: A focus on "hard-to-teach" subjects like rhythmic motifs, motivic development, and dynamic control to ensure solos are memorable rather than just a "blur of notes". Where to Find the Material
As a longtime instructor at the Musicians Institute (GIT), Henderson's teaching philosophy is documented in their materials. An MI article breaks down his unique right-hand technique, a style influenced by Pat Metheny and Jeff Beck. Henderson advocates for developing your ear by transcribing other musicians—from Miles Davis to Joe Henderson. He also emphasizes that good gear is important, but a guitarist's sound comes down to their "touch".
: The system progresses from "inside" sounds (chord tones) to "outside" tones by using scales from related or distant keys. Intervallic Gaps
Great fusion solos sound seamless because the notes transition smoothly from one chord to the next.
). This scale provides a bright, jazzy tension without sounding completely dissonant. Scott Henderson Jazz Fusion Improvisation Pdf
Possessing the PDFs is the first step; the real work is internalizing the information.
To improvise like Henderson, you must master specific harmonic and technical concepts. The Blues Foundation
This songbook is fantastic for players who want to focus on Henderson's blues-rock side. It contains 10 note-for-note transcriptions (with TAB) of his unique blues-rock fusion tunes like "Dolemite," "Tore Down House," and "Well to the Bone".
Whether you find a vintage scan of the 1988 REH book or buy the modern Hal Leonard eBook, the information remains timeless. You will still need to shed the licks for 10,000 hours. You will still need to listen to Jeff Beck and Weather Report. But with this PDF under your left arm and a Stratocaster in your hands, you will finally have the tools to stop playing "jazz" and start playing fusion . : A focus on "hard-to-teach" subjects like rhythmic
What is your with jazz harmony (e.g., do you know your seventh chord arpeggios)?
A PDF cannot teach you tone, but it can guide you. Henderson’s improvisation relies heavily on dynamic control. To sound authentic while practicing the PDF exercises:
The heart of Henderson’s fusion sound is the (7th mode of melodic minor). A PDF should provide fingerboard diagrams for C Altered (C, Db, Eb, E, Gb, Ab, Bb) and show how to resolve these dissonant notes down a half-step to the root of the I chord.
Set up a drone or a simple one-chord backing track (such as an chord). Practice switching cleanly between the Blues scale and the Lydian Dominant scale. Henderson advocates for developing your ear by transcribing
His use of the bridge pickup and a subtle whammy bar flutter gives him a vocal-like quality. Core Concepts in Jazz Fusion Improvisation
A key takeaway from his instructional material is the "breath." He mimics saxophone players, leaving space between lines. This makes his complex fusion runs feel more musical and less like a technical exercise. Key Resources for Mastery
Practice combining legato (hammer-ons and pull-offs) with hybrid picking (using your pick and middle finger) to achieve Henderson's smooth, fluid attack.
: The charts are often organized by "tension," starting with "inside" (consonant) sounds and progressing to more "outside" (dissonant) options.