Guitar Shell Voicings - The Ultimate Guide

[@hristoistoyanov]

Not a jazz guitar player, but absolutely struck by the quality of these videos... One of the best guitar channels hands down!

[@soundguitar]

~~ Many thanks, Hristo! :) Cheers -Jared

[@GRJ-uz7kf]

(2nd comment) Not a jazz guy, but this is (unexpectedly) the single most valuable insight I've had in 50 years. Opens up so much more than anyone might expect. Thanks.

[@soundguitar]

Wow, awesome! Glad to hear that! :) ~~ J

[@jayseb]

One of these moments where you suddenly get something and go "Oh now I really get it!" - Crazy how my abilities are amplified when teachers present "shapes" - this is simply next level teaching. The value we get here is phenomenal. Great video.

[@Akerfeldtfan]

This is like...an epiphany for me. I've always been intimidated by the crazy jazz chord shapes, but this makes it so much easier to compose!

[@soundguitar]

Yay, that's what I like to hear! Glad it was helpful :) -Jared

[@grady9752]

I learned guitar initially in the days of rock. We played stuff like Allman Brothers, Santana, BB King style blues, etc. And for our rhythm playing, it was all just great big huge clunky bar chords. If we wanted to leave space, we turned the volume knobs down on our guitars and just kept pounding out the bar chords like cinder blocks! It's taking me a long time to unlearn all that muscle memory and begin to trust that all chords don't have to be full strum, all strings and usually rooted on the sixth string. I really appreciate this video. I'm sure there are thousands of people like me who are afraid to admit that they only ever learned major bar chords, minor bar chords, seventh bar chords and ninth chords and have no idea what to do with an A major 7/flat 5/#13 etc, etc! This information is something I can actually use right now and maybe go sit with people who know more than me so I can learn some things from them. Thanks!

[@soundguitar]

I totally came from the same place! Just playing clunky bar chords like that for years, so I totally understand. I'm glad this video helped and that you feel like you can apply it right away. That's great! Thanks for the thoughtful comment. Cheers, -Jared

[@InstrumentManiac]

This was SO HELPFUL!! As someone who has always been wanting to play backing jazz guitar but having no clue where to start this really puts everything in perspective so well. You're a great teacher!

[@stringbender57]

Wow... Probably the best jazz chord lesson I have seen in my 50+ years of playing guitar. Very clearly explained and demonstrated. Another one of your lessons that would have saved me a lot of time and headaches decades ago. Jared, thank you SO much!

[@DR-nh6oo]

I always suspected that headaches were probably not compulsory..

[@theguitar1st]

I've got to agree, I've been playing for over 40 years and this was so concise and complete, easily the best jazz chord lesson I've come across. Much of what you have here I knew, but never had it all put together so clearly in my mind. Thanks!

[@MrRickkramer]

I like how this enables one to ignore and leave stuff out and still get the essence.

[@soundguitar]

indeed!

[@ronshephard8606]

I am so glad I found someone that could explain how to comp along w/someone doing a lead line after handing me a chord sheet. Not being a " jazz player " it has frustrated me a number of times struggling w/extensions not realizing how playing shell voicings would get me thru w/out making me feel like a idiot. A heart felt thank you.

[@DevanArya]

I'm so overwhelmed right now because the video is so clear that I don't have any excuse to not practice this. Definitely ignoring the 5th interval make these shapes way easier to understand. Can't wait to get familiar with these so I can start adding the extensions!

[@DevanArya]

Here I am 9 days later. I've been practicing these shell chords extensively and I'm really glad that I added them to my vocabulary. I've also learnt from your channel the Bossa-Nova rhythmic pattern and combined them with shell voicings, it's just amazing. Now that I'm familiar with shell voicings and able to perform any chord at any note, I will start adding those 9s, 11s and 13s to these chords for extra flavour! Your Chord Theory Series: How to Learn Guitar Chords - Beginner to Advanced is also amazing, I've been following the series. The first videos were basic to me but I still watched them because they covered some basic blindspots that I had and made me look at the instrument differently. Sometimes it is worth going back to the rudiments. I cannot recommend your channel enough. Your explanations are so simple and straightforward that it's just a scam that you provide these lessons for free. Once I get more proficient in these jazz chords, I might enroll to your Jazz Comping course. Congratulations on your channel Jared, you're at 26.3k subs atm and I hope your channel grows!

[@timsmith190]

I knew (was aware of) shell voicings. I know how to build chords and add extensions. I know the notes on the fretboard (mostly). But as you mentioned in the beginning of the video I can't instantly play ANY possible chord extention (or combination of extentions) of any chord on the fly in real time. I tend to choke when I see these on a lead sheet. It should have occured to me to reduce these to a few sinple shapes and burn these in but...In all the clutter and distractions, I never have. Coming from you, someone I consider a trusted theorist with a good groove that can not only teach but play as well. I thank you. This is a lesson worth my time and effort to learn and have at the ready.

[@soundguitar]

I'm so glad you found this lesson helpful, Tim! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Cheers ~~ Jared

[@IcePlays]

As someone with a music and theory background but just new to the guitar it's refreshing to see a lesson that's accurate on the role of extensions and how not to get lost in the weeds. So many videos don't bother with that sort of thing. This is great.

[@tjancijr]

Attended a shell voicing workshop today for the first time and I'm blown away by how this demystifies the fretboard for me. Great video!

[@soundguitar]

IMPORTANT CORRECTION: Major triad at 10:47 should be spelled "1 3 5" not "1 3 b5".

[@quicklooksentertainment3217]

That's okay, Jared...minor oversight, not a major. It doesn't diminish your teaching ability; it actually augments it. : ) ( Sorry, That was too juicy to let go.) Mahalo for the humble correction. You're a good teacher. Shows that you are conscientious to teach correctly.

[@soundguitar]

@@quicklooksentertainment3217 HAHA nice! 🤣. and thanks! :) -Jared

[@leyffwenderangalao9734]

I really want to learn jazz, but I don't know where to start. there are so many videos on the internet about jazz but I don't understand it is very complicated for me but you have been a blessing to me. I hope you don't get tired of uploading videos to teach us your music knowledge, you are the best music teacher on the internet sir.

[@rbarrell]

Wow... A really clear lesson that explained in 20 mins a concept that I’ve been struggling with for months. Thank you!

[@soundguitar]

Great to hear!

[@Roberto47664]

All I can say is,,,this is EXELLENT.

[@soundguitar]

Thanks, Roberto. Cheers! :)

[@BJ-fj6jw]

Your explanation was like rain in a desert. I needed to hear every drop. Thank you!

[@soundguitar]

I wish all the comments were poetic like yours. haha, thanks! and glad you found it useful :) -Jared

[@iggykarpov]

​​​@@soundguitarOK, here goes. Wish I had Jared as a teacher In my guitar spring chicken age. Then I was sitting in the bleachers - Now I'm prepared for center stage.

[@kicksterama]

Part way through this my mouth just dropped open. I was just blown away. I feel like you revealed the magic secrets I've been trying to understand for years!!! Thanks so much!!!

[@mycohunter_nordwest]

By far the best lesson on Jazz chord voicings for beginner/semi-intermediate guitarists that I have come across so far. Love your style of teaching. Thank you so much, good sir! 🙏🏼

[@soundguitar]

Thanks so much Bastian! Glad you liked it, cheers ~~ Jared

[@gregorystewart1837]

I would absolutely love to see you use what you are teaching us on familiar songs! And when I say familiar, I mean familiar for the average person. Sinatra, Bublé, etc

[@ozanekinyamen1467]

Watching this video is best way to start playing jazz chords on guitar.

[@soundguitar]

agreed, thanks! :)

[@raulenriquemoya6292]

y can't teachers teach like U, so precise, relationships & detailed information - Thx U!!!!

[@jacobsmith1877]

Ok man this is absolutely some of the most premium content for guitar I've ever seen. You've definitely earned a sub from me today

[@soundguitar]

That's very kind of you, thanks so much! :) Glad you like it -Jared

[@paulsoderquist4788]

I just learned what shell voicings are today. I think it's interesting that they are basically the polar opposite of power chords used in a lot of early 2000s punk/alternative rock stuff. Power chords are ambiguous because all you have is the root and fifth. I used to love that music and now I can't stand it. Jazz is what I'm most interested in now. The fact that even in simplifying chords jazz chooses to omit the fifth and retain everything else is a beautiful contrast

[@soundguitar]

ha, that's cool, never thought of how they are the exact opposite of power chords. good point! :)

[@ippotsk]

@@soundguitar On a similar note, I sometimes also see shell voicings as """"jazzy power chords"""" due to how easy they are to play (not requiring huge stretches), and also because a lot of indie rock/punk bands seem to use them, particularly with overdrive/distortion (which imo also sounds pretty neat) :D

[@VioletSky115]

Yeah you can use jazzy shell voicings in any genre, whether it be pop, rock, metal, r&b, rap, etc. They are quite versatile. There are also voicings that are maj 7/min 7 that do include a 5th. Like the x324xx shape and x757xx shape. Extensions can be added to these to. In metal it works pretty well in the right context.

[@uepapele5600]

There’s too much talking 😂

[@tfwnoyandere]

​@@uepapele5600 you might be in the wrong genre lol

[@davidkelly1220]

Thanks! 5 euro to show my appreciation, best explanation of shell voicing and how to apply I have seen. Hopefully the thanks donation helps your aligrotham rating, you deserve more subs. Please keep it up.

[@soundguitar]

Thanks so much, David! I really appreciate that! :) ~~ cheers, -Jared

[@zeekmx1970]

Mr. Jared, You've changed my life and I can't thank you enough.

[@fattyz1]

I know it’s considered a sin in certain circles, but I don’t like jazz. When you start looking for more advanced chords a lot of jazz stuff comes up. I’m still doing all the lessons, ALL of them. Thanks so much!

[@sg84eva]

I’ve only watched 5 minutes so far but I already think he’s one of the best guitar teachers in KZbin history

[@jensjensen2691]

This is amazing. I never knew of Shell Voicing before. A whole new world just opened up. Thanks for sharing!

[@ZeyTheDaemon]

I discovered these, like, two years ago, and I love putting them in more ambient/shoegaze clean parts.

[@AidanRKelly]

I wish I could like this a thousand times.

[@soundguitar]

You're very kind. thanks! ~~ Jared

[@4516mole]

Oh man I finally found THIS. What I've been saying for years: "they only use 7 or 8 chord forms dang it, what are they and how do they work?" You just explained it simply and succinctly in under 22 minutes. I am devouring this gnarsh gnarsh smack glump...

[@soundguitar]

Haha, this is one of my favorite comments ever! I'm glad this is what you were looking for! cheers, -Jared

[@4516mole]

@@soundguitar I've been going through these daily from a chart I made of all the voicings you showed. I read the chord name and see if can play it "your way" without peaking, finding the root/3/extension on my own. If I have to peek, so what. Thankfully some I had been using! Glad you enjoyed my comment; I am stoked!! What is best way to drop you some PayPal $$?

[@soundguitar]

Wow, awesome to hear how you're practicing that stuff. Sounds great, thanks for sharing! And thanks for asking about paypal donation. That's super supportive of you! You can easily donate here: www.soundguitarlessons.com/donate - and paypal is linked to it if that's best for you. Thanks again for asking! :)

[@seamusduibheannaigh7380]

Wish I learned this earlier... going to learn... have subscribed to channel...awesome

[@soundguitar]

Thanks and welcome aboard!

[@resb1714]

I totally agree ... with every point mentioned 😎👌!!! I even knew all those shapes already, but made the entire story always way too complicated for myself ... talking about 9/11/13 and so on. However, better late than never 😎✌️!

[@danbromberg]

You've got all bases covered: just as I was questioning "...what about ***"?, within the next few moments, you answered it. Thanks very much for these well-thought-out lessons.

[@stoyanovasparuh4990]

Thank you, Jared. This lesson is gold for someone like me who is just going into jazz guitar.

[@soundguitar]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@d36williams]

I share this with my friends looking to get into jazz after learning rock and roll on guitar

[@samuelm860]

One of the greatest guitar teachers I have ever seen, keep going!!

[@FlaschDJ]

Very well explained. I Liked and Subscribed. I hat the presenter says is TRUE. For someone migrating to Jazz, Shell Voicings are a powerful brodge. However, you’ll only believe this after you’ve cross the bridge.

[@jimtessin4130]

Thank you!

[@jimdukeproject]

I’m a bassist who plays rock guitar for my own tunes. Looking for some jazz chords to add to my sound but want it simplified and not have to voice the whole chord since I have other instruments (like bass to do the root). This helps a lot.

[@Lou9chess]

Jared...Thank You for the Rosetta Stone for a beginner to play jazz...Thanks so much

[@soundguitar]

You're very welcome. Glad to help out! :)

[@MusicToMyEar1005]

This is a very encouraging lecture! When I see "13th", I'say "Gosh I only have 4 fingers! What should I do??" Now I will ignore those complex tension!

[@Baghdadbatterymusic]

One of the clearest and most concise lessons I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. So much info in this video I wish I had learned years ago. Happily subbed!

[@soundguitar]

Glad it was helpful, thanks so much! :) -Jared

[@stringbender57]

@Jack Onderisin - My exact thoughts! I could not have said it any better.

[@msuarezluna]

It is incredible how in 22 min you can provide such a wonderful lesson and practice exercises, I really appreciate your teaching, thank you Jared, you are a great teacher!!!

[@BottleneckMoses]

Jazz chords and a unicycle... an unbeatable combination.

[@soundguitar]

Agreed! :)

[@markowalski1]

Clicked because of the tele for jazz, stayed because this is an amazing lesson. Thank you so much!

[@josephcopeland6172]

You are a gifted musician and a very good teacher….thanks for your help in making a very effective and practical change in my journey to being a more efficient guitarist.

[@soundguitar]

You're very welcome! Thanks for the kind words. Regards ~~ Jared

[@kendodge3346]

Thanks!

[@soundguitar]

Thanks so much! :)

[@colinohare]

Well I'm dipping my toe into Jazz not really my genre but really like some Jazz, George Benson Larry Carlton and I'm open to anything good. I think it will help me develope my skills more that's my theory. So saved this Video and I can go through it methodically. One thing that stands out is how clued up you are and its easy to tell you are a well rounded player. I like the way you clearly explain. Obvious you are a great teacher. Thank you.

[@Yoursoulismine814]

So happy I discovered this channel. Bro has such a soothing voice. I feel like I'm being taught music theory by Bob Ross.

[@GRJ-uz7kf]

Best and clearest discussion I've seen on this important topic. So many insights I never knew after years of playing. Cuts through so many unnecessary and intimidating complications. Thanks.

[@soundguitar]

Glad it was helpful! thanks! ~~ Jared

[@micaelakingslight]

This is an absolute revelation, thank you so much for sharing this...I'll definitely be subscribing and trying out all your other lessons soon!

[@stuartarnold4495]

This is exactly the kind of lessons I like. Begin easy and expand. Thanks Jared for sharing

[@soundguitar]

Glad you liked it!

[@blakejackson4483]

By far the best lesson on KZbin !

[@clydespace411]

what a secret revealed.. i'd been using most of these shell voicings, but always working on finding those extra notes. Lots of work. Wondered if I'd ever be able read chord charts at speed like rock songs. This was the first time revealed to you can just skip out of so much extra stuff and plug right through with the naked shell voicings. Still worth working out those nuances of full chords if you have time to get fancy, but to be able to move through the real book in substituting easier choices is a game changer. thanks

[@jamesbarros950]

Thank you so much. This was my before work watching but I think I’m going to be going through your entire curriculum shortly. Jens Larsen talks about these b he doesn’t have this level of detail or examples. I feel like with this and your other videos and not too much time I’ll actually be able to hit the real book seriously. Thank you thank you thank you !!!

[@soundguitar]

Awesome goal - You'll definiltey be able to hit the real book seriously! Even just purely with these chord shapes which is why I love this method. I'm so glad to hear that you found this helpful. Thanks for the comment :) -Jared

[@lovesong252]

Excellent. Many thanks. Using the same 3 note (R, 3, 7 or R, b3, b7 etc.) approach I've applied it to strings 3 and 4 (d and g). This is a major breakthrough for me. Knowing those 3 note voicings on the higher strings has also been helping me soloing

[@fatkitty4207]

I'm learning this to help me with blues comping. I recently found out about Greg Koch. And from the first video I knew he was the best. Thanks

[@soundguitar]

Cheers and enjoy! :)

[@richardprost6282]

J'AI BEAUCOUP APPRÉCIÉ LA SIMPLIFICATION DE L'HARMONIE TELLE QUE TU L'EXPLIQUES. UN GRAND MERCI. 🎸

[@paulsoderquist4788]

This is the holy grail of jazz guitar! Thank you

[@soundguitar]

Glad you're finding it useful! Def a game changer to learn these shapes and super fun. So many awesome tunes to play! :)

[@gitarrezeit2184]

Great lesson! So clearly explained and so useful, thank you so much! I've been a guitar teacher for almost 40 years now, always trying to keep things clear and understandable. That's the way we get motivated, that's how you teach! So inspiring! Thanks a lot!!!! Thanks for sharing your Pdfs, how wonderful, love your lessons! Best regards from Vienna, Austria

[@GRumpyonekinobi]

some of these shapes are what i noticed i play alot without knowing what they are...when im messing about i often end up playing them because i like their sound...ive often wondered what the theory might be behind them...i thought they were triads...never heard of shell chords/shapes...subscribed!

[@666gcain]

I am a beginner who is new to the guitar, and I stumbled upon your teaching video. Although I can’t play the tune yet, I am still very interested in your booklet. Thank you for sharing your teaching~

[@thereverendofrock1863]

Wow. My mind is blown. So simple. And yet... its a game changer. I am a rock metal guy and jazz has always seemed beyond me though I wanted to learn. I can actually play this! Thanks!

[@soundguitar]

Right on my friend, that's great to hear! I'm glad it helped. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, ~~ Jared

[@dieterheinrich8377]

Mind blown! What a great lesson.This is huge. Every player should learn this early on.

[@soundguitar]

Thanks so much, Dieter! Glad you found it helpful :) Cheers, ~~ Jared

[@stringsofpassion2598]

Thanks Jared, your video is one of the best online lesson on Jazz, giving more clarity to chord voicing

[@DodgeDartSongs]

I learned some of these shapes in a jazz guitar class I took back in college (the instructor was John Pisano) but no one ever mentioned the concept of shell voicings-it’s a much easier, more gradual approach to jazz chording and I thank you, Jared!

[@ShortFuseFighting]

because its an easily exploitable crutch. its the jazz equivalent of powerchords. (they both have their use but...) once novice players get a taste of it they wont wanna play anything else and neglect doing the actual work.

[@charlesarmstrong5292]

Thanks so much for this excellent lesson and free download. I have recently retired from full time work. Joined a 16 piece jazz band as singer. However, I now have all the discretionary time to learn jazz guitar.

[@soundguitar]

Wonderful! Congratulations! Learning these chord shapes will be amazing as a singer because you can really accompany yourself. Enjoy! :) -Jared

[@JR-pr8jb]

First saw this a couple years ago, and it's one of the most important and useful things I ever learned. We're simply not required to finger the full 5 or 6 strings in a chord. Thanks.

[@frankjibe]

Best lesson on jazz chors ever

[@soundguitar]

Thanks, Francesco! Glad it was helpful ~~ Cheers

[@that_complexity_guy]

Dense yet comprehensible--really helpful.

[@Kuroz1000]

Thank you for this lesson it is the first time im starting to understand what all the numbers is used in th chords thanks to your well explained lesson! Subscribed immediately

[@soundguitar]

Great to hear, thanks for watching! :)

[@Giorgi.Japiashvili]

This is how you tackle a complicated subject. Great way of teaching, thanks!

[@vincej151]

FABULOUS!! For too long now I have tried to follow some of the very popular jazz channels eg Jen Larsen or Dirk Laukens and Matt Warnock. These guys are great but oh boy do they make it complicated especially Jens Larsen. I always went straight for the complicated extended chords, drop two's, modes etc etc and end up demoralised as nothing really sounded like music, just a load of exercises. I look forward to some more lessons! Thanks !

[@soundguitar]

Thanks so much. I'm glad you found this helpful! :) I do try my best to not overcomplicate things. Cheers, ~~ Jared

[@FernandezMusic]

This is a wonderful presentation of this method of jazz voicing.

[@soundguitar]

Glad you like it! Thanks :)

[@lorigilmore5521]

Have I told you lately that I love you? Just coming off of a CAGED system lesson. I like this waaaaay better.

[@gamma105]

Oh wow, I’ve always wondered about jazz, but people always mystify it.. you just made it easy to understand, now I have a starting point!! Thank you sooo much!

[@chitlun]

Looks like I’ve just found me a new jazz guitar tutor, thank you. A new sub here for thee sir, peace ✌️

[@soundguitar]

Yay, haha thanks! :) Cheers -Jared

[@bobravenscraft5376]

You are the perfect transition for Rock players looking to advance. WITHOUT A DEGREE LOL. YOU ROCK. REMEMBER JAZZ ISNT DEAD. IT JUST SMELLS THAT WAYLOL

[@john3music]

Great video. I use shell voicings to play blues tunes. It really opens up the fretboard especially from playing open chords.

[@Ledgerblaze.]

Just downloaded the pdf for free, thank you.

[@danqodusk8140]

Jared you produce and publish great, practical guitar lessons. I understand there are time constraints for KZbin videos, but if you could slow down a little, I think you and your viewers would benefit more. You wouldn't have to rush, and the viewers would have more time to absorb what you present!

[@TS-so2xi]

This is a “save to favs” kinda video. Thanks a bunch!

[@mrtoast244]

I'm a lazy engineering student so hearing "9, b9, #9, 11, #11, 13, b13 = 7" gives the same energy as pi=3 and it tickles my brain. edit: I bought iReal Pro and wow what a resource. There are thousands of songs to practice with and they all work with this method. It makes me feel like a Jazz cat, which is the first step to learning how to *be* a Jazz cat. It's actually way quicker learning the shell voicings through learning songs that use them than it is to just try drilling them.

[@Will-sh8kl]

I've watched many many lessons and I must say this is at the top of the list. Well done and very well explained! Thank you kindly!

[@soundguitar]

You're very welcome! That's great to hear. Thanks for the kind words! :) -Jared

[@Will-sh8kl]

@@soundguitar I'll tell you something else... I was having trouble keeping track of the intervals. This particular lesson has helped me locate them easier. I've seen plenty of other videos showing interval numbers on fretboards, but for some reason yours clicked better for me. Thanks again!

[@soundguitar]

@@Will-sh8kl That's great to hear, thanks for sharing the feedback, Will!

[@soundguitar]

→ FREE supplementary PDF booklet with all the content from this lesson: bit.ly/3msntbe​.

[@polyphant]

Loving these videos! Great teacher!

[@soundguitar]

Cheers, Thanks Stuart! :) -Jared

[@guitar_man_15]

thank you SO much! I've been struggling to keep up in my Jazz class with comping and this video was exactly what I needed!

[@JackTempchin]

Wow, incredible. It opens a lot of doors that were closed to me...thanks

[@organjoe]

Love hearing a great jazz tone from a Tele - awesome!

[@EE-yv7xg]

Awesome! Could you make a video from shell voicings to extensions -- 4 note chords. 3 for shell chords and 4th for extension? please

[@soundguitar]

With pleasure, here you go! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/imfSZZqwjLx8h7Msi=5iJbtJshGDqHaQl8

[@jaymoy]

Amazing, Mahalo from Hawaii!!! As a long time rock guitar style player wanting to play jazz..this is EXACTLY what I needed. Thank you again.

[@soundguitar]

Yay, Rock on!! (now with shell voicings, haha). Cheers, -Jared

[@finetuning417]

Thanks for this lesson. It was very helpful, since I’m new to jazz

[@soundguitar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hellspark]

This video and document saved my ass! I got hired to play for this show choir gig, and one of our numbers includes Putting On The Ritz at a pretty fast tempo. 7th and augmented chords walking up and down the neck at high speed. There's no way I could have learned it in time without shell voicings 👍👍

[@lindsaybrown3883]

Thank you so much for creating this awesome lesson and the FREE PDF book. This is amazingly helpful. Wishing you a great day!

[@Studio-62]

Shell voicings are certainly where to start once we move out of open position chords. Barre chords are much heavier as mentioned in the video, but not always appropriate in a jazz context. In my jazz orchestra, I often see charts with 4 or more chords within a bar with full extensions and syncopated rhythms or shots played with the orchestra. Well I’m going to tie my fingers in knots if I try to nail everything in the bar. But fact is the horns are usually playing those extensions in their parts, and the arranger has simply written them in to give the guitarist or pianist as much information as possible about what is happening in the rest of the band, “alert the rhythm section” as it were. Therefore using shell voicings, in other words, three-note chords, will be enough. Shell voicings are sufficient to accomplish the primary job of the guitar in a big band, which is to “glue” the bass line to the bass drum, as we are usually playing 4-to-the-bar rhythms. It also keeps the guitar in the appropriate range, just above the bass. If the guitar needs to comp for a solo, then it is possible to get out of the straight rhythm and take on a more traditional comping role, using extensions and rhythmic variation to inspire the soloist.

[@robertbourke7935]

Jared, many thanks for this fantastic instructional video and I have downloaded your booklet. It is a great teacher who can simplify things.

[@norte.oficial]

One of the best videos I’ve ever seen 👏🏻

[@sklurker2665]

Very useful, especially for jazz standards which have phrases with a different chord every beat. Great video keep it up

[@soundguitar]

Glad it was helpful!