Introduction
As an advancing jazz guitarist, it’s important to constantly push yourself to improve your craft. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, there’s always room to grow and develop your skills. In this blog post, we’ll explore three techniques that will help take your playing to the next level.
Section 1: Incorporating Chromaticism
One of the key elements of jazz guitar playing is chromaticism. This technique involves incorporating notes that are not in the key of the song to create tension and dissonance. A great way to start incorporating chromaticism into your playing is to practice playing chord progressions using chromatic notes.
For example, try playing a ii-V-I progression using chromatic notes in the V chord. Instead of playing a standard V chord (such as G7 in the key of C), try playing a G7#5 or G7b9 chord. These chords incorporate chromatic notes that create tension and dissonance, adding a new dimension to your playing.
Section 2: Using Arpeggios
Another great technique for advancing jazz guitarists is using arpeggios. Arpeggios are the individual notes of a chord played in succession, and they can be used to create melodic lines and solos. Practice playing arpeggios over different chord progressions to get a feel for how they can be used to create interesting and complex melodies.
For example, try playing a ii-V-I progression using arpeggios. Start with a simple arpeggio pattern, such as playing the 1st, 3rd, and 5th notes of each chord. Then, experiment with different patterns and rhythms to create more complex and interesting melodies.
Section 3: Developing Your Own Style
Finally, as an advancing jazz guitarist, it’s important to develop your own unique style and voice. While it’s important to learn from the greats and incorporate their techniques into your playing, it’s equally important to develop your own sound and approach.
One way to develop your own style is to experiment with different chord voicings and substitutions. Try playing a standard progression using different chord voicings and substitutions to create a new sound. Another way is to experiment with different rhythms and phrasing. Try playing the same melody using different rhythms and accents to create a unique and personal sound.
Conclusion
By incorporating chromaticism, using arpeggios, and developing your own style, you can take your jazz guitar playing to the next level. While these techniques may take time and practice to master, the end result will be a more dynamic and interesting sound that will set you apart from other guitarists.