Would it be possible to simplify the rhythms of these chords at all?

[Tp666]

This is for a high school jazz band I mostly play Freddie Green chords too

[pamosmusic]

I’m getting a bit of de ja vu with this …

Anyway … you might be able to simplify by removing some of the passing chords, but the rhythmic notation usually denotes that you need to play that specific rhythm. Probably full band hits or something, so I wouldn’t simplify the rhythm.

Its possible you don’t need every single one but that’s a decision you’d need to make after hearing the way they line up with the band.

[Tp666]

Yea lol so we were supposed to play this awhile ago in like November but we didn’t and I assumed we just wouldn’t play it, since then I’ve gotten a lot better at jazz guitar to the chords aren’t really a problem it’s just the rhythms. And yes I made a post last year asking about this song to lol.

[AllanAllen]

Just woodshed it with this. Make it sound as good as you can. Set the speed to 50% if you have to.

Speed comes with familiarity, familiarity comes with repetition.

This is an excellent song to know. My band plays it at every gig.

[Christian Miller]

Learn how to play and recognise these rhythms in charts, they are standard comping rhythms. Mostly it’s pushes.

Count them out slowly at first and get to know them. Just clap or scat them to start off with, away from the instrument so that you can feel them without thinking.

This will make you better at jazz.

Related videos

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[rpjazzguitar]

If this chart seems too difficult, I'd strongly suggest a graded method that starts easy enough and progresses to the point where that Four chart won't seem that difficult any more.

And, my specific recommendation is Rhythms Complete by Bower and Colin, which is available on line and very inexpensive.

Allan has posted, in a different thread, some examples, so you can see what the content looks like.

[AllanAllen]

If this chart seems too difficult, I'd strongly suggest a graded method that starts easy enough and progresses to the point where that Four chart won't seem that difficult any more.

And, my specific recommendation is Rhythms Complete by Bower and Colin, which is available on line and very inexpensive.

Allan has posted, in a different thread, some examples, so you can see what the content looks like.

I keep telling myself I’ll get back to that book, but Jeff’s ‘Just The Melody’ thread is so appealing. And, reading is reading right?

OP, the Bugs Bower book is great.

Rhythms Complete Bugs Bower

[Cunamara]

To maybe try to answer the question you actually asked... yes.

Notice that above the bar line for the guitar part there are accent marks. Hit the beats on the accents. Those are the important hits. However, talk it over with your band director as to what exactly they want you to do. My hunch is that if you hit those beats spot on, they'll be satisfied. Allan's video link for the arrangement is great and will give you a good idea how that could work. Also, it demonstrates the rhythms as written.

It's good to have a plan if somebody plunks this in front of you and counts it off. Learning all the other stuff talked about above is a great idea and well worth doing, but sometimes you just have to solve the immediate problem in the moment.

"The chords are no problem." I like to hear that!

Good luck!