Mike's Master Classes

Swing and Big Band Chordal Riffs and Shout Choruses

1 lessonsBasic
4.8 (4 reviews)
Steve HerbermanBy Steve Herberman
$19.95
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What You'll Learn

Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell are two guitarists that loved to imitate a horn section with chordal riff figures. Wes used them in his solos and while he comped, even while a pianist was comping along to a soloist. Often overlooked by guitarists, riff figures are an important part of jazz history rooted in the blues, making the music swing hard. So much of Wes Montgomery's style comes from riffs in octaves and chords sometimes straight from big bands like Basie and Hampton. In this Master Class I'll go over many of these swinging riff figures and shout choruses and adapt them for guitar. These are deceptive animals in that they sound easy but are often very hard to negotiate in a chordal style. For example, many figures are quite syncopated and the chord changes occur in what seem like unusual places. Many times call and response type of motifs are employed to create very interesting solos and comping, with good use of space. This is important work for the jazz guitarist that often gets ignored. For the guitarist who is looking to improve his or her time feel and play compelling chordal motifs created by the swing masters, this class is for you! View clips from this class

Reviews & Ratings

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Robert Blagg
7/19/2020

"Big Band chord riffs and shout choruses"

I took my time with this course. After the first two or three examples, I realized that this is fundamental material that was missing in my playing. These choruses give the student the knowledge and ability to play bluesy chordal riffs that sound very sophisticated. The chords used are pretty basic but the syncopation and voice leading produce a sound that is hip, musical, and can stand on its own as a chord solo or sound great with a bass player. The ideas presented are in various keys. They are explained well and demonstrated accurately. The ideas are written out completely. I am not a great music reader but I did not find it difficult to learn these phrases. It definitely does not hurt to challenge oneself in the skill of reading music. Thanks Steve, for a great course. You have given me some super cool ideas to take on the bandstand.

youness toualbia
Verified Purchase
1/29/2012

This is a great lesson, very useful and tasteful lines ! The only drawback is that the voicings he used are a bit repetitive.

FABIO RAMACCI
6/2/2009

I'm a beginner in jazz guitar, and found this class very useful. To me chord melody playing is one of the hardest obstacles and this lesson is very helpful, providing tons of cool examples and Steve's accurate explanations.

james seaberry
Verified Purchase
1/31/2008

This is a great subject, and well prepared. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to get into chord-melody playing while integrating other techniques. Last night, the piano player in my group could not make our weekly gig, leaving me as the comping instrument; I found myself using these lines all night long!!!! they work as solo comping just as well as they would with a piano hogging up all the space.