All Jazz Guitar Courses

Join Sheryl and her great friend and guitarist Chris Bergson. The two of them have a special duo collaboration. They will get into the different rhythm styles, comping, voicings and playing lines, feeling time, etc. Chris is also an incredible down-home blues player, so expect them to do some jammin' on the blues, too. View clips from this class

Learn how to play in any harmonic situation and create long, fluid lines with this concept of applying the Dom7 Be-bop Scale with a group of chord substitutions called "The Family of 4". The Bebop Flow course, taught by renowned jazz guitarist Sheryl Bailey, is an in-depth exploration of the harmonic concepts that underpin bebop and how they can be connected through the use of the "family of 4" approach. The course is aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists who want to develop a deeper understanding of the harmonic structures used in bebop and learn how to create flowing melodic lines that connect these structures. Throughout the course, Sheryl Bailey breaks down key concepts such as the bebop scale, chord tones, and chord progressions, providing detailed explanations and demonstrations of how these concepts can be used to create fluid lines that connect the harmony. The course is divided into four main sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the bebop flow approach: Building Blocks - In this section, Sheryl Bailey introduces the key harmonic concepts that underpin the bebop flow approach, including the bebop scale, chord tones, and chord progressions. Family of 4 - The family of 4 approach is a powerful tool for connecting harmonic concepts and creating flowing lines. In this section, Sheryl Bailey teaches you how to use this approach to create melodic lines that connect the harmony. Turnarounds - Turnarounds are an essential part of jazz harmony, and in this section, Sheryl Bailey teaches you how to use the bebop flow approach to create flowing lines over common turnaround progressions. Practical Application - In the final section of the course, Sheryl Bailey demonstrates how the concepts covered in the course can be applied in a practical setting, showing you how to use the bebop flow approach to create solos over a variety of jazz standards. The course includes detailed video lessons, downloadable practice materials, and backing tracks to help you practice and apply the concepts covered in the course. Whether you're an intermediate guitarist looking to develop your understanding of jazz harmony or an advanced player looking to take your solos to the next level, the Bebop Flow course is an essential resource for any guitarist looking to master the bebop language. "Sheryl Bailey shares her approach to practicing and developing strong sounding bebop lines and gives specific examples to demonstrate the concept. This is a lesson from a real performer so it’s real practical application rather than just theory! Some bebop lessons that I’ve encountered at times tend to be dry and removed from the melodic flow and intensity of the real music." ~ Az Samad "Sheryl lays out the material in a very intelligent & organized manner! Her concept is nothing short of brilliant." ~ Steven Larcovic "I think this is simply the best instructional video I’ve ever seen. Very practical, very clear, sick lines. Sheryl is just an amazing teacher who not only teaches very well but plays smoking lines too. By the end of the video you finally understand the concept of substitions and how to play the bebop scale. Get this!" Read a full review of this class in Guitar International Magazine "Sheryl Bailey, in addition to being an outstanding musician and performer, does a great job of communicating concepts to students. Application of the Micro-cosmic bebop line to the family of 4 plus 1 chords came very easily after taking this lesson. I started working the line into ii-Vs in a bunch of tunes my quartet performs. This is how I run through keys, by pushing myself to use new ideas in tunes. The application to tritone subs was excellent. Great lesson...thanks!" ~ Mark B. "This is a great lesson for anyone who wants to understand the Bebop language with easy and fast. Results are immediately practical. Sheryl founded a way to make it really simple and understandable. 5 chords and just one dominant Bebop scale and you're ready to go for it. Thanks Sheryl you did a great job, we're waiting for part two." ~ Chris "Another great insight from Sheryl. I have been working with the Bebop scales for awhile and were hit and a lot of miss, but this lesson put's it all into perspective and now getting some great new sounds in my lines. " ~ Steve B.

Orchestral Masterclass with Scott Haigh, First Assistant Principal Bass of the Cleveland Orchestra. Streamed live and recorded at the ISB 2009 Convention at State College, PA.

Master the Barry Harris method of harmonic analysis and discover how bebop legends construct their melodic lines in this comprehensive exploration with renowned guitarist Roni Ben-Hur. This course takes you deep into the essential skill of breaking down jazz standards to their most fundamental harmonic structures, using "How High the Moon" as your working laboratory. You'll learn to identify the underlying harmonic progressions that exist beneath the chord changes—the skeletal framework that bebop masters use as their starting point for improvisation. Roni demonstrates how to strip away the color chords to reveal the dominant progressions that truly drive the music forward, giving you multiple substitution options including diminished, augmented, and tritone alternatives. This isn't about simplification—it's about understanding the architecture so you can build more sophisticated solos with informed choices. Working through practical examples from Roni's book "Talk Jazz," you'll explore the bebop approach to adding chromatic notes to major and dominant scales, understand the concept of important chords within the dominant scale, and analyze a complete pre-written solo that demonstrates these principles in action. You'll discover why that G minor 7 to C7 is really just an extended C11, and how recognizing these relationships opens up your harmonic palette. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players ready to move beyond chord-scale theory into the deeper waters of bebop construction. You'll leave with a systematic approach to analyzing any standard, plus the tools to develop melodic ideas with the sophistication and logic of the bebop masters.

Dive into the heart of jazz guitar with Roni Ben-hur's enlightening video lesson on Charlie Parker's iconic tune, "Confirmation". This masterclass is not just a lesson; it's an immersive journey through the complex harmonies and intricate melodies that define jazz. Roni, with his expert guidance, breaks down the challenging aspects of the tune, making it accessible and engaging for guitarists aiming to expand their jazz repertoire and vocabulary. Whether you're grappling with the tune's demanding melody or seeking to deepen your improvisational skills, Roni's insights will transform your approach, one note at a time. Join this musical voyage and unlock the secrets of jazz guitar mastery with "Confirmation". From the Course: "Hello everyone, my name is Roni Ben-Hur. Today, I want to discuss "Confirmation" by Charlie Parker, a fascinating jazz piece known for its intricate chord progressions. It serves as an excellent practice tool for navigating common chord changes found in many jazz standards. First, I'll perform the piece to give you a sense of its vibe. "Confirmation" has a lively, bebop feel, and while its melody (or "head") is challenging, it provides a rich foundation for improvisation, making it ideal for developing your jazz phrasing and vocabulary. However, the melody can be daunting, especially on the guitar, due to its complexity. One approach is to slow down the melody or focus on improvisation by bypassing the melody altogether. The importance of "Confirmation" lies in its chord changes, which are prevalent in many jazz standards. By analyzing the chord sheet, identify the harmonic centers or "arrival points" and the chords that lead to these points. The piece transitions from the tonic (F major) to its relative minor (D minor), a common progression in jazz. Recognizing these patterns, such as moving to the relative minor or the fourth chord, is crucial for understanding jazz harmony. When practicing "Confirmation," consider the function of each chord: some are destinations, while others are pathways leading to these destinations. This distinction helps in improvisation, as you can emphasize the arrival points while using the leading chords to navigate through the changes. Let's break down the A section: it starts in F major, moves to D minor (the relative minor), then to B-flat major (the fourth chord), and introduces a two-five-one progression, a staple in jazz harmony. Each of these points offers an opportunity to practice and internalize common jazz progressions. Understanding and practicing the chord changes in "Confirmation" not only enhances your ability to play this particular tune but also enriches your overall jazz improvisation skills by familiarizing you with key harmonic movements found in many other standards."

Master the sophisticated art of the diminished chord with renowned jazz guitarist Roni Ben-Hur in this essential masterclass that transforms a simple passing chord into a powerful harmonic tool. This course reveals the professional secrets behind using diminished chords not just as transitions, but as colorful harmonic devices that add depth and sophistication to your playing. You'll discover the critical relationship between diminished chords and dominant 7th chords, learning how to seamlessly convert between them using Ben-Hur's half-step technique. Through practical demonstrations using jazz standards like "What's New" and "Spring is Here," you'll understand exactly when and how to apply these voicings in real performance situations. Ben-Hur breaks down the mathematical elegance of the diminished structure—its cycle of minor thirds—and shows you how this knowledge translates into instant chord inversions and substitutions on the fretboard. Most importantly, you'll learn to add colors and tensions that move beyond the basic diminished sound, incorporating flat 9 extensions and understanding which progressions welcome these sophisticated harmonies. Ben-Hur addresses the crucial exceptions—when not to use diminished substitutions over IV and II dominants—ensuring you apply these techniques tastefully. Whether you're looking to enhance your comping vocabulary or add harmonic sophistication to your chord-melody arrangements, this course provides immediately applicable techniques that separate professional players from intermediate guitarists. Perfect for experienced players ready to elevate their harmonic understanding beyond basic chord progressions.

Master the sophisticated harmonic language that separates professional jazz guitarists from intermediate players in this comprehensive exploration of advanced voicing techniques with renowned guitarist Roni Ben-Hur. This course demystifies the diminished chord's role as jazz harmony's most versatile tool, revealing how these "leading chords" create the forward motion and harmonic sophistication that define great jazz performances. Through eleven meticulously structured lessons, you'll discover how diminished chords function as the hidden architecture within dominant seventh progressions, learning to leverage their symmetrical structure across drop 2 and drop 3 voicings. Ben-Hur demonstrates practical applications using jazz standards like "It Could Happen to You" and "Strike Up the Band," showing exactly how master players use diminished substitutions to create seamless voice leading and impressionistic harmonic colors. You'll learn to recognize and apply the crucial relationship between diminished chords and altered dominants, understanding why every diminished contains four different seventh chords just a half-step away. This knowledge transforms your approach to both comping and chord soloing, providing immediate tools for creating sophisticated reharmonizations on the bandstand. The course includes comprehensive fingering patterns for all string sets, systematic inversion exercises, and practical substitution concepts you can apply to any jazz standard. Perfect for guitarists ready to move beyond basic chord changes into the realm of professional harmonic sophistication that defines modern jazz guitar playing.

Master the essential chord voicings that define professional jazz guitar playing with renowned guitarist Roni Ben-Hur's systematic approach to Drop 2 and Drop 3 voicings. This comprehensive course demystifies these fundamental harmonic structures, revealing the logic behind their construction and demonstrating why they've become the backbone of jazz guitar comping. Through nine carefully structured lessons, you'll explore the complete framework of Drop 2 voicings across all string sets and inversions, understanding not just the shapes but the theory that makes them work. Ben-Hur demonstrates how to transform basic major and minor chords into sophisticated voicings including major 7, dominant 7, minor 6, diminished, and altered chords—all while maintaining playability on the fretboard. The course progresses to Drop 3 voicings, showing how these five-string spread voicings create the rich, open sound heard in classic jazz recordings. Beyond mere chord shapes, you'll learn practical application through rhythm changes and blues progressions, discovering how master guitarists seamlessly connect these voicings in real performance situations. The final lessons reveal how four-note voicings serve as upper extensions of more complex five and six-note chords, giving you the tools to voice any chord, simple or altered. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players ready to move beyond basic chord grips, this course provides the harmonic vocabulary you need for professional-level comping, whether you're playing standards at your local jazz club or working through challenging arrangements in the practice room.

Rob Kassinger and Leigh Mesh present Learning the Other Bow. Rob Kassinger and Leigh Mesh present Learning the Other Bow. In this open lesson, two seasoned professionals, one who plays German bow, the other French bow, give each other a mini lesson on the basics of the "other" bow. Helpful to teachers who want more to say to their "other" bow students. Also a chance to view each player's approach to the basics of their particular bow technique. Streamed live and recorded at the ISB 2009 Convention at State College, PA.

A practical, hands-on approach to chord construction on the guitar. Beginning with only a few chord forms you will learn how to build virtually ANY nameable chord through a system of chromatic alterations. Most importantly, we will discuss practical applications and proper voice-leading. You should expect to come away from this workshop with the knowledge necessary to move beyond the rote playing of chord "shapes" and bring your comping to a professional level. Rick includes 13 pages of written materials and diagrams with this class! View clips from this class

Join Randy for his first Mike's Master Class! In this class Randy will cover various aspects of technique, fingering, scales and tetrachords, chord voicings and improvisation. He shares many useful tools for simplification, including learning scales and fingerings, playing over ii min7b5 - V7 - i and more! Randy also starts off with some incredible solo guitar. Note: There are no written materials for this class. View clips from this class

Randy Johnston takes you through 8 sets of Jazz Blues Changes and more in this class. One set at a time, he clearly demonstrates the changes and voicings, then plays a chorus with the chords at a medium tempo. Then Randy plays a solo adhering to these changes, while you can comp if you like, and then he comps for a chorus so you can solo to these changes. The changes and voicings for each set are written out including block diagrams. In addition, he explains other variations and substitutions, as well as some example lines he is playing over the changes. While this class is mostly on the changes, the topics related to soloing that Randy touches on include voice leading and tetrachords. Most of Randy’s solos are in eighth-notes at a medium tempo with a very good view of the fingerboard and his finger placement. While they are not transcribed, they are easy to see and transcribe if you like, or just to hear examples and/or get ideas when it comes your turn to solo. Running time: 1 hour 6 Pages of PDF material included.

Randy uses “Beautiful Love” as the basis for another practical, hands-on class on a standard, with a wealth of information. He starts off with a solo rendition of the song. Then, he focuses on the melody, including demonstrating techniques for changing positions. That is followed by a chord solo. Randy takes you step by step, discussing and showing alternate chord choices and explains the theory behind them. He helps simplify the half-diminished chord and shows choices for the i chord in a minor key. Randy shows ideas for constructing solo lines. Chords and solos are covered in 3 positions. Chord diagrams are included. Running time: 1 hour

Randy takes you step by step through his thought process to select chord changes and voicings and construct solo lines on Green Dolphin Street. Concepts include tetrachords, triton substitutions and back-cycling. In addition to demonstrating various chord options for comping, Randy also presents the melody with chords. Then he takes a measure or two at a time and shows different approaches to soloing. This is a very hands-on, practical class that you can apply the concepts of right away. Chord Block Diagrams included. Running time 1 hour.

Randy continues his series on jazz standards and takes you step by step through the chord changes to Stella by Starlight in this class. He highlights and demonstrates the difference in chords used by Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans. After a performance of the song, he reviews the chord changes and demonstrates various ideas on voicings and constructing solo lines. Concepts include simplifying the half-diminished chord and tetrachords. In addition to presenting various chord options for comping, Randy also presents the melody with chords. Then he takes a measure or two at a time and shows different approaches to soloing. This is a very hands-on, practical class that you can apply the concepts of right away. Chord Block Diagrams and Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans changes included. Running time 56 minutes.

Dr. Randall Kertz, D.C., author of "The Bassist's Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health" presents a lecture on injury prevention and covers subjects such as posture and generally the treatment, management and prevention of common injuries the double bassist may encounter in practice or performance situations. Streamed live and recorded at the ISB 2009 Convention at State College, PA. View a clip from this class

In this lesson Phil Begins by playing a piece of improvised music based entirely on the notes from the C major scale alone. After a short welcoming introduction and synopsis of what is to come, he then explains the thinking behind the piece of music as an exercise, bringing forward themes which remain central throughout the video. These include bringing to our attention that the scale in itself contains tension & release, strong & neutral notes, etc. and that developing the ability to manipulate cadences is crucial to the exercises to come & to playing music generally as an improviser. Robson proceeds to go over some basic information regarding the 3 scales which are the basis of the lesson, these being the major, harmonic minor & melodic minor scales, in order to firmly focus on the sound & different qualities of the 3. Offering some general advice on how to practice the scales, he quickly moves on to generating chord types from them. This is done by offering some practice arpeggio pattern ideas over 3 & 2 octaves before moving on to the main focus of harmonizing the scale in chords which is dealt with in depth. Beginning with chords constructed in 3rds & later moving onto ones constructed in 4ths, Phil offers many great examples of voicing variations including inversions whilst taking time to discuss modal music, comping & concepts of jazz harmony generally as he goes along. Being a firm believer that the student will benefit the most by really understanding the processes being used & then applying them to find more examples themselves, Robson therefore offers the conceptual understanding for the student to take these ideas as far as they wish to, without attempting to give every possible permutation himself. This way the student can then go on to finding many more voicings, patterns, sounds etc. At this point he reaches the crucial equation! This is explained clearly & in depth in the film but to summarize briefly, it is a system of finding modal scale alternatives to use with the various chord types generated by harmonizing these 3 scales in both 3rds & 4ths by treating the chords as degrees of the scale. This offers a fantastic new range of sounds and colors for improvising on chord types which are very familiar already such as minor 7th, half diminished etc. These scale alternatives can be applied to both chordal & single note improvisation & Robson plays many examples in his unique way, in order to inspire the student to look further into possibilities for all the chord types generated from these 3 scales alone. Whilst acknowledging that there are other types of scales not covered here, this detailed analysis of these 3 certainly covers a huge spectrum of the kind of sounds we find in contemporary jazz & music. In short, this lesson gives a solid tool set which could enable guitarists or any musicians to find a great deal of harmonic variation & a vastly expanded palette. The film ends with Phil improvising over the form of ‘So what’/’Impressions’ whilst including many of the sounds discussed earlier in the video. Running time: 94 minutes 3 pages of exercise in standard notation and TAB

In this masterclass, Phil tackles the subject of harmonic rhythm. After a brief musical introduction based on the chord sequence of the classic standard Autumn Leaves, he goes on to explain that harmonic rhythm, in a jazz context, simply means where the chords change from one to another, within the structure/form of the tune or song being used as the foundation. Phil has chosen to use simple turnarounds and a standard 2 5 1 type framework for his examples, although he clarifies that all the concepts given can be translated to more contemporary material. This is because the central theme of this class is the manipulation of cadences, and this is in some ways a continuation and expansion from his first video for Mike’s Master Classes ‘The Diatonic Equation’. Both classes, however, contain very different approaches & information. Phil was keen not to take a ‘learning licks’ approach to this subject and rather prefers to explain the concepts being used in depth, in order for the student to apply and explore this further. However, Phil will be supplying additional complimentary written material with the video. This will contain clear examples of the concepts being used in the class, which can be learned initially, in order for the student to fully grasp the principles being used. As the video progresses, Robson looks at various ways that small cells such as two bar and four bar phrases can be divided & broken up etc. and goes into fine detail regarding the harmonic & rhythmic changes necessary to achieve various effects of anticipation and delay. This is demonstrated over both major key & minor key turn-arounds. Another key topic within the video is on displacing basic and more complex phrases rhythmically within the bar. Phil gives clear examples of the effect that moving a phrase by one quarter note or one 8th note can have, especially within the context of repetition. Motivic ideas are also explored here, with ideas on how to develop phrases which are transposed in such a way that the melodic/rhythmic ideas are expanded upon, rather than simply duplicated. The latter section of the class explores playing 3/4 dotted rhythms & motivic phrases within in a 4/4 context. This encourages the player to begin to hear syncopated patterns which break up the two bar and four bar frameworks in a way which helps the student understand the concept of playing ‘thru the barlines’ in a way which is in keeping with the great jazz tradition. Ragtime, second line, Wes Montgomery, John Coltrane and more are referred to here. Finally, Phil explains that we have begun the journey into the exploration of harmonic rhythm with metric possibilities etc. being the subject of further studies and, who knows, maybe a further video from Phil in the future, although he adds that there are many sources available on this topic on the internet & indeed Mike’s Master Classes. Phil wishes everyone good luck and the video ends with a brief up tempo blues example from Robson. 6 pages of written material in TAB and Standard Notation Running time: 89 minutes "Phil Robson is one of New York's most brilliant Jazz Guitarists! You will learn a lot by checking out this class" - Vic Juris

Master Class with Paul Ellison. Streamed live and recorded at the ISB 2009 Convention at State College, PA.

Master the art of authentic jazz timing with guitarist Paul Bollenback's comprehensive approach to developing groove that goes far beyond mechanical timekeeping. Drawing from his extensive experience performing with Jeff "Tain" Watts and Billy Hart, Paul reveals the critical difference between playing in time and truly grooving—the element that separates competent players from compelling artists. Through targeted play-along exercises with Art Blakey and Grant Green recordings, you'll learn to lock into specific elements of the rhythm section: the ride cymbal's swing, hi-hat patterns, and crucial snare accents. Paul demonstrates how to internalize these rhythmic components individually, building your ability to respond instinctively to any drummer's feel. You'll discover why Billy Hart advocates for flexible time—knowing when to push versus when to lay back—and how this creates the breathing, dancing quality that defines great jazz. The course addresses essential phrasing techniques, including exercises for ending phrases on upbeats and syncopations that create forward motion. Paul shares specific metronome practices that develop your internal groove while maintaining flexibility, moving beyond rigid quarter-note clicking to exercises that actually swing. You'll also explore the often-overlooked connection between technique and timing, understanding how clean execution directly impacts your rhythmic authority. Whether you're preparing for club dates, recording sessions, or seeking to elevate your playing to professional standards, these methods provide the roadmap to transform your relationship with time and make every performance count.

Join Paul where he will impart his concepts and experiences in Comping in a trio, with a piano player, with a horn player and with a singer. Vocalist Chris McNulty and guitarist Martin Carle will join Paul for demonstrations.

Join Paul for his first Mike's Master Class where he will impart his concepts and experience using Chromatic leading tones in upper voices in chords as a means to generate motion in comping and soloing. The Chromatic Line Game makes use of a chromatically ascending or descending upper voice as a means for generating direction in comping, new chord voicings, or as a basis for constructing a single line solo. Examples start with simple ii-V-I-vi and progress to a practical application to familiar tunes.

Master the art of jazz guitar accompaniment and solo performance with renowned guitarist Paul Bollenback in this intimate masterclass recorded live at the IAJE Conference. Drawing from decades of professional experience performing with jazz luminaries like Gary Thomas and vocalist Chris McNulty, Bollenback reveals the essential techniques that separate working professionals from ambitious amateurs. Learn the Joe Pass approach to continuous motion in solo guitar, keeping your performances engaging through seamless transitions between chord voicings, walking bass lines, and single-note passages. Bollenback demonstrates how to maintain rock-solid time while playing unaccompanied, addressing common timing pitfalls that plague even experienced players. You'll discover practical polyrhythmic techniques including dotted quarter triplets and 5/16 displacements that add sophistication to your turnarounds without losing the audience. This course emphasizes real-world flexibility over rigid arrangements. Instead of memorizing fixed chord-melody arrangements, you'll develop the spontaneous skills needed for professional situations—whether you're suddenly asked to play solo at a gig, accompanying a vocalist in duo settings, or adapting to diverse musical contexts. Bollenback shares specific metronome exercises for locking in your time feel across quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, and sixteenth notes, ensuring your swing feel remains consistent at any tempo. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players who want to strengthen their solo guitar capabilities and develop the versatility demanded by today's jazz performance opportunities. Transform your approach from merely playing changes to creating compelling, swinging musical statements that stand alone.

Join Paul for another informative class where he discusses the Art of Playing Jazz Blues. He combines the roots of blues music along with the expanding harmonic possibilities and varying approaches developed since the 1950's to the present day. Techniques include chords, comping, walking bass lines, soloing, Wes Montgomery chord substitions, modes, pentatonic scales, tritone substitutions and more. View clips from this class

Master the sophisticated art of jazz comping on blues and rhythm changes with renowned guitarist Paul Bollenback in this advanced workshop designed for seasoned players ready to elevate their harmonic vocabulary. This comprehensive course goes beyond basic chord progressions to explore the melodic approach to comping—a technique that transforms your accompaniment from mere harmonic support into a dynamic musical conversation. Paul demonstrates his systematic approach to voice leading on Bb blues, revealing how to create compelling melodic lines within your chord voicings using rootless voicings, shell chords, and strategic tension substitutions. You'll learn to navigate the delicate balance between providing harmonic clarity for soloists while maintaining your own melodic interest through carefully crafted voice movements and common tone connections. The course emphasizes practical performance skills essential for working musicians: how to react and respond to soloists in real-time, when to lead versus follow, and how to adapt your voicings when playing with different rhythm section configurations. Paul breaks down specific voicing options including 13th chords, #9 alterations, and tritone substitutions, showing exactly how to apply each in live playing situations. Whether you're accompanying in a club setting or recording session, these techniques provide the harmonic sophistication and flexibility demanded by professional jazz performance. Perfect for intermediate to advanced guitarists who already understand basic jazz harmony and are ready to develop the nuanced comping style that separates competent players from true jazz artists.

Master the art of framing your jazz performances with professional intros and endings that set you apart from amateur players. Guitar virtuoso Paul Bollenback reveals the sophisticated techniques that transform standard tunes into memorable musical moments, drawing from his extensive performance experience and deep knowledge of jazz masters like Miles Davis, Bill Evans, and Herbie Hancock. This comprehensive course explores essential performance devices including rubato passages, vamps, tags, and strategic reharmonization techniques. You'll learn how to craft compelling introductions using the last eight bars of a tune, establish mood and tempo with confidence, and create endings that flow organically rather than grinding to an awkward halt. Bollenback demonstrates practical applications through detailed analysis of "Stella by Starlight," showing exactly how to implement diminished substitutions, chord alterations, and pedal points for maximum impact. Beyond standard approaches, you'll discover unconventional devices for deconstructing familiar tunes and creating your unique voice. Learn to navigate tempo shifts, execute smooth transitions from double-time feels, and develop the musical instincts that separate working professionals from bedroom players. Whether you're performing at jazz clubs, leading sessions, or sitting in with other musicians, these techniques provide the polish and sophistication that audiences expect from seasoned performers. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players ready to elevate their performance craft and command attention from the first note to the final resolution.

Master the sophisticated art of solo jazz guitar with renowned guitarist Paul Bollenback in this comprehensive exploration of chord melody techniques and real-world performance strategies. Drawing from decades of professional experience, Bollenback reveals the essential voicings and harmonic concepts that transform standard tunes into compelling solo performances. This course centers on practical application rather than rigid arrangements, teaching you to make intelligent musical decisions in real-time using 1-3-7 and 1-7-3 voicings, strategic chord substitutions, and melodic momentum techniques. Through detailed analysis of "It Could Happen to You," you'll discover how to support melodies with sophisticated yet playable voicings, navigate register challenges on the fretboard, and create movement during melodic spaces using Brazilian-influenced harmonic motion and augmented passing chords. Bollenback's approach emphasizes flexibility over memorization, showing you how to apply your existing knowledge creatively while building essential skills for professional solo performance. You'll learn to voice chords that respect both the melody and the instrument's natural register, handle common substitutions like the G7-G7aug-C7 progression, and develop the harmonic vocabulary needed for duo situations with vocalists or horn players. Includes 14 pages of detailed chord voicings and exercises. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players ready to elevate their solo guitar work from merely functional to genuinely musical, whether performing in intimate jazz venues or professional recording sessions.

Master the art of spontaneous solo guitar performance with renowned jazz guitarist Paul Bollenback in this advanced workshop focused on real-world improvisation and groove development. While many guitarists spend years perfecting written arrangements, this course takes a different approach—teaching you to "fly by the seat of your pants" with the confidence and skill of a seasoned professional. Bollenback shares essential techniques for maintaining rock-solid time without relying on metronomes or backing tracks. You'll explore the critical relationship between foot-tapping and groove, learning to internalize swing feel through practical exercises with quarter notes, eighth notes, and triplets. Discover how to navigate the subtle differences between straight and swung eighth notes, finding that sweet spot that makes your playing dance rather than march. This isn't about memorizing arrangements—it's about developing the improvisational skills that separate working musicians from hobbyists. Learn to maintain consistent tempo while improvising, use rhythmic groupings to enhance your solo performances, and develop the internal clock that keeps your playing in the pocket even when fatigue or memory lapses threaten to derail a performance. Drawing from his extensive experience and referencing masters like Joe Pass, Gene Bertoncini, and Howard Alden, Bollenback demonstrates how to balance spontaneity with musical sophistication. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players who want to move beyond prepared pieces and develop the confidence to create compelling solo guitar performances in any situation.

Paul continues his series on solo guitar with another information-packed, inspiring class. All-important introductions and endings are covered in this class. Note: There are no written materials for this class. View clips from Paul's class The Art of Solo Guitar I The Art of Solo Guitar II The Art of Solo Guitar III