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Refreshing Your Chord Vocabulary on Simple ii-V-I's

Refreshing Your Chord Vocabulary on Simple ii-V-I's

Paul Bollenback·
0.0 (0 reviews)·BEGINNER·Chord Voicings·1 lesson
$19.95
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Transform your jazz comping from predictable to professional with master guitarist Paul Bollenback's systematic approach to chord voicing expansion. This comprehensive course breaks down the essential ii-V-I progression—the backbone of jazz harmony—and reveals how to extract dozens of sophisticated voicings from just three basic chord shapes you already know. Starting with standard D minor 7, G13, and C major 7 positions, Bollenback demonstrates precise finger movements and voice-leading techniques that unlock altered tensions, substitutions, and passing chords. You'll master practical applications like using Dm7b5 and D7#9 as reharmonization options, creating smooth inner voice motion with Bbmaj7/D passing chords, and distinguishing between voicings suited for modal versus functional harmony contexts. Beyond theory, this course addresses the physical challenges of advanced chord work. Bollenback shares professional fingering strategies, including proper pinky arch technique for extended reaches, efficient hand positioning for difficult voicings, and practice routines for building the muscle memory needed to execute these chords in real-time performance situations. Whether you're accompanying vocalists at local jazz clubs, sitting in on sessions, or refining your solo guitar arrangements, these voicing techniques provide the harmonic sophistication that separates competent players from true professionals. Perfect for intermediate to advanced guitarists ready to break free from standard chord grips and develop the rich, nuanced harmonic vocabulary heard in professional jazz performances.

Course Content

Lessons

  • Refreshing Your Chord Vocabulary on Simple ii-V-I's5160

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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.