#azjazzlessons #6: How to Play Jazz Blues Like Barney Kessel

For jazz guitarists & jazz improvisors: 

#azjazzlesson #todayIlearned

So I'm trying to learn something new everyday by documenting what I learned from watching a YouTube video. Today I looked for something from Barney Kessel and watched this blues performance.

Barney Kessel

Introduction Ideas

1) Use guide tones to punctuate double stop melody lines
2) Top note pedal point with lower moving lines are great for blues phrases
3) Use bass pedal point with constant structure major triads to lead into main melody section

Melody Statement
4) Harmonize melody with block chords for a fuller sound in a trio setting
5) Use single note phrases between block chord melodies

Soloing Ideas
6) Create intensity by playing repeated sweep-picked phrases
7) Create more relaxed statements using bluesy phrases
8) Be open to hitting the fretboard as a rhythmic fill idea between chord melody ideas
9) Use 3 notes voicings to punctuate blues single note lines
10) For high energy soloing, use tremolo picking on chords and a more chord melody approach

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZlYmWne4sk

#barneykessel #jazzsolo #improvisation #jazzguitar #guitar

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