[teridbruse]

I find playing standard material in unusual keys really shakes things up. Taking this concept too far can just be an annoyance (like,say, playing 'Cherokee' in b major, which puts you in c# on tenor, a key that's probably a snap for George Coleman but ties my fingers in knots), but playing say, Ab rhythm changes instead of the usual Bb can be a kick.

I find one of two things happen. Either I resort to default vocabulary in the new key, but find that maybe I don't have quite the flexibility I might like with it outside of the 'normal' key that the tune is played in (which gives me something to work on in the practice room) or I surprise myself with new, fresh licks.

It's a 'win win' situation.


Although Mike I do remember a rather amusing demonstration you gave once on transposing phrases in halfsteps on the guitar. Seems like you guitar types might be getting a bit of a break in that area.