) chord progression is the most common in jazz repertoire.

Therefore would it be a great idea to learn licks over 2-5-1 chord progressions? You
bet! The most important thing you can do is learn them, and then prac ce them the
right way.
So in this lesson, I’m giving you 25 easy ii-V-I licks.

These are fantas c, simple ideas composed by former LJS contributor Camden
Hughes, and he packed these full of fantas c lessons.

Before you start, though, be sure to sign up for my free mini course “Accelerate Your
Jazz Skills.” Learning licks is great, but you need to go deeper than that. This mini-
course will help.

Let’s take a look at them. Play through each one, and try to get the feel for them. If
you find one you like in par cular, hone in on that one.
Practice Tips:
1. Pick one that stands out to you and learn it.

2. Spend me analyzing it. What are the important notes in the line that help define
each chord?

3. Take that lick into all 12 keys, by choosing one or two to work on each prac ce
session. Don’t do too many at a me! Less is more.

Hope you enjoy prac cing these licks.

The more jazz language you learn the easier improvising in jazz gets. You become
familiar with the sounds and the chord progressions, and before you know it, it will
become second nature.
Again, licks are great to learn and very helpful. But jazz improvisa on has so much
more too it.

Be sure to sign up for my free mini-course Accelerate Your Jazz Skills and I’ll walk you
through the other important elements you need to know to improve your jazz improv
skills.

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Chord Progression Workout: ii7b5-V7alt-i7 Larry Goldings “As One”
(minor)

Brent Vaartstra
h p://www.brentvaartstra.com

Brent Vaartstra is a professional jazz guitarist and educator living in New York City. He is the
head blogger and podcast host for learnjazzstandards.com which he owns and operates. He
ac vely performs around the New York metropolitan area and is the author of the Hal Leonard
publica on "Visual Improvisa on for Jazz Guitar." He's also the host of the music
entrepreneurship podcast "Passive Income Musician."

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