Firstly, this is a long overdue review! I received this quite close to the time the book was released back at the end of 2023, however 2024 was a busier than expected year for me and I told myself I wanted to dedicate some time to really go through this book with the attention it deserves.
Unfortunately, I never did manage to allocate a time… so I decided to go through this book in gradual steps which is why this review actually exists!
The book is 116 pages and is divided into 10 chapters:
Chapter 1: Phrases on Static Harmony
Chapter 2: I–V and ii–V–I Chordal Phrases
Chapter 3: Phrases on Longer Cycles
Chapter 4: Cycle Phrases with Substitutions
Chapter 5: Rhythm Changes Phrases
Chapter 6: Jazz Blues Phrases
Chapter 7: Intros and Outros
Chapter 8: Line Clichés
Chapter 9: Common Progressions From Standards
Chapter 10: Parallel Harmony and Cinematic Sounds
Each of the chapters covers a different kind of harmonic situation that you can encounter when improvising melodic jazz chord phrases.
In addition to the book’s materials, you also get bonus content including:
- A bonus 90 minute video masterclass
- Audio and Video of every example
- GuitarPro/Sibelius Files
According to the introduction, Tim suggests three different ways to approach the material in the book:
One approach would be to watch the videos and familiarize yourself with the sound of the material. Decide which passages please your ear and then go about learning the examples. Take your time and soak in the sound of the examples that you like, then look at the notation and begin learning the passage.
Another approach would be to follow the book progressively and try to listen to and watch each example in order, play them slowly, taking your time to learn them. If you try this approach, you’ll notice that each section builds on the previous one and there is a progressive track through the examples.
Yet another way to use the book is like an encyclopaedia of sorts. If you need some ii-V-I ideas for a song or an arrangement, check out that section and find something that suits you. If you need to come up with new ideas for intros or outros, check that section and try a few until you find what you need.
This initial suggestion is important as Tim shares A LOT of material in the book.
And… in my opinion…
The book is not for beginners!
This is an involved book that I recommend for at least intermediate or more experienced guitarists. If you’re looking for a very step by step beginner guide to jazz guitar chord phrases, this is not for you.
However, if you already play jazz guitar and already do some kind of chord melody or solo guitar playing, this book can be a good resource to get new ideas and approaches for your playing and improvisation.
Guitar books tend to be in several different camps. Some books are generic, meaning they teach almost the exact same thing as others. This book however shares a very personal approach that gives insights into how Tim Lerch plays. That being said, you need patience and practice to get any of this stuff together.
Most of these examples have a lot of deep lessons in combining chords in a musical way, voice-leading and fingering. So if you’ve only done some basic chord work, you will get a lot to digest and work on.
For those who might already have a large chord voicing vocabulary, seeing how Tim connects these sounds together is a real masterclass in guitar chords. It reminds me in many ways to how I felt chords made more sense after I started playing the chord exercises in Ted Greene’s classic books.
That being said, repeat after me:
The book is not for beginners.
So if you’re ready for a workout, then this book might be for you.
The book uses a lot of higher register chords to even the 17th and 19th frets. If you’re like me and like to generally use an acoustic guitar, I recommend switching to an electric guitar with easy access to higher frets to get the most out of this book.
In conclusion, this is a specific book for a specific kind of guitarist looking to expand their harmonic command on the guitar. If you like the playing of folks like Ted Greene, Joe Pass, Jimmy Wyble, Tim Lerch (of course), then this book might be the right resource for you to further your skills and understanding of the fretboard.
Pros: A great book that gives you ideas on how to play melodic jazz guitar chords in a detailed manner.
Cons: Material is technically and harmonically challenging. Brace yourself if you’re new to this kind of playing.
TLDR: If you loved Tim’s previous book from Guitar Vivo, live on a diet of Chord Chemistry and Modern Chord Progressions Vol. 1 pages, this release by Tim Lerch might be right up your alley.
You can get the book here: https://guitarvivo.live/product/melodic-jazz-guitar-chord-phrases-by-tim-lerch-pdf/
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Tim Lerch and Luke Lewis of Guitar Vivo. Thank you!
[Submissions for Review Consideration]
- Are you an author who wrote a jazz, guitar or music book?
- Have you created a DVD or an online video course or subscription based website?
- Would you like me to review your book/course?
Please send me a message at azsamad3 at gmail.com with:
For courses: a link to the course/video/product + access info etc.
For books: a link to the book (Dropbox) or PDF attachment (if it’s small) for review consideration.
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?
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