Do You Start a Jazz Phrase on Beat One? No — You Land There
Beat one is where a jazz phrase lands, not where it starts. Aim at the 3rd of the coming chord, arrive on it, then travel toward the 7th and set up the next 3rd.
Beyond Chord Tones: The Secret to Fluid II-V-I Lines on Jazz Guitar
Most players memorize chord-tone shapes but still sound disconnected. This article explains why guide-tone voice leading—not arpeggio recall—is the key to flowing II–V–I improvisation, and how tracking 3rds and 7ths creates smooth, lyrical lines.