#azjazzlessons #7: How to Play Jazz Blues Like Grant Green

For jazz guitarists & jazz improvisors:

#azjazzlesson #7 #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 Grant Green and watched this rare clip of his solo over a bebop blues progression.

Grant Green

Building momentum
1) Use sequences to create more interest in repeated phrases

Rhythm
2) Rhythm is key. Use upbeats to create forward motion in single note lines
3) Use unexpected chord stabs between rhythmic phrases
4) Then, let the chord stabs take over a solo element. Now, you’re soloing with chords.

Line Ideas
5) Mix pentatonic scales runs with more rhythmic lines
6) Mix bebop lines that outline chord changes, blues lines, chordal phrases, rhythmic phrases for variety.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AsWLMUdIZk

#grantgreen #jazzsolo #improvisation #jazzguitar #guitar

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If you're interested to learn more in depth, lessons are available worldwide via Skype & in person in Kuala Lumpur.

Register for the 2-month jazz guitar masterclass here:http://www.azsamad.com/jazz

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#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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If you're interested to learn more in depth, lessons are available worldwide via Skype & in person in Kuala Lumpur.

Register for the 2-month jazz guitar masterclass here:http://www.azsamad.com/jazz

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#azjazzlessons #4: Learning To Develop Solos Like John Scofield

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 John Scofield and found this amazing concert video. 

Here's what I learned from watching his solo from 4:47 onwards.

1) Varying picking between the middle area to closer to the bridge is a great way to create different tones in phrases
2) Quoting the melody at the end of a solo is a very useful and clear way to cue the end of a solo
3) Changing the attack during a very scalar or sequence based line is a good way to create interest & subtle variation 
4) To surprise the listener, if the line feels like it's supposed to keep going up in direction, break the line and go to the opposite direction
5) Using the melodic contour of the melody is a good way to build phrases
6) Using certain parts of the melody as a road marker during the solo can be useful to keep the solo thematic 
7) To repeat a phrase that starts with a bend, you can also use a volume swell instead - this creates a repeat but is subtlely different

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5g5ko-Z04c

#johnscofield #jazzsolo #improvisation #jazzguitar #guitar

--

If you're interested to learn more in depth, lessons are available worldwide via Skype & in person in Kuala Lumpur.

Register for the 2-month jazz guitar masterclass here:http://www.azsamad.com/jazz

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#azjazzlessons #3: How Julian Lage Practices Guitar

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 Julian Lage and stumbled on this amazing 28-minute workshop video. 

Here are the main things I learned from the video:

On learning the guitar fretboard:
1. Take a note a day for 12 days so you know all the notes on the guitar

On Improvising:
2. Improvise in A Major but in random order, set a tempo, play in time and let your ear guide you (within 2 octaves)

On Technique: 
3. Julian thinks of the pinkie finger as the anchor, as finger 1 for the fretting hand of the guitar and how it relates to the whole arm, to the shoulder 

On Counterpoint:
4. To start playing with counterpoint on guitar, leave a note ringing while moving other fingers. This is a way to start.
5. The 2nd way is to consider just the bass & soprano parts. The important thing is to play in time. 
6. Play the bass part into the alto voice
7. Practice scales with two lines in the opposite directions
8. Sing each line of a contrapuntal part you play to really hear it

Thanks Julian for the knowledge & thank you to Liana Polanco for recording this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utvS0sIQKZQ

#improvisation #jazz #technique #guitar

--

If you're interested to learn more in depth, lessons are available worldwide via Skype & in person in Kuala Lumpur.

Register for the 2-month jazz guitar masterclass here:http://www.azsamad.com/jazz

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12 Brand New Videos For You!

This past week plus has been colourful. Recently, I've been uploading more & more videos on Facebook. These include my performances & videos from the open mic archives!

Here they are for your viewing pleasure! =)

FACEBOOK VIDEOS:

1. Purple Hearts and Turquoise Dreams by Az Samad (My latest song!)
2. Echoes of Bangsar - Az Samad (Solo Nylon String Guitar)
3. Princess Lullaby by Az Samad | Live at No Black Tie
4. Az Samad/Tay Cher Siang/Julian Chan Trio - Cissy Strut
5. Think Of You by Az Samad (Solo Fingerstyle Ukulele)

YOUTUBE VIDEOS:

1. Tara Linda "Wild West Huapango" (Live) - Live in Germany!

OPEN MIC VIDEOS ON FACEBOOK:

1. [Open Mic Vid] Fix You cover by Yewy & Sam
2. [Open Mic Video] Djezna's Stalker live at Merdekarya
3. 脱口唱 Open Mic hosted by Winnie Ho 何芸妮 27/9
4. 脱口唱 Video: I Can't Make You Love Me cover by Gan & Javen
5. [Open Mic Vid] Somebody That I Used To Know cover by Narmi
6. [Open Mic Video] Jade Theory by Sharon Chong 

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