Hollow To Solid:
Live Online Jazz Guitar Lessons
Jazz is perhaps one of the most mysterious or intimidating genres for guitarists to play but also one of the most rewarding. I made it a point to study with many jazz teachers at Berklee because I wanted to have more command of rhythm, swing, and harmonic knowledge to bring to my own style. Studying this genre draws from music as far back as the 20s and on through the jazz of the 50s, 60s and beyond. This is one of the best ways to integrate improv, rhythmic detail, harmonic awareness, and reading all at once. We will look at constructing simple lines as well as bebop lines, and in general how to play through chord changes using jazz line techniques. These skills work in almost any genre and also translate well to richer melody and harmony in one’s own composition.
Format: Online 1 On 1
Lesson Length: 30 min, 45min, 60min
Lesson Price: Starting at $27 USD
Topics Covered in this Course:
PART ONE
- developing swing groove
- 7th chord voicings and inversions
- Comping rhythms
- Playing Melodies with the thumb/octaves
- Chord tone soloing
- Chord soloing with chromaticism
- Key centre based soloing
- Pentatonic line building
- Jazz blues & rhythm changes
- Arpeggios
PART TWO
- Advanced chromatic approaches
- Chord substitution
- 3/4 feel
- Latin jazz Comping and improvisation
- Minor blues
- Up tempo improv/comping
- Chord scale application in improvisation
- Walking bass lines
- Jazz fusion examples, comping, and improvisation
FAQs
Who is this course for?
Anyone with a deep love of jazz and fusion music and a keen interest in improvising over more sophisticated chord changes. Building your awareness of time, feel, and phrasing, and note choice precision will be an asset to you in whatever genre you find yourself playing in.
What are the prerequisites?
You should have been playing the instrument for a few years, have basic technical proficiency, can play in time, and have a basic understanding of rudimentary music theory (ie major scales, intervals, and basic triad construction). We will go over those things throughout the course, so don’t worry if those things are a bit rusty.
Do I need to know theory for this course?
All pertinent theory will be discussed throughout the course, but basic scale and chord knowledge will certainly help things go quicker.
Does it matter if I play electric or acoustic?
Not at all, use the type of guitar you play with most.
What type of jazz music will we be playing?
For level one, we will go through mostly functional jazz standards from The Real Book.
For Level 2, we will look at advanced tunes and solos from Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, Sonny Rollins, Chick Corea, and Jeff Beck
Can I record the lessons?
Yes, but I ask that you keep them for your own private viewing.
Can we play together during the lesson?
It is possible, but only if you have an account with JamKazam, a direct Ethernet cable to your router, talkback mic, and appropriate digital I/O. Jamkazm will run an automated test on your setup and let you know of any signal speed bottlenecks.
What do I need for this lesson?
All lessons are done through zoom. A reasonably fast, clear internet connection, a webcam, and your guitar are the basic requirements. If you wear headphones, make sure there is an onboard microphone to pickup the sound of your guitar. If you have an audio interface, that’s even better to separate your guitar signal and your headphone signal. A big monitor is also helpful to clearly see me, my guitar, and any written material I display on the screen
What materials do I need for this course?
I will supply any written materials and tune charts in the lessons, but having the Ireal Pro app and the Real Book Volume I are helpful for supplementation.
Cancelled Lessons Policy
Students can cancel one lesson of the course provided there is 24hrs notification… in which case I will reschedule that lesson for you. Additional absences will not be refunded or rescheduled.