Jazz Guitar Courses

Session 2 Still hunkered-down a bit more than you’d like to be as we head into 2021? Ben Sher — professor at Berklee College of Music and a recording artist with BGI Records is still hunkered down as well! So, Ben’s Guitar styles of Grant Green and Pat Martino class returns for a second section! Classes begin January 6th, 2021. In the follow-up class Ben will concentrate on working with the materials from the first section to help players integrate phrasing into their soloing. Standards from the American songbook and compositions by Jazz artists will be covered every week. offering a semester series of LIVE ONLINE 6-week courses! Prof. Sher provides an organized curriculum with lots of fun and vital materials, including transcriptions, charts, and play-along tracks. Perfect opportunity for the socially-distanced guitar student. Classes are Wednesday, January 6, 13, 20 and 27 and continue February 3 and 10 and can be attended at either 7 or 8:30 PM EST. Course fee: $295. 1. The Guitar Styles of Grant Green and Pat Martino Why these two iconic jazz guitarists? Ben explains, “Of course there are many great jazz guitarists to try and copy, but Grant and Pat have one thing in common that’s great for learning: both play with incredible accuracy and clear rhythmic precision. If you really want to learn how to lay down some very well-articulated jazz guitar lines, studying the work of these two masters is incredibly valuable.” Ben will provide transcriptions for both Grant and Pat in three styles: blues, modal, and be-bop — or straight ahead. In each category there’s the opportunity to learn one or both of the transcriptions. Not that advanced? Don’t worry. Some of Grant’s stuff is not that hard to play technically, but incredibly valuable in the phrasing. And want a challenge? Try playing along with Pat’s “The Great Stream”! 2. Prof. Sher’s Global Jazz Guitar! This is one learning experience that Prof. Sher is really excited to teach! As a recording artist, Ben has played many different styles of jazz and has three recordings of Brazilian Jazz on the BGI Record Label which feature Lucian Souza, DuDuka Da Fonseca, Kenny Barron, and Helio Alves. He has recorded and performed gypsy jazz with his World Jazz Duo, and played many Hammond organ trio gigs! Ben also teaches several courses in the Brazilian Guitar Style at Berklee including a course in Latin Fusion. This class is a preview of the book Ben will release next summer which encapsulates all of these different Latin styles!

You might wonder, why these two iconic jazz guitarists? Ben explains, “Of course there are many great jazz guitarists to try and copy, but Grant and Pat have one thing in common that’s great for learning: they both play with incredible accuracy and clear rhythmic precision. So, if you really want to learn how to lay down some very well-articulated jazz guitar lines, studying the work of these two masters is incredibly valuable.” To start off, Ben will provide transcriptions for both Grant and Pat in three styles: blues, modal, and be-bop — or straight ahead. Then, in each category there’s the opportunity to learn one or both of the transcriptions. If you're not that advanced, don’t worry. Some of Grant’s stuff is not that hard to play technically, but incredibly valuable in the phrasing. And if you want a challenge? Try playing along with Pat’s “The Great Stream”! Limited to 6 students. Prof. Sher’s Global Jazz Guitar! This is one learning experience that Prof. Sher is really excited to teach! As a recording artist, Ben has played many different styles of jazz and has three recordings of Brazilian Jazz on the BGI Record Label which feature Lucian Souza, DuDuka Da Fonseca, Kenny Barron, and Helio Alves. He has recorded and performed gypsy jazz with his World Jazz Duo, and played many Hammond organ trio gigs! Ben also teaches several courses in the Brazilian Guitar Style at Berklee including a course in Latin Fusion. This class is a preview of the book Ben will release next summer which encapsulates all of these different Latin styles!

1 Hr - Private live video lesson with Drew Gress.

Countless books and videos have been produced on chord voicings that are useful for comping, but the other half (and arguably the more important half) of the equation is rhythm. What rhythms does one use for comping? The typical answer is to listen to recordings of the great jazz pianists and guitarists and copy them. While this can be a useful practice, it can be daunting to figure out where to start. This class takes some of the most common and effective comping rhythms and related techniques and breaks them down in a systematic, step-by-step manner that is logical, straight-forward, and easy to understand and assimilate. In addition, we will also learn to hear these rhythms, feel them, and play them accurately so that they lock in and groove with an experienced rhythm section. The written examples use chord grids, traditional notation, and tablature that show the practical applications of these ideas. While this class applies these comping rhythms and techniques to the blues, they are equally applicable to many other situations. Comping the Blues part 1: Comping Rhythms covers: brief overview of creating basic shell voicings which are used in the class typical jazz blues chord changes in the keys of Bb and F with brief harmonic analysis a few essential comping rhythms with different articulations variation of the basic rhythms using displacement and multiple combinations of eighth- and quarter-notes adding anticipations to create rhythmic drive and excitement half-step approach chords, both with and without anticipations separation of the parts of the chord to provide textural and rhythmic variety incorporation of rootless voicings for playing with a bassist 69 minute running time includes 7 pages of written examples and exercises All example performances are titled and numbered for easy navigation. Examples are shown in close-up where pertinent. MP3 backing tracks are provided for written examples, as well as full-length tracks for comping practice.

1 Hr - Private live video lesson with Nobuki Takamen.

1 Hr - Private live video lesson with Steve Giordano.

1 Hr - Private live video lesson with Frank Dibussolo.

Do you ever wonder what two Jazz guitar masters talk about when they are just hanging out and enjoying each others company? Join John and Tim in an wide ranging and enlightening conversation on the subjects of Jazz improvisation, learning strategies and more. About Tim Lerch World renowned guitarist and educator, Tim is a member of the legendary Northwest Gypsy Jazz Group Pearl Django and popular duo with Jamie Findlay. In between gigs with PD and Jamie, Tim tries to play as many Solo Guitar performance as he can fit into the schedule.

Do you ever wonder what two Jazz guitar masters talk about when they are just hanging out and enjoying each others company? Join John and Tim in an wide ranging and enlightening conversation on the subjects of Jazz improvisation, learning strategies and more. About Tim Lerch World renowned guitarist and educator, Tim is a member of the legendary Northwest Gypsy Jazz Group Pearl Django and popular duo with Jamie Findlay. In between gigs with PD and Jamie, Tim tries to play as many Solo Guitar performance as he can fit into the schedule.

内容紹介： ライオネル・ハンプトン、ヒューストン・パーソン、エタ・ジェームス、ロニー・スミスと共演、そして17年もの間、ルー・ドナルドソンのレギュラーメンバーとして活躍してきたランディー・ジョンストンによる、コード進行に基づいたソロがテーマの約30分間のマスタークラス。コード感のあるフレーズの習得の鍵となるガイドトーンの解説と実際の応用例を紹介。そしてギタリストにありがちなアルペジオに頼った繋がりの悪いフレーズに陥ってしまわないための1オクターブ限定の練習方法を、ジャズスタンダードの定番曲、Stella by Starlightのデモ演奏を交えて詳しく解説する。ジャズレジェンドと共演してきた彼ならではの貴重なアドバイスも必聴。 2 Pages of PDF materials in standard notation. Full video is 27 minutes

Class Aims: Learn to play an iconic solo from one of the early greats, on an essential standard selection. Develop technique, time, and aural awareness in so doing. Increase our improvisational vocabulary and awareness of jazz guitar styles. Learn how great players modify and/or elaborate standard song progressions. Mike suggested I take a look at this solo, and I’m very glad he did, as I’ve learned a huge amount in the process. The combination of one of the most iconic jazz standards (“ Body & Soul ”) and one of the electric guitar’s greatest early pioneers (Oscar Moore of the King Cole Trio), makes for an absolutely fascinating study. In the class, I share my findings, and also some tips I’ve picked up down the years with regard to examining the great recordings. The focus is mostly on this particular solo, so this isn’t a “how to transcribe” class as such, but I have tried to share a few ideas on the subject along the way. In the full 46m class: We set the scene with a brief discussion of early electric guitar styles in context. I play the solo along with the original recording, now using two different camera angles, to help you see as much as possible. We then go through it phrase by phrase, analyzing various aspects of harmony, rhythm, reference to the original melody, and articulation. In the process, we see how Oscar and the trio find unusual alternative chord pathways through this familiar song, and even include some really adventurous “outside” playing. After we deal with the solo itself, we move on to a discussion of transcription in general, its potential benefits and some of the pitfalls to avoid. Synchronised ‘Soundslice’ notation/tab ensures that you know exactly where you are in the transcription at all times. A lead sheet of the standard song is also included. In terms of difficulty, nothing in the solo is likely to prove prohibitive to most players, so this should be a fairly accessible class. Having said that, though, even the most advanced student should find plenty here to enjoy – this really is a fantastic passage of playing, which demonstrates how incredibly advanced the early electric guitarists were.

Be sure to check out a sample recording below. It's not every day that you get guitarists of this level together. Both Howard Alden and Sid Jacobs have had a well-deserved level of success in their lives, performing in front of packed audiences across the globe. Surprisingly, even though Howard and Sid have know each other for years and both had studied with Jimmy Wyble, they never had the opportunity to perform together. Until now! Mike was able to get Sid and Howard together for an intimate house concert in Tucson and give the attendees an opportunity to witness the first time these two jazz legends played their guitars in the same room together. This unique experience is now available to you as well in form of a video recording. What happens when two jazz legends play together for the first time? You might expect loads of practice and preparation. As Howard states, "We didn't have a rehearsal, you get to just hear our 'hearsal". What resulted was a wonderful musical exploration where two master guitarists feel the moment. They explore jazz standards and a rare Jimmy Wyble etude in a masterful duo while incorporating their own unique styles. You can see the joy in each of their faces as they connect musically. Mike's Master Classes is bringing this recorded version of this house concert completely free to members. More information on a monthly membership can be found here. Full Set List: You Stepped Out of a Dream Darn That Dream Stablemates Smokin' a Half Note Dreamsville Line for Lyons All the Things You Are Strollin' Indian Summer Emily Jimmy Wyble Etude I Should Care Here is a sample recording from this house concert:

Fluid right hand picking technique is important for the expressive jazz guitarist. With great technique, you will be able to articulate your music with clarity, conviction and confidence. In this master class, you will learn how Howard Alden uses gypsy style arpeggio picking in jazz standards. Although most often associated with the music of Django Reinhardt, this picking technique is useful even in swing and modern jazz settings. Even if you’ve never tried this picking style before, you will discover how to incorporate this useful tool into your music. Howard shares the basics, including the kinds of picks that he now uses as well as a simple exercise that will give you the foundation of this technique. Gypsy Style Arpeggio Picking is a focused masterclass that is designed to help you develop your playing technically and musically. In addition to the basics, Howard also shares powerful variations that will be useful for more experienced guitarists. Besides getting practical technique tips from Howard, you will also be able to see how he applies this technique on two songs, Prelude to a Kiss and Mood Indigo. Seeing the approach used in context will be helpful for more advanced guitarists who want to immediately use this technique on their next gig. This is a unique masterclass that you can watch again and again as your skills develop. 4 pages of PDF written material notated in standard notation, TAB (with Howard’s personal fretting hand fingerings indicated) Soundsliced versions of the transcription (standard notation and TAB with adjustable tempo, looping for effective practice and study) Running time: 28 minutes

He's one of those guitarists that amazes with their playing abilities, inspires with their words, and makes you want to get out the guitar and put some practice time in. One of DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE’S 75 Great Guitarists of all time! Howard Alden has been a Concord Jazz recording artist since the late '80s where his prolific recorded output as leader, co-leader, and versatile sideman, has captured an artist of consistently astonishing virtuosity and originality. "He may be the best of his generation," writes Owen Cordle in JazzTimes . George Kanzler of the Newark Star Ledger proclaims that he is "the most impressive and creative member of a new generation of jazz guitarists." And Chip Deffaa of the New York Pos t observed that he is "...one of the very finest young guitarists working today." POSTPONED

Jamie Taylor is a jazz guitarist based in the North of England. He maintains a busy performing schedule, having been privileged to work along the way with some wonderful musicians across a range of styles, such as Baptiste Herbin, Roni Ben-Hur, Tori Freestone, Steve Fishwick, Laura Jurd, Sebastiaan DeKrom, Richard Iles, Alan Barnes, David Lyttle, Tom Harrison, Steve Brown, Neil Yates, Gary Potter, Richard Hawley, The Pigeon Detectives, and members of Cinematic Orchestra. Jamie’s latest project is “ Perpetual Motion Machine “, a jazz-rock six piece featuring Sam Dunn, Riley Stone-Lonergan, Ben Lowman, Garry Jackson, and Steve Hanley. The group completed a 15-date UK tour in September 2017 – you can watch it in action here . FREE FOR MEMBERS

Paul Bollenback's emotionally expressive style and eclectic approach is the result of a wide range of influences, including Carlos Santana, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Kenny Burrell, Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, John McLaughlin, Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter and Lenny Breau. FREE FOR MEMBERS

This full Q&A session is currently available to all. Please take a moment to thank Steve with a comment or clicking "like" on youtube, Steve would appreciate it!

Randy Johnston is one of the most widely recorded and prolific guitarists of his generation. He has released 12 albums as a leader for the Muse, Highnote, J Curve, Mel Bay, and Random Act labels and has appeared on dozens of recordings with other top recording artists. FREE FOR MEMBERS In addition to his recording career, Randy has toured and played with some of the most acclaimed names in jazz, including Lionel Hampton, Houston Person and Etta Jones, Lonnie Smith, and has played for 17 years as a regular member of the Lou Donaldson Quartet. He has traveled the world concertizing, both as a bandleader and side musician, performing at the top clubs and festivals all over the United States, Europe, Japan, Thailand, and South America. Already recognized the world over for his guitaristic prowess, Randy's live performances and last two recordings feature him as a vocalist as well, singing his original songs as well as standards and blues standards. His vocals have been favorably compared to those of Ray Charles, and the combination of instrumental and vocal performances make for an extremely varied and entertaining live set. Both his vocal and substantial catalogue of instrumental compositions enjoy frequent airplay, both in the traditional and internet radio formats. Randy has also taught music at New York University, the Hartt School of Music in Hartford Connecticut, the University of Miami in Coral Gables Florida, and several other major American universities of note, in addition to conducting master classes in such diverse locations as Wales UK and Helsinki Finland.

There's no description more apt for Sheryl Bailey than "A sizzling guitar goddess", coined by Elliot Simon of All About Jazz . He's not alone with his superlatives-Adam Levy of Guitar Player Magazine calls Sheryl "One of the most compelling tones of her generation", and Frank Forte of Just Jazz Guitar ranks her "among the best bop guitar players with a fresh approach and something new." FREE FOR MEMBERS Sheryl's playing is unquestionably "sizzling". She has groomed incredible chops and impeccable taste with which she applies them. It's said (by Lee Metcalf, The Villager ) that she can "go from zero to blazing in two beats", but she is continually praised for never sacrificing melody and lyricism for technique. "She balances superior technical skills with a strong lyrical sense and swinging touch..." continues Metcalf, and Joe Taylor of Soundstage says "Bailey combines an astonishing command of the fingerboard with a seemingly endless flow of melodic invention." Sheryl Bailey's Full Bio

Over the years, Lorne has taught many clinics on jazz guitar and improvisation. He has been an Instructor at York University in Toronto since the late 70's, and has taught for several years at the University of Toronto. Canadian guitarist Lorne Lofsky is a mainstay of the jazz scene in the Toronto area where he has been performing and teaching since the 70's. He has performed and recorded with Oscar Peterson, Ed Bickert, Ray Brown, Benny Carter, Chet Baker, Johnny Hartman, Bob Brookmeyer and Pat LaBarbara among many others. From 1983 to 1991 Lorne played in a quartet with Ed Bickert which yielded two fine recordings. FREE FOR MEMBERS From '94-'96 Lorne was a member of the Oscar Peterson Quartet. The group performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Montreal Jazz Festival, Sao Paolo, Brazil and numerous concerts throughout Europe. In addition, Lorne was featured on three CDs with Oscar Peterson. Read more about Lorne Lofsky

Rob Kassinger and Leigh Mesh present Learning the Other Bow. Rob Kassinger and Leigh Mesh present Learning the Other Bow. In this open lesson, two seasoned professionals, one who plays German bow, the other French bow, give each other a mini lesson on the basics of the "other" bow. Helpful to teachers who want more to say to their "other" bow students. Also a chance to view each player's approach to the basics of their particular bow technique. Streamed live and recorded at the ISB 2009 Convention at State College, PA.

Master Class with Paul Ellison. Streamed live and recorded at the ISB 2009 Convention at State College, PA.

Join Paul where he will impart his concepts and experiences in Comping in a trio, with a piano player, with a horn player and with a singer. Vocalist Chris McNulty and guitarist Martin Carle will join Paul for demonstrations.

Master the art of framing your jazz performances with professional intros and endings that set you apart from amateur players. Guitar virtuoso Paul Bollenback reveals the sophisticated techniques that transform standard tunes into memorable musical moments, drawing from his extensive performance experience and deep knowledge of jazz masters like Miles Davis, Bill Evans, and Herbie Hancock. This comprehensive course explores essential performance devices including rubato passages, vamps, tags, and strategic reharmonization techniques. You'll learn how to craft compelling introductions using the last eight bars of a tune, establish mood and tempo with confidence, and create endings that flow organically rather than grinding to an awkward halt. Bollenback demonstrates practical applications through detailed analysis of "Stella by Starlight," showing exactly how to implement diminished substitutions, chord alterations, and pedal points for maximum impact. Beyond standard approaches, you'll discover unconventional devices for deconstructing familiar tunes and creating your unique voice. Learn to navigate tempo shifts, execute smooth transitions from double-time feels, and develop the musical instincts that separate working professionals from bedroom players. Whether you're performing at jazz clubs, leading sessions, or sitting in with other musicians, these techniques provide the polish and sophistication that audiences expect from seasoned performers. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players ready to elevate their performance craft and command attention from the first note to the final resolution.

Mark Dresser will present his vocabulary of extended techniques that has grown into a musical language through improvisation, transcription and composition. The overtone series is central to these techniques including two-handed tapping, bitones, harmonic specific flautando, artificial harmonics, multi-nodal harmonics, subharmonics, and multiphonics. The combination of intuition and understanding leads to melody, harmony, rhythm, and sonic possibilities. His use of a custom made pick-up system amplifies and expands the musical potentials. Streamed live and recorded at the ISB 2009 Convention at State College, PA.

Master Bassist Harvie S will be holding a Master Class Workshop at David Gage String Instruments in NYC with guitarist Mimi Fox. This is the second in a series of Master Class Workhops produced by David Gage that will be streamed live on Mike's Master Classes. Also, the recordings will be available on line after the workshop.

Harvie imparts his methods for getting the most out of the bass with the least amount of effort and injury to the body. Topics include holding the bass, right and left hand and arm techniques, playing fast tempos, varying volume. practicing and more. Harvie conludes the class with a wonderful solo rendition of Chelsea Bridge. This class is valuable for those playing acoustic bass for a long time as well as those new to theinstrument. View clips from Harvie's class

Master Class with Frank Proto. Streamed live and recorded at the ISB 2009 Convention at State College, PA.

Master Class with Dennis Trembly, principal bass, Los Angeles Philharmonic. Streamed live and recorded at the ISB 2009 Convention at State College, PA.