Description
A pentatonic scale is any group of five notes that cover the span of an octave. There are literally hundreds of pentatonic scales in Western music, and hundreds more that use alternate tunings.
The Big Book of Pentatonics & Fourths will focus on the most common pentatonic scale, the major pentatonic and its relative minor. In the key of C the notes of the major pentatonic are: C D E G A. If you start on C and go up in perfect 5ths, you will get all the notes of the major pentatonic. The relative minor scale in A minor is A C D E G. If you start on E and go up in perfect 4ths, you will get the minor pentatonic in A.
This book is a series of four and six note groups that are developed into chromatic and diatonic lines. The concept of note groups was presented to me by the great pianist Hal Galper at the Jamey Aebersold clinic in 1980. I was young at the time but was hip to pentatonics so his ideas stayed with me and I’ve expanded on them in my own fashion. You should watch the video that goes with this book for more detailed instruction on how to properly practice the exercises.
Sample Pages
Watch the video for more detailed instruction on how to properly practice the exercises.
Noel Catura –
I had the pleasure to play for Eric’s video for The Big Book of Pentatonics & Fourths and if you are an ambitious musician then this book is a great vehicle to work on technic, reading and flexibility on your instrument for improvising. As a performing musician and teacher I highly recommend this book for your library, great job Eric!
Noel Catura (Saxophones, Clarinet & Flute)
Manuel –
Thank You for the “THE BIG BOOK OF PENTATONICS & FOURTHS”. It has added to my jazz vocabulary an intuitive understanding of improvisation in my music. Again thank you Eric.
David Cooper –
The Big Book of Pentatonics is another great book you have written that opens up the ears and develops new levels of technique !!!!!! Thanks…..
Ruud van der Wel –
I use the Big Book Of Pentatonics & Fourths during our respiratory therapy sessions. I teach my students to improvise music. Pentatonic scales are very powerful when it comes to improvise music.
Ruud van der Wel (Founder mybreathmymusic.com)
Jeff Mayer (Guitarist, San Jose, CA) –
This is an excellent book for melody playing. For guitarists who want to push their technique and musicality beyond the familiar, this book is an excellent tool.
Nick Mondello –
With “The Big Book of Pentatonics and Fourths,” Eric Bolvin adds yet another valuable contribution to the trumpet literature. Both jazz and legit trumpet players will benefit immensely from its practice. I know certainly have. It’s on my stand daily. Thank you, Eric!
Nick Mondello (Freelance trumpeter/writer, Locust Valley, New York)