The Secret to Melodic II–V–I Lines: Unlocking Guide-Tone Motion
Many players practice their II–V–I arpeggios but still sound disconnected. This post explains how guide-tone lines (3rds and 7ths) create smooth, musical phrasing and why learning their flow is the key to fluid jazz improvisation.
Beyond Chord-Tone Soloing: A Pianistic Approach to Jazz Guitar Improvisation
Most guitarists learn to “outline chord tones” — a method borrowed from monophonic instruments. But jazz guitar is polyphonic. By thinking like a pianist, we can merge voicing and improvisation into one language. This article explores how four-part harmony, voice leading, and upper-structure triads can transform your playing forever.
The 'Magic Number' of Jazz Harmony: Unlocking the Fretboard with the Diatonic Circle of Fifths
The II–V–I progression is everywhere in jazz—but why? This post uncovers the deeper logic behind it: the Diatonic Circle of Fifths (7–3–6–2–5–1–4). Discover how this “magic number” explains the flow of harmony in tunes like Fly Me to the Moon and Autumn Leaves, and how it transforms your view of the fretboard through the Functional Diagonal Approach.
How to Start Self-Taught Jazz Guitar: A 3-Step Method to Master Your First 'Real Book' Tune
Feeling lost when opening the Real Book? Many guitarists jump straight into chords or melodies without truly understanding the tune’s structure. This three-step approach—focusing on melody, bass, and shell voicings—shows how to internalize any jazz standard from the inside out.