Jazz Guitar 1A

About this course

The course introduces jazz through standards in styles including swing, Latin, blues, modal, funk and ballads. Participants study jazz harmony, chord structures, scales, arpeggios and approaches to improvising over simple changes, while developing rhythmic, technical and chordal skills. Sessions combine tutor-led exercises, playing in turns, ensemble work and listening to jazz recordings. Participants also examine methods for practising and transcribing music, applying stylistic rhythmic, melodic and harmonic ideas to solos and comping.

What you'll learn

• Perform a short set of jazz tunes in contrasting styles, including their melodies and harmonies
• Use basic scales and arpeggios when improvising over simple chord changes
• Apply essential jazz chords and manipulate them within standard progressions
• Play in an ensemble and provide effective comping
• Use characteristic rhythmic, melodic and harmonic ideas in jazz solos and comping
• Apply structured practice and transcription methods

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for guitarists at an intermediate level who already have substantial experience playing in other styles and limited or no jazz knowledge. Participants are expected to practise between classes, prepare assigned tunes and take part in individual playing turns and ensemble work.

• At least three years of guitar playing in other styles is required
• A working knowledge of the major scale, major and minor pentatonic scales in the E-shape position, and basic triad and seventh chord symbols is expected
• Reading notation is advantageous, but melodies can be studied through TAB, chord progressions and recordings

Before you go

• Bring a guitar, lead, manuscript paper, notebook and writing materials.
• Amps are provided when needed.
• Weekly practice assignments and tune preparation are part of the course.