Jazz Guitar 2A

About this course

The course uses jazz standards in styles including swing, Latin, blues, modal, funk and ballad as a framework for developing guitar vocabulary. Sessions address melody phrasing, expression, chord voicings, voice-leading, fretboard knowledge, scales, arpeggios and improvisation methods, alongside more sophisticated comping approaches such as chord melody. Learners apply these ideas through a class jazz guitar ensemble, taking roles including melody, comping, bass line and soloist. The course also covers transcription and ear-to-instrument work, with repertoire and topics adapted to learner requests where possible.

What you'll learn

• Play jazz tunes in contrasting styles with awareness of their melodies and harmonies
• Apply scales and arpeggios when improvising over complex chord changes
• Construct, adapt and voice-lead chords for jazz standards
• Comp effectively and contribute to an ensemble in different musical roles
• Use 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 more experienced jazz guitarists developing beyond fundamental techniques. The source specifies at least two years of playing in the jazz guitar idiom, familiarity with major and minor pentatonic patterns and basic chord symbols. Regular practice between classes and weekly attendance are expected, while music notation is advantageous rather than essential.

• At least two years of jazz guitar experience is specified
• Learners should be prepared to practise between classes and attend weekly
• Ensemble playing involves changing roles, including melody, comping, bass line and soloist

Before you go

• Bring a guitar and lead to lessons.
• Amps are provided when needed.
• Bring manuscript paper, a notebook and writing materials.
• Weekly practice tasks and repertoire preparation are required; listening to jazz recordings is recommended as part of preparation.