Hello from England :)

lespaulgb · #1 02-16-2010, 11:02 AM

Hi I'm Scott and a blues/rock guitarist from Leighton Buzzard in England. I've always fancied learning some jazz and this looks like a cool place to learn from. My main question at the moment is how do I start learning jazz? I'm pretty up to speed on basic theory like chord construction, scales, where modes come from, I just need somewhere to dip my toes into the jazz world. So any pointers are much appreciated.

billkath · #2 02-16-2010, 11:17 AM

I'd say by getting the Real Books, and start learning some jazz songs. I've found that a book of jazz chords is invaluable- I use The Jazz Guitar Chord Bible Complete-by Warren Nunes. As you have the basics dow, running through the chord book really helps. From there-well-I find that Jazz Rhythm Guitar-Roger Edison- is very useful too. My thinking is-learning the basics-the different chords, shape, inversions,substitutioms etc will serve you well when you want to move on to taking the leads.

mangotango · #3 02-16-2010, 11:49 AM

Hi Scott, you're exactly where I was a few years ago. What I did was

1) Listened to as much jazz as I could. Local libraries record sections, Spotify.com, beg or borrow from friends, whatever works.

2) Did a lot of research into the musicians who defined the genre and find out what I liked. If you're coming from a blues background, you must know of T-Bone Walker. Go from him to Charlie Christian, and onward from there.

3) Found a local teacher who could explain theory in terms that I could understand!!

4) Found a local workshop co-operative/band so I could play with others who are in the same boat, trying to learn this music. Sharing stuff has been a help, and now I'm in a quartet that includes one of the guys from that outfit!!

5) Paid attention to the guys on this board. There may be a few who are just looking for an argument, but the vast majority on here are helpful, friendly and willing to share stuff. Dirk, Matt Warnock and Jake Hanlon are just a few of the names to look out for.

If you need more, feel free to PM me but jazz is a long journey and it begins with simple stuff. You've got to take baby steps before you get to Giant Steps!!

Enjoy the ride.

lespaulgb · #4 02-16-2010, 12:47 PM

Thanks dudes

@billkath Yeah I should get some sort of chord book, I use the CAGED system and have the basic major, minor and dominants down but could do with spicing them up a bit. Thanks for the reccomendations.

@mangotango I hear ya on the theory front

after a lot of confusion I have come to a point where the theory I do know makes sense. I've heard of T-Bone and Charlie, so I'll start there. There's a Wes Montgomery jam going on in a different forum, so I'm gonna have a crack at that.

A question.....I'm guessing getting chords nailed is a big plus as chord tones are used a lot for leads in jazz?

derek · #5 02-16-2010, 01:12 PM

Welcome aboard Scott.

pierre richard · #6 02-16-2010, 08:37 PM

welcome here scott...

lots of very good lessons here on this site...I assure you..

just pick a heading and read...I had a notebook in hand too...did I learn!!

time on the instrument...pierre

Triumphantblonde · #7 02-21-2010, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billkath

I'd say by getting the Real Books, and start learning some jazz songs.

It just so happens that I have just put a post up in the Hangout letting you all know that my dad's jazz books are up for sale on EBay. There is a huge pile of them as he has played for 50 years, but has had to stop playing because he has arthritis. Take a look on EBay under seller name Triumphantblonde, try here. I am UK too so postage would be reasonable.