{"title":"Books By Barry Finnerty","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"serious-jazz-practice-book-for-all-instruments-volume-1","title":"Serious Jazz Practice Book: For All Instruments (Volume 1)","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"relative basis-auto flex-col -mb-(--composer-overlap-px) [--composer-overlap-px:28px] grow flex\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex flex-col text-sm pb-25\"\u003e\n\u003carticle class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\" tabindex=\"-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuild a Bulletproof Jazz Vocabulary from the Ground Up\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll musicians need to thoroughly learn their scales, chords, intervals and various melodic patterns in order to be complete musicians. The question has always been how to approach this universal task. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Serious Jazz Practice Book \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eprovides a clear, logical, and comprehensive system for mastering the core building blocks of jazz — on any instrument.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRather than simply listing patterns, Finnerty organizes all the major scalar and harmonic materials of jazz into a step-by-step developmental program. Diatonic, pentatonic, chromatic, whole-tone, and diminished scales are dissected into hundreds of practical, musical patterns. Each pattern is designed not just to be memorized, but to be internalized and applied.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe same methodical approach is applied to chord types and intervals inherent within each scale. Many exercises incorporate chromatic embellishments, immediately giving the material authentic jazz character instead of abstract technical drills.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe companion \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Audio Downloads\" href=\"\/pages\/audio-downloads\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCD download\u003c\/a\u003e features Barry demonstrating how to transform these exercises into compelling improvised lines — helping bridge the gap between your practice room and the bandstand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe end result is more than a collection of exercises. It’s a \u003cem\u003estructured path\u003c\/em\u003e toward deep harmonic understanding, technical control, and a vastly expanded jazz vocabulary. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpiral-bound, 162 pages, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"The Serious Jazz Practice Book Volume 1 - Table of Contents\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/Serious_Jazz_Practice_Book_Volume_1_-_Table_of_Contents.pdf?v=1781478434\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSample Pages:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/Serious_Jazz_Practice_Book_-_Sample_Pages.pdf?v=1781838298\" title=\"Serious Jazz Practice Book - Sample Pages\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eQuartal Arpeggios\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/Serious_Jazz_Practice_Book_-_Sample_Pages_2.pdf?v=1781838298\" title=\"Serious Jazz Practice Book - Sample Pages\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e4-note combinations from the diminished scale\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSample Tracks: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/impressions-ex.mp3?v=1783020164\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"The Serious Jazz Practice Book - Sample Audio\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTrack #1\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/inner-urge-ex.mp3?v=1783020164\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"The Serious Jazz Practice Book - Sample Audio\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTrack #2\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndorsements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Barry Finnerty's book is the best book of intervallic studies I've ever seen. Great exercises for any instrument.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e— Mark Levine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“This is an exhaustive, yet compact guide to the fundamentals of scale vocabulary, written by an accomplished musician. The section on diminished scales is outstanding.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e— Dave Liebman\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“The book I've been waiting for! This book will keep you busy for many years and is a compelling method with the overall goal of expanding your jazz vocabulary. It is a great book!” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e— Randy Brecker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“This is a really terrific book, as it exemplifies the kind of practice jazz players need to do intuitively. The book has great usefulness and practicality by showing how to develop a personal approach to practicing, which keeps things interesting and fun.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e— Bob Sheppard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBarry Finnerty started with classical piano at 5 and switched to guitar at 13. He played professional gigs in Hong Kong and San Francisco before attending Berklee School of Music and moving to NYC in 1973. \u003cstrong\u003eHe's collaborated with industry legends like Miles Davis and the Brecker Brothers, released six solo albums, and toured globally.\u003c\/strong\u003e In 1998, he relocated to Oakland and continued his career, releasing CDs and authoring acclaimed \"Serious Jazz Practice\" books published by Sher Music.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/article\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Sher Music Co.","offers":[{"title":"Print","offer_id":44168166703295,"sku":"157","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Digital (PDF)","offer_id":44168166736063,"sku":"e157","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/Serious_Jazz_Practice_Book_For_All_Instruments.jpg?v=1745479787"},{"product_id":"serious-jazz-practice-book-volume-2-the-harmonic-approach","title":"Serious Jazz Practice Book Volume 2: The Harmonic Approach","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eThe Serious Jazz Book II: The Harmonic Approach\u003c\/em\u003e, Barry Finnerty takes the next logical step beyond scale practice and dives directly into the heart of jazz improvisation: \u003cstrong\u003emelodic mastery of harmony itself\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePicking up where \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Serious Jazz Practice Book: For All Instruments (Volume 1)\" href=\"\/products\/serious-jazz-practice-book-for-all-instruments-volume-1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Serious Jazz Practice Book\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e left off, this second volume focuses on understanding individual chords, how they function, how they connect, and how they unfold across real song forms. The goal is simple but profound: to help you move from playing patterns over changes to truly \u003cem\u003ecommanding\u003c\/em\u003e the harmony from the inside out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA recording artist with Miles Davis, the Brecker Brothers, and the Crusaders, Finnerty draws from decades of high-level experience to present a systematic, musical approach to harmonic fluency that applies to all jazz soloists — not just guitarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey sections include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat a “C” Can Be\u003c\/strong\u003e — An exploration of the many harmonic functions a single note can serve, and how to think melodically within shifting harmonic contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMastering the Changes\u003c\/strong\u003e — A deep dive into chord extensions, alterations, and common progression variations, building true melodic control over the full harmonic spectrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlaying on Tunes – The Harmonic Approach\u003c\/strong\u003e — Practical application of the book’s concepts within real song forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarmonic Vocabulary\u003c\/strong\u003e — A wealth of melodic examples built from the chords and progressions studied throughout the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather than offering shortcuts or isolated licks, this volume develops a durable, flexible harmonic mindset — the kind that allows you to navigate standards, modern progressions, and complex forms with confidence and creativity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpiral-bound, 200 pages, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/Serious_Jazz_Practice_Book_2_-_Table_of_Contents.pdf?v=1781837835\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Serious Jazz Practice Book 2 - Table of Contents\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSample Pages:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/Serious_Jazz_Practice_Book_2_-_Sample_Pages_1.pdf?v=1781837835\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Serious Jazz Practice Book 2 - Sample Pages \" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/Serious_Jazz_Practice_Book_2_-_Sample_Pages_2.pdf?v=1781837836\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Serious Jazz Practice Book 2 - Sample Pages \" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSection 1\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.shermusic.com\/new\/sample_pages\/1883217555-5.pdf\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/Serious_Jazz_Practice_Book_2_-_Sample_Pages_3.pdf?v=1781837835\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Serious Jazz Practice Book 2 - Sample Pages \" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eColtrane's Changes: Giant Steps and Countdown\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/Serious_Jazz_Practice_Book_2_-_Sample_Pages_4.pdf?v=1781837835\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Serious Jazz Practice Book 2 - Sample Pages \" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eDom13#9 chords (circle of 4ths)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndorsements:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e“An extremely thorough book. The exercises are concise, challenging and very much worth the effort. Highly recommended.”\u003cbr\u003e— Jamey Aebersold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e“A unique approach. Original and provocative.”\u003cbr\u003e— Mark Levine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e“Barry's unique artistry was evident during the years he spent in my group. This book is a testimony to his prowess.”\u003cbr\u003e— Hubert Laws\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e“A profound effort to share and communicate the ideas Barry has been developing through his lifetime in music. Bravo!”\u003cbr\u003e— Joe Lovano\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBarry Finnerty began studying classical piano at age five before switching to guitar at thirteen. After professional work in Hong Kong and San Francisco, he attended Berklee School of Music and moved to New York City in 1973. He has collaborated with legendary artists including Miles Davis and the Brecker Brothers, released six solo albums, toured internationally, and authored the acclaimed “Serious Jazz” books published by Sher Music\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sher Music Co.","offers":[{"title":"Print","offer_id":44168164638911,"sku":"170","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Digital (PDF)","offer_id":44168164671679,"sku":"e170","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/Serious_Jazz_Practice_Book_Volume_2_The_Harmonic_Approach.jpg?v=1745479786"},{"product_id":"the-barry-finnerty-songbook","title":"The Barry Finnerty Songbook","description":"\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e20 Handpicked Compositions from a Jazz-Rock Guitar Virtuoso and Author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eWe are proud to give our jazz family access to the best songs of dozens of great jazz composers! Each composer personally selected 20 of their favorite original compositions and provided us with their own clean, accurate lead sheets — which we are now passing along to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThese digital songbooks will give your band an instant boost in repertoire, or offer you hours of inspiration in the woodshed, learning directly from the masters of jazz composition. Also perfect as a play-along resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eBarry Finnerty is a powerhouse guitarist and composer whose work with the Crusaders, Miles Davis, and the Brecker Brothers helped define the jazz-rock and fusion sound of the late 20th century. In addition to his formidable playing, he's also the author of \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/books-by-barry-finnerty\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Jazz Books by Barry Finnerty\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Serious Jazz Practice Book\u003c\/em\u003e Volumes 1 \u0026amp; 2\u003c\/a\u003e — two of Sher Music’s best-selling instructional titles. His compositions combine groove, harmonic depth, and an electrifying sense of energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat the Book Includes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e20 lead sheets chosen by Barry Finnerty himself\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eClean, accurate PDFs for instant download\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eIdeal for study, rehearsals, or performance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample Tune: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/Barry_Finnerty_-_Side_of_Cool.pdf?v=1781910109\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"The Barry Finnerty Songbook - Sample Song\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSide of Cool\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy It Matters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eA chance to play the music of a genre-crossing guitar innovator and globally-respected educator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eThese tunes reflect a lifetime of experience in both performance and jazz pedagogy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eA powerful collection for players who love the edge of jazz-rock fusion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Sher Music Co.","offers":[{"title":"Digital (PDF)","offer_id":44207546958015,"sku":"e238","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/9524\/5503\/files\/The_Barry_Finnerty_Songbook.jpg?v=1745479727"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.shermusic.com\/collections\/books-by-barry-finnerty.oembed","provider":"Sher Music Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}