Jazz

[Alec Lewis]

I need some tips on beginning to learn jazz guitar. Where should I start and what should I focus on learning.

 

[Jak Angelescu]

That’s really awesome! 1st of all, I strongly suggest that you really take theory very seriously. I think most importantly, learn the circle of fourths first. You’re going to want to learn how jazz chords are built because there are a h*** of a lot of chord movements in jazz. I would also suggest looking up notable jazz players like Django Reinhardt and even look at reputable YouTube sources. Rick Beato is a very good one and I also love Achim Kohl for jazz

 

[idssdi]

Jazz is really very theory based so try to get all the theory down! If you’re just starting with jazz beginning with gypsy jazz might seem haunting but it does keep some of the bends and stuff from rock guitar where as straight up jazz doesn’t really have that. So, gypsy jazz may he a good place to start and venture into the straight up jazz later. Also listening to a lot of jazz is also a good idea that gives you a feel for what you’re going for. I recommend people like django reinhardt, Wes Montgomery. A good place to start would be to get comfortable with playing over a ii V I progression because that’s really common in jazz
Also jazz can get pretty haunting with reharmonizations and stuff like that but I’m sure you can do it!
Hope this Helps!

 

[Alec Lewis]

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely start listening to More jazz as well.

 

[Brian Haner Sr.]

Learn some simple basic jazz chords; Maj7, Maj9, 6, ,9, 13, min7, min9. Then learn some altered chords, min7b5, +7, 7b5, 7+9, 7b9. Learn a couple of simple standards using these chords. Like “Autumn Leaves”. This song is so great because it involves II-V-I in both major and minor. For instance: II-V-I in G Major is Am-D7-G. So using jazz chords, we could use Am9-D13-GMa9. II-V-I in Em minor is F#m-B7-Em. So try using: F#m7b5-B7b9-Em9. Start there. Get used to the “sound” of these chords. For most people they sound wrong or “out” at first, but in time they make sense to your ear and actually sound beautiful.
Don’t worry about soloing yet. Just play some standards using some of these extended chords.
Final note: LEARN THE MELODIES TO THESE SONGS. You can’t fully understand why the chords work unless you know the melody. Go on Youtube and find Autumn Leaves with a vocal; Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, etc. Listen to it over and over until you know the melody. Then search for an Autumn Leaves backing track. There are plenty to choose from. Play the chords along with the backing track. Then try to play the melody. This will give you a great start!
Soloing is another subject. I hope to tackle all of this in future videos.
Good luck!