Jay Umble

Watching the greats like Jim Hall and Joe Pass comp on standards is like watching a masterclass. Their choice of tasteful voicings and embellished harmonic choices add a touch of class to the performance. The only challenge is actually being able to catch every detail of their playing. The difficulty is in hearing and understanding their harmonic choices especially when the voicings are buried in the audio recording or when those YouTube video shots are too far away from their fretboard! Worry no more! In this latest masterclass by jazz guitar master Jay Umble, you will discover how he approaches two classic compositions, Out of Nowhere and Solar. Jay shares how he combines, uses and artfully connects various voicing types including chromatic embellishments, standard jazz voicings, quartal harmony and tasteful intervallic voicings. Shot with close ups to help the aspiring jazz comper, you will be able to see how Jay plays these chords in detail. The difference between this masterclass and a typical jazz chords class is that this is all about application. You will not only be able to play the voicings, but you will also understand the logic behind the choices & how he makes these beautiful choices. In these two jazz standards , Jay shows how to move beyond the basic chord changes. Concepts explored include: quartal harmony polarity pedal tones contrary motion modern chord systems two note voicings and more! You get 3 choruses of comping voicings for each of the tunes! Voiceleading and taste guide Jay’s comping. You’ll not only be able to use these voicings the next time you play the tunes but also have a practical “jazz chord licks” palette for your next performance or jam session. Your newly acquired vocabulary will work on many similar tunes! Everything is demonstrated slowly and explained clearly by our patient and detail oriented master. You will be able to get these under your fingers. It’s almost like being in a room with Jay and him showing you these in person. In addition to the close-up video shots & explanations, you will be able to follow the example using the accompanying PDF handouts with chord diagrams clearly notated for your study. If you’ve ever: had any problems getting your comping skills together, been stuck playing the same Drop-2 and shell voicings every time you play standards, had problems connecting chord voicings from one to the other, ...this is the masterclass for you! 9 Pages of PDF materials in chord diagrams. Full video is 1 hour 15 minutes

Technical difficulties means a win for those tuning in live. Although we would have loved to ask questions with Jay live, we instead broadcast his class on Modern Harmony & Harmonic Concepts. Jay joined in the chat room to answer some questions while students watched the class together. It doesn't beat a live Q&A, but this offers some very practical concepts. Jay Umble has studied with world-renowned guitarists Pat Martino and Joe Diorio and has released two recordings which incorporate straight ahead and modern jazz styles. He is currently finishing a recording project with international percussionist, Jamey Haddad from the Paul Simon Group. Jay is on the faculty of Bucknell University and Susquehanna University where he teaches guitar mechanics, harmony, theory and fretboard integration in addition to general guitar playing. He has several instructional books published through Mel Bay Publications with endorsements from such jazz greats as Steve Kahn, Pat Martino, Paul Bollenback, Joe Diorio, Barry Greene, Sid Jacobs and Rene Stefano. Jay's latest book, "Payin' Your Dues With The Blues", is due out in the Fall of 2007. He serves as a jazz guitar clinician for the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz organization and also writes a monthly guitar column for their newsletter. Jay performs throughout Central Pennsylvania with his Jazz Standards Trio, Duo and his modern trio, STRING THEORY. Latest Class Psychology, Philosophy & Methodology for the Jazz Guitarist - I

This Master Class demonstrates Jay’s unique approach to soloing through the classic ii, V7, I chord progression. This class takes a global approach to improvisation, choosing to deal with concepts rather than overly detailed explanations. Working in the key of G Major, Jay shows how easy it is to improvise with confidence over this all-­important progression. This class will bump up your improvisational skill over night! Intervallic concepts Key center concept Simplicity vs, complexity Using 4ths Gravitational concepts Stacking arpeggios Ignoring the ii, V7 part of the progression Chromaticism

Guitarist Jay Umble holds his first Mike's Master Class where he conveys his ideas on modern harmony and harmonic concepts. Read more for a detailed outline. 1. Modern Harmonic Systems a. C Dorian Harmonized Scale b. Major and Minor Parallel Chordal Systems 2. Blurring the Harmonic Nature of Chords 3. Bossa Nova Rhythm Concept with application on a Standard Tune 4. Parallel Voicing Concepts for ii - V7 - I Progressions 5. Modern Comping with the Blues a. Using a common tone on top for entire chorus b. Pianistic voicings c. Other voicings - 12 bar example d. Applying the Altered Dominant Matrix System 6. Modern ii - V7 - I Progressions 7. Harmonic Set-Ups View a second clip from this class

Many guitarists find it difficult to operate within the altered dominant world of sound. Jay explains his highly unique approach to improvising over altered dominant chords. This system is conceptual and will instantly unify the entire guitar fretboard. Once this system is understood, it will change your playing forever. This Master Class concept can be applied to any genre! -- The system is comprised of three Alt. Dom. Matrices -- Triad grouping within the systems -- Common Alt. Dom. voicings within the systems -- Less common voicings within the systems -- Repeatable concepts -- Poly-rhythmic concepts -- Playing off the chord concepts -- Sequential concepts -- Random Alt. Dom. concepts As usual, Jay provides tons of material - 12 pages including TAB! View a clip from this class

In this Master Class Jay connects the entire neck from the dominant 7th perspective. He uses the root key of C7 (C7, C9, C11, C13) and covers each position in depth. Improvisational concepts discussed include: - ii minor perspective - major triad up a step - major triad down a step - playing off the chord - importance of intervals - inside / outside ideas - symmetrical ideas

Master the sophisticated art of linear major chord navigation with renowned jazz guitarist Jay Umble, whose innovative approach transforms how advanced players conceptualize the fretboard. This comprehensive exploration reveals Umble's unique system of viewing major 7 chords through interconnected positions rather than isolated shapes, unlocking a more fluid, modern sound that distinguishes professional performers from intermediate players. Dive deep into practical subsystems including fourth intervals, compound tenths, chromatic approaches, and angular one-pick-per-string techniques that create the spacious, contemporary tone heard in today's top jazz venues. Umble methodically demonstrates how each concept translates across five essential neck positions, ensuring you can apply these ideas seamlessly whether comping behind a soloist or taking the lead at your next gig. Learn to harness positive and negative polarity concepts, deliberately moving outside the key center before resolving with authority—a hallmark of mature jazz expression. Beyond typical scale-based approaches, this course emphasizes chord-form visualization and the micro-to-macro thinking that enables whole-neck soloing freedom. You'll discover how to create angular melodic contours using vertical stacks of fourths, implement Jaco-inspired bass line concepts on guitar, and develop the chromatic tension-and-release techniques that separate journeyman players from true artists. Whether you're looking to modernize your sound for contemporary jazz settings or add sophisticated color to standards, these linear concepts provide the framework for a more expansive, professional approach to major harmony.

Take your harmonic vocabulary to the next level with Jay Umble's advanced exploration of quartal harmony and modern voicing techniques. Building on the foundations of Dorian harmonized scales, this comprehensive course reveals the sophisticated chord voicing methods that separate professional jazz guitarists from intermediate players. You'll master the art of quartal harmony through practical, three-string groupings that unlock the entire fretboard, learning to navigate seamlessly between parallel and chromatic movements. Jay demonstrates how to transform standard progressions like Equinox and Softly As In A Morning Sunrise using spacious, modern voicings that replace predictable seventh chords with sophisticated quartal stacks. These aren't abstract concepts – they're the exact voicings you'll use on the bandstand when you need to add harmonic interest without cluttering the sonic space. The course delves deep into pivotal chord movements, exploring how common tones create smooth voice leading between seemingly unrelated harmonies. You'll discover how to use major 7#5 voicings for unexpected turnarounds, employ strategic chromatic approaches, and develop pianistic comping techniques that add sophistication to static progressions. Jay's systematic approach to harmonic fields teaches you to hear and apply these concepts intuitively, whether you're comping behind a soloist or crafting compelling intros and endings. Perfect for guitarists ready to move beyond conventional jazz harmony and develop a more contemporary, harmonically rich approach to their playing.

Break through creative barriers with a systematic approach to jazz composition that eliminates the waiting game for inspiration. In this comprehensive masterclass, veteran educator Jay Umble reveals his proven compositional techniques that have helped countless musicians develop their writing skills beyond traditional methods. At the heart of this course is the innovative "Alphabetic Junction" technique—a parameter-based system that generates sophisticated chord progressions by mapping musical scales to alphabet letters. You'll learn to construct harmonically rich sequences that flow naturally from one chord to the next, creating the foundation for compelling original compositions. This isn't about following rigid formulas; it's about establishing creative parameters that guide your compositional process while maintaining complete artistic freedom. Through detailed demonstrations using original compositions like "Orange to Grey" and "Infinite Staircase," you'll master Single Tone Variation, Multiple Tone Variation, Single Chord Variation, and Numerical Junction techniques. Each method provides a different pathway to generating fresh harmonic material that would otherwise remain undiscovered in conventional approaches. Perfect for intermediate to advanced players who understand jazz harmony and voicings, this course emphasizes practical application over theory. You'll develop the ability to compose complete tunes—including chord progressions, melodies, intros, and outros—in under two hours. Whether you're writing for your combo, preparing for recording sessions, or expanding your repertoire, these techniques provide reliable tools for on-demand creativity that professional musicians need.

This class addresses psychological performance concepts, methodology (how to) pointers and philosophical concepts relating to the guitar and music in general. Jay shares his insights drawn from 30 years in the music arena. Other topics covered are topics rarely, if ever, discussed. Unlike the standard approach to master classes (i.e., put your finger here and play this chord, etc.) this class series is a discussion about the artistic/philosophical side of music. This class series will have you thinking “why didn’t I know this 20 years ago!” Topics include: • Being professional • Preparing mentally for the gig • Preparing physically for the gig • Finding your own voice • Characteristics of pro players • Believe in what you do • If you want to be a good player • Tightening up jazz standards • How to work with study materials View a clip

This class addresses psychological performance concepts, methodology (how to) pointers and philosophical concepts relating to the guitar and music in general. Jay shares his insights drawn from 30 years in the music arena. Other topics covered are topics rarely, if ever, discussed. Unlike the standard approach to master classes (ie., put your finger here and play this chord, etc.) this class series is a discussion about the artistic/philosophical side of music. This class series will have you thinking “why didn’t I know this 20 years ago!” Topics include: • Right Hand Technique • The Making of a Good Player • Dealing with less than Ideal Circumstances • How To Structure Practice Time • Methodology • Sight Reading • The Journey • Tablature • I Hear Sound • Chord Substitution

Psychology, Philosophy & Methodology for The Jazz Guitarist – 3 This class addresses psychological performance concepts, methodology (how to) pointers and philosophical concepts relating to the guitar and music in general. Jay shares his insights drawn from 30 years in the music arena. Other topics covered are topics rarely, if ever, discussed. Unlike the standard approach to master classes (i.e., put this finger here and play this chord, etc.) this class series is a discussion about the artistic/philosophical side of music. This class series will have you thinking “why didn’t I know this 20 years ago!” Topics include: • Balancing Energy • One of the Big Secrets To Improvisation • Polarity • Giant Steps • Go To School Without Going To School • Hearing • Improv. Substitutions • Expanding Your Awareness • The Most Important Thing

This class on " Giant Steps " provides a comprehensive study into this elusive jazz classic by John Coltrane. With unique clarity, Jay moves through this master class at a relaxed pace giving ample time to grasp each concept. For example, understanding the intervallic structure of the melody allows one to create on the fly with confidence. In the solo section, Jay demonstrates his key to unlocking the Coltrane Matrix, often talking in artistic terms such as primary colors and impressionism. Many jazz tips are thrown into the mix throughout this master class making this a great learning opportunity. For example, if you learn one tune really well, you will advance your musicianship to another level and take that expertise and expectation to every tune you play. No longer will you tremble when someone calls Giant Steps on a gig. You’ll simply nod your head and say, no problem! Class Includes: General Form Melody Considerations Walking Bass Comping Options Chord Melody Soloing Approach 9 pages of written materials in standard notation and in TAB

“Become a sculptor of sound to create any effect you want ”: Jay Umble states this as the aim of this course. Over 88 minutes Jay provides an arsenal of approaches to achieve this sound-sculpting goal. While minor lines are a recurring theme, he includes information that covering harmonic, melodic and rhythmic ideas. From the onset he discusses viewing the entire fretboard as one chord, using G minor7 as a recurring tonality throughout the video examples. Jay starts by identify the fretboard areas guitarists tend to avoid while soloing over a G minor7. Giving a range of approaches, he builds confidence to create solos seamlessly over the neck. There is an emphasises on targeting chord tones so that ultimately the improviser can play effortlessly both inside and outside, deliberately manipulating the solos with what he terms as “random points of entry”, i.e., starting a solo either diatonically or non-diatonically at will. There is a wealth of information about approaches for note decisions on when to play using either a scalar approach (easier for the listener) or intervallically, ( which the human ear tracks less accurately), which allows the guitarist to take more chances. This is where wilder and more ‘outside’ tonalities can be created. Jay also offers ideas on becoming confident even when playing the occasional ‘avoid’ note and how to get away with it! In this comprehensive course, there is also a wealth of information on ideas about on: approach setups – short and long the use altered dominant ideas how to view chord shapes across the neck for greater fluidity the use of fifths harmony for ultra-modern sounds Single-string soloing ideas Becoming familiar with intervals in relation to the root in every position Gaining control over randomness to build more interesting lines. Jay’s approach is friendly and relaxed and these concepts are presented in a way that players will find easy to adapt to their own style. 10 pages of written materials in Standard Notation and TAB Running time: 83 minutes