My newest instructional video The "Cycle" is the first installment in my new "Bass Fundamentals" series.

The Cycle of 4ths is a means of progressing through related keys that is a basic foundation of many of the chord progressions in the music we play. The most common chord movement in popular music is up a 4th. For example, in a ii - V - I progression, moving from the ii to the V is up a fourth, moving from the V to the I is up another fourth, and so on.

My "Cycle Program" gets us to internalize the relationship of the keys through methodical learning and practice of the Cycle of Fourths in Major, Minor (Aeolian, or Natural Minor) and Dominant 7 (Mixolydian) scales and arpeggios.

This is an easy-to-follow yet methodical system to learn and practice these scales and arpeggios in all 12 keys over the entire instrument.

Here are just a few of the benefits of the "Bass Fundamentals: The Cycle":

   - Ear Training: Strengthen the hand/ear
      connection of these basic chord types
      in all 12 keys, over the entire range
      of the instrument
   - Technique: Internalize these scales and
      arpeggios into deep-seeded muscle
      memory. You will REALLY *know*
      the fingerboard after applying
      this method!
   - Reinforce the music theory that you
      know (or will learn) through
      practical application.
   - Improve your time feel and rhythmic
      accuracy.
   - Improve your mental focus.
   - Learn a "filing system" to use for
      learning ALL music.


This method includes over 2 1/2 hours of video instruction, PDFs of all examples and exercises presented in the method, and a comprehensive set of high-quality play-along mp3s customized for practicing this material.

                  

The "4th-Finger Cycle" is the next chapter in my new "Bass Fundamentals" series. It continues the instruction method listed above by adding new finger patterns to the "The Cycle" method.


This installment includes over an hour of video instruction, a PDF ofthe exercises presented in the method, and a comprehensive set of high-quality play-along mp3s customized for practicing this material.

NOTE: This installment should be used as an "add-on" to the "The Cycle". If you have not yet completed the "The Cycle", I strongly encourage you to work through that material before starting on "The 4th Finger Cycle".

                  

The "Extended-Finger Cycle" is the next chapter in my new "Bass Fundamentals" series. It continues the instruction method listed above by adding new finger patterns to the "The Cycle" method.


This installment includes over an hour of video instruction, a PDF ofthe exercises presented in the method, and a comprehensive set of high-quality play-along mp3s customized for practicing this material.

NOTE: This installment should be used as an "add-on" to the "The Cycle". If you have not yet completed the "The Cycle" and "The 4th Finger Cycle", I strongly encourage you to work through that material before starting on "The Extended Finger Cycle".

                  

"The Cycle - Complete Bundle"" is the complete 3-volume set of "The Cycle" videos listed above.


This bundle includes over 5 hours of video instruction, PDFs of the exercises presented in the method, and a comprehensive set of high-quality play-along mp3s customized for practicing this material.

                  

My instructional video Improvisation Module Method is a comprehensive and innovative course that lays a firm foundation for those just starting out, while strengthening the skills and knowledge of more accomplished improvisers.

Most people learn how to improvise by two main methods: chord/scale theory, and transcribed solos or "vocabulary of the masters". My Improvisation Module Method bridges the gap between chord scale theory and vocabulary by breaking arpeggios and scales into bite size chunks everyone can practice, internalize and "file" for quick recall when improvising.

The Improvisation Module Method will teach you:

   - Chord tones...How to find them
      and how to connect them
   - Scale bites...breaking scales down
      into 3 note "bites"
   - How to add chromaticism to
      your lines
   - How to strengthen the signal from
      our hands to our ears by using
      consistent sounds with consistent
      fingerings
   - How to practice and internalize these
      skills via my"Karate Kid" study method
   - How to "practice" playing what
      you hear
   - How to make the connection
      between these examples and
      transcribed solos
   - How to apply what you've learned
      to ANY jazz tune


This method includes almost 4 hours of video instruction, PDFs of all examples and exercises presented in the method, and a comprehensive set of high-quality play-along mp3s customized for practicing this material.

                  

"Major ii-V-I Vocabulary" is the latest installment in the Improvisational Module Method. While the core method lays the foundation of chord-scale theory and defines the systematic "filing system" used in improvisation, this installment introduces specific vocabulary ideas and how to insert them, seamlessly and musically, into your improvised solos.

"Major ii-V-I Vocabulary" you will learn:

   - 5 great melodic vocabulary "licks" to use
      over the Major ii-V-I chord progression
   - How to practice this vocabulary to really
      internalize it and get it under the fingers
   - How to insert and practice each lick in a
      tune "Blue Bossa"
   - How to musically "connect" vocabulary licks
      to spontaneous improvisation using
      the Improvisation Module Method


This installment includes 1 hr of video instruction, PDFs of all examples and exercises presented in the method, and a comprehensive set of high-quality play-along mp3s customized for practicing this material.

NOTE: This installment should be used as an "add-on" to the Improvisation Module Method. If you have not yet completed the core method, I strongly encourage you to work through that material before starting on "Major ii-V-I Vocabulary". See the special "Bonus" deal above to purchase the entire method for one low price.

                  

My newest educational video series Playin' Through the Real Book is an exciting new way to learn the tunes that every jazz player needs to know. Whether you are just getting started learning to play jazz, are a more accomplished player who wants to build your jazz vocabulary, or a teacher looking for material for your jazz students, this series is perfect for you!

In each 10 - 20 minute video, I play through bass lines, solos, and chords for each song, demonstrating each section in "bite-sized chunks", both at-tempo and slowed-down, with brief explanations of what I'm playing.

Each download also includes a full transcription of the material and a .mp3 play-along track, all available RIGHT NOW and at a price that can't be beat!

Each track includes Major ii-V-I progression in all keys, with each progression played twice. Three tempos, each with a "latin" and "swing" version, PLUS a version of each track with no "comping". Great for practicing jazz vocabulary and "getting around" the instrument. 12 tracks in all (.mp3 format).

Each track includes minor ii-V-i progression in all keys, with each progression played twice. Three tempos, each with a "latin" and "swing" version, PLUS a version of each track with no "comping". Great for practicing jazz vocabulary and "getting around" the instrument. 12 tracks in all (.mp3 format).

Great for "warming up" and practicing scales, arpeggios, etc. Major, Minor, and Dom7 cycles, each at 3 tempos, PLUS a track of each chord type for 4 bars each. 12 tracks in all (.mp3 format).

The Walking Bass Line Module System takes the mystery out of learning to play walking bass lines by breaking it down into small bite size chunks that anyone can digest!

Already have the DVD? - BUY COMPANION BOOK ONLY

The Walking Bass Line Module System takes the mystery out of learning to play walking bass lines by breaking it down into small bite size chunks that anyone can digest! In this volume, you'll learn in greater depth my "module" approach to incorporating scales into your bass lines.

Already have the DVD? - BUY COMPANION BOOK ONLY

Walking Bass Lines Module System Volume 3 is the icing on the cake of walking bass lines! Building on the fundamentals taught in Volumes 1 and 2, Volume 3 covers:

   - Rhythmic Articulations
   - Modal Bass Lines
   - Two-Beat Playing
   - Playing in 3
   - Bass Lines on the E & A String
   - Three Ways to Play Thing
   - Transcribing

...and more!

Exclusively available in download format only, and includes PDFs of all of the examples played in the video

Technique Builders teaches you how to control the shape, attack, decay and articulations of the notes you play...in a logical, organized and concise method!

Already have the DVD? - BUY COMPANION BOOK ONLY

“One Good Looking Guy?”…It’s a tough call, but you’ll have to decide! This is a fun and joyous collaboration that highlight compositions from Todd Johnson and Jim Stinnett. This CD features Todd Johnson 6–string electric bass, Jim Stinnett acoustic & electric bass, Dino Govoni saxes and Joe Hunt drums.

My vision for a "bass duo" began sometime in 2003. I'd been working successfully as a "solo bass" act, but missed the interplay of another musician. I knew if I could find the right bass player it just might work. Shortly thereafter, I discovered Kristin Korb. The rest, as they say, is history.