https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-44-chord-synonymsA powerful tool that doesn't get mentioned enough is chord synonyms - chords with enough similar notes that they can be used interchangeably.It can be overwhelming to learn all your inversions for every chord type in every key, etc. Using synonyms is a quick way to expand your chord ar…

https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-43-turnaroundsTurnarounds! No, this isn't your GPS speaking - it's real jazz lingo 😉They're the chord progressions you can use to get from the end of the tune all the way back to the top.In this podcast, I'll be discussing the most common turnaround (I-VI-II-V), and how you can make it more hip using t…

For a jazz guitarist, learning licks is the equivalent to learning phrases in a language. However, it can often feel quite forced to use new licks in a solo - after all, aren't you supposed to be improvising?!This podcast will help clarify things by giving you a method to practice jazz guitar licks, the right way. Marc takes a classic lick and runs…

Developing a strong sense of internal time is an essential part of learning jazz guitar! No more chasing the beat - this skill will make your solos and comping sound steady as a rock at jam sessions and gigs. In this podcast I'll cover some metronome "games" (ranging from beginner to advanced) that will strengthen your time feel! You'll learn how t…

In this episode we decipher the whole mysticism behind "voicings in fourths", also called quartal harmony. The first few voicings on Miles Davis' "So What" immediately come to mind when think about quartal chords.In the first part of the podcast, we'll discuss voicings built in fourths "under" all the notes of the C major scale, as their top notes …

As a jazz guitar player, you'll be asked to and will likely want to play the blues. It's a ubiquitous form and there are so many heads out there. Likewise, there have surely been times where you've heard someone play the blues and thought that it sounds way cooler than how it does when you play off of a lead sheet.It's probably because they were us…

As a new jazz player, it can be tempting to want to jump into Giant Steps, a pillar of jazz music, and expect to be just fine! However, Coltrane changes are challenging if don't know how to approach them.In this podcast, I give you a crash course on Coltrane changes including the context behind them and how to practice them!This podcast originally …

It can be tough when you're out at a gig or jam session and you've gotta transpose for a singer. You've never played that song in that key...Here's the podcast to explain how you can number chords in a tune to transpose on the fly, with All the Things You Are as an example.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here: https://www.jazzguitarles…

If you've ever run into the situation where you struggled to set-up a tune with a nice introduction or create a nice, smooth ending, this podcast episode is for you. Here, I'm discussing a few simple and effective approaches to do just that!This podcast originally appeared on the blog here: https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-36-intros-e…

In this podcast, we'll look into an exercise that is relatively simple in concept, but that can go very deep (as far as helping you become a better improviser). The "big scales" exercise, so-called, deals with the entire range of the instrument. Start low, cover all the notes, climb all the way up. Then come back down! I challenge you to apply some…

Jazz is intellectual, right? Or is it? Find out by listen to the latest podcast on this website!This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-34-jazz-cerebralBy Marc-Andre Seguin

As jazzers, we're often culprit of only learning "bits and pieces" of the stuff we learn. A scale, an arpeggio, a few licks (etc.), and off we go improvising. In this podcast, we discuss the relevance of learning actual "pieces" of music (or studies). Enjoy!This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/pod…

Playing *completely* free (without constraints of time, chords, scales, or other) is a great learning tool. See if you can incorporate the tips from this podcast in your daily practice. It's liberating to play free, and there are ways to do it that can encourage your musical growth. Enjoy! :-)This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https:…

In this podcast, we cover the basic chords found in both C melodic minor and C harmonic minor scales. This is generally a huge gap amongst students, so grab your guitar now, and learn those chords once and for all! Enjoy. :-)This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-31-modes-c-melodic-c-harmoni…

Pop this quick micro podcast where we discuss the relevance of attending live jazz performances.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-30-live-shows-micro-podcastBy Marc-Andre Seguin

Are you a regular at you local jam session(s)? Or perhaps, you're a little afraid of them. Whatever the case may be, here's the podcast on the best reasons to attend your local jazz jam sessions. They're mostly always interesting learning experiences. Jam sessions can help you grow, since you'll be meeting other people interested in the same things…

The act of teaching (or bluntly "showing stuff to others") is one of the most overlooked tools for learning jazz guitar. And, for that matter, teaching is of utmost importance when attempting to learn virtually anything in life. Enjoy this micro-podcast (under 5 minutes!)This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlesson…

Often all we need to get ourselves out of a rut is a little perspective. In this podcast, I'll share three straightforward (and immediately applicable) tips to gain a broader perspective in your music and your life. Enjoy!This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-27-perspective…

In this podcast, we discuss the 10 gradients of improvisations, as explained by legendary saxophonist Lee Konitz. There have been questions about the different exercises and processes, and the podcast is a great place to clarify the musical materials. Enjoy!This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/pod…

In line with the recent "Dummies' Guide to Jazz Standards", here's a podcast on how to learn, memorize and play better on standard songs. We discuss the "4-chorus exercise" (an invaluable learning tool for jazzers) that was an important teaching passed on by Michael Berard.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarless…

Wonder how to get started with the minor II-V-I? Does you're soloing abilities suddenly crash and burn every time you come across a progression like Dm7(5) - G7(b9) - Cm? Then here's a simple guide to get you started. This podcast is theory intensive, so you might want to listen to it a few times. Enjoy!This podcast originally appeared on the blog …

The best way to remember tunes is not to forget them (said no jazz guitarist ever!) Here a series of tips on how to maintain your current repertoire of jazz guitar standards. And for dessert, a neat tip yours truly recently started to apply with all his private students.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons…

This short podcast discusses the importance of teaching and mentoring ... for our very own benefit. When we teach (jazz guitar or other), we become the pupil. If you have never been a guitar teacher, even for beginners, I highly recommend it. Check it out!This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podca…

A rather "anatomical" and spiritual podcast, we talk about letting us get out of the way mentally and letting the fingers do what they know what to do on their own. Crazy.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-21-letting-go-muscle-memoryBy Marc-Andre Seguin

Accountability is one of the most powerful tool when it comes to getting things done. Lose weight? Get a coach (or a partner) Learn music? Get a good teacher. So long as we have to pay dues to someone, we make steady progress. Plus, in the second part, we discuss the harmony in a typical Bb jazz blues song.This podcast originally appeared on the bl…

The "Key of the Week" principle is discussed at length in this short podcast. Wanna improve your jazz guitar improvisation chops fast? Then vary the keys in which you play in often. It shows tremendous results.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-19-key-of-the-week…

An interesting podcast where we discuss the usual myth of pentatonics "I'm a jazzer now, I don't use these gimmicky pentatonics anymore." So far from the truth! Plus, we'll discuss some basic pacing exercises to enhances your soloing with well placed silences.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/p…

Jazz only constitutes 5% of total album sales this year. So, don't you think it's relevant to lend your ears to other styles of music? It absolutely is relevant. Plus, it's going to make your jazz chops better in the end!This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-17-listening-to-other-styles-of-…

It is so important that, as artists, we find what really blows our mind. It keeps the flame alive. So in this podcast, we discuss how to find your (very own) muse.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-16-finding-your-museBy Marc-Andre Seguin

"Don't assume, or else you make an ..." Yup! This is still relevant, even in the jazz guitar department. So the rule of thumb is: don't assume anything about anyone or anything. And don't assume that since you know the rule of thumb, you don't need to listen to this podcast. It's short podcast after all.This podcast originally appeared on the blog …

Who hasn't already been there, we should ask. Practice session with "50 items" in point form? Wanting to learn 50 songs by yesterday? Feeling overwhelmed with all the harmonic possibilities? Chillax man! Listen to this podcast, breath deeply and all will be fine.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blo…

A very popular podcast on the website, this is where we get down to business with applying the infamous pentatonic scales on regular (boring) II-V-I progressions. Lots of fun and "out sounding" ideas here. Then, later on, we discuss technique as it relates to the craft of jazz guitar.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jaz…

In this (rather long) 12th podcast here, we'll dwell heavily on the theory side: extensions on the II-V-I and other more philosophical implications to musical theory.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-12-extending-ii-v-i-jazz-theoryBy Marc-Andre Seguin

Two fun topics for the podcast number one-one (I love repeating digits): II-V-I soloing and walking bass. In the II-V-I department, we'll further our explorations started in the previous podcast.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-11-more-ii-v-i-soloing-walking-bass…

Here's a fun podcast where we look at ways to approach soloing on II-V-I. We'll also talk about ways to make our learning "systematized" so to speak.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-10-ii-v-i-soloing-systematized-learningBy Marc-Andre Seguin

Becoming a better person is key in developing your jazz guitar skills. The more we grow as human beings, the more we learn about life and music. That's why this podcast focuses on personal development. And, as a second topic, we'll talk a little bit about scale positions.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlesson…

In this 8th podcast, we talk about building an harmonic vocabulary of jazz guitar chords to use in your comping. What should be part of your arsenal? In the second half of the podcast, we'll also discuss the analysis of Solar, from a harmonic standpoint.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast…

Finding the time to practice is often described as the #1 hurdle for up-and-coming jazz guitarists. If you're having difficulties getting enough time in the practice room, then this podcast is for you. And, as a second top, we'll analyze the chord progression to the song "The Shadow of Your Smile".This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:h…

Respecting the form (of the song) is what guides our jazz improvisations; it's the vehicle. In fact, not following the form properly is one of the main culprits for "not being quite there" for lots of improvisers. And we'll discuss just that, at great lengths, during this podcast. We'll also discuss the minor II-V-I cadence in the second half of th…

A discussion on how to improvise during those rather "static" chord vamps. And the second topic has also been a very "in demand" one recently: bebop. How? Why? ... and who? I believe that every jazz guitarist should be a well versed bebop player.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-5-chord…

The most awaited podcast topic of all: chromaticism! Jazz guitarists are always curious about jazz lines with a chromatic flow. How can we achieve such a technical level of "out playing" while still remain true to the chord changes? Listen to this podcast for M-A's best advice on the topic!This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://w…

This important podcast deals with the most crucial element for any jazz artist: finding your own voice! Then we proceed to a short and sweet harmonic analysis of the great standard "Stella by Starlight"This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-3-your-own-voice-stella-by-starlight-analysis…

In this podcast, we discuss the archtop guitar "myth" in jazz and then proceed to analyze the harmony of the great standard tune "All the Things You Are"This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-2-archtops-all-the-things-you-are-analysisBy Marc-Andre Seguin

For the first podcast of the series, we will look into 10 quick an easy tips for jazz guitar beginners.This podcast originally appeared on the blog here:https://www.jazzguitarlessons.net/blog/podcast-1-10-tips-for-jazz-guitar-beginnersBy Marc-Andre Seguin