Book Review: Jazz Guitar CD & Guide w/NEW Diagrammed Standards/Jazz Chords by Carol Kaye

This is more than just a book.

You get a 12-page book, a 58-minute long CD (13 tracks) and also a 4-page packet of 82 vital Diagrammed Standards/Jazz chords (that’s how it’s described on Carol Kaye’s website.

For me, the main content is on the book itself, notated in standard notation with some fingerings indicated. And the more instructional side comes in form of the audio CD that has Carol describing and explaining different examples from the book.

Comparing it the Jazz Guitar Workshop DVD by Carol Kaye (reviewed here), there is an overlap in some of the material. I find that using this book & CD along with the DVD to be a useful combination. With the DVD you get to see what Carol plays (fingering wise) and with this book, you get to read the examples. It’s also helpful to hear Carol explain the lines as there are some differences in how she explains some of the concepts.

I find that it’s good to start with the DVD first and then use this book as supporting material to review different lines and patterns that Carol teaches.

The 82 vital Diagrammed Standards/Jazz chords is also helpful for anyone who is new to jazz chords. I find that it’s a helpful way to review this material & see how Carol looks at it.

Overall, I like the material & recommend this to be used in combination with the DVD.

Pros: Good exercises, great phrases from an experienced musician.
Cons: Some exercises do not include fingerings.
TLDR: If you like the 1950s jazz guitar style and sound, this book/CD/packet bundle might be helpful. Recommended for use with Carol Kaye’s Jazz Guitar Workshop DVD.

You can get this directly from Carol Kaye at her website here.

[Submissions for Review Consideration]

• Are you an author who wrote a jazz, guitar or music book?
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Please send me a message at azsamad3 at gmail.com with:

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Depending on whether I dig the book/course, I’ll let you know if I do plan to review it!

I cannot guarantee a review for every submission & if I’m not too into it, I may opt not to review it. I mean, it’s better to get a good review that for me to write a bad review just because it’s not a match for the kind of stuff I dig right? :p

NOTE: All reviews reflect my honest personal opinion so be aware that I will point out both cool Pros and Cons that I see in the work. You dig?