Mastering Finger Style Jazz: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginner Guitarists
Are you a 21-year-old guitarist who has been playing for about a week and is curious about learning finger style jazz? This guide will help you structure your learning to ensure you master this intricate and rewarding style of play.
Key Influences and Musical Inspiration
To get started with finger style jazz, it's essential to listen to and understand the styles of Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and Tommy Emmanuel. These legendary guitarists have laid down the foundation for modern finger style jazz. With Merle Travis, familiarize yourself with Travis picking and the distinct Boom-Chuck sound. Chet Atkins, a master of finger style, offers further insight into the Chet Atkins style. Moreover, exploring Martin Taylor's work can be a great way to understand the nuances of finger style jazz. Taylor is widely regarded as one of the best of his era, and his music can provide an excellent blueprint for your learning.
Technique and Theory
The technique is what you need to focus on first. Many professionals suggest not starting with Emily Remler, as she is not universally praised for her instruction. Instead, immerse yourself in the styles of Joe Pass, Earl Klugh, Herb Ellis, and numerous Brazilian players. These musicians will provide valuable insights into the rich tapestry of finger style jazz.
To begin, ensure you have a solid grasp of basic music theory and jazz practices. With this foundation, you can move on to refining your finger style technique. Most finger stylists use techniques rooted in classical guitar, which provides a strong starting point. The normal approach to arranging a chord-melody in finger style jazz is to have the melody primarily on the top two strings, leaving room for your harmony notes on the lower strings. A pleasing bass line can be a nice addition to enrich your composition.
Practical Steps for Learning
Here are three essential steps to structure your learning journey:
1. Focus on Intervals and Open Tuning
Understanding intervals from any given root position on the fretboard is super important for jazz playing. Experiment with various open tunings to become comfortable with the changes in finger positions while working with these intervals. This practice can help you develop your musicality and facilitate smooth transitions between chords and scales.
2. Master Basic Form and Technique
Before diving into advanced techniques and finger style playing, focus on building a solid foundation. Learn basic form and technique, and make sure you develop strength in both hands. Emphasize the importance of a good teacher to avoid bad habits and to improve quickly.
3. Dive into Jazz Theory
Delving into jazz theory is crucial for playing finger style jazz. A teacher can be invaluable here, as they can guide you through complex concepts and provide personalized feedback. Understanding jazz theory will allow you to construct richer and more dynamic compositions.
Additional Recommendations
To get a sense of whether you're truly interested in finger style jazz, watch some instructional videos like those by Emily Remler. However, if you decide to commit, it's essential to learn to tune your guitar first. For jazz, consider taking lessons and reading music/charts. Working through the Real Book is highly recommended as it will introduce you to a vast repertoire of jazz standards.
In conclusion, mastering finger style jazz requires dedication, practice, and a structured approach. Follow these steps, listen to a variety of musicians, and immerse yourself in the genre to become a proficient finger style jazz guitarist.