How do I simplify this chord progession? I'm in a high school jazz band btw

[kris]

Arranging with a piano player may get more complicate than any sophisticated chord chart...

There may be serious difficulties here.

[bluenote61]

Hi, I like to analyse the piano part - to then sync in a guitar part.

For example, looking at the first six (6) bars/measures, for Gmi7 I would play the same F and Bb notes (being the b7 and b3) as shown in the piano part. On the guitar, this would be x88xxx. Sticking fairly closely to the lower chordal notes in the piano part: F#mi7 is x77xxx. Fm7 is x66xxx. B9 and B13 is x67xxx. Cmi9 is x68xxx. Bb13, Bb9 and Bb+7 is x56xxx. E9#11 is also x56xxx. Finally Eb6/9 is x65xxx, being the root and third of the chord.

I need to point put that this is just my approach, and it certainly would not be for everyone. It is also somewhat time-consuming.That said, I enjoy taking an analytical approach, as it helps me write guitar parts that work for me (and hopefully the big band I play with).

Anyway, I hope you found this post of some interest and that you are progressing well in playing the guitar part in 'Four'.

A general remark, I would play all the chord tones mentioned on 4th and 3rd string. This will give a more percussive and clear sound than playing on 5th and 4th string. Especially the notes played above 5th fret will sound muddy on 5th and 4th string when played on an electrical archtop. And, don't pay too much attention playing extensions. The horns will play them.

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

He wrote out a guitar solo, that's amusing.

I think that's a courtesy for players with only a basic level of improvisational skill. The note above it does say that playing it ad lib or as written is the player's choice.

[AllanAllen]

The cool thing about these charts is other bands play them. If it search the song and arranger name on YouTube you can get a video to practice along with.

It helps me anyway.

[Cunamara]

It's a nice arrangement for a larger ensemble of a classic small-group jazz tune. I liked it. In terms of playing the comping, I would be inclined to playing shell voicings fairly high to get out of the area between the pianist's left hand and the bass, as well as the lower horns. I'd lay off the low E string entirely. Although much of the chart the guitar is playing a line with the horns.

[AllanAllen]

It's a nice arrangement for a larger ensemble of a classic small-group jazz tune. I liked it. In terms of playing the comping, I would be inclined to playing shell voicings fairly high to get out of the area between the pianist's left hand and the bass, as well as the lower horns. I'd lay off the low E string entirely. Although much of the chart the guitar is playing a line with the horns.

Do you play in a big band? I’ve found there is so much sound with the horns I don’t have to worry about comping over the piano.

Not saying you’re wrong, just sharing my perspective. I try to avoid the E string in all situations unless I’m soloing.

[Tp666]

It’s basically just me the drummer and bassist

[AllanAllen]

It’s basically just me the drummer and bassist

In my opinion that's the hardest kind of trio. Much easier to have a horn or piano to lean on during solos/heads. But without the horn or piano I have to push myself to keep things interesting, harder, but you develop more.