Gypsy Jazz Guitar – Rhythm & Chord Progressions (La Pompe)

This gypsy jazz guitar lesson is an introduction to “La Pompe”, the signature rhythm strumming style of gypsy jazz, also called Manouche. You’ll pick up the basics of the technique, along with the chords and progressions that give gypsy jazz its authentic sound.

Learning La Pompe takes patience and regular practice. Go through the exercises in this lesson at a slow pace, focusing on relaxed, steady movements before you try to play faster.

The video lesson below is a great way to see how the technique works. Make sure to read the tutorial as well, as it offers extra tips to help you build a strong sense of rhythm.

Many people have asked for it, so you’ll also find the guitar tabs and chord diagrams for the video’s introduction included here.

 

 

 

La Pompe – The Technique

 

The notation below shows the basic La Pompe rhythm pattern. This is the main rhythm used in gypsy jazz guitar. Start by practicing it slowly, and only speed up once you feel comfortable.

 

 

Put the next two steps together to play the basic La Pompe rhythm.

 

Step 1

Play an upstroke followed by a downstroke.

Right after you hit the strings, quickly lift your picking hand back toward the top of the guitar so it ends up raised and ready for the next stroke.

Emphasize the sound of the lower strings more than the sound of the upper strings.

 

 

Step 2

Step 2 is a fast, accented downstroke, often called the slap. Make this stroke short, crisp, and percussive.

This time, emphasize the sound of the upper strings more than the sound of the lower strings.

 

 

Tips:

• Use your forearm and elbow for most of the movement, and keep your wrist relaxed.
• Keep your wrist slightly bent.
• Hit all six strings with every stroke.
• After Step 1, quickly bring your hand back to the starting position.
• Try not to make extra movements. Keep each motion small and controlled.
• Start by practicing slowly. As you get more relaxed and consistent, you’ll naturally get faster.

 

The Intro

Below are the guitar tabs, standard notation, and chord diagrams for the introduction played in the video.

 

 

 

Chords & Chord Progressions

The video introduces several jazz chords and chord progressions that are often used in gypsy jazz.

The first chord shown is G6add9, also called G13, and you can see it at 4:07 in the video.

This chord sounds rich and full, but it can be tricky to play since you need to fret the bass note with your thumb (p in the chord diagram) and use your second finger to bar the 4th and 5th strings.

If this chord shape feels too hard, try the G6 from the first bar of chord progression 1 instead. You can find it at 5:00 in the video.

 

 

At 14:47, the video introduces a minor variation called Gm6add9. This chord has a warm sound that’s typical of gypsy jazz.

 

 

Chord Progression 1

The first chord progression starts at 5:32 in the video.

 

Chord Progression 1 – Long Chords

Chord Progression 1 – Short Chords

Chord Progression 1 – Faster Version

 

 

 

Chord Progression 2

The second chord progression starts at 11:20 and is a I–vi–ii–V in D major.

 

 

 

 

Chord Progression 3

The third chord progression, which you’ll find at 14:38, is a G minor blues. It uses the La Pompe rhythm in a blues style.

 

 

 

Here are the guitar tabs and notation for the ending, as shown at 19:04 in the video.

 

 

 

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