| Jazz guitar is an extremely popular guitar | | | | natural phenomenon, but one that need to be |
| style and learning this style of music can | | | | curbed. Many jazz styles need to be 'laid |
| pose quite a challenge. There's no doubt that | | | | back' with a lazy style of playing that isn't |
| it can be very time-consuming with many hours | | | | rushed. Keeping a steady metronome pulse will |
| of practice to put in if you are to master | | | | also allow you to feel the subtleties of |
| this rather difficult style. Determination is | | | | 'syncopation' (the notes falling 'between' |
| a deciding factor in those who eventually | | | | the beats). Electronic or wind-up, it doesn't |
| 'get there' and can call themselves 'jazz | | | | matter, but get a metronome at once! |
| guitarists'! | | | | |
| | | | Open up your mind to the new sounds, |
| There are many unusual harmonies and chords | | | | harmonies and rhythms that you will |
| associated with this style and, at first, | | | | experience over the coming months and years. |
| this might seem unusual to your ear. However, | | | | Invest in some good jazz guitar CDs (do a |
| practice is the key and over time, your ear | | | | quick search on Google or visit Amazon), find |
| will adapt and get used to these slightly | | | | a reputable local guitarist/teacher who can |
| more 'exotic' sounds. You will also need to | | | | demonstrate this style of playing. Make sure |
| be very familiar with your guitar and listen | | | | that whoever you decide on to teach you has |
| to as much jazz guitar music as possible. Get | | | | good references (ask around, listen to him |
| used to the different beats and rhythms, | | | | her play, what qualifications have they got, |
| surround yourself with the style. Don't | | | | etc). |
| forget to explore different eras as well. | | | | |
| Modern pop often incorporates jazz guitar | | | | Finally, don't be afraid to have fun and |
| styles, but also listen to the 'hot' jazz of | | | | experiment with jazz guitar. More than |
| such luminaries as Django Reinhardt. | | | | perhaps any other style, it is free and |
| Remember, Reinhardt had fingers missing and | | | | diverse with a variety of 'sub-styles' or |
| he was still a gifted guitarist. There's hope | | | | 'sub-genres' to explore. |
| for you yet! | | | | |
| | | | At the end of the day, just get out there and |
| Use a metronome. This is an invaluable tool | | | | 'play guitar', don't hang back. |
| that will help to keep you in time. Many | | | | |
| musicians have a tendency to speed up as they | | | | I wish you well with your musical |
| play, especially if they are solo. This is a | | | | exploration! |