Mike's Master Classes

The Devices of Charlie Christian Seen Throughout the Lineage of Jazz Guitar

Benno Marmur·
0.0 (0 reviews)·INTERMEDIATE·1 lesson
$19.95
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Using Christian's solos on "Stompin' at the Savoy" (recorded live at Minton's Playhouse in 1941) and "I Found a New Baby" (with Benny Goodman) as source material, Benno breaks down the techniques that made Christian the first guitarist who could truly hold his own with the horn players—and shows you exactly how to incorporate them into your own improvisation. Devices covered in this masterclass: • Linear Lines — How Christian played long streams of eighth notes, weaving through changes like a saxophonist, and exercises to develop this facility • Harmonic Anticipation — The secret to Christian's forward motion: starting lines on beat four of the previous bar to create momentum • Accent Implied Through Pitch — Using intervallic leaps to create dynamic punch within your lines, rather than relying on volume • Double Stops — Not isolated licks, but textural moments woven into flowing single-note phrases • Octaves — Christian's sparse but effective use of octaves—the seed that became Wes Montgomery's signature sound • Building a Solo Like Christian — His architecture of saving intensity for the B sections while playing melodically on the A's • Downstroke Picking — Eddie Durham taught Christian to play 90% downstrokes for a horn-like attack; hear the difference and learn to use it

Course Content

Lessons

  • The Devices of Charlie Christian1603

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About the instructor

Benno Marmur →
Benno Marmur is a highly sought-after jazz guitarist based in New York City, signed to the prestigious Cellar Live record label. Known for his deep knowledge of jazz guitar history and his burning intensity on the instrument, Benno has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting voices in modern jazz guitar. Benno has performed at New York's most prestigious jazz venues including Smalls, Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, The Iridium, and the legendary Minton's Playhouse in Harlem. His impressive list of collaborations includes performances with jazz luminaries such as Grant Stewart, Vincent Herring, Mark Whitfield, Chris Potter, Bill Charlap, and the New York Voices. A dedicated educator, Benno maintains an active teaching schedule and serves on the faculty at the renowned 92nd Street Y in Manhattan. His scholarly approach to jazz guitar is exemplified in his acclaimed eBook, "The Devices of Charlie Christian Seen Throughout the Lineage of Jazz Guitar," which examines how Charlie Christian's revolutionary techniques have influenced generations of jazz guitarists. As guitarist John Stowell notes, "Benno Marmur is an emerging player to watch." Dave Stryker has praised his sound and ideas, while Chris Bergson describes him as "burning with quiet intensity... a name to keep an eye on in the world of modern jazz guitarists." Rotem Sivan calls him "a brilliant guitar player that without any doubts will leave his mark on the New York jazz scene."