Intro to Jazz

Having an appreciation of the basics of jazz gives all guitar players, jazzers or non-jazzers alike, a wealth of know-how to improve their playing. We’ll  learn some jazz standards but take a closer look at what makes them work in terms of  rhythm, harmony, melody and essential practical theory (lots of ‘lightbulb’moments!).

What we’ll be covering?

Jazz has so many rich facets for guitarists of all genres to benefit from. If you’re already playing  jazz this course will provide further background knowledge, cement your technique and add to your repertoire. If you’re new to jazz then you’re in for a treat – there is so much to learn and add to your rhythm, use of harmony and approach to melody; all of which can be applied to your own preferred genres.

Using jazz standards (e.g. Autumn Leaves, Summertime, etc.) as our basis we’ll delve into the concepts a gain a firm understanding of the jazz language.

At a glance

A huge variety of classic jazz, and some unexpected, songs are used throughout to demonstrate and bring to life the theory covered.

  • Jazz terminology, jazz guitar tone
  • Comping (strumming, accompaniment), swing rhythm, Latin groove
  • Chord extensions and substitutions, triad chords
  • Simple diatonic substitutions, tritone substitutions
  • Augmented and diminished chords
  • Blowing (soloing), arpeggios, scales and modes
  • The harmonic minor and chromatic scales
  • Chord-melody arrangements

These Day-Only sessions tend to fill quickly – book early to avoid disappointment.

B&B and dinners are available at the venue; these should be booked directly by yourself.

 

Who’s this course suitable for?

High Beginner to intermediate acoustic, electric guitar and bass players

As a guideline guitar players should be ok with:

  • playing and changing chords most open and basic barre chords (ideally using a plectrum)
  • knowing your I, IV, V as basic open chords and ideally E shape barre (or half barre) chords
  • knowing the E shape barre chords for major, minor, m7 and dom7(7)
  • having tried some A shape barre chords
  • having attempted maybe a bit of fingerpicking
  • knowing at least one position of the minor pentatonic and major scale patterns
  • being able to play at least one tune start to finish (even with mistakes)

Bass players should be familiar with major, maj7, minor, m7 and dom7 arpeggios in at least one position.

 

What’s included in the price?

Our price for players is all-inclusive:

  • tuition and materials
  • lunch and morning/afternoon refreshment breaks

 

Materials

  • Prep sheets are available before the course on request.
  • Course sheets will be handed out over the weekend.
  • Revision and practice materials will be made available to you after the course e.g. audio/video recordings, any supplementary PDFs and photos of flip charts.

 

And finally

Our courses are teaching/playing guitar-fests but they’re paced to suit the group so they’re as much about having fun and enjoying a sociable time with fellow hobby players.

Playing together as a group is the best, and most enjoyable, way of learning and experiencing music.

 

Don’t miss out

The course has limited numbers in order to ensure the correct tutor-to-group ratio – book early to avoid disappointment.

 

Full Course Overview

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    Prices

     
    Deposit Only
    Full Fee
    Non-residential Player
    £110
    £220

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