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Better Comping With Dyads

Friday, January 14, 2011

It seems to me that one of the biggest hurdles beginner jazz guitarists face when it comes to comping is getting away from the bulky barre chords we all memorize when we first start playing. You know, the “all you have to do is lift up your pinky to get a minor 7th” kind of [...]

Chord Hacks: Root Substitutions

Friday, September 17, 2010

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It’s fun chord Friday here on Fretterverse! I can’t believe how long it’s been since we’ve broken out the staff paper and done some actual guitar work. I hope you had a chance to digest and start working on yesterday’s phrasing exercise. Though you should continue with the phrasing work from yesterday, today we’re going [...]

Jazz Guitar Harmony by Jody Fisher (book)

Friday, September 10, 2010

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I love chords. Love ‘em, love ‘em, love ‘em! I’m one of “those” guitar players that gets off on hearing great guitar rhythm playing/comping than a great solo. Especially in regards to jazz, comping and playing the right notes and chord voicings is where it’s at. There is nothing like hearing a new chord underneath [...]

Jazz Guitar Comping – Andrew Green (Book)

Monday, August 2, 2010

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Any and all guitar players should be concerned with their rhythm playing. Concerned in the sense that it’s just as important (if not more so) than being great at soloing. I have always been much more impressed with the ability of guitarists to play with the band rather than how well they stand out. Especially [...]

My New Practice Routine (2/2010)

Monday, February 15, 2010

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For the three of you that might care, I have finalized my practice routine for the foreseeable future. There is enough material to last for a long time, so we’ll see how effectively I progress. Seems like a lot to juggle, but I’m up to the challenge.

George Van Eps’ Harmonic Mechanisms Series (Books)

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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George Van Eps’ Harmonic Mechanisms Series (Books)

If you read my interview with Steve Herberman, then no doubt you read about George Van Eps‘ influence on his playing. Often considered the pioneer of 7-string jazz guitar, Van Eps left behind a legacy and a legion of fans and players who consider him a major influence. He left behind the classic CD “Mellow [...]

Chord Hacks: Intermediate Blues Chord Comping

Monday, January 25, 2010

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Chord Hacks: Intermediate Blues Chord Comping

In our first official Fretterverse video, I show you some intermediate chord concepts for the 12-bar and jazz blues. Watch it, learn it, love it, share it!

Chord Hacks: String Group Inversions

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

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I don't know if you spent any time investigating the different string groups from my previous post, but I would like to continue exploring the string groups and how to bring some life to your chord playing.

The 15 String Groups

Sunday, January 10, 2010

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This will be a relatively small, (hopefully) informative article, but one that will set the foundation for subsequent chord lessons that I will be posting soon. Consider, as a standard practice, that you have four fretting fingers available when playing. Without the use of barring or double-fretting, you can play one note on any one [...]