Learning how to do modes is high up on most jazz guitar players to-do lists. And it seems like a good idea, too. Lots of good players talk about learning scales and modes – so it’s probably a good idea to learn about them. And modes are an important part of playing jazz. You do … Read more
Learning how to play jazz chords can be intimidating for guitar players. Especially at first. There are a lot of numbers and symbols you might not have seen before. And if you’re mostly used to playing open chords… … things like Eb, Db, Gb are going to be kind of scary. I get it. This … Read more
Pentatonic scales are a guitar player’s best friend. And for some good reasons: Guitar players from all different styles love to play pentatonic scales. But most of them don’t really have the full picture. Even intermediate players usually only know how to play one, maybe 2 of the scale shapes. And they’re missing out. There … Read more
When I started learning about different types of scales for jazz guitar, the dorian mode was one of the first things that popped up. No matter where I looked, people were saying this was one of the most important modes to learn. And there were also mixed messages about how to play it – or … Read more
Once you’re ready to get more technical with your playing, it’s time to start looking at jazz guitar arpeggios. Being able to use your arpeggio shapes is a big part of playing better solos. Here’s why: But jazz guitar arpeggios are also tricky to get started with. You see, for most instruments arpeggios are a … Read more
Jazz guitar gets kind of a bad rap for being too complicated to learn. And when it comes to playing jazz guitar solos, I actually kind of get it – especially the way that it’s usually taught. Most of the time, the advice you get about playing solos in jazz is overly technical. There’s a … Read more
The melodic minor scale is one of my favorites. Maybe even the favorite. I didn’t learn it until I was in college, but once I learned how to use it, I was hooked. It’s got some interesting options for soloing in minor keys. Kind of a unique sound you don’t get from your other minor … Read more
The CAGED system is a common topic among guitar players – whether you’re into jazz guitar or something else. Some people love it, some people hate it. But just about everybody uses it. Let’s take a look at why the CAGED system is important for jazz guitar players. The CAGED system is a way of … Read more
A lot of people wonder how to practice jazz guitar efficiently. In fact, getting the most out of your practice time is usually one of the first things my new students ask me. And it makes a lot of sense. There’s a lot to learn in jazz guitar – and most of us have a … Read more
Overthinking is a big problem with jazz guitar students. And it’s totally understandable. Jazz is a complicated style, and there’s lots to learn, right? Maybe. Maybe not. Sure, there are things you need to learn. There are terms, chord shapes, scale patterns, and all kinds of theoretical stuff. But most of the time what you … Read more