How to Play Straight Ahead Jazz

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Video by Astrid Asmundsson

Cecil Alexander is an Assistant Professor of Guitar at Berklee College of Music and is now joining the Jazz Lesson Videos Team as a Jazz Gym Trainer! A few of Cecil's accolades include: Finalist in the 2019 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition, 1st Place Winner of the 2017 Wilson Center Jazz Guitar Competition, 1st Place Winner 2018 Lee Ritenour Six String Theory Competition. Cecil has recorded/performed with Bill Charlap, Antonio Hart, Lee Pearson, Luis Perdomo, Nathan East, and Steve LaSpina.

#Jazz #Guitar #Improvisation

[jazzlessonvideos]

Special Launch Discount on the new "25 Hard Bop Etudes" PDF Package!
Use Code “CA5” for an additional $5 OFF!

Sign up to work with Cecil through the Jazz Gym.

[charliemitchell]

I was lucky enough to sit in on a jam session with Cecil. He was nothing but encouraging and at the time I wasn’t feeling very confident about my playing being a very new jazz player. I later ran into him around a year later after my chops had improved and he remembered me and that just made my day. Such a humble guy and great player!

[TcheddyG]

FINALLY!! A player who EXPLAINS what he’s playing in a clear, simple effective way.

[pvbaelen]

Wow, this is exactly what I've been looking for. As an amateur rock and blues pentatonic hobbiest, I've fumbled around with attempts at playing jazz but have no idea what I'm doing. I don't completely understand everything laid out in the video, but although it's complex, it's simplified enough for me to almost grasp. I suspect this channel is going to get very popular. Thank you.

[TheBoondoggler]

I cant beleive this video is real and this channel exists in my lifetime. Literally a treasure trove of invauable jazz theory and information at anytime, for free. God bless you, sir.

[MrMjp]

Of all the guitar styles I’ve attempted over the years, this is the one that has eluded me - even more so than all the others.

[davidgerber]

Pro-level content and really clearly explained and demonstrated. Not for beginners, but if you are ready for this level, you won't find better teaching. Respect!

[vspaulding]

Just what i want to learn:) Thank You Cecil

[raymondjoakimson]

This is the best explanation of music I have ever seen. Simply amazing!

[davidlee]

Bravo! Thank you for the very informed and informative in depth look at the historical and functional language that makes this music come alive. I've seen so many students who want a sound, want the excitement of a living solo and are given solos to copy without any functional or aural context. So it becomes a finger exercise. Your approach not only shows where your perception comes from, but also presents a lexicon for anyone to apply in their own approach. Nice!!!

[Kwalk]

This is the most I've learned about jazz from one video and I'm 2 minutes in

[PyroShredder]

Sorta wish I studied with this guy when I was at Berklee. This is the stuff I’ve been wanting to learn all along

[benbarckholtz]

I'm not really a jazz player, but I love music theory. Anyway, this material was so well presented, and the persona is so likeable, that I both liked and subscribed.

[CharlesK]

Awesome!! As soon as as realised you were on YouTube I subbed straight away!!

[robertjacksonnuages]

hi CECIL, an excellent lesson is so many hit me most was the way you played 8th notes in the slow tempo...so many teachers when they get to 'slow tempos' they bounce the 8th notes eg...1st and last of triplets..da...de da....de dah etc...instead of the 'straight 8ths the way u [and joe, wes] play them ....loved ur concerts jackson ...new zealand....

[MicCostanzo]

Cecil channeling his inner Pat Martino in the intro. Love it 😍

[steves]

Wow! Unbelievable fantastic Jazz guitar explanation master, unique in the internet! Never seen this!👏

[musicalexcursions]

CALM, CLEAR, and CONCISE. Well done! I will subscribe. Thank you.

[vinceq]

Fantastic, and I love the large-headstock Strat.

[tonypablo]

Thank you for the amazing lesson/information sir. Liked and subscribed.