Guitar Lesson; Jazz Blues masterclass by Jimmie Rivers! Simple Western Swing & Bebop ideas!

*NEW! Access all lesson materials by becoming a Patreon at the link below for just a small monthly fee!..
/ alexfarranguitar
If Patreon isn’t your bag, you can purchase the lesson materials for this lesson alone, directly at the link below;
smogfalls.gumr...
Book in for a private Zoom lesson!.. just choose a slot at the link below;
tidycal.com/al...
"Jimmie's Blues" is perhaps the ultimate gateway piece for blues and rock based players who are looking to get some basic jazz vocabulary into their 12 bar blues solos.
I would highly recommend downloading the lesson materials provided at the link above.. all of the topics covered in this lesson are typed up nice and neat and provided in both guitar pro and PDF formats. Having these to hand whilst following along with the video will certainly make things much easier to absorb.
Thanks for watching and please do leave a comment down below, and if you could hit the like button and subscribe to my channel, that would really be so appreciated.
After many months of people asking, I've finally taken the plunge into starting a Patreon!.. I will be posting there very regularly, making exclusive content and lesson materials for supporters. I thought I'd keep it simple and just have 1 tier to avoid any confusion! So, if you're interested in gaining unlimited access to lesson materials, bonus content, Q&A's, behind the scenes Vlogs etc, please do check it out at the link below and kindly consider becoming a Patreon..
/ alexfarranguitar
You can also buy me a coffee at this link; www.buymeacoff...
And I post most days on insta: / alexfarranguitar
#jazzguitar #jazzlesson #djangoreinhardt #guitarlesson #gibsonguitars #gibsones125 #fender #musician #swingguitar #charliechristian #guitarteacher #learning #tuition #guide #howto #music #blues #jazz #guitar #guitarra #bebop #jazzstandard #gypsyjazz #jazzmanouche #vintage #artdeco #chordmelody #guitarra #chitarra #vintagemusic #guitarsolo #jimmierivers #blues #guitarsolo #bluesguitar

[@peti802]

Alex, your teaching style is perfect for a serious musician who appreciates and wants to understand theory. Thank you!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you so much! This comment has made my day! 🙏🏻

[@robertfoster1339]

Jimmy played at a small club in Placerville many times. I had a friend who knew him well and played piano with him. Jimmy was a great guitarist

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Very cool Robert! 👌🏻🍻

[@15320HA]

I discovered your channel about two weeks ago and all I can say is you are the real deal brother. You are what I wanted to be when I grow up but I didn’t put in the work that you obviously did. I like and subscribe to everything and will be buying you a coffee or more, once I am convinced that you’re not just my latest KZbin guitar fix but because of the diversity of the material you present, I think I’m along for the long-haul. Thank you not just for what you do, but for the very easily digestible way in which you do it. Cheers to you my man!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thankyou so much buddy, I really appreciate your kind words and support. Makes it all worthwhile for me to put all the time and effort in knowing that it's inpiring/useful to other guitarists out there! I hope to see you hanging around these parts for a long time to come my friend 🙏🏻🍻

[@taossmith85]

This channel is so deep

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you buddy! 🙏🏻

[@MatthewJBell]

Wonderful playing, Sir.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah thanks Matthew! Have a great Christmas buddy 🎄🙏🏻🍻

[@maineguitarists]

My kitten is dancing around the room! This is a great one Alex.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Haha glad to hear it! 😂

[@embwee]

Fantastic playing and instruction...Crazy Phrase Farran, as in..."Buckle in. We have a crazy phrase there!"

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Haha I love it! Thanks for the comment and the nickname! 🤪🍻

[@robertgoodale362]

Alex, I really value how you use “what we’re thinking here is..” to explain the line of thinking that precedes the demonstration and explanation- makes it logical and also I think easier to hear. Thank you!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

I appreciate that! Thanks for the comment Robert 🙏🏻

[@rafa_guitar]

Your playing, your way of teaching, teaching rhythm and lead/fills with theory behind, your albums/artists recomedations/selection, all lead to an incredible quality/worthy channel, just need more time to digest your very generous lessons... Thanks a lot!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you so much for the kind words my friend, honestly means a lot to me. So glad you’re enjoying the videos! 🙏🏻🍻

[@vincewise855]

What an excellent guitar site , a wealth of material , had not heard of Jimmy Rivers until stumbling across this tutorial.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

So glad you enjoy the videos buddy and super glad to spread to word on Jimmie Rivers! 🙏🏻🍻

[@Buasop]

More Jimmie Rivers!!! Yes!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Glad you approve! 🍻

[@peteandrews7169]

Fantastic lesson, you really broke down the brilliant Jimmy Rivers lines and explained what and why he was playing what he played over Jazz Blues changes. A ton of gems to digest and take away! And that LP of Jimmy and Vance Terry live back in 61-63 is essential listening! Thank you, cheers Pete.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed it Pete! Thanks for the comment 🙏🏻

[@rogerhaase4651]

This is profoundly analyzed. Very. An invaluable lesson.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks Roger, really glad you enjoyed it buddy! 🙏🏻

[@58Tailfin]

Brilliant! So great seeing Alex spotlight a criminally under recorded Jimmy RIvers

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate, really glad you dig Jimmy as much as I do! 🙏🏻

[@buddysims1366]

TASTY GREAT STYLE TO LEARN THANKS

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate! 🙏🏻

[@t4texastom587]

What a great player. You are simply unbelievable.🎸

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Wow, thank you man, that means a lot! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻🍻

[@ednaplate]

Smoother than a really smooth thing. Love it.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

😆thanks for the comment matey 🙏🏻🍻

[@davemoordigian6807]

Thanks Alex... The album is on KZbin. You are the 'go to' guy for guitar instruction.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you so much Dave, I really appreciate that! 🙏🏻

[@antoinenioi6863]

Top Alex … very very great channel for guitar lessons… for me it’s a big chance to learn guitar with your advice. Thanks a lot man

[@davidharris794]

Alex you such a good teacher as well as a beautiful player. You inspire me to improve!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Oh man, that’s made my day!.. thanks buddy. Glad you enjoy the lessons 🙏🏻

[@DeGroove]

The name masterclass worthy, as most of your videos seem to be. Really great. Didn’t know Jimmie. That “plane” Eb lick with the Bb on top sounds so good! Lovin your video’s. Take care

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah wow, thank you so much for the kind words! 🙏🏻🧡 Glad I could introduce you to Jimmie Rivers.. he’s one of my absolute favourites. What a player!

[@timdale4500]

Brilliant, total joy to hear and learn, thanks Alex

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure buddy! So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for the comment 🙏🏻

[@jonnyrace6900]

Subscribed. This was excellent - I’d never checked out Jimmy Rivers before, so thank you! Your channel is right up my street - it’d be great to jam some time.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy, welcome aboard! If you’re ever in Nottingham, let me know and I’ll get you down to a jam sesh! 🍻

[@holllybrazil]

Thanx for taking time on this one really appreciate it

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure buddy, thanks for watching and commenting 🙏🏻

[@jamesgaudette2036]

One of my all time favorites! Thanks for breaking it down Alex! 🎸🎵

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure!! A favourite of mine too. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@TrippingTheTube]

Thanks for the listening recommendation and for the great guitar playing. Going to check that record out.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure mate, glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🏻

[@saradamsmc]

Absolutely awesome.... thank you for sharing this. Signing up for patreon right now!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah thank you so much my friend, I truly appreciate that 🙏🏻🧡

[@wyowolf69]

just beautiful!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you!🙏🏻

[@floydmorrison2025]

YESSSSS!!!!! This album's top 5 all time for me, man! I cannot wait to dig into this video and lesson! You just made my entire Saturday, Alex!!!! Thanks you so very much!! 🙏😀💫

[@floydmorrison2025]

I never realized that there was an 'Airplane' in the Eb dominant 7 arpeggio! So if I'm hearing that right, it's spelled 3rd, 5th b7, Airplane, root... Have I got that right?? I'm always learning new things from your lessons, Alex! I've been playing it wrong all these years! 🤣🤣🤣

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

How did I know you’d already be hip to this record too?!.. so glad you enjoyed the video my friend! I’m gonna come to New York someday soon and we’ll go for a beer 🍻

[@floydmorrison2025]

@@AlexFarranGuitar Oh most definitely! We'll go for ten beers and toast Jimmie Rivers, cause don't forget "The dancing starts at 9 and the fights start at 10" hahahaha. I'll have to buy you a new jacket for your Telecaster, because he's looking pretty cold in this video!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@jeremyversusjazz]

So good.

[@DannyGatton94]

Such a lovely tune, Thank you for sharing!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure! Thanks for the comment 🙏🏻

[@graadie1]

Great playing. Great teaching. Thank You

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure buddy, thanks for the comment 🙏🏻

[@sosebee2]

Great Western Swing. This is going to be fun. Thanks Alex!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Yeah man!.. such a fun one to play.. enjoy! 🙏🏻

[@uppermids]

Thank you for the recoomendation and the splendid lesson, Alex!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure buddy, really glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🏻

[@antoinenioi6863]

Top Alex … very very great channel for guitar lessons… the best for me !!! it’s a big chance to learn guitar with your advice. Thanks a lot man

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah thank you my friend! Really glad you enjoy the lessons! 🙏🏻

[@Yvero94]

Alex you have such great test and wide knowledge of the guitar. Thanks for sharing all this, beside you teaching you are probably giving the opportunity to many 'young' guitar players to discover Jimmy Rivers (and amazing Vance on steel guitar). I have been a huge fan of country guitar players for years and funny Jimmy Rivers/Vance Terry was like Jimmy Bryant/Speedy West in their style. There are so many great guitar player in the country field backing country singers in the 50/60s. I have a BIG collection of guitar and Steel albums in all styes and many guitar players are impressive in Django's Gypsy style (my favorite being Angelo Debarre) but my all time hero is Albert Lee whose I have been lucky to meet in 63 when he was playing in London clubs. Sentimental !!! Again, thank you for sharing..

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you so much for your comment and your kind words! I really appreciate it 🙏🏻 Seems like we have a lot in common taste wise. Albert Lee is fantastic!.. as is Angelo Debarre. In fact, Angelo was one of the first gypsy players I saw in person!.. that night ignited a flame within me and I started getting seriously into the manouche music and style. Thanks again for stopping by my friend 🙏🏻

[@nelsonkerr1119]

Dig your all time hero...Albert Lee. He performed up here in Portland, Oregon a couple weeks ago and he was great - it was an inspiration to see him performing at such a high level. He'll be at the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival in L.A. in Sept too. Cool to see him still out touring - playing and singing great. Cheers!

[@simpsimpson5175]

Nice lesson..clear and concise..youre a natural

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

I appreciate that, thank you my friend! 🙏🏻

[@ledaswan5990]

Really great Alex. I’m a lifelong professional guitarist but am learning a ton from you. Thanks and I’ll check out your Patreon

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah thank you my friend, that means a lot! I really appreciate the kind words and support 🙏🏻🧡

[@brettliebermanmusic]

Awesome lesson, thanks for the tips!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure man, glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏻

[@thanosadreou2860]

amazing lesson!!!! it helps me level up my guitar playing!!!! thank you so much!!!!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for your comment 🙏🏻🧡

[@brigittetorres9745]

❤🎶❤ Love your beautiful playing 👍 👏👏👏 Thanks 🙏🙏🙏

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you so much Brigitte! And thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@anyoneallen4082]

Great lesson, Alex. Years ago, I stumbled across a video of you playing this on a (surf?) green telecaster. Spent a week watching it at 50%, trying to figure out some of those lines in the first solo chorus.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

That’s so cool! Glad you found this video all those years later! Ahh yes!.. the green monster!.. I still have that guitar but it’s been heavily modified, including a refin, in fact, check it out in this video here.. you won’t believe it’s the same instrument! 😂.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2mlg2OXerOYbM0

[@jmflyer55]

Jimmy Rivers was fantastic. Amazing player IMO.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Agreed!

[@MartirosHakopianMarHak]

It is Excellent .... Love your playing ....

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah thank you so much buddy! Thanks for stopping by! 🙏🏻🧡

[@jerichothedrifter60]

Thanks for cracking the code on a bunch of the Jimmie Rivers stuff for us -- I'd love it if you could take on some Roy Nichols at some point too

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure buddy! Oh for sure!.. Roy is one of my all time favourite tele players!.. any tune in particular you’d like me to do?

[@jerichothedrifter60]

@@AlexFarranGuitar maybe Stealin Corn, or a detailed take on the kick to Swingin Doors or Tonight the Bottle, or any of his Texas swing stuff...I tend to kinda caveman my way through his stuff and I'd like to be able to get it right

[@signalphx]

Great lesson, thanks….please resend link to materials….i mistakenly tried to download to the wrong computer …signal………

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks dude. You should be able to redownload the materials from your original link.. If you can search your emails for it? If not, I can find and resend the email but I’ll need to know your name/email address in order to find your order.

[@eohippusone]

Thanks! This is great!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure! 🙏🏻

[@BL55]

Alex, I just picked up Brisbane Bop... as advertised, GREAT playing, lots of energy. The sound could be better, but we're lucky to have this at all. The stories in the extensive liner notes regarding the 'shenanigans' going on at 23 Club are almost as good as the music. Thanks so much for all your videos and for recommending this album.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

That’s great to hear! So glad you’re enjoying the record! It’s a corker isn’t it?.. just full of incredible playing. So many licks to take from it! 👌🏻 And yes, the stories from that club.. the fights and the atmosphere.. amazing! 🤪 Thanks for commenting buddy 🙏🏻

[@randallcrow1992]

Brilliant!😊

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks buddy 🙏🏻

[@themuzzfuzz7045]

Brilliant

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks mate!

[@jaguarsunburst1570]

Amazing Video.!!👏👏👏 Thankyou. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

You’re welcome buddy, thanks for the kind words! 🙏🏻

[@wheaty64]

The 'crazy' camera effect was appropriate. Still struggling with that section! Great lesson, Alex.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Haha yeah that part is tough! 😬 You’ll crack it soon though man, just keep going over and over it slow with a metronome 👌🏻

[@internalmethods]

Great sound, lighting, and video!!! Skills aren't too bad either😉

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Much appreciated, thanks buddy! :)

[@MC-mi4ck]

That was excellent.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you, really happy you enjoyed it! 🙏🏻

[@HughJengine]

Perfect for my level. Thank you for explaining how the licks relate to the underlying chords cheers! What licks to play over the extra chords available in a jazz blues is what I'd love to see you do more of. Thanks for taking the time to post this lesson. New subscriber here.👍🙂

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

That’s great to hear, thanks for the comment and thanks for subscribing! I will definitely be doing more on the subject of jazz blues.. there’s so much more to explore. If you haven’t seen it already, I’d recommend checking out my video on the jazz blues format where I go into some detail on a couple of my “lead studies”.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3bUY5uQer-nqJY

[@HughJengine]

@@AlexFarranGuitar okay great, will definitely check it out, thank you Alex. 😊 Just watched the lesson. Got plenty there for me to get into. I LIke to learn by watching and by ear so this is perfect for me Alex. Ive been looking for some inspiration lately and this really helps. Cheers again. 🙏

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Awesome! Thanks dude 🙏🏻

[@nandosainz]

Thankyou❤

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure! 🙏🏻

[@portsideguitar1981]

So cool and a great album! I found out about it at Red Hot Strings last year, a cult following indeed. You should come teach there!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

That’s great! I’d love to check the place out.. always heard good things about it. Thanks for commenting 🙏🏻

[@graemero5532]

Cheers Alex

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

My pleasure Graeme, thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@antoinenioi6863]

Wow crazy licks at bar 24 😅… how many weeks have you spent on your guitar to play this licks so easily , .. for me it’s take hard work and a few hours to play this at the same speed… but beautiful effect in the solo .. jimmy rivers fantastic guitar player 👍👌love this style…

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Haha it is a crazy luck for sure! To be honest, if you have the patience to sit and repeat it for a little while it doesn’t take all that long to get runs like that up to speed. Especially as it’s a well trodden path of triad based target notes very similar to many country and bluegrass runs I’ve played hundreds of times in the past. Things like this become familiar after a time 👍🏻

[@antoinenioi6863]

Yeah thanks for your answer ! It’s the Reason why I love the Jimmy Rivers style .. between jazz country and blues … I love Django and Charlie Chtistian style but doc Watson ,Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins too …for me a blended of this is the top .. and your Channel is great for That . Thanks Alex

[@nevermindsleep]

Killer lesson. Subbed.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Awesome! Thanks buddy 🙏🏻

[@waxhead63]

Awesome Alex , you have a great simplistic teaching and explanation style ... kudos from Australia

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks so much buddy and welcome to the channel! 🙏🏻🍻

[@kutsbothways]

New subscriber. Good stuff here. TY

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you my friend, I really appreciate that 🙏🏻

[@sosebee2]

I love It!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻

[@billdowney1487]

Is Bb (instead of A) chosen for preference or for tone or piano ? I always wonder that when i hear these older tunes? Awesome job on Guitar and your musical explanations. Top Notch.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Bb is a super common jazz key mostly due to the preference brass instruments have for that key.. it's their "middle C" so to speak, as a frame of reference.

[@stevenmeger3798]

Great lesson (thanks!) and great tone! Tele into deluxe reverb - any drive pedals in between?

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks man, much appreciated! Yep, a tiny hint of overdrive from the Great Eastern FX “Design-a-drive” pedal 👌🏻

[@jeremyversusjazz]

so great brother! i WILL make time to learn this. Brisbane Bop kicks ass. btw what tele is that. whyd u ditch the pick-guard?

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah thanks man!.. yeah it’s such a fun one to play! Let me know how you get on 🍻 Haha yeah, the pickguard was temporarily off while I was dialling in the pick-up heights of a new set.. back on and less naked looking now though 🤪😂

[@jeremyversusjazz]

@@AlexFarranGuitarwhat pups u trying out?

[@jeremyversusjazz]

put a lollar CC in the neck!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

I’ve been trying some prototype pickups from Sunbear.. currently going back and forth trying to get them just right 👌🏻

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ha!.. I already have one in my other tele .. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmaVhnWNgdd1e9U

[@teiltje]

Nice to convert it to a jump blues..

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Yeah it’s not far off that vibe at all is it? 👌🏻

[@andrewwilson888]

Alex, this is stellar work. Is it OK if I post the link to this KZbin to the Jimmie Rivers & The Cherokees page on Facebook? (I am the site admin). People will love it. Had a first listen of the GP file in the lesson found on Gumroad. The file sounds spot on and thanks for the transcription!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thank you so much Andrew! Yes, please feel free to share the video on your page, I’d really like that! 🙏🏻

[@tazekozak]

My fav album, never leaves the CD player this time of year. Anyone know if it’s available on vinyl?

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Awesome! I have it on Vinyl but it’s an old pressing.. I don’t think it’s in print anymore sadly!

[@superelectic45]

The plane sounded like a Merlin engine, probably Hawker Hurricane

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks for the info buddy, very interesting indeed!

[@RedMercuryBluesBand]

it was a twin engine Cessna.....

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

😂 thanks! 😉

[@RedMercuryBluesBand]

@@AlexFarranGuitar gotta say you have a great channel- great lighting, great video quality sound and presentation.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Ah thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words. Thanks for stopping by mate 🍻🙏🏻

[@neilritson7445]

Key?

[@neilritson7445]

Oh I see the ONE chord is Bb. Hence the key.

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Yup, blues in Bb 👍🏻

[@neilritson7445]

@@AlexFarranGuitar Thanks Alex! I felt a bit silly - it’s a brilliant lesson I’ll probably get ambitious and buy your sheet music!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

@@neilritson7445 absolutely no need to feel silly mate, more like well done for asking the question! 👌🏻🍻

[@neilritson7445]

@@AlexFarranGuitar Thanks Alex for replying - most folks don't! I think you guys on the tube don't realise how we viewers can have played guitar for many years without even knowing there was any theory! I only found out about chord numbers a few years ago watching a blues lesson on the tube!

[@thomasvernier8506]

Aww man, so so tasty!😊

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Cheers buddy! 🙏🏻

[@dwightrobertson275]

SCHWEEEET!!!!!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Cheers buddy! 👍🏻🍻

[@mandolin-george-uk]

I am overwhelmed by your productivity and versatility … too much home work … 😊

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Haha apologies George.. I would promise to slow down, but I can’t! 😅🤪

[@mandolin-george-uk]

@@AlexFarranGuitar only kidding - keep it up - bu t dont overdo it !

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

😉😆

[@jakelee7639]

Wonderful lesson as always!….much appreciated….hey, did you just screw the neck pickup into the wood without having pick guard?

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Thanks man! That’s just how tele neck pickups always work.. the pickguard just goes over the top to cover it usually. I had the guard off for a week while I dialled in the heights of those new pickups 👍🏻

[@k9dragonfactory]

awesome!

[@AlexFarranGuitar]

Cheers buddy!

[@k9dragonfactory]

@@AlexFarranGuitar you bet... im going to slide over to your patreon and start digging in. I love this style. You teaching style is smooth and easy to follow.