This Is Why George Benson Licks Sound Amazing

[@JensLarsen]

Who should I do another video on like this? 🙂

[@Shuzies]

Joe Satriani

[@Shuzies]

Lee Ritenour

[@Shuzies]

Pat Martino..... wow this could be one per week...fun idea

[@Shawn-hs8qk]

yep, definitely Martino.

[@Shawn-hs8qk]

Metheny too, if you haven't already. Mike Stern.

[@mannoplanet]

I keep coming back to watch this just for the first two bars. Definitely one of your best. Its not just a set of licks but a way to construct lines. The point about a high note on an off beat is a great insight.

[@JensLarsen]

I know what you mean! That phrase is so great! Actually you should start checking out Parker transcriptions! They use that figure as well. I also have a lesson with a Grant Green lick that is that technique 🙂

[@xl7131]

you are an amazing instructor, you break down complicated things into small simplified digestible/usable tools-- and you teach things that have a lot of taste and style!! Great work

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much! If you have suggestions for topics or questions feel free to let me know! 🙂

[@xl7131]

Okay, I just barely found your channel -- there's so many amazing lessons, will get back to you if anything comes to mind. I will try to donate or join your patreon because your lessons are really great and useful to me right now. Thank you Maestro!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! That's very kind of you! It doesn't have to be a question to make a video, it is also if you might be looking for something that I already made 👍

[@manny75586]

George Benson has such clean and articulate lines. Fantastic player. He and Wes Montgomery are big favorites of mine.

[@JensLarsen]

Very true! I was actually just transcribing some Benson :)

[@sizwendlanzi8181]

Thank you for this wonderful presentation: George Benson is my HERO!!!

[@JensLarsen]

Very glad you like it Sizwe! If you have ideas or suggestions for videos then feel free to let me know 🙂

[@olymoon2008]

Jens, it's so great when you explain how a solo works, so we can use these ideas in our own vocabulary... Thank you very much. All my respect.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! Glad you like it!

[@voronOsphere]

Greetings from Pittsburgh, USA, Jens! Thanks for doing a video on Pittsburgh Jazz Legend George Benson! He makes us here very proud!!!

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome! I didn't know he was from Pittsburgh 🙂

[@plopzoppers3921]

I often wonder why benson is left out on a lot of top guitarists lists.. he can play literally anything and extremely talented

[@JensLarsen]

Haha! I wasn't aware that he was? He is in my top5 anyway.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJbamXuwoNdrgZY

[@Gnarlygeez]

Unfortunately most people who only remember "Nothing's gonna change my love for you" don't even know he plays guitar :-).

[@JensLarsen]

That's also his own fault though :) I have seen shows where he hardly played at all

[@plopzoppers3921]

to be fair I've seen shows where BB king hardly played.. I was sitting in the audience for a couple 🤣

[@JensLarsen]

Yes, but BB King doesn't sing soft R&B, the music is the same if he plays or not 🙂

[@josemolina959]

Thanks Jens! Miss your great teaching! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@andrewdeck7945]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS BREAK DOWN. This explanation of the deeper thought process going on behind the solo is EXACTLY what I am interested in!!!

[@JensLarsen]

You're welcome! I have another one on Benson and quite a few on other jazz guitarists :)

[@richardsorice4509]

George Benson is a genius guitarist. Jens you're a freaking genius, too. Thanks for the solo analysis. That is a lot packed into just four bars. I've watched this three times without my guitar. I'm inticipating all the work coming up once I start to try to learn this with the guitar, LOL. Thank you for posting another great video. I paln to learn the lick as a stand alone phrase and the cascading descending line idea is a beautiful thing. :)

[@richardsorice4509]

PLAN .. where is auto correct when you need it? ;)

[@JensLarsen]

That sounds like a solid plan!🙂 Who else sould I make a video like this on?

[@richardsorice4509]

Maybe four bars of Pat Martino on Just Friends.

[@JensLarsen]

Good choice!

[@geddixon3100]

or Catch

[@ruh4734]

Thoroughly enjoyed this lesson. Learned a lot. Thanks a lot Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! :)

[@ruh4734]

Hi Jens! I would love it if you could do a video about something similar on Kurt Rosenwinkel.====)

[@JensLarsen]

I guess I should be able to since I have checked out so much 🙂

[@ruh4734]

🙂

[@JensLarsen]

Kurt Rosenwinkel - This Is What Makes His Style Unique kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6TKfKp9ot6oZpI&index=24

[@djffe8597]

He plays like a horn player and has THE CHOPS to pull it off on guitar, in any key on any tune, any where any time. Genius! All the jazz greats learned by listening to and copying solo after solo and living the bebop style. You have to listen to this kind of music and get in your head and ears. We are so lucky to have teachers like Jens to show you these examples.

[@JazzDuets]

Love this!

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Nick! :)

[@frankiethewolf7712]

Great lesson Lars!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much Steven! 😄 (but I do appreciate it even if you get my name wrong)

[@frankiethewolf7712]

Jens Larsen lol oops hehe great lesson non the less.

[@JensLarsen]

Of course! No worries :)

[@thepartimemusician65]

Great video,inspiring lines Jens.

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome! I am glad you like it! 🙂

[@deanwallis183]

Lovely job and explanations. Thanks

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much! I am glad you found it useful! If you have any suggestions for topics or things you are looking for the feel free to let me know 👍

[@gloirekarume]

Thank you so much Sir...you're my mentor in jazz music.God bless you Sir

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it! Keep at it!

[@italianguy607]

hi Mr. Larson. I think you're great and you explain things so well. You may find it interesting to know that this album was once released as 'Jazz on A Sunday Afternoon...Part 1'. The reason the sound quality isn't that good is because it was just a gig recorded in a beat up old club in New Jersey. I had the good fortune of meeting George Benson and I asked him about this album, because I love it too and he gave me a surprised look and said 'they made an album out of that?' True story!

[@JensLarsen]

Yes, it's indeed a bootleg, so Mr Benson isn't making money on it.

[@steventaillefer]

Hi Jens, you asked about favourite George Benson solo... One of mine is his live performance of Take 5 (with Sadao Watanabe)... Beyond the amazing performance itself is the opportunity to see him at, perhaps, his peak. The confidence he exudes is awe inspiring.

[@JensLarsen]

Ok! I haven't seen that one I think :)

[@bi0lizard1]

This video is excellent! I learn so much more, when a knowledgeable skilled guitar player (such as yourself) actually takes the time and breaks down what the ‘guitar greats’ are doing. Maybe do a video and breakdown a few Coltrane licks and riffs? Thank you. Love the channel.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much! I will keep that in mind! In the past when I have done videos like this they didn't do that well actually 🙂

[@oli_dall-r4112]

You are amazing thank you 🙏🏽!!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! I am glad you found it useful! 👍 Is there another guitarist I should try to make a video like this on?

[@oli_dall-r4112]

Jens Larsen i dont know if you ever did this one but Django Reinhardt would be nice

[@thelomeleisea926]

love this. can you look at GBs solo from We all remember Wes on weekend in LA

[@JensLarsen]

Maybe, I'll give it a listen 🙂

[@PB_Chill]

Benson is so diverse, I was listening to him yesterday, he is amazing.

[@JensLarsen]

Couldn't agree more! 🙂 What were you listening to?

[@PB_Chill]

Jens Larsen The Quartet, that he started when 21, before Miles pulled him away; and Any of his arrangements on my favourite funk song

[@JensLarsen]

Do you mean the Cook Book album? 🙂

[@PB_Chill]

Jens Larsen yes and Uptown (1966) also After Hours (around 1973) on Spotify

[@Shawn-hs8qk]

It's his feel. We know anyone can put the work in and cop the notes. But if you don't have the feel. forget it.

[@JensLarsen]

That is certainly a big part of it, though I have to say that not many play lines as strong as this either 🙂

[@4578a]

The best George Benson solo to me is in "Beyond the sea" and it's one of the easiest solos you could play in Jazz. I wish i could find another transcription of it, I used to have it.

[@stevegray2091]

I'd like to see some more analysis of Tal Farlow's playing. Fast playing was a necessity in Red Nuovo's ensembles.

[@Alex-je1ll]

I love Benson, love many of his solos. Some time ago I was driving with my friend and heard on the radio "Poquito Spanish, Poquito Funk" From Standing Together album. I heard this song before, but never paid much attention to it. Probably because this album as a whole is quite weak. But when I heard this song on the radio separately from the album I was very amazed with Benson's solo, especially when he's done with octaves and begins soloing single notes (around 3:00). In some way this solo can be related to another song from Give me the Night "Dinorah Dinorah", which I love very much, too. Also I love very groovy and melodic solo from This Masquerade, which can be sung almost like a song itself.

[@JensLarsen]

Interesting! I don't know that album at all. I do tend to avoid Bensons more commercial stuff, I prefer the Jazz stuff, but I will give it a listen :) Thanks!

[@Shuzies]

This is another reason why.....I love your videos.......ron

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Ron! Do you have suggestions for somebody else I could do a video like this on? 🙂

[@jamjar4553]

Can u please tape some more series about george benson?man hes so great...

[@JensLarsen]

I probably will, it does seem to generate some hate as well when I do. I even had to block somebody on Facebook 😁

[@jamjar4553]

Screw them!:) you're a good guy,I appreciate your lessons!:)

[@composer7325]

Excellent video.Thank you.

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Peter! 🙂

[@blacksympozium]

Benson's solo on his version of Take Five is my favourite of all to this day!

[@delanglaisfabrice6026]

thanks again for this interesting video

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome! 🙂

[@Zenzodiene]

Whoa perfect timing! Almost looks like you are stalking me Jens hahaha. Been listening to live at the Casa Cariba for the last few weeks on repeat. Such awesome playing! I also recommend Benson with Jack McDuff. Thats how the (jazz) guitar should be played IMO Anyway let me watch the video :p

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks! I hope you like it! 🙂

[@Wildepicureism]

Hi jenthanks For the video. Great analysis. Have u heard the solo on of benson on the blues "i'll drink to that" . The hole thing is amazing and when he get to the 16th note phrasing is mind blowing.

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome! I am glad you like it! 🙂 I don't know that solo, sorry :)

[@twangbarfly]

You're right - absolutely mind-bogglingly great solo by Benson - the whole album is fantastic.....

[@vincentparrella272]

Jens,Thanks for another wonderful video,I Dont know if you've done an Ed Bickert video,would Love That my friend. 👍👍

[@JensLarsen]

How about this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnOaZWiCiph6d7c

[@leonardjennings1789]

Jens is amazing that's why

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you Leonard! Is there another jazz guitarist or musician I should try to make a video like this on?

[@leonardjennings1789]

Jimmy Dludlu!

[@lazardavidovic378]

Great topic ! Thank you :)

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it! :) Do you have a suggestion for another artist/song to do a video on?

[@tajmabruno]

Cool video as nd great insight.

[@JensLarsen]

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

[@PeteVelcro]

Kenny Burrell i'm a fool to want you from his Village vanguard live album has some beautiful, clean phrasing. A little bluesy, but "crisp' and worth it! Thanks Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

THanks Peter! I will give that a listen :)

[@jimmyc5498]

Thanks for posting this. Been listening to him for about 40 yrs. Is this from 70s in NJ? The CTI stuff like Body Talk “Plum” has a great solo, Affirmation from Breezin. He’s amazing over busy changes or just modal stuff. I have a GB10, really great sound plugged in that he helped design.

[@JensLarsen]

I am not sure when or where this was recorded actually. I have also tried a very nice GB10 they are great instruments!

[@jimkangas4176]

Nice analyses.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you Jim! Is there another guitarist I should try to make a video like this on?

[@jimkangas4176]

Jim Hall might be a good choice. I love Frisell but I don't know that he has so many signature licks.

[@jimkangas4176]

As noted below, Martino would be cool as well.

[@davejackson88]

you are great.. thanks larsen

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much! Glad you like it! Do you have an idea for another guitarist to analyze?

[@terrybessey8134]

I’d really like to hear what your thoughts about Pat Martino. (Re Mr. Benson - I transcribed one of his solos when I was an undergraduate majoring in composition. It was still the age of vinyl and cassettes, so it was very tedious. Wish I’d done more of it, but I went to law school instead. 🤷🏼‍♂️)

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Terry! I will certainly try to find a way to make a Pat Martino video! Do you have a favourite solo?

[@terrybessey8134]

Jens Larsen Just about anything off the “Live at Yoshi’s” album - maybe Oleo?

[@JensLarsen]

Ok :) Good to know!

[@franckcebret4021]

I’m crazy about the GB’s chorus on Stella by Starlight ! Your analyze is welcome!!

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Franck I will keep that in mind! Though a complete analysis of a solo is probably a bit much for a YT video :)

[@JensLarsen]

It's on "Tenderly"

[@franckcebret4021]

Jens Larsen only 3 or 4 licks eventually... The phrase on the minor II V I from bar 31 to 33 is a mystery for me in term of analysis....;(

[@JensLarsen]

So the beginning of the 2nd chorus? That's pretty simple arpeggio stuff right?

[@richardsorice4509]

I think George Benson's version of Stella is one of the best recordings of Stella... period. George's solo is insane and McCoy Tyner was brilliant. I totally dug the tempo and arrangement, too!

[@LowKeyTired-q7d]

The intro to The World is a Ghetto, from In Flight (1976) is one of my fav GB moments.

[@JensLarsen]

Ok, I don't think I know that album 🙂

[@LowKeyTired-q7d]

@@JensLarsen check it out when you can. The whole thing is excellent really.

[@jonathanriojas2177]

Hey jens! New comment! But noticed how the usual examples are based on jazz standards.. was wondering if maybe you could make a video on perhaps George Bensons Weekend in LA song. Something that’s not too jazz oriented but is full of licks I wish I could learn and how you could use them with it’s a mellow soft jazz sound.

[@JensLarsen]

Personally, I am not really that into the smooth jazz things, and I usually make videos on the things I have checked out and that I find inspiring. Sorry :)

[@TiagoLageira]

Benson plays a killer solo on Jimmy Smith's "Off the Top"!!

[@JensLarsen]

That is very true! :D

[@jean-lucbersou758]

GEORGE BENSON is a serial player of " killer solos " .....and QUINCY JONES underlined the legacy passing from Charlie CHRISTIAN to Wes MONTGOMERY until GEORGE BENSON .

[@willgoodfellow3144]

I really like Nir Felder's approach to modern jazz guitar. It would be great to cover him.

[@JensLarsen]

Ok! favourite solo? 🙂

[@patpogoallroundguitarist5814]

Both Jim Mullen and Bruce Forman have one of the greatest phrasing on guitar I’ve ever heard. I like pocketplayers like that.

[@JensLarsen]

Interesting! What albums or songs would you recommend? 🙂

[@patpogoallroundguitarist5814]

Listen to the funky superhero lick Jim Mullen plays at 4.15 in the song Meditation with Gene Harris live version on youtube.

[@JamesHindsW5ATJ]

Which CD would you recommend by Jim Mullen?

[@george0t]

Some of the best George Benson solos are found on recordings by other artists. :) @Jens Larsen, check out "Naturally" and "To Her Ladyship" by Freddie Hubbard.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you George! If you have any sort of list of songs on other records I would be very grateful! :)

[@marleicaetano178]

mais uma lição do mestre estou divertindo com essas aulas

[@JensLarsen]

Obrigado! 🙂

[@glennomac7499]

Hi Jens Have you heard George Benson's version of Chim Chim Che-ree with the 5/8 jazz happenin? Beautiful stuff! Yea I'm a long-term drummer turned song-writer, my second instrument is the guitar. My dad had a George Benson album with that song on it and was what got me into odd time signatures. Anyway, yea, I'm interested in jazz voicings and ideas that would be useful in death metal lol

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks, no I haven't. Do you have a link for it?

[@glennomac7499]

Jens Larsen nah, looked but can't find it anywhere. May have mistaken it for Wes Montgomery though, as dad liked to make his own compilations then just write one dude's name on the cover lol but yea, I think it was live too just cant remember. I just remember the 5/8 goin on

[@glennomac7499]

Jens Larsen P. S. Check out the chords I use around the 1 min 56sec mark of my song. I used a Bb major 1st inversion with the second guitar playing a Bb dominant 7th chord kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZTTm3ihhZycmbs I really want to learn some more jazz voicings for future projects

[@JensLarsen]

Ok, no worries! I doubt if Wes recorded something in 5/8 though? 🙂

[@glennomac7499]

Jens Larsen Here's the video of Chim Chim Cheree with 5/8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGrXpWicpdBqitE

[@juliendrouot128]

Jens it was inspirational as always. Thanks a lot! Pat Martino ? Tal Farlow ? Jim Raney ?

[@JensLarsen]

All good choices! What's your favourite with Jimmy Raney?

[@juliendrouot128]

Well the complete live in Tokyo is a must. Just Friends or Cherokee would be great (even Darn that Dream) :)

[@JensLarsen]

I will check those out!

[@MrTresero]

Wes montgomery,George Benson,Pat Metheny,Johnny Smith,Bireli Lagreene definitely my top 5

[@JensLarsen]

I have a video on Wes already :)

[@chumspracticetips]

Affirmation

[@yakovest]

Can’t find PDF on FB Patreon

[@JensLarsen]

I don't think you are a member of that FB group?

[@janesterlis9046]

Jens Larsen I thought I was :)

[@JensLarsen]

Did you see the PM I sent you on FB? 🙂

[@florinmarcos7391]

Hi, can you please please play the song "Being with you" from George Benson? Thanks

[@Andreorsel]

Great lesson! But in my opinion the last note of bar 3 is not an A but a G. I would play that in 5th position on the D string and then go to the Bb on the G string. From there you can play the arpeggio on Abmaj7 very easy in that position.

[@bradking1067]

Benson's "Body Talk" album has him jammin!

[@JensLarsen]

Ok! I have another lesson on Benson coming out Saturday :) I don't know Body Talk, I'll need to check that out

[@bradking1067]

@@JensLarsen sure you won't be disappointed but it's older probably more funk

[@scottd291]

Which album would you recommend for George that is not a bootleg?

[@JensLarsen]

Certainly: Cookbook: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJbamXuwoNdrgZY and It's Uptown is great too!

[@scottd291]

Jens Larsen great thank you for your help

[@katana7xv]

Benson has a lot of Grant Green in his playing in certain periods. This excerpt is like faster, crisper Grant Green - the magic of the simple. The syncopation and Latiny held note in the bridge sample is also very reminiscent.

[@JensLarsen]

Actually I think he is very Pat Martino like in this, much more so than Grant Green at least. But I also know Martino better than Green so I am probably quicker to hear that.

[@katana7xv]

You're probably right, fewer spaces, more clipped tone, but also maybe due to the tempo. Listening some more, definitely more Martinoesque. I think you've at some point looked at aspects of Green's bebop material (as opposed to the later funk/fusion), but I think he'd make a good study. His apparent simplicity is like BB King's - simple it may be, until someone tries to imitate it

[@darrylmatsune2109]

Hey love the videos. Is that the John Scofield model you're using? Either way looks and sounds really good

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! It is the model before the AS200 Scofield model. It is an AS2630 🙂

[@darrylmatsune2109]

@@JensLarsen oh man it sounds awesome been looking for a new guitar recently. Thanks for the info

[@Gminor7]

Jimmy Raney - Isn’t it Romantic , recording with Bob Brookmeyer

[@JensLarsen]

Interesting! I will check it out! Is it in Bob Brookmeyers name?

[@Gminor7]

Jens Larsen It’s 1956 ABC- Paramount label, called “Jimmy Raney featuring Bob Brookmeyer”. Isn’t it Romantic is the first track. It’s on Spotify, etc. Major concepts in his playing: incredible rhythmic displacement, across the bar phrasing, and weaving counterpoint lines with Brookmeyer, similar to Chet Baker & Gerry Mulligan. Thanks as always, Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

Great! I'll have a listen :)

[@Shuzies]

Question....George plays on Eb7...5,4,3,pt,2,pt,1,6......any hints on how to keep each note clean while speeding this up?

[@Shuzies]

Im using fingers....42143213

[@Shuzies]

On 6 string Bass from low B to High C

[@JensLarsen]

I am not sure I follow? 5,4,3, passing tone 2? would be Bb, Ab, G etc? The line is Eb,Db,Ab F, E right?

[@Shuzies]

The line is Bb,Ab,G, Gb,F,E,Eb,C......I'm sure I don't have this writen out right but see if you follow it anyway???

[@JensLarsen]

So it's not from the video? Ok, that's why I didn't get it. I would use 4 2 1, 4-4 3 2 4 consider sliding the 4 to 4 of course that may be more tricky on the longer scale instrument like a bass?

[@jamesjohnson4432]

Thank you for this upload. 583 likes to no dislikes. Nice.

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome James! I am not too concerned with likes vs dislikes. If people don't like it they are probably just leave 🙂

[@CliffieVanR]

Hi Jens - love the idea of using an arpeggio to move between two adjacent melodic notes. Question, though: you say the high note is best played on the 'off-beat', and you seem to be playing it here on the 4. I'd always assumed 'off-beat' meant the 'and' of any given beat, but I realize from context here it actually means on the 2 or 4. Is that right?

[@JensLarsen]

Thansk Cliff! Can you give me a time in the video? I don't really know what you are referring to.

[@CliffieVanR]

@@JensLarsen Sure. You introduce the idea of the ascending arpeggio between two scalar notes around 4:33, and talk about placing the high note for emphasis at around 5:06. Thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

Yes and in that construction the last not in the arpeggio is a high not on the 1& gets an accent not the one on 4 :)

[@CliffieVanR]

@@JensLarsen Lol! Thanks for clarifying.

[@georgemorris4142]

maybe a lesson on singing or humming your riffs simultaneously like Benson or Hendrix or sounding out the♩s

[@JensLarsen]

Wouldn't that just be a singing lesson?

[@vikt1m1337]

Hey, may I ask what string gauge you use?

[@JensLarsen]

Yes of course! I am using sonotone 0.13 strings

[@samsheehan5298]

What age did you start playing Jens?

[@JensLarsen]

I started playing classical guitar at 12 :)

[@KingParisBuckingham]

Which country are you in jensen?

[@delanglaisfabrice6026]

For me this type of lines talk to me i really like it because they sound bebop, i have reh book where there is some lines like this if somebody wants

[@JensLarsen]

Bebop is indeed a great style!

[@JonMulveyGuitar]

Another excellent lesson and a perfect choice in Benson. People think GB was a pop star. (Because he was:) They may not know that he was one of the most accomplished Bebop soloists in jazz. Like and subscribe for excellent content and insights here... Go Jen Go!!

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Jon!

[@JoelLaviolette]

That lick really reminds me a lot of Grant Green as well.

[@delanglaisfabrice6026]

i really like the first album of G BENSON

[@JensLarsen]

Which one is that? I have Cookbook and It's Uptown, but I think those are not the first ones?

[@delanglaisfabrice6026]

i think is "the new boss guitar" but i m not sure

[@pascaljeanne6520]

your so right ! but you have to teach the right hand of benson lol ! it make his incredible sens of rythm ! and his medium sound better than so many jazz guitarist who have this little anemic sound ! ok to analyze the chords and harmos ok but its larger than that ! sorry for my english like a car crash in everest ! but i work g benson and your lesson is good ! even if and you know it , its impossible to play like someone else , its good to understand some parts of this virtuosos play ! after you just have to learn to play like joe pass, pat martino etc ! lol ! and one day before you pass away you will play a lick from yourself ahaha !

[@JensLarsen]

I actually don't agree with you on that, and there are so many limitations to his right hand technique when it comes to playing a lot of other things. I think it is fine if that is what you want to do, but it is in no way necessary.

[@rickswing]

A good solo to examine might be George Benson's solo on "I'll Drink To That." Some fantastic double time lines in there: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpzap4uBbMd9p8U

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks. I am taking a break from these analysis videos, so it won't be too soon 🙂

[@kentabacchi797]

Nice! That reminds me of this show I caught a few years ago during winter NAMM in Southern California. George plays that song with Joey D on the Hammond B organ, and Ramon Banda on drums. The other guitarist is local hero Ron Eschete. Have you checked him out Jens? He kind of takes Benson to school on this gig. Don't get me wrong, I love George Benson, but Eschete told me that he thought Benson was a little out of shape at the time. Everyone needs to practice, even the greats. I took about 3 lessons from him before the harmonic stuff got way over my head. He told me not to come back for a lesson until I had learned the previous lesson completely. So I had one lesson, came back two weeks later, then 4 weeks later, then 2 months later, then I never came back, Lol! He is a monster, for sure. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXynZ2yVr6t2atk

[@Laurenzatto54]

Georges Benson is one of the Four Aces of jazz guitar players with Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery... all the others, as great as they are, came after them...

[@BrazenNL]

Noone is as smooth as GB on guitar. And noone can put the blues in any cadence in any style like GB can. There, I said it. :D

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you Charles! True his melodies are really smooth (and still not boring, which is actually what is tricky)

[@rjlchristie]

If you want to call the E natural in bar 3 a flattened ninth then you should notate it as F flat.

[@JensLarsen]

But I didn't and you are going to have to live with that Richard. I hope it isn't ruining your week 🙂

[@rjlchristie]

You are secretly pleased that we are paying attention.

[@JensLarsen]

That's indeed true 😁

[@Jimi-bx3xf]

sounds like pat martino licks too

[@VlogsNiKuyang]

its the picking style of Benzon made him unique and impossible to replicate..

[@JensLarsen]

Replicate and learning from is not the same...

[@kevinscousin9871]

Wes Montgomery with a pick.

[@JensLarsen]

Actually I don't think this solo is that Wes like? 🙂

[@jele826]

Solo on 6 to 4

[@jayanderson8563]

George did some nice licks when 21 with Brother Jack McDuff. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6e8d62iltWMiqM

[@JensLarsen]

Cool! I will check that out 🙂 Thanks Jay

[@alexandergallant6444]

Lately

[@JensLarsen]

Lately?

[@Ronno4691]

Has everyone seen the Jazz version of the Downfall meme yet. I don't get all of the jokes in it yet but it's still funny.

[@JensLarsen]

I have no idea what that is? :)

[@KingParisBuckingham]

George benson is the greatest jazz guitarist of all time.even his idols he i.proved upon their techniques and surpassed em...( the greatest all round guitarist in jazz , rock , pop is Stanley Jordan because of his magic touch technique..go see Stanley Jordan play.....

[@kindnick58]

😲😲😲😲😲

[@JensLarsen]

🙂

[@josiecrotwell8627]

Thanks!! This video alone worth anything I’m sending you on patron.. check this live recording of Stella with McCoy Tyner kzbin.info/www/bejne/gobaeneXm7OHisU

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you Ted! :)

[@jamess-shaw5464]

...because he copied wes?

[@JensLarsen]

Actually here it sounds more like he copied Pat Martino though?

[@donovanchrisman5041]

I can’t hardly learn from your videos at all. I would like to offer up some constructive criticism. Less talking about the obvious things, we know what’s going on with our ears, we want to know more on how to accomplish it. And you don’t necessarily get that across very good. I respect your knowledge but I think you could go about how you’re executing what you’re trying to say or do, better. Just try and incorporate more playing and less taking. A lot of guys like myself learn better by watching the playing. Cheers

[@JensLarsen]

Well, I don't think you should just learn what he is playing. I think you should learn how it is constructed. That is at least what I am trying to teach you.To me seems like you are asking for a lesson of somebody playing a transcription slowly which I don't think I want to make. I am sure there are lots of others making the videos the way you want them 🙂

[@donovanchrisman5041]

Jens Larsen I love finding out the ways that phrasing, songs, solos etc are constructed. I’m just giving you some advice on keeping your audience in tune with what’s going on. Don’t take offense to it lol, I like your videos, just wish they showed a little more action with what you’re saying.

[@JensLarsen]

Yes. I don't take offence, I am just trying to answer you :) It's really weird for you to say this on a video with 44K views which is really a lot for how specific this is. That makes it hard to say that it is not in touch with my audience when clearly it is a home run for the channel so to speak.

[@donovanchrisman5041]

I guess I’ll end the conversation there, you apparently aren’t the constructive criticism receiving type. I appreciate your channel and your knowledge and playing, take care.

[@JensLarsen]

Ok! Thanks for the input. Hope it's ok that I put it in perspective.

[@deldia]

Great player. Nice plastic surgery on his nose too.

[@JensLarsen]

Yes! Is it only his nose? 🙂

[@chaniagofams2409]

You just too much talk..!! Little directions...👎