Hi everyone

[burndog]

Hey everyone, the icon says it all, I am a complete newb when it comes to jazz (and music theory). Although I have owned a guitar since I was 14 (now 56) life got in the way with marriage, house renovations and kids, and I never learned to play that well or properly, only well enough to play campfire type music, using basic chords.

I picked up the guitar again about 18 months ago. I was pretty rusty, but it was like riding a bike. With all of the resources to learn with on the internet these days I found myself learning a whole lot quicker than when I was younger. So it didn't take me long to get to the point where I left off years ago.

I have enjoyed TRYING to play everything from folk to classical to blues. What am I best at?...probably folk, as I find it the simplest. What do I enjoy playing the most to this point?...probably a tie between the blues and 60's pop.

My experience with listening to jazz...very little to be honest. In high school I was a big fan of Hendrix, the Allman Bros. and Eric Clapton. I realized that I loved the blues. Wanting to get back into listening to the blues in the late 70's while shopping for a blues album (little to choose from in the local stores in those days) I came across "Midnight Blue" by Kenny Burrell and bought it out of curiosity. It was by no means what I was used to, but I loved that album.

I enjoyed it enough that I went looking for more jazz type blues. Not knowing anyone who could recommend anything and knowing nothing about jazz I ended up with some George Benson, Eric Gale and Ed Bickert. Yup, my jazz collection is miniscule, and to top it off my Midnight Blue is missing in action...a pity.

So why am I here? Well in my middle age I am mellowing somewhat and the sweet sound of jazz guitar is sounding better all the time. I have a very limited vocal range, so instrumental type music may be a good suit for me. I know I have to learn some theory to get better. Although I enjoy all sorts of music, I think that jazz is likely complex enough, that if that I can learn to play it, that all other styles would seem a whole lot easier.

Who knows how far I will get, but discovering this site last night has me excited. I know there will be lots of work cut out for me, but I am sure hanging out here will only help me to progress with my ability and enjoyment of playing guitar.

[brwnhornet59]

Welcome to the forums!

If you want to learn about Jazz you are in the right place. Hold onto your hat. There is much to learn. In my signature is a link to Matt Warnocks site. Click the "jazz resource" tab. There are many many many chords inversions and scales there. It will keep you busy for a long time. Matt also has over 100 free lessons on the site as well as having a weekly newsletter with a lesson.

Good luck.

[pierre richard]

like hornet said...lots to learn here at this site..

don't forget bob kellers jazz page...bert ligons site..and jamie aebersolds site..

take your time...the journey is better than the destination..

time on the instrument...pierre

[burndog]

thanks to both of you. I can see that there is tons for me to learn. I have started a new folder in my bookmarks and I can see that it will fill up quickly.