Here’s one thing I know for sure: If I could learn how to play jazz guitar, anyone can. While I had a certain amount of aptitude for playing guitar in general, jazz guitar did not come naturally to me. But with the right approach and a little luck, I found myself on the right path. … Read more
Sooner or later in jazz guitar, you’re going to need to learn the modes of the major scale. They are an important part of improving your skills – and they aren’t as complicated as you might think. As you improve, you’re going to want to have more control over the sounds you’re creating as you … Read more
When I was growing up, I never knew that Christmas jazz guitar albums even existed. My parents had their christmas albums that they liked, and for the most part, that’s what we listened to. I never really had any complaints about the music, it was just what we listened to every year. The main albums … Read more
“Could you recommend a list of entry-level jazz guitar recordings that would be helpful for someone getting started with jazz guitar? I find the ‘Top 100 Albums’ lists a little overwhelming.” David Absolutely, here’s a list of ten essential recordings to get started with jazz guitar: Wes Montgomery – “Smokin At The Half Note”: This … Read more
In college, I was constantly chasing the “next thing” that would improve my jazz guitar playing – another chord voicing, a new improvisation concept, the one simple trick that would make things easier. But eventually, I ran into a wall. Things weren’t getting any easier… in fact playing jazz was just getting more complicated the … Read more