Soloing Masterclass
Anatomy of a Solo: Oscar Moore on "Body & Soul"
“I'm stumped for words in reviewing this. It will sound trite if I go on about "how much I like the course." The fact is I do love it. I love the way Jamie presents it, and plays…”
About this masterclass
Jamie Taylor studies an iconic 1944 solo by Oscar Moore of the King Cole Trio on Body & Soul — one of the most-played standards of all time, played by one of the electric guitar's earliest greats. Jamie shares his findings phrase by phrase, along with tips picked up over the years for examining great recordings.
In the full 46-minute class
- A brief scene-setter on early electric guitar styles in context — Moore alongside Charlie Christian, George Barnes, and Les Paul
- The complete solo played along with the original recording, filmed from two camera angles
- Phrase-by-phrase analysis of harmony, rhythm, references to the original melody, and articulation — including expressive devices like tremolando and portamento vibrato
- How Oscar and the trio find unusual alternative chord pathways through this familiar song, including some adventurous "outside" playing
- A discussion of transcription in general — its benefits and the pitfalls to avoid
- Synchronised Soundslice notation/tab so you always know where you are in the transcription, plus an included lead sheet of the standard
Nothing in the solo should prove prohibitive to most players, so this is an accessible class — yet even advanced students will find plenty to enjoy in a passage of playing that shows just how advanced the early electric guitarists were.
Lessons in this masterclass
Lessons
- 1Anatomy of a Solo Full Class + Download46m 50s
- 2Soundsliced Body & Soul1m 41s
Reviews & Ratings
"Oscar Moore, Body and Soul"
I'm stumped for words in reviewing this. It will sound trite if I go on about "how much I like the course." The fact is I do love it. I love the way Jamie presents it, and plays it beautifully! A great way to learn and enjoy a great tune. Thanks!

