Things I Wish I Knew About Jazz Guitar - Part 1 - Jazz Guitar Vlog

Take your jazz guitar skills to the next level, book a call with Marc here:

In this short vlog, I'll show you what ... I would want to tell my 16 year old self!

(ah-hem, about JAZZ GUITAR I mean ... of course)

In brief, the #1 (and overlooked) habit for anyone learning jazz guitar is FOCUSING on chords and harmony on the instrument.

Not only that, but there's a quick caveat: it doesn't always make sense on paper! So it's best to also get good *context* (ie actual jazz recordings), and not get too science-y about jazz harmony.

In this video I share how you can make this happen into your own playing, and avoid some common pitfalls. Use your ears y'all!

Once again, I've reopened my mentoring/coaching program, schedule a quick call so we can map out together how to improve your jazz chops, and if we can work together:

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[irvegriffiths]

Welcome to the amazing journey that is parenthood - you’re such a nice guy I think you’ll be a great father 😀

[stuartarnold]

Thanks Marc your blogs are worth watching because of the good down to earth advice and can be used by all levels.

[vincemesaboogie]

This spontaneous format can only get better 👏👏👏👏👏 thank you

[nicolasrubel]

Bravo Marc, très bon conseil, même pour les hyper pros !

[atlanta]

Thanks so much for your passionate perspectives! I agree that harmony is key... and that good chord voicings bring color and depth to music :)

[bradfordlaneromans]

I have a stack of 30 or so pages of chord diagrams that I am playing thru, so as to familiarize myself with. I’ve learned many scales up & down the neck and really just want to “blow” ( improvise with notes) over whatever the backing track dictates. However, I want to develop my chord knowledge to the point that I could improvise with consecutive chord shapes, over that backing track. Until I have that ability, I cant really call myself a jazz guitarist. Thank you, Marc, for the encouragement. 🙏🏻

[cynthiastory]

Hey Marc good instruction. Something I can apply to my jazz piano playing. Thanks.
Blessings
Cynthia❤🎹😀🎼

[petersmart]

I agree with what you say. Have been a fan of Barry Galbraith teaching methods, whom I know you like, and do sound a little like his chord concept in your chord melody improvs. Which I like.

[chrislaing]

Great advice. Incidentally, Drop 2 chords have just recently changed my life

[gabrielsebrian]

After watching this video, I wish I could travel time and show it to the younger me! Great advice, Marc!

[jameswarren]

I hear you about chords.I know quite a few and some inversions, extensions e.t.c. but when I try to read them from a chart I lose continuity. I feel that I need a regimen of simple jazz standards with the chords diagrammed as well as just noted. I have been led to believe that jazz is primarily derived from chords based on the notes of the melodic minor scale. I will probably never master many jazz standards although if I know the melody I can usually muddle through and harmonize it. Often the chord I think I am using has a "keynote" other than the lowest note and it wants to resolve to somewhere other than the next most likely chord in the progression. I study progressions mainly in "c" and once I get that down I can usually transpose it to other keys without much difficulty. My idioms lead me on but I never quite learn the name of the chord so that I can use it in another context. My main objective (and probably my best hope) is solo improv.

[dbsound]

Now the new song "Things I'd Wished I'd Knew" ?

[ritupabankotoky]

Really nice video. I wish i also could understand it before. Anyways already subscribed.

[MyJB]

You are describing "melodic comping" - the way that Ed Bickert played instead of fixed structure chords. Let the upper notes 'sing'. The art & science of harmony !

[jwfleming]

6:04 I just basically can't. We're supposed to learn songs by ear but can't so what then? Just don't learn songs until my ear can pick out the chords? It's a catch-22.

[HarryBarry]

Jesus loves you. repent and be born again. He coming soon