Jazz Guitar 2C

About this course

The course uses jazz standards as a framework for extending melody playing, phrasing, harmonic understanding and fretboard knowledge. Participants work with more advanced scales, arpeggios and chord voicings, including chord melody and voice-leading through changes. Classes also address improvisation methods, transcription and ear-to-instrument work. Learners apply these ideas in a jazz guitar ensemble, taking roles such as melody player, accompanist and soloist, and prepare repertoire for a group performance at the end of term. Content and repertoire requests can be accommodated where possible.

What you'll learn

• Perform a short set of jazz tunes in contrasting styles with their melodies and harmonies
• Apply scales and arpeggios when improvising over complex harmonic changes
• Construct, adapt and voice-lead chords used in jazz standards
• Comp effectively within a jazz ensemble
• Use characteristic rhythmic, melodic and harmonic ideas in solos and comping across different jazz styles
• Use structured practice and transcription methods

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for more experienced jazz guitarists and requires regular practice between classes. The intermediate label indicates study beyond fundamental techniques. Participation includes playing in a class ensemble and preparing repertoire for performance. Music notation is advantageous, although melodies can also be studied from TAB, chord progressions and recordings.

• At least two years’ experience playing in the jazz guitar idiom is required
• Learners should know the major scale and major and minor pentatonic scales in E- and A-shaped positions
• Familiarity with triad and seventh-chord symbols is expected
• Weekly attendance and preparation between classes are required

Before you go

• Participants must bring a guitar and lead to lessons.
• Amps are provided when needed.
• Participants should bring manuscript paper, a notebook and writing materials.