Jazz Guitar Lesson with Warren Greig: Jazz Guitar Approaches

There are many approaches to learning jazz guitar and by no means is this meant to be a definitive approach. However, in struggling to learn how to play I found some of the methods below helpful.

• Ear training with an aid; compare published versions of sheet music with your favorite recordings. This is a quick and easy way to learn how jazz players deal with various progressions
• Learn your favorite melodies in twelve keys. After a short time of doing this you get the feeling that your hand is automatically finding the right notes.
• Learn your favorite licks in twelve keys.
• Reduce chords to two and three notes. By simplifying the requirements for the left hand you can better focus on timekeeping and rhythmic content.
• Start ideas on all upbeats and the downbeats two and four. This will create more forward motion in the improvised line.
• Play triplets. This is not as easy as it sounds, especially if you have to cross strings. Guitarists are notoriously bad at playing triplets that are rhythmically accurate.
• Chord Melody: Many guitarists learn chord melody arrangements but get locked into one way of playing them. As with melodies practice solo arrangements in different keys.
• Play chords without roots when there is a bass player. Not always but often.
• Play chords with roots when there is no bass player.
• When working with a published transcription play along with the recording to match up with the time feel and articulation of the soloist.
• Do your own transcriptions of your favorite players.

Another simple thing I have found is that playing more horizontally than vertically on the guitar helps facilitate good articulation. When I started playing jazz I got stuck in 5th position as a result of playing scales through the cycle of 5ths in this position. Aside from wearing down the frets in this area this approach was not conducive to good articulation.

© Warren Greig Music December 2004

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