How Chord Melody Will Help You Master Important Skills

I think that the most beautiful way to work with Jazz harmony is to work on chord melody, the type of playing you hear from Barney Kessel and Joe Pass.
An Amazing Exercise For Jazz Chords (And Your Playing In General)
• An Amazing Exercise Fo...
Chord Solos - An Easy Way To Get Started:
• Chord Solos - How To G...
Content:
00:00 Intro
00:41 My First Chord Melody Arrangement
02:35 Getting Started
03:00 Harmonizing The Song - First Rule
03:41 Harmonizing The Song - Second Rule
05:00 Know the Song & Understand The Harmony
06:45 Don't Limit Yourself To Chord Systems
07:42 A Better Turnaround
07:58 A Cure For Boring Chords
09:12 More Than One Melody
09:58 Joe Was Good At Guitar, Be Like Joe
10:28 The Easiest Passing Chords
10:55 Chord Solos - It can be easy
11:00 Like the video? Check out my Patreon page!
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My name is Jens Larsen, Danish Jazz Guitarist, and Educator. The videos on this channel will help you explore and enjoy Jazz. Some of it is how to play jazz guitar, but other videos are more on Music Theory like Jazz Chords or advice on how to practice and learn Jazz, on guitar or any other instrument.
The videos are mostly jazz guitar lessons, but also music theory, analysis of songs and videos on jazz guitars.
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[@JensLarsen]

Who is your favorite when it comes to chord melody? Chord Solos - An Easy Way To Get Started: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZzRoYGoZ7adgZI

[@Spino138lolp]

Barney is ,hands down, my favourite to listen to.

[@aadityakiran_s]

Ted Greene for sure. Nobody else was like him. I think you have some lessons on him don't you? If not, I'd really like to see that. Thanks.

[@naokim.5035]

Barney Kessel of course and Tal Farlow

[@doc_SilentRanger]

Ted Greene or bill frisell

[@JensLarsen]

@@doc_SilentRanger Bill Frisell is amazing, and a bit underrated in my opinion :)

[@cfibanez]

Ted Greene. His solo guitar album is truly a masterpiece.

[@We-all-watched-the-video]

Found him a few days ago, now is my new favourite. Started working through chord chemistry

[@jazzmoo4u]

Totally agree! What a wonderful album! So wonderfully talented!

[@tomandaj1]

Ted is truly missed

[@liontone]

Love Teds record! But honestly, I think his non-prepared “playing” was superior.

[@Fishies125]

And his love playing was simply mind-blowing, especially his improvs.

[@mikepawlikguitar]

I like Joe Pass in the thumbnail. Probably the single best guitarist who ever lived, fullstop. No amount of fancy shredding technique by anyone comes even close to Joe's absolute guitar mastery.

[@zenobragatheghettotrashchi5399]

Joe Pass was practically flawless in his playing, I always wanted to learn his renditions of "All the things you are" & "Summertime". Watching his live videos never fails to send chills down my spine!!

[@humbucker08]

Barney Kessel and Joe Pass are my guitar heroes. Thanks so much for making this video.

[@Trombonology]

Jens, if it hadn't been for your YT channel and Patreon, I wouldn't be able to put together chord melody arrangements of my own with so little difficulty today. This is the area of jazz that has always attracted me most, as I love the standards and have always wanted to discover how to tinker with the harmonies here and there to create my own take on the material. Too, my greatest guitar influences were masters of chord melody. You were the one whose lessons demystified the process and gave me, a non-reading player with fairly basic theory, the tools to come up with a very straight arrangement and then to tinker with it to personalize it -- which is what jazz is all about. I'll be forever grateful! This lesson concisely presents all the secrets and is a must-see for anyone who wants to crack the code.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you so much Elizabeth! That is so great to hear!

[@emlyngriffith5846]

Great lesson. I love “Misty” and play it often. This has given me inspiration on how to play it in a more interesting way. Thanks a lot 👍🍷.

[@JensLarsen]

Great to hear!

[@gianlucapolitano3228]

Please Maestro, a book with all these informations and exercises!!! Will be awesome! There are a lots of stuffs 'bout cm, but I love Tha way you explain the argument!

[@JensLarsen]

I guess you could get my chord melody survival kit on my website? It isn't a book but a set of lessons that you can download 🙂

[@gianlucapolitano3228]

I'll check for sure! I absolutely love the way you playing and teaching! Cheers! May the iiVI will be always with you 🙏

[@picksalot1]

I like the chord-melody style, and was lucky enough to see both Pass and Kessel live. Thanks

[@JensLarsen]

Super! I never had the chance to see either of them, that would have been fun though!

[@lbparker08]

Loved hearing more about your background, Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you :)

[@GrooveStationLive]

OMG this is one of those "haha" moment! I learned Misty a few months ago but never realized how "easy" it was to get the melody at your finger tips when you play the chords! Thank you for pointing at Misty, perfect chords+melody (and tempo) to begin with, and great insights for getting further with this technique!

[@JensLarsen]

Great timing then 🙂 Go for it!

[@poulwinther]

I think you mean "Aha" 😀

[@hojo5428]

It doesn't hurt that Misty is a GREAT tune (for get-tar or anything else)! The guy i learned it from had lots of interesting voicings on the chords - here's to you TG

[@deciofl]

Jens, thank you so much. So much info in short videos. I love that you make it straight to the point. It will take much more time to fully understand and practice it! Love it!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@TheJoergenDK]

I love the fact that you mentioned the Duke Ellington Chord. The D flat Major over an E flat bass. Such a delicate touch!

[@GuitarBard96]

darth kessel!! my favorite, such rich playing that sometimes it sounds impossible on six strings

[@JensLarsen]

😂 👍

[@Colorlibertad]

Thank you, that's the first song with melody I decided to learn!!

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it!

[@griiseknoen]

Your videos are like vitamin-shots of knowledge and inspiration! Thanks! 👍

[@AS-430]

Jens...thank you for reminding me of a great memory. One of my early bands just out of HS I was one of two players. On a rehearsal day the other player came in and said, "I just learned this and it's really cool!" What "this" was was a chord melody arrangement of "Til there was you" from The Music Man and remade by The Beatles, who--in 1967--were just a TAD popular at the moment. I haven't thought of that in quite literally decades. Hearing and watching him was SUCH a huge revelation...and my journey was started at that moment.

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks! That is a great story :)

[@akbrooks70]

I do not play jazz, or traditional jazz rather, but this method really helped me grow as a musician as I began began to Chet Atkins style finger pick. He does a lot of jazz. It really helps because it clarifies where the music is going.

[@cellobrew584]

Very helpful lesson, and so clearly explained! Thank you.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@TheCandoheavy]

Thank you for this lesson, absolutely great and beautiful sounding chords , great explanation.

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome!

[@jessethesg]

THANK YOU JENS

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it!

[@Betterthantelly]

So amazing to have access to this information so easily. Thank you so much.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful 🙂

[@Panufo]

Bra-VO!!! I will be able to use some of this tomorrow night at the jazz jam, provided I can get them to play Misty…

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it 🙂

[@Kimomaru]

This video just gave me some ideas to try. Thanks, Jens.

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it :)

[@mbkcanada]

Your lessons are excellent!Thank you for inspiring me to clear the obstacles in my path to being a better musician.All the best!

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome!

[@normantaylor7829]

Hi Jens. Just want to say how interesting and helpful your videos are. Many thanks.

[@michaeldusso6882]

You da man, Jens, THNX as always.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was useful! :)

[@mabblers]

Great lesson.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@PhilippMoehrke]

Thanks for this great insides. Exactly my story. Love it!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@guicasoamillo]

GREAT LESSON MASTER, THANK YOU VERY MUCH 👏👏👏

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you liked it!

[@jroc2201]

Excellent work sounds lyrical,musical

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@BlackGypsyMusic]

1:15 lmao. That took me out Love your videos, J.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@rainbowkrampus]

Great advice. I've been working on a chord melody arrangement for My Favorite Things and was thinking about ways to spice it up a bit more. My advice to people starting out would be, don't be afraid to repeat yourself. It's easy to think you should come up with some new trick for moving through each section of the song. But people really like it when you use the same trick and recontextualize it for other sections. It's like a friend showing up unexpectedly. Also, let the lyrics be your guide (assuming the tune has lyrics). Spicy extensions, reharmonizations and chromatic lines are great. But they're even better when they fit the narrative of the tune. That diminished chord for Misty's "... on my own" is a great example. Takes a minor tonality into the realm of a full on melodrama.

[@jamescopeland5358]

Jens, Thank you for helping me hear the changes! I heard more in this lesson than I ever had. you can teach a old dog a new trick

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@antsonc]

Always finding something cool on Your page, even if I'm not into "straight" jazz

[@londonemski]

Superb. Tak så meget!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it is useful! :)

[@user-ov5nd1fb7s]

Having "only" Scofield is enough to give you all the information about jazz/fusion you need. I can't think of a better improviser than Scofield. There are certainly other people on his level (i can count on one hand) but different, not better.

[@JensLarsen]

Sco is indeed a master! 🙂

[@choirgirlie6183]

Your guitar has a sweet, lush tone. Beautiful!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@TheJoergenDK]

This is a delicious video.

[@JzZcAt]

I harmonized this song a few times on guitar and it is still one of my favorites because it's slow tempo and lots of room to put surprise chords between the chords of the progressions. What i like to do is also make the melody different and go other directions with it and then also harmonize them ofcourse so that eventually it 's harder to tell wich song is played. Experimenting with melody, chords, base notes and stuff is key to get good at this i think. The more skills, sounds, knowledge you have available to your playing the more fun it gets because it opens up so many possibilities

[@JensLarsen]

Great! It is a good vehicle to develop your chord melody skills 🙂

[@kevindonnelly761]

Chord Solos scare the life out of me !

[@arvh1952]

haha with true fear comes real artistry.

[@andyshaughnessy1520]

I’ve got got something to work on today in between meetings! Great stuff, as usual. I almost understand it!

[@JensLarsen]

Excellent!

[@argonunya8197]

I've kind of taken some ideas from Freddie Green. With satin doll I play through a section with just the 3rd and 7th of the chord adding the melody note on top, eventually taking it to a 4 part harmony. It's even useful to my ear to just play the 3rd and 7th shell in quarter note rhythm just to hear the changes. Just using the 3rd and 7th helps me to see my options. I realize expressing this in writing isn't as mind blowing as it was for me to take this approach, but this skeletal idea may be useful to someone.

[@bodaciousbobby01]

Interesting stuff. Not gonna lie most of this went over my head, but I liked the different styles you played with the same chord progression. I can see myself learning jazz guitar about 4 yrs from now. Its going to feel like kindergarten again but will be reinvigorating. Keep up the quality videos.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@RobTeeJr]

Great video!. My favorites are: George Benson, Jonathan Kreisberg, Lenny Breau, Martin Taylor and Chris Whiteman

[@JensLarsen]

Super!

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

Kreisberg is my favorite modern player. His harmonization is always surprising and sounds like "today".

[@erikxs]

Danke!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much Erik!

[@douglaspiper7804]

Mr.. Larson, again another very informative, interesting post. I picked up a book after watching one of your videos; The Advancing Guitarist. A great book with a very unique method. I watch you go thru your chord melodies, adding passing notes as you go. I am glued to the monitor! I know you have a master class or Patreon class. Money is tight right now but hopefully soon, I can join in. Until then, I can only say thank you for sharing your knowledge. It inspires. I'm 62 yrs of age now, and sometimes wonder if it's worth wanting more. 🤔. Don't mean to be a downer, but I feel like I'm in intermediate purgatory! With your expertise maybe I can work through it! Thanks again. Doug from, New Jersey, United States. PS: I honor my daughter, Dawn Marie Piper, in my picture profile. She was 14. Just starting to articulate well, until an unfortunate car accident. Take care. Sorry so long a reply. Respect to you.

[@aa.mirezZ]

I love your tutorials and your content. I have learned SO MUCH from your videos, and I owe a great deal of my advancement in guitar and in jazz because of you- thank you VERY MUCH🙏 I do have one request for your next( or future tutorial- if u haven’t done so already) tutorial-not sure if u take request, but I figured it would be worth a shot lol- are you able to explain in detail how you achieve such a warm and beautiful jazz tone? Every tutorial I have seen your tone is always at the front of your lessons for me, and it is in part what helped motivate me further. The warmth in your tone, and how soft it sounds is something I am trying to convey in my own playing. I would greatly appreciate any info you would like to share.

[@PanterAmetal100]

Sow-lows are everything

[@ishaq24722]

Great lesson. One of the first songs my first teacher taught me was one note samba with chords as the melody, and I’m still playing it and trying to improve it. Playing that long run is challenging.

[@JensLarsen]

That's awesome! It is indeed a busy bridge!

[@ishaq24722]

@@JensLarsen I can play that fine, fast or slow, but the problem is playing it in tempo with the pace you’ve strummed the chords. If you don't, it sounds bad.

[@robertnewell5057]

Really good analysis. Misty was the first chord melody I learnt. I later found out it isabout the most commonly tuaght one for beginners here in the UK, mainly because there is so much to learn in it. Regrettably, I was taught it exactly as you describe - more or less like you would learn a classical piece - missing all the understanding that is in that tune.

[@JensLarsen]

Yes, I don't understand why so many only approach it like that 🙂

[@kevindonnelly761]

Thanks so much Jens 😁 I'm looking forward to reviewing this video and those you recommend at the end - to alleviate my 'Chordmelodyphobia' Cheers, Kev. PS: Congrats on your Degrees too ! They're not easy to get. 😎

[@JensLarsen]

You're welcome Kevin! :)

[@mdspman000]

Adding the 5th seems very reasonable for chord melody since the guitar is the only harmony instrument, especially if the fingering is easier to keep it in. It seems like one of the first things to do is play the melody without chords on the first 2 strings just to work out the movement. Then make another pass, phrase by phrase, to start figuring which familiar chord shapes will fit under the melody at various spots to get a feel for the way the fingerings can easily move. Simple is better to start with and in subsequent passes you can add more interesting voicings but not until you have some overall strategy worked out. Maybe more advanced people can figure out more of this on the fly since they have a bigger tool kit of chord voicings and a better feel for which voicings to use to get certain notes and phrases on top. I like trying to do this on electric bass where you usually end up with only one or two notes below the melody due to 4 string (assuming you use a 4 string, not a 6 string) limits.

[@Saladzingers]

This is such a great video - packed with wisdom! I wanted to learn chord melody and so - you guessed it - I bought and started to learn “10 chord melody arrangements for beginners”. They sound rubbish and I have zero new understanding of how chords function. It’s frustrating and hard to learn these easy arrangements as almost classical pieces, without any idea of how I might alter them or write my own. I’m starting again with my own arrangements and it’s much more satisfying - I’m actually learning something!

[@JensLarsen]

Exactly! Go for it :)

[@Dhirenchhetri]

What a speech

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

Kreisberg is my favorite modern player, but Rosenwinkle is growing on me. As far as the "old guard" goes, of course Pass, but also Kenny Burrell, and, don't laugh, Tony Mottola. I've loved Chord melody since I first saw it in a Mel Bay book years ago, thanks to your videos, I'm getting better at it. Thank you, Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

yes, I think it is good to not get stuck with only the old guys :)

[@AS-430]

Mottola was excellent in his day. I got to take lessons in NY from a contemporary of his, Don Arnone, and HE was just great. And, if I didn't know him through friends I might have never heard of him. Long-time studio player.

[@frankvaleron]

No one would ever laugh at Tony Mottola

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

@@AS-430 I just found an album online of Don and a student of Tony's, Al Caiola. It's called "Great guitars", and it sounds pretty good!

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

@@frankvaleron Maybe not, but you never see his name mentioned - It's always Pass, Montgomery, Burrell, Breau, George Benson, even Herb Ellis and Kessel , etc. No one mentions poor Tony!

[@Swmc88]

I started up lessons a few months ago with the hope of being able to learn to play convincing solo jazz guitar. Coincidentally, we've been focusing on Misty to work on techniques!

[@JensLarsen]

That's great, then everything is easy for you to put to use 🙂

[@arvh1952]

I asked John Pizarelli, Frank Vignola, Russel Malone separately after their concerts who their favorite guitarist was (didnt specify "Chord Melody" in my question though) and the first name that popped out of their mouths was "JOE PASS" ... LOL and this forum agrees wholeheartedly with them clearly.

[@JensLarsen]

😂👍

[@henrikduende]

Joe was like the ideal chord solo style. Super basic, but very hard and difficult to do with ease, at the same time😄

[@bobryan8793]

You make me a better player sir...

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you can put it to use 🙂

[@sclogse1]

I actually don't like to use the phrases "It's too bad" or "It's a shame", but when the 60's hit, Kessel started playing new pop tunes, and of course soundtrack songs. Gone was his bebop or whatever you like to call it. Then albums, probably due to ASCAP fees, came out from players of incredible chops that had as much chops as their airbrushed covers did. (see Dave Liebman) All those years, and only in the clubs could you hear quality material from these guys. My bias? Yup. Barney's albums were great, and then were boring. Not the same with Pass. It was still about the playing. I was very lucky to go see Bruce Foreman at Jimmy's at 4th and Townsend on Sundays for about a year. Great music. (Once I was the only person on Sunday who showed.) His albums were mere shadows of those days.

[@TheJoergenDK]

Jazz pianists do exactly the same. The left fingers on the right hand spice up the chords, while the fingers on the right side of the left hand..... Those fingers play the melody. Most often tthe pinkie 😀

[@jwh475ezc]

9:42 sounds great but ain't gonna happen with my fingers, lol. Nice lesson, thank you.

[@nyobunknown6983]

Barney Kessel was also a great studio musician as part of the famous Wrecking Crew. Most studio musicians in the 50s and 60s were Jazz musicians who made their living doing studio work which paid a lot better than Jazz gigs.

[@paulmitchell5349]

E flat 7 with 9 and 13 are for bigger hands only.

[@JensLarsen]

You can leave out the 9th if that helps?

[@marciamakesmusic]

I have small hands and learned to play it fine. That's an incredibly tame chord compared to some others.

[@julianjustin3455]

If I understood the concept correctly Id say Bill Evans. What I refer to is him sequencing chords in his tune frameworks like a fill in or a bridge Waltz of Debby portrays that well (Ok I understood the concept wrong but its still a cool thing tho)

[@JAZZEGUITAR]

Hands down...Joe Pass

[@rs4425]

So good. If i could just play MISTY, I'd be complete.

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it!

[@hulkeville]

For me the most mind blowing tool for chords is harmonizing notes with 6th diminished scale

[@JensLarsen]

Diminished passing chords and suspensions are indeed a great tool :)

[@nonsensecontent1885]

You should check modern bands like Polyphia and their work with chord melody is incredible.

[@elninojustino]

Warren Nunes was a master at that. He hardly used the low E string and still had a rich and full sound

[@kellyjohnson5360]

fantastic.. another is Tuck Andress.. though he does push it

[@JensLarsen]

True! Tuck is amazing at this type of thing!

[@paulgibby6932]

8:16 love these options! Thanks! But, man, are they hard to play (ssstretch!)

[@TheJoergenDK]

Interessant emne. Joao Gilberto er ekspert i at tilføje sødme til en melodi, ved at spille sine akkorder "det helt rigtige sted". Altså på guitaren, og med "alternative" bas-toner.. 1., 3. og 5. omvending for det meste. Lyt til hans version(er) af Pigen Fra Kysten (ironi kan forekomme netop lige her!) - det udtales Garota Jeep Anïma. Interesting subject. Joao Gilberto is an expert in adding sweetness to a melody by playing his chords "in just the right position". That is, on the guitar, and with "alternative" ground notes. 1st, 3rd or 5th most often. Listen to his version(s) of Garrota De Ipanema - pronounced Garrrrrrota Jeep Anïma...

[@JensLarsen]

But essentially that is about accompanying a vocalist which is then really another topic :)

[@TheJoergenDK]

@@JensLarsen Yes, you're righ about that. And also it is about the "colour" of chords. So there is a connection.

[@guillecaminer]

Great video Jens! Quick question: do you have more info/video about the suspension chords you use on "A cure for boring chords"? #IV dim, etc... Thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

I do, but it is spread out over different videos. Maybe search for Dim chords on the channel?

[@kwgm8578]

Jens. you don't like Misty? Man, I have played that tune at least twice a night, six nights a week, for years. Add that up and what's that -- a couple of hundred times? When you accompany a female singer, you're going to play Misty. Actually, it's a beautiful composition and I have to get going to an appointment, but I'm looking forward to hearing what you do with it, especially with passing chords. I have to look for an old Carmen McCrae album because I can't remember the guitarist (yeah, I know.) He's also on the Carmen Sings Billy recording from the early 60's. Have you heard Lover Man on that record? Dreamy, man! This guy's comping with a septet is amazing! TTYL. Thanks Man.

[@JensLarsen]

No, that is not really my favourite tune even if I have to play it at least 10 times every month 😂

[@kwgm8578]

@@JensLarsen I still love it. You won't remember but I'm returning to the guitar after a 40 year hiatus, but I stayed with piano after 10 years of focusing on engineering and computer schools. Misty is much more of a piano tune, first because it's Garner's tune, and the other reasons why pianos can be easier to play. I'm not ready for it yet on guitar -- I am still struggling with Barre chords! - but when I am and I've stolen some of your best ideas, I'll send you a video. 😉 Thank you for the inspiration (and the lessons!) 😆

[@Linwood551]

Thanks Jens. Can you explain (or point to another video on) how you got to the D/Eb chord via the Adim and general theory on substituting a #IV dim chord for a Maj 7th chord? Is this a form of tritone substitution?

[@JensLarsen]

It is not a substitution since it resolves back to Ebmaj7 so it is more what you would call a suspension. Using a D major triad over Eb is a fairly common dim voicing. Probably also what you use for a G7(13b9) 🙂

[@emmanueljames1460]

Thanks for this jens!!! Im a college student but plays classical. I got interested with jazz. What are your recommendation for some jazz standards for beginners? Thanks for this. Love from Philippines

[@JensLarsen]

Maybe try to check out the two videos in this playlist and go with one that you like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6KTc6WKgLBpnc0

[@dariamindowski7604]

Your videos about making up own arrangements are really helpful! Thanks a lot! One Question I have: How do you play the 5-note-chords (5:01) with your right hand? Do you use your pinky? Do you pick two strings with one finger?

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! I use my pinky as well 🙂

[@dariamindowski7604]

@@JensLarsen That makes sense. Thanks! 🙏

[@r0bophonic]

This is so helpful. In addition to chord melody, I’m working on arranging standards for solo guitar and (my) voice. Would you approach it in a similar way, or would you choose different voicings?

[@JensLarsen]

I would not put the melody at the top of the voicing all the time, that is going to be very limiting for how you sing.

[@r0bophonic]

@@JensLarsen Thanks! I guess what I’m getting at is would you use chord melody voicings, but leave off the melody note for the vocal (similar to leaving out the root for the bassist)? I haven’t been able to find any instructional material on arranging for solo guitar and voice.

[@JensLarsen]

@@r0bophonic That is just comping. The only difference is that you are comping yourself and not another horn, singer or something else.

[@thomaslevine8563]

Amazing video. I'm dying here trying to play some of the Ebmaj7 variations like Ebmaj7(#11, #5), TAB at 8:40. Do jazz guitars tend to have smaller frets? I would consider myself to have long fingers but these chords are seemingly impossible to play without being in pain.

[@davedave8608]

Praise God baby

[@AntarblueGarneau]

"I Want To Talk About You" is a nice contrafact based on the chords of "Misty" written by Billy Eckstine. Eckstine got tired of people of people requesting him to sing "Misty" There is a nice version by Dog Raney)

[@JensLarsen]

Ok!! I did not know that! I need to check out that song. I thought it was just a standard (but I never played, at least I think never did) Thanks Antar!

[@antonparas4782]

i wonder how overpowered Jens would’ve become - if young(er) Jens had access to today’s Jens’ educational resources 🤯 Either way, thanks for being a trailblazer for jazz guitar education online!

[@JensLarsen]

😁 Well... I don't think I did not have good lessons from fairly early on, these last few videos where just highlighting times before I really had access to a teacher.

[@ocr3012]

Thank you so much for the video! Learned a lot! At 10:45 when playing that Cb Major 7, are you playing the root on 6th string and 7th on the first string with your pointer finger?

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it! Yes, I do that quite often with maj7 chords

[@ocr3012]

@@JensLarsen I have small hands. Grabbing a drop 3 maj7 chord like that never occurred to me. It was really surprised haha

[@georgejonesthestarseeds77]

Hi Jens, just out of curiosity, whether it's chord melody or solo lead guitar, one of my guitar tutors has me that playing jazz tunes in the key of Eb doesn't sound good on guitar which is why it's best to learn how to transpose songs down to C Major instead so it sounds better. Like Misty for example, he told me instead of Eb, learn it in the key of C. What is your preference or opinion though?

[@JensLarsen]

Start with the most common key, which in this case is Eb.

[@skovgaard2000]

It's so strange to see the place where I grew up and studied (Aarhus) and the place where I live (Vestbirk) in a youtube video about guitar - Great video however!

[@JensLarsen]

Haha! Yes, I can imagine 🙂 its a nice place though even if I haven't been there for 20+ years

[@mannoplanet]

nice. I want to go to an adult education boarding school in Denmark!

[@JensLarsen]

I think they are almost all gone by now. the Modern economy wasn't that kind to that type of school

[@mannoplanet]

@@JensLarsen Oh well. 😞

[@robertmercure1740]

❤️🙏🙋🏼‍♂️🇨🇦

[@KiraPlaysGuitar]

Autumn Leaves?

[@SelfPropelledDestiny]

I didn't quite get the very last diatonic ascending movement. You were in the key of Gb (ii-iii-IV-V) but then were I would expect Gb (Gb Bb Db F) the I, we got Eb (Eb G Bb D) the VI. Was that just a relative substitution?

[@JensLarsen]

You are probably missing the context which is the song Misty. The Abm7 Db7 is a minor subdominant in Eb major (maybe google the song to see the progression) that is why it resolves back to the tonic Ebmaj7.

[@SelfPropelledDestiny]

@@JensLarsen Will do. I love the sound of that Db7 before resolution. It sounds like a deceptive cadence (V to vi) but with a major flare. I guess (bVII to I) in this case.

[@wtfusheeple5383]

hi,,what is a shell chord

[@euronymous6450]

at 10:44 do you fret both Cb and Bb with your index?

[@JensLarsen]

Yes! 😎

[@cbolt4492]

Hi Jens 👋

[@JensLarsen]

Hi Christian!

[@paulgibby6932]

8:40 the Ted Greene/Rocky Gresset Stretch (ouch!)

[@JordanCall]

Maybe I missed it but he said there's a "fix" for notes that are too low for the top two strings (around 3:35)--I assume it's either transpose an octave up or just use the lower strings, but does anyone know what fix he had in mind?

[@JensLarsen]

I am talking about the low notes in this song, the fix is that they are not on the heavy beat 🙂 Does that help explain it?

[@JordanCall]

@@JensLarsen yes I think so--meaning you can play lower strings because you're not trying to cram a chord below it there. Thanks for the response, your responsiveness is legendary and much appreciated!

[@JoshuaPatrickGarrett]

Exploring the scalar possibilities without sounding modal is important. Also, we should never forget rhythmic and dynamic variety, unless we want to sound boring.

[@JensLarsen]

Indeed 🙂

[@drums2127]

What's the song that starts at 00:08?

[@Fytube-cy2ed]

Joe Pass

[@JensLarsen]

👍

[@PaulHirsh]

Is the guitar distortion intentional?