Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

[YeRedHouseOverYonder]

So as the title of the thread elaborates, I'd like to learn how to play Jazz. It's always fascinated me and I'd like to put this admiration into action.

I'm currently taking a music appreciation course at my community college they happen to mention the wrecking crew. It sparked some interest so I ended up looking into Carol Kaye. I've bought some of her instructional material to help guide me in the process. I do have some background in music theory and stopped (dropped out of college haha) short when I joined the military.

My music professor is ironically the Jazz band director, so I popped in his office for some advice. He basically said that the exercise books from Carol are a great step in the right direction, but I should consider taking some intro improv classes and get myself immersed in a band setting.

Just wondering what pointers you guys can give me and what notable players I should listen to. Pretty much a second opinion to what my professor told me.

Many thanks.

Edit: just a picture of the material I have on hand.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

The word jazz covers a vast range of musical stylings from elevator muzak to the most out-there free improvisation. Please narrow down the parameters.

I certainly gained a lot from not properly studying the ol' Mickey Baker Jazz Tutor book. Often, in my failure to cope with the chord fingerings, I would come up with the beginnings of a composition of my own.

 

[YeRedHouseOverYonder]

Re: Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

Touché. The exercises are focused on BeBop


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[Mincer]

Re: Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

A good teacher, open ears, a great CD collection, and access to great live playing is a good start. Learn the theory behind the chord changes, and improvise every day. Jazz encompasses lots of music, from swing to fusion, and there is good and bad in all of it. Just curious...what is the open book in the pic?

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

I studied the Sandoli method for 10 years and have taken master classes from Joe Scro, John Sheridan, Tal Farlow, Pat Martino, Carlos Alomar, Sharon Isbin, and Steve Vai. There is absolutely no substitute for a quality instructor. You will learn sight reading, ear training, and chord theory: the pillars of improvisational play. You have to really fully absorb the history and start working out of the Real Book from Day One.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

Wot? Not one African American tutor?

 

[YeRedHouseOverYonder]

Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

Just curious...what is the open book in the pic?

Thanks for the advice guys. I will look out for an instructor.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

Oh cool, I hadn't seen that book before.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

Books are good for illustrating scales, modes and chord shape fingerings. They cannot convey feel. Immersive listening to old classic recordings should help. Even though you are studying guitar, pay attention to the other instruments too.

 

[Securb]

Re: Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

Like Dave said a great teacher is a good start. Berklee offers some online courses that are great. There is also a ton of instructional stuff on YouTube.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

Get familiar with the ii - V - I changes ( or Vi - ii - V - I in it's longer form), and the modes of the Jazz Minor scale.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_minor_scale


and do a lot of listening

 

[YeRedHouseOverYonder]

Re: Best course of action to learn Jazz on guitar

Thanks guys. Will incorporate all your suggestions as I move forward.


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