Beginners Jazz Guitar Course. 5 weeks for intermediate Guitarists
Week 1: Introduction to Jazz Chords
- Learn the basic chords used in jazz, such as major 7th, minor 7th, and dominant 7th chords
- Study chord voicings and inversions, and learn how to play chords in different inversions
- Practice playing chords in different keys and progressions
- Learn how to add passing chords and substitutions to add harmonic interest to your playing
Week 2: Improvisation and Scales
- Learn the basic scales used in jazz, such as the major scale, the natural minor scale, and the harmonic minor scale
- Study the concept of improvisation and learn how to create solos based on the chords and scales you have learned
- Practice playing over backing tracks and learn how to create solos using the pentatonic scale and the blues scale
Week 3: Swing and Rhythm
- Study the swing rhythm, which is a fundamental aspect of jazz guitar playing
- Learn how to play swing rhythms and syncopated patterns
- Study the different swing rhythms such as 8th note swing, triplet swing, and 16th note swing
- Practice playing swing rhythms with a metronome and over backing tracks
Week 4: Chord Melody and Comping
- Learn how to play chord melody solos, where the melody is played on the top string of the guitar while the chords are played underneath
- Study how to create chord voicings and inversions for comping
- Practice playing chord melody solos and comping over jazz standards
Week 5: Styles and Repertoire
- Study different jazz styles such as bebop, hard bop, and fusion
- Learn how to play jazz standards and learn how to analyze and play the melody, chords, and solos of a tune
- Study the repertoire of famous jazz guitarists and learn how to play their solos
- Practice playing in a jazz ensemble and learn how to interact with other musicians in a jazz setting.
This 5 week course is designed to give intermediate guitarists a comprehensive introduction to jazz guitar playing. It covers the essential chords, scales, and techniques used in jazz, as well as the swing rhythm, chord melody, and comping. The course also includes a focus on improvisation and the different styles of jazz, and will help students develop the skills needed to play in a jazz ensemble and analyze and play jazz standards.
Frank Vignola Guitar Style
Frank Vignola is an American jazz and classical guitarist known for his virtuosic technique and versatility. He has been active since the 1980s and has played with a wide variety of musicians, including Les Paul and Madonna. Some key features of his guitar style include:
- Jazz influence: Vignola’s guitar playing is heavily influenced by jazz. He often uses jazz chords and voicings, and incorporates jazz-influenced phrasing and improvisation into his playing.
- Classical influence: Vignola is also trained in classical guitar and incorporates elements of classical music into his playing. He is known for playing complex and intricate pieces, such as Bach’s compositions.
- Use of arpeggios: Vignola often uses arpeggios in his playing, which are broken chords played one note at a time. This technique allows him to create more complex and interesting solos.
- Use of tremolo: Vignola is known for his use of tremolo, a technique where the strings are rapidly played to create a vibrato effect. This gives his playing a more expressive and emotional quality.
- Use of alternate tuning: Vignola often uses alternate tunings, such as DADGAD, to create a different sound and explore new possibilities in his playing.
- Use of the fingerpicking technique: Vignola often uses fingerpicking technique to create a more percussive and rhythmic sound. This technique allows him to create more complex and interesting solos.
- Incorporating elements of swing and gypsy jazz: Vignola’s guitar style often incorporates elements of swing and gypsy jazz, using techniques such as tremolo, alternate tunings and use of arpeggios.
- Experimentation: Vignola is known for being experimental in his style, he’s not afraid of exploring different genres and styles and incorporating them into his playing.
Frank Vignola’s guitar style is a blend of jazz, classical and various other genres. He often uses jazz chords and voicings, arpeggios, tremolo, alternate tuning, fingerpicking technique, elements of swing and gypsy jazz and experimentation. He is known for his virtuosic technique, intricate and complex playing and versatility.