🎷 Inner Urge – “Thinking a Fifth UP” Exercise (PDF in 3 Keys)

🎷 “Thinking a Fifth Up” Exercise — A study on how shifting perspective changes everything

This exercise is based on Joe Henderson’s Inner Urge — a tune where harmony constantly pulls and stretches your sense of tonal center. Instead of approaching each chord through its usual lydian or modal scale, this concept invites you to think a fifth above and play that corresponding major scale.

For example:

Over Fmaj7, instead of F Lydian — think C Major.

This simple shift opens up new melodic movement, intervallic color, and phrasing possibilities while staying rooted in harmony.

It’s a subtle concept, but it brings a new melodic logic and freshness to your phrasing — especially on harmonically complex tunes like Inner Urge.

🎼 This PDF Will Take You Even Further

This study captures a complete, real-time demonstration of the “fifth-up” concept applied to Inner Urge. Every note is notated exactly as played — so you can follow how the idea unfolds naturally through the harmony.

It’s not about theory on paper, but about hearing how a small mental shift transforms phrasing, direction, and note choices. Simple in concept — deep in effect.

📘 What You’ll Get in the PDF:

✅ Full written chorus as demonstrated in the video

✅ Both original and “fifth-above” scale indications above every chord

✅ Cleanly formatted versions for Concert, Bb, and Eb instruments

✅ A focused study for ear training, scale reorientation, and modal fluency

🎯 Why Combine the Video with This PDF?

The video lets you hear the sound and flow of the idea.

The PDF lets you see and study the structure — one measure at a time.

Together, they help you internalize not just what to play, but how this “fifth-up” thinking changes the way you move through harmony.

🙌 Why This Resource Is for You:

• Improvisers exploring advanced modal awareness

• Saxophonists, pianists, and teachers seeking new ways to approach harmony

• Anyone who loves Inner Urge and wants to see it from a fresh angle

💬 What Musicians Are Saying:

“This concept flipped how I hear major 7 chords. It feels like finding hidden doors in familiar harmony.”

— Peter K.

📥 How It Works:

1. Download instantly after checkout

2. Open the PDF, choose a key, and start practicing today

3. Revisit the video as needed — or apply it directly into your own solos

👤 About the Author:

Martin Uherek is a jazz saxophonist and educator with a deep love for sharing practical, musical tools that help players grow. His teaching and transcriptions have helped musicians around the world build confidence and expand their sound.

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🎷 Grab the PDF and explore how just a few notes outside can unlock a whole new sound — without losing your foundation.