Developing your rhythm section skills

About this course

The course examines how rhythm-section players support soloists, including comping, bass solos, trading fours with drums and playing together as a unit. Participants will introduce three standard tunes in different styles, listen to and discuss recordings, and apply comping rhythms associated with notable jazz players. Sessions also explore what makes an effective rhythm section, how to create arrangements in the moment, and the use of on-beat and off-beat motifs across swing, bossa nova, jazz waltz and funk.

What you'll learn

• Identify the roles of different rhythm-section players and apply them when accompanying soloists.
• Recognise and reproduce comping rhythms drawn from jazz performances.
• Accompany bass solos and trade fours with drums.
• Use on-beat and off-beat motifs in a range of styles.
• Memorise and recall forms and chord sequences from standard tunes.
• Begin transcribing comping rhythms by jazz players.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for intermediate pianists, guitarists, bass players and drummers working in a jazz setting. It involves listening, discussion and playing as part of a rhythm section. The stated entry requirements indicate that participants need some established instrument-specific skills.

• Piano and guitar players are expected to use two different voicings and read and play from a lead sheet.
• Bass players are expected to walk confidently through a lead sheet.
• Drummers should have knowledge of, or a keen interest in, the jazz idiom.

Before you go

• Bass and guitar players need to bring their own instrument and lead.
• Amps, pianos and drums are provided.