Jazz Guitar   by Jazzguitar

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Jazz Guitar

In this lens I want to help you find your way into the jazz guitar world.   We'll have a look at jazz guitar chords, licks, scales, arpeggios and other stuf you need to know when you want to learn how to play jazz guitar.  We'll also have a look at some websites, books, software and other resources that whill help you to become a better jazz guitar player. Welcome!

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II V I Chord Progressions 

The II V I chord progression is without any doubt the most used chord progression in jazz. Here's an example in C major:

|Dm7 |G7 |Cmaj7 |

Here are some solutions to improvise over a II V I in C major:
  • The simplest solution: the C major scale. Some sites and books tell you to use D Dorian on the Dm7, G Mixolydian on the G7 and C Ionian on the Cmaj7, but these scales (called modes) all have the same notes, the notes of the C major scale.

  • Arpeggios: play only the chord tones:

    Dm7: DFAC
    G7: GBDF
    Cmaj7: CEGB

    To learn more about the theory behind chords, read this tuturial: Jazz Guitar Chord Theory.

  • Combine scales and arpeggios and make nice voice leadings.

A Tool You Can't Live Without: Band in a Box 

Band in a Box
Band in a Box 2007 - This automatic accompaniment program for your computer is one of the tools you can't miss if you're serious about practicing. Type in some chords, pick a style and tempo, push play and out comes a quality accompaniment with bass, drums, bass & piano. Practice playing chords and improvising with a virtual band!



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10 Jazz Guitar Albums You Must Have Heard 

  1. Wes Montgomery - The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery
    There are so many Wes Montgomery albums to recommend, but I feel this one is essential. Incluced are the classics 'Four on Six' and 'West Coast Blues'.
  2. Pat Metheny - Bright Size Life
    This trio album is Pat's debut as a leader (1976). Jaco Pastorius plays the bass, Bob Moses on drums. Unbelievable album!
  3. Kenny Burrell - Midnight Blue
    This 1967 session is a true masterpiece. Nice, open sound and deep groove. Includes the classic 'Chitlins Con Carne'.
  4. Mike Stern - Standards (and Other Songs)
    Wonderful album! An original and fresh take on standards.
  5. Joe Pass - Virtuoso
    The master of solo jazz guitar.
  6. George Benson - Beyond the Blue Horizon
    My favorite guitar player. No one matches Benson's speed, dexterity, accuracy and groove.
  7. Jim Hall - Alone Together
    A live duo recording (with Ron Carter). Cool jazz at its best!
  8. John Scofield - Hand Jive
    A warm and funky album, John Scofield at its best!
  9. Larry Carlton - Late Night
    I'm not a real Larry Carlton fan, a bit too smooth for me, but this live album is something else, not his usual stuf. It's as tasty as tasty gets!
  10. Pat Martino - East!
    One of the early albums of Pat Martino, a guitar player with unique style.

The Jazz Theory Bible 

The Latin Real Book
The Jazz Theory Book The most comprehensive jazz theory book ever published. 522 Pages of pure genius.



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Jazz Guitar Links 

Jazz Guitar Online
Licks, transcriptions, lessons & more!
Jazz Guitar Blog
The latest jazz guitar news.

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