How To Learn a Jazz Standard - Important Exercises

[@JensLarsen]

What is your process or maybe something I left out in mine? Content: 0:00 Intro 0:07 Learning Jazz is Learning Jazz Songs 0:28 Take a better approach than I did 0:44 A Method or a Checklist 1:10 #1 Pick A song 2:02 #2 Listen 2:29 Learning By Ear and using vocal recordings 2:54 #3 Analyze the Song 3:35 Join the FB Community 3:54 #4 Playing The Song 4:13 Play the music, not only exercises 4:31 #5 Pick a Position 5:12 #6 Learn The Melody By Heart 6:04 #7 Play The Chords 6:44 #8 Learn The Arpeggios 8:01 #9 Other Exercises 8:50 Like the Video? Check out my Patreon Page

[@Trombonology]

Great methods, Jens! I'm never at a loss for ideas for songs I want to work up, as there are so many good ones -- and composers -- from the standards era. I like to focus on some that, while standards, are a little less obvious. Too, I try to listen to as many different treatments as I can find, so that I can make an arrangement that combines elements I like, particularly those related to harmonic alterations, from sometimes several.

[@ErikH147]

Jens Larsen Also, practice all keys!😁

[@guitargod6997]

@@ErikH147 I agree - running a song through various keys is fun and sometimes you discover that a certain song just plays more naturally in a certain key. In any case that is so important as an ability to develop.

[@guitargod6997]

@@S.Kowalchuk Your approach sounds good. One very simple insight into playing chord melody style standards. Key choice often depends upon the ease of articulating the melody and harmony which can vary among keys. Thus the most important choices are the various fret positions where the bass line, melody, and harmonies are located.

[@nolanative62]

Trombonology Erstwhile KKK mi ooo

[@jodi183]

As a bassist, I do recommend learning how to walk through the changes. You mentioned learning the arpeggios, which is also a good start to building a walking bass line. Guitarists sometimes have to walk through changes, especially when playing in a duo with another guitarist. It's just a great skill to add to one's playing. Using arpeggios, I think it's really great to use different permutations of an arpeggio, not just 1-3-5(-7). Mix them up, such as 1-5-3-1 or 3 above root-5 below root - 7 - 1. Hopefully that last one makes sense. Come up with different ways to play an arpeggio. Doing this methodically throughout a song will definitely instill a deeper sense of harmony. Take it to the next level using 8th note lines instead of quarter note lines.

[@josephpeacockiguaran]

Thank you, will try the 3 5 7 1

[@petrux]

I found extremely beneficial the exercised proposed in Jamey Aebersold's "How to play jazz and Improvise": play the scale up to the 9th and down back to the 1st, then play the arpeggio, then scale up and arpeggio down, then arpeggio up and scale down. Which is roughly the same things that you suggest in the "Other exercises" section but with the 9th instead of the 7th. :-)

[@HeathCliff95]

As a professional musician and guitar player (with not much experience in jazz) I can identify with that feeling of astonishment and doubt when first getting into the amazing world of possibilities this genre offers. Luckily, I found this channel, which helps me find my way step by step. Thank you, Jens!

[@ryadachaibou8098]

You dropped this video right when I was gonna butcher a Wes Montgomery classic. Thank you.

[@JensLarsen]

Great it works out like that! Which Wes song? :)

[@ryadachaibou8098]

@@JensLarsen How insensitive !

[@robertdouglas4293]

Good Day Jens, like to Share a story, born in1959, was fortunate to have an Aunt whom left me with 78's from WW2, I wore them out, created a great love for all music, especially the stories my dad told me of his endeavors towards the big Band ERA! The math, timing, but also the feel for things we eventually develop, He never got the chance, as he fought in WW2, bought he inspired, and taught his Sons music, keep up the good work and continue to share as others do, Good WORK!

[@AlexBecerra]

Thanks for all the advice! Something else I recommend is listening to the piece several times while focusing on different instruments, even if you don't play them. Maybe the first time focus on the sax, next one the piano, then drums, then bass... playing also involves listening to other musicians.

[@JensLarsen]

Listening is indeed very important! I usually to say listen like you are playing along 🙂

[@hakonosatowakugai7256]

Yes! Listening to vocal versions of standards is very useful to get the melody in your head. Too often when playing rock in a group a lot of musicians get lost on the instrumental breaks the 1st few times they play a tune because they don't sing the melody in their head. Lyrics do help keep it together when learning melody.

[@muhammadrezahaghiri]

The first Jazz Standard I learned was "Autumn Leaves". I love that piece. Simple but beautiful. Those days I was 14 (about 10 years ago) and I had no idea what Jazz is (unfortunately, Jazz never became as popular as other genres here in Iran). I actually found the beauty of Jazz in the past two years, and I started learning more jazz songs (not sure if they considered standard) like "La vie en rose" or "Everybody wants to be a cat". Great video! I think I should learn more Jazz standards :P

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it! Learning music is always good 🙂

[@eliasschneeberger1337]

Autumn leaves was also my first. Still one of my favourites.

[@rogerball6265]

Muhammadreza - keep playing Jazz , it is the international music to connect peoples from around the world

[@lorerecru]

In which key did you learn it? I found it in Dm and in Gm. Is it important to choose a good version?

[@softwetbread248]

​@@lorerecrulearn it in all keys

[@Soberan]

Well done, Jens! Yet another no-nonsense video. Essential viewing! I would add though, after the arpeggios, to add approach notes and enclosures to the chord tones. Cheers!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@DovidM]

Regarding your point about paying attention to how the ballad is sung, I’ve heard that guitarists and piano players approach this differently. From the point of view of piano players, guitarists often give no thought about how singers typically phrase or accent a given ballad, and that this detracts from their solos. In listening to my own practice sessions, I compare what I played to a sung version to see if I am playing the melody with the phrasing and dynamics a singer brings to it.

[@RC32Smiths01]

AHh Jazz Standards have so much value to them in terms of getting them down and getting it right for all of Jazz playing! Great work here man!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you RC :)

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@JensLarsen Ahh you are welcome as always my man!

[@localpm]

Best Teacher there is.Thanks again Jens.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much, Paul 🙂

[@crashandburngaming5103]

Never come across a teacher like this, who can take an extremely diffucult style(Jazz) and make it so relatable and easily understand. Thank you very much Jens.

[@yafittsouri8054]

You’re so great, I tried playing jazz many times, your explain so clear and to the point.

[@reesischess8054]

Small tip: learn standards with a common and popular vocal line, e.g. Fly Me to the Moon or The Days of Wine and Roses. This way, should you ever work with a singer, you'll already have a base to work from.

[@JensLarsen]

Actually most standards have lyrics, but going for the famous and common ones is certainly a good idea 🙂

[@annettesomers7463]

Great lesson so thank you! I love Take the A train

[@peropen]

Thank you, Lars! So much insight in a single lesson!

[@JensLarsen]

You are very welcome! :)

[@paulpmanhowland7818]

Great video. As to item #6, Learning The Melody By Heart, I like to play along to recordings of the tune playing the melody over the whole tune, solos and all, it seems like a good way to internalize the melody and the form.

[@JensLarsen]

That can be a good exercise indeed :)

[@jamieholman8044]

Was doing that today over Parker's version of Au Private and it was very difficult to stick to the head and not start improvising. So I played it to a metronome for a while until it was the speed of the recording and then it worked out great (:

[@LarsBauer74]

very cool ideas! thank you Jens. What I also like to practice over a given standard is playing off the guidetone lines, connecting 3rds and 7ths and adding some melodic neighboring tones (chromatic or diatonic) here and there.

[@travislee9662]

Great advice as usual! I came across your channel about a month ago and quickly subscribed. I’ve bought a couple of guitar books in the past from Fundamental Changes so I’m on their email list. I got an email a couple weeks ago from them announcing a new jazz book and I was like, "Jens Larsen? wait a minute that’s that KZbin guy I just found out about.” I bought both of your books on Amazon. Mind blown! On just a quick read through I can already tell I love the material, the layout, and your teaching style. I’ve got years of material to work on (especially if I do all the chapter assignments!). Maybe one day I’ll be up to the level of earning the right to open the second advanced book 🤪

[@jannesamuelsson109]

Great list! Got some new ideas to add to mine from it. Thanks! I like to noodle around with bass-lines while practicing the chord progression. It helps me hear and understand the chord values a bit clearer, and then I loop it on my TC Ditto, so I have something to practice improv over. When I find something that works and get a descent flow, I some times try to expand the bass-line and find variations I like, so I can widen the range over the neck, and try to see the different areas I can go later when improvising. It's also a useful element when playing solo jazz guitar. I've also embraced the idea of using a log, only that I print out separate little folders I've made for each song, where I have to write down the progression from memory a couple of times, have a couple of different exercices I check off that revolves around inversions and reharmonisation and stuff like that, and a part where I write down my problem areas, so I can isolate them and give them extra attention. There's also some room for ideas I can write down and add to my impro-arsenal. It's a very good way to keep track on my progress, and a great way to not miss anything vital for nailing the song.

[@jimkangas4176]

I'd definitely underscore that statement you made that we learn melodies way better than harmonies - way better. Given that harmonic movement is so strongly based on "the cycle", learning the unique parts along with the melody can get you a long way. A mistake that I made for a long time was constantly having the lead sheet in front of me. Especially for tunes that I actually knew, it became a big distraction. Learning the melody in at least two places on the fretboard really helps me as well. Thanks!

[@rongibbs390]

I’m finding that with memorised chords, I think too much about the chord I’m playing, whereas with a lead sheet in front of me I can think ahead a few bars so I’m more relaxed and playing better lines with more space. I just need to improve my internal map reading, I guess.

[@jimkangas4176]

@@rongibbs390 That can certainly work. In my case I would be staring a both the lead sheet and the fretboard - going back and forth - too much thinking, compounded by the fact that I didn't know the voicings that would prevent me from having to move. One thing to consider (Jim Hall used to talk about this) is that most songs could be stripped down harmonically. For example it's common to use a ii-V to the target IV, or a string of similar chords. If you just consider the "target", then you can use any kind of harmony to get you there. That takes a little pressure off and maybe gets you a little reharm as well.

[@binhnguyenquoc9747]

Thanks a lot Jens! Nice work! It will help me a lot!!!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@danielirilarry]

It's very useful and clear as water, thank you very very much!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! Really glad to hear that :)

[@downhill240]

Excellent lesson

[@antsonc]

I sometimes find useful listening to the original vocal version by Billie Holiday, because she kept the melodic lines very strict to what was meant to be, as opposed to Ella Fitzgerald, who used to improvise and felt free to change the original themes. AND I bought a 100 Tunes Billie's album for just 3€ :D After Learning a standard, one problem is to keep it in mind! I do prefer tunes where the main theme is melodic so I can: 1. Learn it by ear 2. remember it while I'm playing it (hopefully) 3. harmonize it with chord blocks, double stops, octaves ecc. 4. if I miss a couple of notes, I can keep on playing the theme and say "It's my interpretation!" :D

[@JensLarsen]

Actually that is the other way around. Ella is much closer to the original melody than Billie. In fact the 3 vocalist I would suggest you learn the melody from would be Ella, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.

[@antsonc]

@@JensLarsen well, I find Ella too much "free" on the Sweet Georgia Brown version I got, just to name One :) clearly, She goes like the original on,say, How high the moon and others... And yes, I've listened to Sinatra version's of What is this thing called love, Have you met Miss Jones, ecc. :)

[@bryonmusante1834]

Hi Jens! I’m curious, where does learning chord melody fit into the process of learning a standard? Is it an essential or useful way to approach a tune? Thank you for all of your amazing content!

[@JensLarsen]

Yes, it is! You should strive to harmonize every song you learn along the way (if possible). However, at the beginning that is not the focus, it is technically more demanding and learning the separate elements like chords, melody and improvisation is more important at this stage. The better you know that, the easier making a harmonization is. Also: Learning a chord melody by somebody else is not very useful in terms of learning the song, what you want to be able to do is to make your own chord melody. Does that help?

[@BrettplaysStick]

Great video, great advice, I wish I learned like the rest of you, for some people the path is much much much more difficult. The process is much the same but the time it takes can be much greater. I do not know “take the A train” because if I practice the melody playing singing, solfege, listening, ear training for 45 minutes every day it could take me up to a decade to learn it (yes I have pretty extreme learning disabilities) so I learn a new song every 6 or 7 years. I will “learn” maybe 4 more songs in my lifetime I have to be very choosy.

[@JensLarsen]

What is your learning disability called? I have never heard of anything like it

[@Brucelectricmoose]

Hello. Thank you for the videos. They really help me. I do struggle with making things sound Jazzy and I realise now to get the feel under my fingers I'll need to really listen and learn. I'm starting with Autumn Leaves. I find the the G melodic minor can sound very jazzy so I'm practising that as a scale at the moment.

[@jumemowery9434]

I love your lessons Jens! Thanks!

[@禺囸]

Thank you Jens for the great video. I'd add playing bass line to a song: it's is great for learning harmony and keeping time.

[@paujs724]

Nice exercises and lovely video! Besides that, I started writing down my own composed solos. Usually I do several "one chorus" solos over the tune and learn them by heart. I usually do it using material that I transcribed, but also specific concepts that I am working on. I think it's a very fun way to learn the tune and apply vocabulary. What do you think about that kind of approach?

[@ignaciobusquets]

thanks Jens! Good lesson

[@JensLarsen]

My pleasure!

[@BraxtonCleburne]

I think this is the most useful video I have seen in a long time ! Many Thanks ! :-)

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much! I am glad you like it!

[@andrewnicorn]

This is a perfect video for what I want to do right now.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you, Andrew :) Go for it!

[@TheloniusJ]

Thank you for this. Really helpful.

[@bernieriegger7447]

You are awesome. Thanks for the great lessons.

[@JensLarsen]

You are very welcome 🙂

[@TeleStrat335]

Jens, thanks for an excellent video. I've been playing these tunes for decades and your approach is right on. One thing, you didn't mention learning a very simple bassline.

[@p.diddle]

Tak!

[@JensLarsen]

Selv tak :)

[@Zenzodiene]

Hey Jens, great lesson! Best post beginner/intermediate guitar channel on YT! However, I was curious on how you play your arpeggios through the tune in one position. Do you play the arpeggios in one octave or two? And do you try to "voice lead" your arpeggios or just start on the root the whole time Thanks a lot!

[@fenderjag114]

This is great advice. I'm learning jazz in a workshop context, and I was initially a bit frustrated because the leader wasn't bothering to teach us scales or modes or instrumental technique. We mostly worked on songs and time. Eventually I realized that once I understand the songs and how the progressions worked in each song, it was easier to work on solos on my own (as well as scales and modes). So I agree that "songs first" is a great approach to learning. (Bonus: it works for bluegrass too, which is another one of my obsessions.)

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks! :)

[@yafittsouri8054]

Thank you for your great videos.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad it was helpful 🙂

[@robertdouglas4293]

Times are changing, know what, only my opinion, learning jazz is relaxing, better than worry, one thing I have learned about music is, it's good for our health, every bit helps, Cheers Man, Be Cool Jens!

[@BurntMcgurnt]

Great tips man !

[@carlossuarez254]

Great Lesson! Thanks master

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome 🙂

[@TheBobrossmusic]

Rhythmic limitations. Play through the tune with only while notes, half’s, Quartet, eights, triplets, etc. Determine if you’ll focus on the scale or arpeggio approach first.

[@JensLarsen]

I think that is a great improvisation exercise, but I am curious what you think it does for learning the song? I would imagine you need to know that already.

[@TheBobrossmusic]

I would agree that it is an exercise to implement once you feel that you know the tune. This practice challenges you to see how well you actually know the tune. Similar to what you mentioned about using chord tones, just applied to a rhythmic limitation.

[@fullViewJay]

Awesome video as usual. I have been working on learning jazz standards and have about 4-5 firmly under my belt (Take the A train, autumn leaves, blue bossa, solar, and one or two more). How long do you suggest working on tune? I can relate when you said you’d spend a lot of time on just one when there are better ways to go about it. I’m think one standard a week makes sense

[@JensLarsen]

You play it until you know it really well, and you have the impression that you won't forget it? There is no set amount of time, it is different for everyone 🙂

[@binface9]

Great advice!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you 🙂

[@MorningCarnival]

Hi, I’m on my third Standrad, let alone 20 or so! Satin Doll, A-Train and now I can’t give you anything but love. What would be a good one to tackle next?

[@JensLarsen]

Maybe look at this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6KTc6WKgLBpnc0 or this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3SYn5KLqr57gtE

[@petersantospago1966]

Very excellent vid .. Ken's Jens what very basic relevant scale and chords do I practice??? I'm a complete beginner... Never did jazz ever... Please..ty...I love your videos...ty

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like them Peter 🙂

[@petersantospago1966]

Ty Jens... Can you tell me what to practice as a total beginner?

[@JensLarsen]

Maybe Check out this post: jenslarsen.nl/how-to-learn-jazz-guitar-suggestions-to-begin-studying/

[@petersantospago1966]

@@JensLarsen ty Jens. You're a great teacher. I'm so bored with mainstream music.

[@jackmeginniss6327]

I love this video and I agree with everything you recommend. Ironically, I recently streamed standards recorded by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett for the very reason of trying to determine what is the real melody of the song. Also, listening to a good version whether instrumental or vocal saves a tremendous amount of time.

[@shawndimery]

Jack Meginniss Yeah I also do that with Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, the melody is crystal clear with vocalists I find.

[@bartsjazzman446]

If you ain't reading the the chart then you must listen to the bass. Listening builds an instinct for what should come next. Practice builds a sound bank in your head that works with muscle memory to trigger a response to what you hear (and see...... if you are reading).

[@JensLarsen]

You should indeed be able to sing the bass line 🙂

[@carlodevivomusicontent2138]

Thank you, very usefull

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@ChrisSmithSaxophone]

Hi Jens - in section 5 you talk about working out the technical problems in advance so you can "Think while you are practicing, so that you can focus on the music while you are playing music" This feels like quite a big challenge for me. If I am learning a new standard, and there are some arpeggios I am unfamiliar with, then when I am playing the music, I have to think quite hard about which notes to target on the new chords, which arpeggios to play, what motifs might work. Do you recommend that you work all of this out while practicing? Then when you play the tune, you are playing a pre-composed solo? Rather than improvising at the time of playing the tune?

[@JensLarsen]

No, that's not really what I mean, I would first practice the arpeggios so that they are not a problem. I would do that as isolated arpeggios and on the song. Usually when people start to think too much when they solo you can hear the music stop.

[@MetaphysicalMusician]

GREAT ADVICE

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Phil! :)

[@HolyJukebox]

All your videos rock, but I do particularly like that one. Super useful stuff, all the learning seems a lot less monolithic! ;)

[@canuckteach4315]

Jens.. great outline, but I would like to see you walk thru TAKE THE A TRAIN: melody, chords, arpeggios-even briefly, to APPLY the steps. Just a suggestion for MY learning style-after 2 mins of metaphysical discussion, my brain goes into Gilligan’s Island mode.

[@JensLarsen]

I am working on a course going through learning a standard from the bottom up, so maybe you can use that?

[@canuckteach4315]

@@JensLarsen Absolutely... Tnx..

[@lekinguitarrista8445]

ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO! Jens do you have any video where you explain the Barry Harris scale exercise or the Coltrane pattern? You got me curious about this now. Thanks

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! I have a video where I talk about Coltrane Patterns and another one on "Bb Blues the basics" where I go over the Barry Harris scale exercise.

[@KentWoodsMusic]

Thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@knotwilg3596]

Question: is it better to Play through the song again and again, gradually smoothening out the harder pieces and transitions? OR Focus on the difficult parts and then bring it together once in a while?

[@JensLarsen]

Why not mix both? 🙂

[@eddietrvkvlt]

What is the standard you are playing in the learn the chords section I loved the way it sounds!

[@LucasHagemans]

8:19 Barry Harris scale exercise. 8:32 Coltrane patterns

[@cfibanez]

Need a pointer to the Barry Harris Scale Exercise. Thanks! Great video, as always. :-)

[@JensLarsen]

It is in the 2nd video in this list Bb Blues Lessons: kzbin.info/aero/PLWYuNvZPqqcFKx4qg-eCIydNm4JeTYK3o

[@cfibanez]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@williamospino1676]

J., greetings, from Venezuela. Another method of scale and chord study is Patternes for Jazz, by Jerry Coker, Jimmy Casale, Gary Campbell, and Jerry Greer. It seems to me a proposal of study for all this quite practical and complete. I insist on my suggestion that you do the translations of the videos in Spanish more frequently (the population is higher). One more thing: I don't see Take Five on the list of single standards, Dave Brubeck. I understand that there are many. Bye.

[@jeromebanaszynski4840]

Hello and thank you Jens. Being stuck at home has left me time to finally pursue learning to play some jazz; I will join the FB group. Question - in additional exercises you mentioned 'Coltraning' the chords sequences. Can you provide a reference/insight into this process?

[@mariojane8188]

Took me years to learn minor blues, major blues and Autumn Leaves.

[@klokmedia]

This is brilliant and clearly gives me somewhere to start. Thank you!

[@JensLarsen]

Great! Go for it 🙂

[@robertdouglas4293]

doing a nice job, Jens

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! :)

[@shalevgoren653]

Hey Jens, I am curious as to which musicians have simple tunes that carry a "heavy" groove..you know something classic and simple to learn how to find and stay in the pocket.

[@JensLarsen]

That really depends on what you find groovy, which is a bit subjective in Jazz. Maybe Grant Green or Oscar Peterson could be good (and quite different) places to start.

[@GustavoMilaniMusic]

My post in 3:45 😂. Is a great Facebook grupo for sure

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Gustavo :)

[@MrBradWi]

I picked up my real book and thumbed over to "Take the A Train" and during the "analyze" part of the process, I get stuck on the D7b5 and it's role in the key of C, which appears to be the key of the song, with the second part of the "a" section being a 251. Then the "b" part , jumps to F followed by D7, which is either a IV to a II7 or something else.... then it gets back to ii7 and a 251 back to the "a" part.... I think.... So while it is a simple song, and suitable for jamming over on a looper, what is going on with the chords?

[@JensLarsen]

D7 is the dominant of the dominant. That is a very common chord to come across in a standard. Probably it is in most standards in a major key?

[@lilianthevenin3151]

Hi! Does anyone know by any chance what standard Jens is playing at 0:32 and at 5:12? I know I've heard this before, but I cannot figure out what it is for the life of me, and it's driving me absolutely crazy! Any help would be much appreciated! Thank you all, and of course, thank you Jens for the great lesson and the great playing!

[@scottd291]

Very interesting video what I would like some help with is the playing of the melody I’m not the best at Sight reading and is there a book or somewhere where I can get good PDFs in TAB so that I can work on a good melody

[@JensLarsen]

Why not try to pick them up by ear from a good vocal version?

[@guitarforfree]

great videos

[@sergiodudik7489]

Hi mr Larsen. Im trumpet player. I have a question for you. It is about the progresions. What kind of notation can you recomend to learn chord progresions?, the numeric notation or by the names of chords? Im from Argentine, sorry for my english. Thanks!!!

[@JensLarsen]

I would learn both :)

[@Sh-ws5jd]

What standard is that you are playing at 6:12 it's the most beautiful thing I've ever heard

[@eliasschneeberger1337]

I've got a question. I want to study jazz at a university and I have the test in about a month. The pieces I play are Lullaby of Birdland, Au Privave and 2 classical etudes (Cramer No 10 and Muskovski etude op 26 No 2). The problem is that I am lacking a blues. Can you suggest a jazz blues that is not THAT hard to learn? Edit: Forgot to mention that I play piano.

[@JensLarsen]

Au Privave is a blues in F? But you can also learn Tenor Madness or Now's The Time.

[@eliasschneeberger1337]

@@JensLarsen Au Privave is a blues? Goddammit now I feel dumb. But thank you for answering anyway. I am just a beginner at jazz an I really appreciate you videos and your enthusiasm to answer every question!

[@JensLarsen]

@@eliasschneeberger1337 No worries. It is difficult to hear on the theme that Au Privave is a blues, so don't feel bad about that :) Good luck with the test!! I hope it goes well

[@petedavid9689]

I use band in a box but I don't have any DAW yet to mix in my guitar to the backing track

[@thekingsryche]

When you say learn it in one position, do you mean a specific physical placement on the neck or in a specific key?

[@JensLarsen]

A place on the neck, the song may move around in several keys and scales on

[@SatrialiWASD]

Hi, mr. Larsen, hi everyone! Im completely new in jazz and I really can't figure out how jazz standard is built. As I see, its like AABA - improvising - AABA (or some other forms). Is it appropriate to learn improvised solos or no one does that? Or it should be completely improvised part by me? Sorry for stupid question, i really don't understand this moment. Thanks a lot for answering in advance!!!

[@JensLarsen]

You should aim to improvise on the form, so what you play is related to the song, not sure if that is what you are asking?

[@SatrialiWASD]

@@JensLarsen Thanks for answering! I've just heard the opinion, that you also should learn the solos (improvising) from original recording of a standard, not just chords and melody. Im really confused now😀

[@thienvip21]

Hi! Whats your ibanez series?

[@JensLarsen]

It's an AS2630 from 1977 🙂

[@thehat1218]

Thank you again Jens! I have one question: What are Coltrane patterns? Is there a book that has them?

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome! Here is a video on Coltrane Patterns: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ-ViHiCgs2smJY

[@MrMarcoAlvarado]

Hi Jens, I'm rehearsing "Isn't it romantic", If I focus on the melody, I'm still not able to play the chords. And it's also not possible to just to learn the rhythm changes pattern, because the chords are different in the tune. How would you approach an accompaniment for that tune? Thanks so much!

[@JensLarsen]

If you know the melody then transcribe the bassline and figure out the chords from that 🙂

[@MrMarcoAlvarado]

@@JensLarsen Ok, I try that, thanks!!

[@MrMarcoAlvarado]

Thanks again, this really helps a lot. I realize that I sing the easy parts of the melody and I leave open the difficult parts. So I never got a whole picture of the song.

[@savvasanastasiou335]

Hello Jens! Cool lesson ! There is one thing that I do and I think it is helpful: I learn the melody and every melody note that I play I try to visualise what degree it is compared to the chord of that moment. I also try to play the melody and the roots of the chords in the bass at the same time. I do this relying very much on thinking about functions and then I do this in all positions of the guitar and many keys. I think that this makes you learn the song really good! Lage lund also sais that he does this

[@JensLarsen]

That is great. Very useful things to know. Essentially this is the same as making a chord melody, though?

[@savvasanastasiou335]

@@JensLarsen the purpose is not a chord melody , it is just to be more aware of the melody and what it is related to the harmony! But Once I learned my voicings a bit better , I started doing the same exercise but instead of playing the bass notes, I played chords with top voice the melody. So I guess this could be a next level of the exercise with the bass notes :)

[@JensLarsen]

No, that is not the purpose, but making a chord melody will give you pretty much the same info, and if you have the level that will anyway be something you want to do, right?

[@savvasanastasiou335]

@@JensLarsen yes I think that you are right!

[@beckholland8367]

What are the Coltrane Patterns? Thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJW0no1ribejac0

[@beckholland8367]

Thank you so much!

[@terrybessey8134]

Great video, Jens, as always. I have a question - what's your view on playing on chords that seem to have kind of an obscure relationship to the apparent key? On A Train, for example, how do you handle the D7#11? I think it should be the mixolydian augmented mode of the the A melodic minor scale, which is kind of weird in an overall C major context (but I don't question Billy Strayhorn's melodic genius!). Also on I Remember You, what's up with the II-V in A in the second bar, in an otherwise F major context (and there the chords aren't required or even suggested that much by the melody)? Coincendentally, I think you would also look to an A minor scale (harmonic minor in that case), but I'm wondering if I'm over-thinking it for one bar! Thanks.

[@petealba707]

It's not an augmented 5th, but a sharp 4 on d7#11. Using A melodic is the correct choice over this chord but it produces the mode call Lydian dominant. It's a mixolydian scale with a sharp 4 and fits the chord like a glove. It does introduce notes that are not in C major, so you have to get used to the melodic shift. Personally, I love it. Hope that helps. BTW, the augmented version is produced by playing G harmonic minor, which produces a #5 and b2 over the D7. This works great for minor keys and that "spanish" minor sound.

[@JensLarsen]

D7 is the dominant of the dominant in C major which is anything but obscure and The minor II V in I remember you is a reharmonized #IV dim chord, it think I have a video on that, the one on reading leadsheets?

[@terrybessey8134]

@@JensLarsen Thanks, I'll track it down!

[@terrybessey8134]

@Jens Larsen So I tracked down that video, and it turned out to be a master class on I Remember You! You never cease to amaze - thanks again!

[@bigfootisjustreallyshy]

Me: Sitting here spending almost two weeks trying to get down a Django song. Jens: Don't be like me when I started and spend weeks trying to learn one song. There's an easier way. Me: Well, Fuck.....

[@JensLarsen]

Haha 🙂

[@marcdominguez6141]

You mentioned a clip by Pat Metheny, which one?

[@JensLarsen]

Can you give me a time in the video?

[@marcdominguez6141]

@@JensLarsen Sorry I just turned off the computer, I will tell you tomorrow morning. Thanks for answering!

[@marcdominguez6141]

@@JensLarsen 7:35 is the time!

[@marcdominguez6141]

Came back to this video one year after, I guess I did not learn anything in the meantime... Saw my comment, now I am intrigued, do you have that clip? :) Thanks for your incredible job, Jens!

[@rorybass7915]

Voice leading quarter notes up to sixteenth note arpeggios is a great way to see how the chords all connect on your instrument

[@JensLarsen]

I am not sure what you mean?

[@fabiomattiuzzo8130]

Ciao, scusa ma vorrei sapere che corde usi sulla tua chitarra, grazie

[@JensLarsen]

I use 13s from Sonotone

[@carmenip6924]

What’s the Coltrane pattern?

[@JensLarsen]

I talk about them in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJW0no1ribejac0

[@edwardebel1847]

I left a comment around here somewhere…cuz comments help the channel…now where did I leave that comment…?

[@paulreddy5275]

I wasn't able to get the name of the FB group, can anyone enlighten me please?

[@JensLarsen]

There is a link in the description 🙂

[@tomplaner1488]

It may have been asked before: What is the Blue Fuzzy above the nut?

[@ericamccool345]

It's to mute open strings and cut down on sympathetic vibrations/ringing overtones.

[@xebio6]

Very useful! Only thing I'd add is maybe start with standards that are blues-based since there are a bunch of them and most beginners will find them easier.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! Not sure what you consider a blues based standard, but I would say that "Take The A train" is much easier than "Loverman" or "Gee, Baby ain't I good to you"?

[@robinsonchristian702]

Very Nice.How can I Contact to you I play Guitar. But not Nicely. Please help me for the Church.

[@MrNihema]

Hvilke 10 jazz standards vil du anbefale at lære som de første ?

[@JensLarsen]

Måske disse: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6KTc6WKgLBpnc0 :)

[@tool2rishloo]

Dear Jens, one thing u didn’t mention is rhythm. Can u refer to a video?

[@JensLarsen]

What do you mean exactly, Learn the rhythm of the melody?

[@tool2rishloo]

@@JensLarsen Im really grateful u responded. Thanks 🙏. I mean if it a ballade, swing or bossa. I know how to play the melody and how to comp, but not both at the same time. I mean it must be something super easy like a charleston pattern.

[@JensLarsen]

@@tool2rishloo I have videos on comping rhythms, but I guess that is not what you mean. It's still not really clear to me what you need if you can play the melody and comp on the progression.

[@tool2rishloo]

@@JensLarsen I mean how do u build your own arrangement? Let’s take “my funny Valentine” I have the chords and the melody. The melody start at beat 1, but I noticed plenty of arrangements where they prepend an arbitrary intro and the rhythm of the melody differs from the sheet. Also they add extra material or intermezzos. So, my question is actually how to create an arrangement and if u could refer to a video of yours. A step by step introduction like in this video. I asked especially for rhythm, cause I struggle with keeping the rhythmical pattern straight without sacrificing material of the melody.

[@JensLarsen]

@@tool2rishloo So it is about chord melody arrangements more than rhythm. If you listen to chord melody arrangements then they rarely have a steady pattern going on through the whole song. Maybe try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKqlqYyagLZqd7s

[@jz4901]

Hi Jens, great video as always! fyi Aimee Nolte's Tune a Week (kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip-miHt5Z9ZreJo) also has some great ideas on learning tunes, and it may be interesting for you and your students. I'm having trouble progressing with her lessons at the moment b/c I lack some knowledge, and so am filling that out (e.g., how to make nice rootless chord progressions), but I think that her ideas are sound. Re the chord progressions, I know that you have some lessons on that, and I'll go through those again; however, I found your A Train comping demo on this video _extremely_ interesting. It goes much further than the vids you've recorded about rootless triads. Currently the rootless triad word I'm doing is very static and dull ... maybe I'll look some more at your comping here for inspiration. Do you have suggestions, or other videos, on interesting comping? Cheers and thanks!

[@lolo2556]

What's the fuzzy thing on your headstock?

[@JensLarsen]

It is a hairband 🙂

[@lolo2556]

@@JensLarsen ah I thought so. You use it to mute the strings take it? I've see Greg Howe use hairbands on his guitar as well.

[@JensLarsen]

Yes, but when it is up there it doesn't do anything 🙂