Mike's Master Classes

Art of Solo Guitar - Part I

Paul Bollenback·
5.0 (2 reviews)·BEGINNER·Chord Melody·1 lesson
$12.95
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Master the sophisticated art of solo jazz guitar with renowned guitarist Paul Bollenback in this comprehensive exploration of chord melody techniques and real-world performance strategies. Drawing from decades of professional experience, Bollenback reveals the essential voicings and harmonic concepts that transform standard tunes into compelling solo performances. This course centers on practical application rather than rigid arrangements, teaching you to make intelligent musical decisions in real-time using 1-3-7 and 1-7-3 voicings, strategic chord substitutions, and melodic momentum techniques. Through detailed analysis of "It Could Happen to You," you'll discover how to support melodies with sophisticated yet playable voicings, navigate register challenges on the fretboard, and create movement during melodic spaces using Brazilian-influenced harmonic motion and augmented passing chords. Bollenback's approach emphasizes flexibility over memorization, showing you how to apply your existing knowledge creatively while building essential skills for professional solo performance. You'll learn to voice chords that respect both the melody and the instrument's natural register, handle common substitutions like the G7-G7aug-C7 progression, and develop the harmonic vocabulary needed for duo situations with vocalists or horn players. Includes 14 pages of detailed chord voicings and exercises. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players ready to elevate their solo guitar work from merely functional to genuinely musical, whether performing in intimate jazz venues or professional recording sessions.

Course Content

Lessons

  • Art of Solo Guitar - Part I5100

Reviews & Ratings

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George Cole
1/1/2008

FANTASTIC class! Paul really lays it out. Very well thought out, he explains everything well and then demonstrates it well...truly a master musician and teacher. Plus Paul SWINGS very hard...what a sense of time. He just pulls you right in with his rhythmic drive. You also get alot of material to work on from a conceptual basis. Things that you can develope for years to come...Thx Paul!

james seaberry
Verified Purchase
11/1/2007

Simply outstanding class. I recommend this series to everyone. The materials were clear and very helpful; he explains everything he does thoroughly, and he has ideas that you don't get often elsewhere. Well worth the investment.

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About the instructor

Paul Bollenback →
Paul Bollenback is not only a masterful performer, but a down-to-earth instructor. His approach to jazz is both inspiring yet attainable. Guitar master George Benson, a long-time supporter, has described Bollenback’s work as ". . .bona-fide playing, unambiguous, up-front and powerful," calling him “a versatile dynamo on guitar. His approach to jazz and blues has a uniqueness unto itself . . ..”. That comment has special resonance in that Bollenback counts Benson high among his wide range of influences; these also include Carlos Santana, Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, John McLaughlin, Johnny Winter, and Jimi Hendrix (among guitarists), as well as such giants of improvisation and composition as pianists Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans, and saxophonists Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane.