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Jazz/blues comping

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(@almann1979)
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Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 1281
Topic starter  

I'm not 100% sure that this needs to be in the theory forum, but I couldnt think of a better place. Mods, you may feel you want to move it (sorry if I got it wrong)

I have just finished a good few months of looking at Hendrix style rhythm technique, and it has made a big difference to my playing. I really enjoyed it.

I am now turning my attention to (I think the correct term is) jazz comping.

As I understand it, it relies on using different chord inversions, extensions, partial chords and chromatic movements (am I right?). I have had a good look so far this week and seem to be making progress but am hearing clashes in my chord changes and although I have lots of movement for each chord, I am struggling to make it sound rhythmic or interesting.

Is there a really good theory source for this type of playing, or a really good standard piece of music I could study to learn from??

If it helps, I don't really like jazz, I want to learn from it but apply it to blues playing, so if there are any blues players who do the same then can you recommend them to me?

Thanks, Al

"I like to play that guitar. I have to stare at it while I'm playing it because I'm not very good at playing it."
Noel Gallagher (who took the words right out of my mouth)


   
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 Nuno
(@nuno)
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Joined: 17 years ago
Posts: 3995
 

Hi Al! Hope you are doing well.

As you are working on jazz lately probably you know about Freddy on YouTube. I love his videos. He speaks about comping in this video and uses a blues progression (with "jazzy" chords): http://youtu.be/-Xo-uB0yGfI

Perhaps you could listen to Kenny Burrell http://youtu.be/_wAmxuHt5nw I think the blues from the point of view of a jazz musician (not only guitarists) is different to the bluesmen, at least it sounds different to me.

In general, I think here less is more, you usually play four strings, and add different voices (inversions but also extended and altered chords). It is important to hear what the rest of the band is doing.

Surely the teachers will give the answer, those are simple thoughts from my short experience!


   
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(@almann1979)
Noble Member
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 1281
Topic starter  

Hello Nuno. I'm good thanks, how are you?

Thanks for the links.

I hadn't come across Freddy, so there is a gold mine of info there, thanks for that!!

I'm just watching one of his vies now and then I'm going to get to work practicing :D

Thanks Nuno

"I like to play that guitar. I have to stare at it while I'm playing it because I'm not very good at playing it."
Noel Gallagher (who took the words right out of my mouth)


   
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 Nuno
(@nuno)
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Joined: 17 years ago
Posts: 3995
 

I'm good, too, thanks.

I forgot it. For theory, I guess the best reference is http://amzn.com/1883217040 It's in my wish list although I've borrowed a copy. (There is another book for jazz piano.) It is not an easy book but it covers all about jazz theory.

Meanwhile Freddy is a good resource. His lessons starts at 5 (I don't remember, I think he removed the 1-4 lessons). He doesn't explain theory, the videos are tips on how to apply basic concepts to he songs. He says in a video he was a jazz musician for many years. He explains the "practice". Very nice man.


   
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(@alangreen)
Member
Joined: 22 years ago
Posts: 5342
 

There are some jazz lessons on this very site - I'm using a couple of them with students.

"Be good at what you can do" - Fingerbanger"
I have always felt that it is better to do what is beautiful than what is 'right'" - Eliot Fisk
Wedding music and guitar lessons in Essex. Listen at: http://www.rollmopmusic.co.uk


   
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