Jimmy Bruno - How I Learned Jazz Guitar In The 60s

Excerpt from "In The Style Of Jimmy Bruno, Vol. 1"
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Jimmy talks about his Jazz upbringing. Lesson Excerpt.
About:
Jimmy Bruno, born July 22, 1953 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a master jazz guitarist and jazz educator. One of the most critically acclaimed jazz guitarists performing today, Jimmy Bruno came to prominence as a jazz musician in the 1990's, after a successful twenty-year career as a sought-after commercial guitarist and session musician. He studied jazz improvisation with local Philly bass legend Al Stauffer and to develop technique, taught himself to play the rigorous and exacting classical violin etudes of Wohlfahrt and Paganini. A summer guitar gig in Wildwood NJ changed the direction of Jimmy's life forever, putting him into the path of Buddy Rich.
After a whirlwind round-the-world tour as the youngest member of the Buddy Rich Orchestra, he went on to play guitar in orchestras for Frank Sinatra, Anthony Newley, Doc Severinsen, Lena Horne, and many more music icons. Additionally he spent many years as an LA session musician working with Tommy Tedesco. But his first love was always jazz, and by the time he was in his mid-thirties he was ready to come out of the background and back into the spotlight. Today, Jimmy is considered a jazz guitar legend.
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[@user-ms8hz7ui3i]

Im trying to learn in my 70’s

[@TheMightyKingzuru]

His VHS tape entitled, "No nonsense guitar" was a secret magic stone for budding Jazz guitarists.

[@billofjazz]

His 5 scale shapes totally turned me into a pretty good jazz guitar player and I owe Jimmy a debt of gratitude.

[@utube9000]

Yeah, I had success with that as well. It's funny, those 5 scales are not really that different from the common scales that everyone knows (and which are taught at Berklee) but the way Jimmy presents them and thinks of them make a lot of sense. They offer a solid blueprint for the guitar.

[@ledaswan5990]

Howard Roberts taught me the 5 scale shapes in the 70’s. They are the foundation of everything I play to this day. I wonder if they’re the same as Jimmy’s.

[@southisaac]

Where can someone learn these nowadays?

[@salvatormundi5184]

Yes please share it with us !

[@timd1111]

@@salvatormundi5184 his no nonsense dvd

[@bobtaylor170]

Jimmy, you sound and look great. I'm glad you're back.

[@shawnmann9491]

Did he quit smoking?

[@michaelstevens8]

Someone else Commented that Jimmy Bruno is a Living Legend. That's absolutely true. Lets Remember their are other Living Legends that are fortunately still with us. Kenny Burrell, George Benson, John Pisano among others. Also, and Jimmy talked about this, their isn't just One Way to Learn Jazz, their also isn't just One Way to Teach Jazz. Ultimately you have to find the way that works for you. Thanks.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

😂 Relax

[@michaelstevens8]

@@lowellcalavera6045 I'll try to.

[@tychoshea]

I was so grateful to have caught Herbie down in New Orleans this past May… what a treat to see him still shredding keytar

[@michaelstevens8]

@tychoshea Over the past approximately 10 years I've had the pleasure of seeing Live Performances by Jimmy Cobb, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and others. The Best part was having the opportunity to Talk to them for a moment after the show and Thank Them for what a big inspiration and influence they are to Me and so many others.

[@MetaphysicalMusician]

As in Life

[@adamwinterburn2952]

Jimmy 'Clooney' Bruno Best teacher for no bullshit guitar jazz on YT

[@guitarttimman]

Never forget Diorio. He was a master. I love his guitar playing.

[@kentrichardson1581]

Miss those old morning shows--coffee-cigarettes and the news.

[@jjsbluz6081]

Used get up @ 5am San Diego for the early Bruno Rant, Take it or leave it what you see is what you get, not just no nonsense Guitar, no nonsense real McCoy 😾

[@wittvonwitt4403]

Me to! The Bruno rant...

[@bobtaylor170]

He has Bruno online school on KZbin. But I agree, those daily morning videos were priceless.

[@bilanggoboy]

God bless you Mr Bruno!

[@wittvonwitt4403]

I miss his online school. Learned a lot there. His 5 shapes are an absolute MUST

[@bobtaylor170]

He has Bruno online school here on KZbin.

[@joshferguson9703]

This man is one of the last greats and he is a genius

[@evuono]

True man!

[@axeman2638]

Such a shame he is not more widely known, even more now that he is one of the very few of his generation left.

[@joshferguson9703]

@@axeman2638 agreed his playing is on par with Pass Green Kessel and Wilkins

[@anotherbahamianguitarplayer]

​@@joshferguson9703 its not on par with wes

[@joshferguson9703]

@@anotherbahamianguitarplayer it’s better than Wes imo

[@alankeish6420]

I took a couple of lessons from this man and believe me he is a genius, teaching method is like no other, and my favorite player of all time.

[@FrettieFingers]

Jimmy is a treasure trove of wisdom

[@digital6string1]

So inspiring,thank you.

[@garyeckstein4917]

awesome discussion, thanks!

[@MaxItani]

Love him!

[@fouroutoffour]

Great insights from Jimmy!!

[@toddwisenbaker]

Love you, Jimmy!

[@jeremyversusjazz]

So great…

[@Muzikman127]

I enjoyed this video very much, thanks!

[@fenderjag114]

This is wonderful.

[@peteleoni9665]

Good to see you back !!!

[@peteandrews7169]

Wow, this is fantastic, thank you Jimmy, for your clarity and great history lesson

[@paulgibby6932]

Such a great storyteller. Thanks for the vid

[@anthonymorales842]

so good great sound wow

[@aiadeleon8989]

This is refreshing and encouraging thank you for sharing!❤

[@colinpadley1897]

Excellent

[@musicalSFCat]

Thank you again, Jimmy. Great insightful tips in the world of jazz guitar.

[@TheAlominium]

Bravo Mikey!

[@PianoMatronNeeNee]

Great performance 👏👏👏thanks for sharing from Miami

[@genebutler1977]

There he is! Brilliant and all Jimmy, class act and great guy.

[@josemolina959]

Love Jimmy Bruno! Learned good stuff from his videos! God bless him. 👍🏼😎🙏🏼🎼🎶🎵🎸🎵🎶🎼

[@aldentokuzato5729]

I’m sooooo glad you addressed the circle of whatever. I appreciate it very much. I thought I was the only one who was confused by the intervallic label but to hear you as a jazz great mention what you mentioned, I feel more normal as a human being and as an American English speaker.

[@garymukalay2]

Great musician !

[@Spock_Rogers]

What beautiful playing! Thank you Jimmy and everyone who helped make this video. 🎶💕👍

[@papanino4415]

Wow, I really dig the idea of colors. I've been trying to wrap my head around the idea of chords for a while but as a trumpet player - and a beginner - it just doesn't click. But seeing chords as colors is a whole new ball game.

[@SeeCSeesCC]

What. A. Tone❤

[@philbob99]

"and something else.." love it!

[@guitarttimman]

Jimmy. It's not just your technical ability that makes me like your playing, but the fact that you have an incredible style. I'm a HUGE Pat Martino fan. I don't much care for Hank Garland's style, but he was great. I can play lead to just about anything, but I need more work with those crazy @ss jazz chords. But, anyway, peace man. You and Pat are my all-time favorites.

[@insidejazzguitar8112]

Appreciate hearing Jimmy’s thoughts.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Wow, what an interesting man. I really enjoyed that.

[@GM-qz9fo]

Just wanted to say thank you Jimmy. These lessons are pure gold, really appreciate you spreading the word to us youngsters.

[@bobrich1950]

Jimmy. For what it's worth, this video, for me, is one of your best. Thanks

[@normanspurgeon5324]

Nice to hear Al Stauffer's name come up- important teacher from Phila.

[@genec8393]

I've got you by 6 years. Learned guitar pretty much the same way. Keyboard @ 8, guitar @ 11, alto @ 13. All this contributed to playing melodically which is another reason 'I can't buy a job'! (chuckles) Nice video.

[@antoniojpneto]

Garota de Ipanema! Viva o Brasil! Congrats!!!👏👏👏

[@trevorgollaher1251]

Legend. Privileged to have learned from the great JB

[@deeznutz7365]

Just a minute into it… I’ve been a life long learner and guitarist. I learned by ear and then early internet tabs.. heavy metal stuff.. and shredders.. I always wanted to play jazz… and at 38..I can say I can… and KZbin is a gem to refresh and learn from the guys I could only hear on records

[@Ireland831]

Knowing all these musical relationships and pulling out melodies and harmonies is just such an amazing encyclopedic knowledge of tones and intervals. The ear of jazz players just baffles me. Being a rock player, I realize the difference is discipline and PRACTICE. Doing everting in all 12 keys all the time....wow. I ready an article from a great guitar player, I forget who......he said something to the effect of...."there are no short cuts. You have to put in the time." Amen brother.

[@domminasi3569]

Hi Jimmy I so enjoy your videos I learned to play jazz a totally different way. I was fortunate enough to hang out at the original Birdland. They had a peanut gallery for kids under 18. For the price of a cake you could watch and listen to the greatest jazz players in world. Besides the cycle of 4ths in scales and arpeggios I learned the rest from the masters at Birdland. And years later I had the good fortune to play with a lot of them

[@effsixteenblock50]

Hey Dom! Hope you're doing well. I used to hang out at RMMGJ - that's where I know you from. Too bad that Lord Valve guy was allowed to ruin it for everyone.

[@ilhamn3430]

Legend..

[@BHAKTIBROPHY]

Jimmy's a great teacher. So many players sound like they studied way too long... but don't play anything moving. Jimmy knows how to make play with feeling. I love that he has synesthesia. I have been seeing music in colors since I was a kid. It made it easy to play by ear. Hearing and visuals and together made it natural to hear notes going up or down. Anyway, Jimmy is the real deal. I still have his oldest instructional video; wish I had something to play it on. Blessings Jimmy! And thank you!

[@champanachampana4881]

Good night, Jimmy. All the time you are talking about Joe and Pat , I’m thinking, man, He’s fortunate. I remember you when I started playing guitar. At the beginning level, no one would teach me or share, how to play a major scale. I couldn’t get it. As I got better, the same would happen. So at the time my girlfriend had a clarinet, so during summer school I went to learn how to read. The year that followed I learned to read guitar music so well that I bucked into one of the most influential person of my life who was part of the Broadway road show, and needed a guitar player that could read. I couldn’t play a lick, but I was broke. Committed 2 minor mistakes, and was hired. That musical director showed me how to be a professional musician. To this day, haven’t found someone who knows or can play Pensativa. Smile. Thanks for your introspection. Very rewarding.

[@ekpil]

Great

[@jackwilloughby239]

I call them "Grips" as well. I came up with that term because I was "Grappling with Grappelli" trying to learn Jazz Violin. It's nice to know that after all these years that I'm finally on the same page as Joe. I had a great guitar teacher: Tim Hayden who was a hometown guy that studied at Berklee. He took me through all the Berklee guitar books but taught me Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery using Chord diagrams with each lick dotted out. I still prefer this to written music because I could see where the Half Steps occurred, instead of having to memorize where they were in the scale.

[@Rosenwinkel21]

선생님 항상 건강하셔야되요❤❤❤

[@stevebrydges8986]

You ok in Canada with all the wild fire? You are a very good player and teacher thanks.

[@grantgre]

I took lessons from a guitarist Dan Bennon from Bloomfield New Jersey he grew up in the 1930s and he was an old man when he taught me guitar in the 70s 60s and he said there was no books on guitar back then his guitar wasn't even electric when he started so the guitarist that you hear from anything below the 70s really didn't have great instruction they would have to learn their craft by listening to the recordings they had in one book on guitar technique it was by Mel Bay. that's where you could learn the chords and it was weird because all his chords most of them do you had to skip the A string.

[@grantgre]

because they didn't have a codified way of playing the guitar that's why he's talking about grips on the guitar and basically it sounds like they just had a little structure. that they learned and they put them together piecemeal randomly somehow to come up with a decent presentation. Which is what I learned how to do. Playing chords is totally different than soloing. And to put notes together when you solo all over the fretboard you need to try to start somewhere my piecemeal solution was to start on the fifth fret usually because that would utilize most of the fretboard that is accessible. Duh in the middle. And then I learned how to play in keys specifically songs that were in certain keys.

[@grantgre]

So, in other words, early guitar players had to master their own technique from scratch, which is crazy if you think about it. Because all the other instruments had textbooks, etc., but not for jazz guitar. Even if you studied classical guitar at the time, I gather that the technique was totally different. Improvisation was also a challenge, and there was no solution for it either. But now, with places like Berklee College of Music, etc., young guitarists sound really good technically, but they sometimes lack that emotional feel which I hope experiences will somehow touch their technique. A classic example of a great guitarist, who I'm not sure if he was totally self-taught, is Pasquale Grasso. He has fantastic technique and fantastic emotional presence."

[@m3ntalcollid3r]

​@@grantgre any advice in learning to improv in this way? And if I do learn from records what's a good way to implement the material in my own playing?

[@grantgre]

@@m3ntalcollid3r i'm not sure of what way you're saying but all I can tell you is that you have to make an emotional decision and intellectual decision to try to play what you're hearing other players play. And once you make that emotional commitment because it's going to be a lot of work and you're gonna have to try that practice. Bruno was talking about basically he learned by practicing little licks and you can hear that and his playing if you hear him. And I think that most guitars have their set of licks, some are more sophisticated than others and or more complicated to pull off technically. But one so-called riff would you need to just play a scale in whatever key he would like to try to play the scale that say see starting on the third fret, then you would like to play it in on the fifth fret, then you wanna play it on the eighth fret and so on until you can basically play that scale at any position on the fretboard. That should get you started. Then play a tune that's in C and play that scale over the tund and see what fits and where they don't and try to use a different scale or a different note on that particular chord that clashes Dont study the modes and all that stuff it's it's too complicated and it takes you away from learning the fretboard because it's it's too much for a beginner. I think the goal of improvisation should be to play and present yourself with an instantaneous in the moment creation which is unique to you and also surprising to the listeners such that they think the music is interesting. Because after all if you play the same Alex are the same tune over and over again it gets boring . You may have practice same thing 1 million times but when you play it out and in that moment it may sound fresh and creative. People like Wes Montgomery develop their technique which was highly unusual at the time nobody played like that and therefore when you heard him it sounded so fresh and so beautiful because it was musical. And melodic. you should listen to the Wes you should listen to Bruno you should listen to Ed Bickert, Jim hall Pat Metheny, George Benson Joe Pass, Johnny Smith, Chuck Wayne, Hank Garland, Billy Bauer, Tony Mottola. Charlie Christian, Charlie Parker etc. Kenny Burrell, Jimmy ponder miles early miles and late miles. I learn to know what you like and try to expose yourself to other musics that you don't necessarily have heard like the great Brazilian guitarists Guinga etc like I said this is an Ocean that you can jump into.

[@bobfurlani3314]

I also took lessons from Dan Bennon in Bloomfield NJ for about 4 months back in 1980. I still have some of the lessons. Incredible chord melody player. A real taskmaster to be sure. Old School.

[@2tallB]

AL STAUFFER!! I was wondering if you were going to mention him, such a big influence on many of us. I studied from him as well but didn’t really know Jimmy except hearing him play in Philly. Great player 🙌🏼🙌🏼 ~ John Benthal

[@2tallB]

He was a jazz bassist but taught improvisation for players of all instruments.

[@jjmohn9204]

Loved Al & always saw him w/another Sandoli Virtuoso Gr-8, Chuck Anderson, who is still performing and producing nice albums. Didn't find out 'till a recent High School reunion that in addition his Jazz expertise Chuck taught Marley guitarist Al Anderson. God bless & Cheers!

[@2tallB]

@@jjmohn9204 yeah, I studied from Chuck. Great teacher for technical stuff, Al was actually a better jazz teacher tho. Michael Sembello (session guy, composer of’Maniac” fame) also studied with Chuck.

[@tomtomson1485]

YEAHHH

[@Patrick-ryan-collins]

Admitting he has musical kinesthesia at about 6:09 Maybe this is most important ❤❤❤

[@rikirex2162]

is handy when everybody around speaks the language you want to learn.

[@shadownet_nft]

❤️

[@JackTheSkunk]

I don't claim to be an expert but I know what I like. 😊 I think a young guitarist who is getting into jazz would do well to pick his 7 or 8 favorite players and listen to everything they ever played. But, I ALSO think it's good to listen to vibe and clarinet players as well. And maybe take a few lessons with a lounge type pianist to learn how they comp in the background to support a singer. I wish I could turn the clock back 50 years and take my own advice.

[@sireel]

He's a fine guitarist.

[@JD-pg1qs]

Amazing to hear him speak about learning with joe pass and tal farlow. Legend speaking about legends, gotta learn from the greats

[@joefinn8660]

Thanks, Jimmy. There is so much insight in this video!

[@neaituppi7306]

I noticed several guitarists that know theory, but they basically learned it on their own, and/or came up with their own language for it. Like Allan Holdsworth had his own way to write most of the theory.

[@djmileski]

Your the shit jimmy. Thanks for this

[@riffs66]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@kristopherk5454]

Kenny Burrell is my all time favorite.

[@kriyaban100]

Just remind me please, what Jimmy said about Django?

[@hollywoodjoe123]

Hello Long Island - - from JOE MONK up in Heaven !

[@anjarosin1460]

Toller Werdegang...toller Mensch..... großartig

[@claymor8241]

How refreshing to watch a great player showing people the ‘human’ way the guitar is learned, rather than the’99 things you schmucks out there all suck at’ approach.

[@StiffDogson]

Good advise! "Imitate, assimilate to innovate" said Walter Bishop Jr. I have been studying jazz guitar for 5 years now and just focusing on Trumpet (Lee Morgan mostly), Sax and Trombone, that is the only stuff I have picked up. I have not studied one note from a guitarist and I think my playing has benefited enormously because of it. Don´t take my word for it, here is an example of me faking my way through Giant Steps with my ears kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJXcmJhvZ6qkq9U

[@effsixteenblock50]

Just learn to navigate it. It's not as difficult as people say.

[@StiffDogson]

@@effsixteenblock50 You are right, I guess I knew it, kind of, when I played it i.e. the 3 keys. I´m doing the navigation now both scale vise and arpeggio style. Thanks man :)

[@SaucyBernase]

@3:00

[@pernestomenendez4312]

🎸💎🎵😎👌

[@davehappablap5549]

I could spend MONTHS learning from him from sunup to sundown

[@guitarman6742]

Wow. Know songs in all 12 keys. Holy sh t.

[@jeffreybedrosian4935]

Learn songs and the words. Then sing cool stuff between the vocal phrases. Sing the string parts on romantic songs and I believe your playing won’t sound like student-stuff

[@raffyzoo2130]

yoghurt or cottage cheese? smooth yoghurt is in tune within one cent, has a compensated bridge & compensated nut. cottage cheese is bumpy and has straight nut with compensated bridge. you are out of tune at least 5 cents with a straight nut=cottage cheese. bumpy feel

[@DavidMcCall-km3kj]

Don't go nowhere... I'll be right back.

[@gitarrenlehrer-koeln]

u practiced... i'm sure❤

[@whimpypatrol5503]

Forget Coletrain and Davis. I started my ear training with Ornette Colman, a shear disaster.

[@calichav]

Jazz is a great yet at the same time a funny idiom. It’s not like classical music. Classical guitar is perfection. Jazz is wild

[@grantgre]

i'd like to hear him play Stella by Starlight in all 12 keys

[@brunoonlineschool7527]

i can do that one in my sleep.. i played for many years for female singers

[@grantgre]

@@brunoonlineschool7527 well maybe you know this why did George Benson always play Stella in G ? I think back in the day a lot of players played it in the key I don't know why and I don't know why they played in B flat now?

[@brunoonlineschool7527]

@@grantgre G is the original key of stella.. that would put horn players in A if your a tenor player.. so they play it in Bb which is C for them

[@grantgre]

@@brunoonlineschool7527 there's nothing like experience as best teacher! By the way I saw you at all Birdland this week fantastic show! I'm putting my money where my mouth is baby

[@Muzikman127]

Is this comment a reference to something?

[@InnominabileNessuno]

Sadowski guitars

[@tyronejoihnson7046]

Didn't Jimmy say his dad Jimmy Sr. used to beat him with a strap if he didn't learn a new scale each day?

[@stringsnare]

"minor sounding activity" hahahaha

[@davidbaise5137]

Remarkable especially, since in the 1960s Jazz was not the thing.

[@iamaprimate]

its Einstein

[@KINGTICOROSENBERG]

If you didnt learn from Django you didnt learn

[@FenceThis]

well, Django left this world 2 months prior to J B entering it..

[@63snampook]

Brilliance....coming from a brilliant guy.