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Grant Green's Bebop Blues

Dip a toe in the jazz-blues pool with these simple chord subs.

Grant Green was a luminary in the realm of jazz guitar and crafted a distinctive style that seamlessly blended bebop, blues, and soul. His approach to the instrument was characterized by an unparalleled sense of groove, melodic inventiveness, and a deep understanding of harmony.

Green possessed a remarkable ability to spin intricate melodic lines with a fluidity that seemed almost effortless, often favoring single-note runs and phrasing that displayed his innate sense of swing. He understood the power of leaving room within his solos, allowing his notes to breathe and resonate, thereby enhancing the emotional impact of his playing.

In this lesson we are focusing on his approach to a jazz-blues progression—which was a hallmark of Green’s style. Learning to create lines based around chord tones will ensure that your playing will not only follow the changes, but also be more melodic.

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