jazz guitar

Jazz guitar philosopher Julian Lage talks about his relationship to amps, how he builds his sound, and why he doesn’t like transcribing.

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The master on what makes an icon, why devotion to music pays dividends, and why the drummer is top dog, plus choosing the best collaborators, owning Wes Montgomery's guitar, and why his entire life's work is "all one tune."

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Learn to land your phrases like Coltrane, Cannonball, and Dexter.

Advanced

Intermediate

• Use rhythmic "push-pull" technique to create momentum.

• Extend your lines with turnaround progressions.

• Build tension with repetitive motifs.

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The solo break can often be one of the most exciting moments in a jazz recording. Allow me to set the scene: The band sets up a tune with a light intro. They play through the melody of the tune, all while ramping up in energy and building the audience's anticipation towards an unaccompanied improvisational break where the first soloist will mark their entrance and establish the mood for their first chorus. This break is a test of a soloist's ability to sustain momentum without the accompaniment of a rhythm section. A good solo break can make an audience jump out of their seats, tap their toes, or even laugh. It commands their attention.

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