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Jazz
Guitar Improvisation in ONE Lesson!
Jazz
Guitar Improvisation System
that, with a concise fret board diagram & without naming
a note, provides a network of options through a musical structure
that outlines the limits of Classical Jazz Harmony in Major.
Arranged for fret board convenience for an acoustic solo chord
style.
View
instructions for use of the diagrams you see at the left for
this improvisation style online.
This is
a formula that delivers jazz
guitar improvisation skills through the practice of just a few
mental and physical exercises. The countless variations of circles
of 5ths that result from the application of the simple logic
described ahead facilitates improvisation far more readily than
common linear styles of learning. The use of a musical formula
designed specifically for the guitar rather than any number
of isolated chord progressions opens the door
to this improvisation system.
THOSE
WITH THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE MAY FIND THE DEPICTION OF THE NUMERICAL
CORRELATION OF THESE DIAGRAMS TO CLASSICAL JAZZ HARMONY IN MAJOR
TO BE QUITE FAMILIAR AS IT IS CHARTED FOR THE FRET BOARD UNDER
THE LINK TO "THEORY"
BELOW.
PLEASE
SCROLL DOWN ONE PAGE IF NECESSARY
The
diagrams displayed at the left in conjunction with their surprisingly
simple application (once visualized) define a complete framework
for this chordal improvisation style. An initial effort, both
physical and mental, depending on your previous experience
with the guitar, is needed to memorize the options to a degree
of fluidity but in a short time the results will become apparent.
Sized for printing diagrams are available through the
link above.
The
description of the simple use of the colored diagrams becomes
unavoidably wordy perhaps but once grasped, the simple logic
& the diagrams will be all that are needed to improvise
this system's solo acoustic finger style and in a short time
you won't need the diagrams either. If you have guitar skills
and are interested in acoustic jazz, but haven't, or will
not have time to absorb the volumes on theory, this may be
an ideal approach and well worth the effort. The simplicity
of the recommended use for the colored diagrams may, on the
surface, appear too easy to be of real value but if you have
playing experience, you'll probably realize the number of
avenues that stem from even the use of 3 or 4 chords. The
introductory and background material describe how the diagrams
are used to access an abundance of chord substitution options
through circles of 5ths.
Click to the recommended use of diagrams for intermediate
guitarists
ONLINE,
OR! see introduction (recommended)
and information below:.
A Broad Harmonic Perspective for the Guitar
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Jazz Guitar Instruction
for YOUR CURRENT LEVEL; Select Links in BLUE below:
INTRODUCTION:
The following improvisation / composition method adheres to the essentials
of classical jazz harmony while accessing a broad harmonic perspective.
More than an isolated chord progression or map of a single key, it
is harmony based on the circle of 5ths in motion.
Knowledge of music
theory or the ability to read music are UNNECESSARY to improvise with
this system. The chordal style described is free improvisation in
nature, like many instrumental breaks in modern jazz or in free form
acoustic jazz. It is jazz that emphasizes upper chord tensions, the
notes in jazz harmony that distinguish it from conventional
harmony.
Knowledge of this system does not make a master of all forms of jazz
and isn't intended as a technique for improvisation with a jazz combo.
On the other hand, the information here is an entirely new look at
Jazz Harmony in Major as it displays across the whole fretboard,
variation in harmony and progression in modern western music. I have
been only casually by jazz guitar players and instructors with delight
of a new look at the fretboard.
The relatively
simple instructions offered facilitate IMPROVISATION THROUGH A
NETWORK OF OPTIONS THAT SPANS THE LIMITS OF CLASSICAL JAZZ HARMONY
IN MAJOR with generous CHORD SUBSTITUTION OPTIONS through CIRCLES
OF 5ths, with LINE PROGRESSION & MELODIC POTENTIAL automatically.
This system's suggested chord options can be organized as cadences
for composition as described in the instructions. A useful section
is offered for novices; however the primary intention of this presentation
is it's function as an aid to improvisation and composition for intermediate
guitarists. Questions, comments, criticisms? Contact author frank@musician.org.
Meter & Key Changes occur freely so please understand that it
is not likely that this improvisation will resemble big band, ragtime,
or dixie style jazz. Rhythmic variation is left to the ear, mood,
ability and discretion of the musician. The chord structures most
readily lend themselves to FINGER-PICKING techniques. Beginning
fingerpicking patterns are suggested in the help area.
Built into the logic that
is applied to these diagrams is a broad harmonic base for improvisation.
Please
CLICK AMONG THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED HEADINGS:
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jazz guitar improvisation INTERMEDIATE APPROACH
Guitarists who have knowledge
and some fluency with perhaps, rambling through at least
a few basic chords, scales, or modes. Even those with a
fair intellectual understanding of jazz theory but who,
for whatever reason, have not taken the step toward applying
it to the guitar fret board: Begin here. Also, those with
some knowledge and experience with chordal improvisation
in the jazz vein may find the system structure to be of
interest.
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guitar improvisation HELP
The basic description of the use
of the system diagrams are meant to be complete, however,
here are some itemized ideas that relate to or are a repetition
of the basic instructions. Some items may trigger a bit
more understanding of elements of learning you are facing. |
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jazz guitar system harmony THEORY
This is also a "concise"
chart that puts the numbers in perspective for jazz harmony
theorists. Experienced jazz players should find this correlation
to a format that they're familiar with something of a relief
from wonder. |
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guitar INSTRUMENT PLAYABILITY
To address difficulties with left
hand fingering, here are suggested specifications for guitar
action. Measurements described here are estimates. They
refer to an average acoustic steel string. Nylon string
guitars and electric guitars usually don't present any problems
with difficult fingerings. Electric guitar action should
be closer than that of an acoustic steel string. |
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jazz guitar improvisation SYSTEM BACKGROUND
& theory
This fret board system allows
improvisation without knowledge of the theory that's touched
on here. For technicians though, the author's "original"
slant on the application of jazz harmony to the guitar fret
board is described. Others may also find incites into the
workings of the guitar fret board. |
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jazz guitar improvisation - SCALES
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