Many guitarists from different styles are interested in learning some jazz guitar. The lessons you discover from playing jazz are useful for different styles. Here are 5 practical applications of what you can use from jazz guitar knowledge:
#1 – Use the chord colors
Jazz chords tend to have extensions like 9th, 11ths and 13ths. These are useful chord colors that you can use for film scoring, pop, rock, R&B – as long as it’s in the right context and mood. Great players like Nile Rodgers have credited their study of jazz as being helpful to their chordwork in pop & R&B.
#2 – Use chromatics
Bebop and fusion jazz for example have interesting uses of chromaticism to add color to lines. Chromatic notes can add dissonance that builds up solos and add drama to melodic improvisation. You can use it too, especially in the right moment to add spice to your playing.
#3 – Adapt the chord progressions
Jazz chord progressions can be adapted for different styles as long as it’s used correctly. Modal interchange chords that are common in jazz can also be found in popular R&B and funk songs. The jazz (or jazzy) chord progression are very useful to give a different flavor for bridge and interlude sections of songs.
#4 – Play the licks
Jazz licks can be heard in many styles beyond jazz. The licks can add a layer of interest to more familiar blues, pop & rock melodies. Once you start using the licks, you will start noticing these licks played by other experienced players.
#5 – Understand the theory
Theory can be an important gateway to understand and build new musical ideas. Just because you studied it in theory, doesn’t mean it cannot give new ideas for your own music. Be open to the possibilities & always focus on MUSICAL application of the theory you studied.
If you’d like to hear more on these five applications, watch this video:
If you’d like the book I mentioned in this video, you can get it at http://bit.ly/azsamadpent
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