Mike's Master Classes

Comping on Blues and Rhythm Changes

Paul Bollenback·
0.0 (0 reviews)·BEGINNER·Chord Voicings·1 lesson
$14.95
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Master the sophisticated art of jazz comping on blues and rhythm changes with renowned guitarist Paul Bollenback in this advanced workshop designed for seasoned players ready to elevate their harmonic vocabulary. This comprehensive course goes beyond basic chord progressions to explore the melodic approach to comping—a technique that transforms your accompaniment from mere harmonic support into a dynamic musical conversation. Paul demonstrates his systematic approach to voice leading on Bb blues, revealing how to create compelling melodic lines within your chord voicings using rootless voicings, shell chords, and strategic tension substitutions. You'll learn to navigate the delicate balance between providing harmonic clarity for soloists while maintaining your own melodic interest through carefully crafted voice movements and common tone connections. The course emphasizes practical performance skills essential for working musicians: how to react and respond to soloists in real-time, when to lead versus follow, and how to adapt your voicings when playing with different rhythm section configurations. Paul breaks down specific voicing options including 13th chords, #9 alterations, and tritone substitutions, showing exactly how to apply each in live playing situations. Whether you're accompanying in a club setting or recording session, these techniques provide the harmonic sophistication and flexibility demanded by professional jazz performance. Perfect for intermediate to advanced guitarists who already understand basic jazz harmony and are ready to develop the nuanced comping style that separates competent players from true jazz artists.

Course Content

Lessons

  • Comping on Blues and Rhythm Changes5580

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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.