Wes Montgomery Secrets That Will Transform Your Playing...

Guitar Pro Files, PDF's, and More for this lesson on Patreon:
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In todays lesson I'm going to talk about the Wes Montgomery concepts that transformed my playing and will do the same for you! We will cover his colorful guitar shapes and how to apply them over various chords, as well as ways to integrate them into your jazz vocabulary.
Intro and outro backing tracks provided by Phil Wilkinson: www.playjazztracks.com
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#JazzGuitar#Lessons#Transcriptions
If you have any suggestions of future video topics leave you comments below!
Thank you for your support!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Here is the PDF download link! patreon.com/NathanBortonMusicPatreon also here is the follow up lesson: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6S4iZSYgbijd68

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I love the lick in Four On Six from Smokin' At the Half Note where the basically plays a Gm7 but winds up in like a Bb simple triad shape by starting on the 5th fret G on the D string and going to the 8th fret Bb on the D string and then just playing a simple looking 1-3-5 triad from there. I use that a lot over minor chords as a fun shape with a colorful sound that is actually a really simple but effective movement. Wes was just the best. There was so much range in his playing. He was almost like a jazz shredder on Cottontail but then like a jazz funk player on Full House. Unreal what he accomplished in such a short time. I'm not truly a "jazz player" but I love incorporating little bits of Wes into my blues and rock playing and I could listen to him every day for the rest of my life and never get sick of him.

[@maxwellbarnhart1375]

I'm gonna need a timestamp lol

[@lucaspetrus2]

🤓

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@maxwellbarnhart1375 It's basically the second bar of the solo. It's a super quick move and if you blink you'll miss it but man it's super sweet.

[@joeschmoe1301]

Doesn't matter who's playing Wes's lines. It ALWAYS sounds good!!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Wes is the man!

[@rondorko]

Fantastic lesson, Nathan! I always appreciate your clear explanation of what you're doing and why. Yes! More Wes, please.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks so much Ron! Will do!

[@paulscheuer9455]

An excellent analysis. Clear, concise and most importantly ties back to the theory of what separates the sound of jazz guitar from all other styles. Keep these lessons coming!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Hi Paul, thanks for your comment! Really appreciate it!

[@thecurlymusicologist]

Amazing lesson, Nathan! Thank you for all that you do for the jazz guitar community and jazz community at large!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks Christine!!! :)

[@JesusRamirez-vt6lk]

This is one of the best lessons on i have watched !!! Good stuff

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Wow that means a lot! Thanks so much and I hope you can find more information on the channel that is as helpful to you!

[@williammorson1535]

I'm not a guitarist, (just learning bass) but what you are teaching is music to my ears sorry I mean beautiful. I'm sure if I put all that in my head it will in some way improve my bass playing.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

For sure! Using these colors in bass lines and in your soloing could be cool!

[@AdrianFarrell]

Got nothing to add that others haven't already said, but I know it's good for your algorithms to comment 🙂👍🙏

[@NathanBortonMusic]

It really does... thank you! Hope you enjoyed the lesson :)

[@carloscardona3924]

Hearing you play Makes me appreciate Jazz More

[@NathanBortonMusic]

That really means a lot, thanks Carlos :)

[@richfrommitch]

Been having jazz lessons for a few months and it is baking my brain. Thankfully a few of your videos are helping me out.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Sorry about the brain baking, but glad to hear my lessons are helping that!

[@gabiacro1]

More of this!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Definitely! Thanks for watching!

[@jean-lucbersou758]

INTERESTING APPROACH and we should add that the liminar secret was WES 's musical ear , absolute pitch of the neck that allows to play instantely his musical ideas anticipating several bars into a linear melodic flow . That can explain his incredible touch , balanced and subtle chromatisms , high tension and release through perfect timing , absolute control of interaction with his peers .THANKS for your precious work .

[@terrybrown8151]

Super amazing playing and explanations west Montgomery is a amazing artist thanks a lot 🎵🎵🎶🎶

[@-Dominique]

Well thank you ! Wise fingering, simple and logical in a intervallic manner 🎉

[@nikigba]

Just watched one of your earlier lessons and then this one, you've come a long way! I really enjoyed this lesson. And yes, more Wes!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks so much! I'm always working on improving and appreciate you noticing!

[@jfmax2000]

Oh Yeah Bro... Great Stuff.. I've Been Listening to Wes Since I Can Remember My Dad was a Jazz Guitarist and Wes was One of His Favorite Guitarist... Dead On Wes Theory.. Thanx for The Instructional ☺☺😎👊💯

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it and heck yes for Wes! Did you see they released new Wes albums?! Unreleased bootlegs I think?

[@jfmax2000]

@@NathanBortonMusic Yessir.... Oh Wow Really...Oh Gotta Look into That for Sure and Thanx for The Heads Up Bro 😀😀😎👊💯

[@meeno_the_man]

I’m stumbling upon your channel at, perhaps just the right moment in my musical maturation. Wonderful lesson many thanks. And yes, more Wes Montgomery please.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

So Glad to hear it helped you out!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

If you're sorta new to Wes I would HIGHLY recommend Smokin' At The Half Note and The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery. Holy crap dude they're amazing!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

@@SimpleManGuitars1973 YES!

[@QuinnJACKSON-zx1dx]

We all can admit that Wes Montgomery is the coolest name ever.

[@desertdetroiter428]

Lol…it really is a great jazz guitarist name!😂

[@massimos6863]

Wess Montgomery ❤ one of the greatest guitarist of our time. Beautiful playing

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Yes indeed! And thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@massimos6863]

@NathanBorton your very welcome you are a great guitarist 🎸

[@hello55125]

Great stuff, more lessons on Wes would be great! Thanks for all your hard work

[@NathanBortonMusic]

More to come! Thanks for watching!

[@johnhendricks8140]

So many choices with the harmonies.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Yes! Find the options that work for you!

[@ssmith8958]

I found your video while searching for a Miles Davis video. This is amazing because I somehow discovered using the Minor shapes over 30 years ago. It has helped me to develop my own style. Because of your video I now understand why it works, Thank you so much for sharing your talent and knowledge. You made my day. Thanks again.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@paulstrickland2763]

Zappa was right. If you want to hear great guitar, listen to Wes.

[@TechnologyofFreedom]

Great lesson! Yes, more Wes, please.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks so much! More Wes to come!

[@ellane8441]

You Gotta Love Wes.. Period.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Wes is the man!

[@felliperockz7857]

The first time I heard about the D-7 over G7 was with Joe Pass vhs video saying when he sees a G7 he thinks on D-7... something like that I don't remember exactly. But excellent video! Wes guitar sound is very sweet you nailed and explained clearly. A lot of people will learn something or even start to listen Wes Montgomery. Congrats!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thank you for the kind words! Yes, I hope I can help spread jazz music and make more people interested in this amazing genre!

[@roqueflores4262]

Hi Man more of Wes please! Some blues stuff or minor 2-5-1! Thanks for share this pure GOLD!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Hey thanks so much! Really glad you liked the lesson! I have one videos on these topics in the past, here are a couple of you want to check them out! Grant Green's Guide To The Blues | Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Improvisation kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3ayi2uHa7d1fdU Grant Green's Guide to the MINOR Blues! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH2lXnWIiLl-bqM The Secret To Soloing Over Minor Tunes (and Chords) kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKaXn2uuZb54i68 Every Jazz Musician Should Know This kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6uUfIaGr5qGaM0

[@michaelhughes5595]

Awesome. Natalie Merchant, in a subtle way , reminds me of Joan Baez. Absolutely stated as high praise. They are both unbelievably talented as well as truly authentic .

[@RachaelMagidsonjazz]

Thank you so much ! So clear and interesting !!!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

You're very welcome!

[@DjangoThunders]

Good lesson, very focused and I will be coming back. *****

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Appreciate that! Hope you find more lessons that help you out!

[@hughmoore4117]

Sounds great. I love arpeggios and this a great lesson plus I need lots of help.

[@markford6154]

This is very informative Nathan and certainly does facilitate a more melodic approach. Thank you for a well presented tutorial.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Appreciate you watching!

[@thepartimemusician65]

Superb uploads lately Nathan, thank you and may your channel success continue.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

appreciate that! Thanks for watching :)

[@koco2684]

hello, thank you for your course always well done, with the end study which includes the example licks. Your lessons are so rich that 10 minutes is enough. A new contributor

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks for your kind words! There will be more Wes lessons in the future! I was thinking about doing one on his block chord soloing/comping!

[@makesenz]

One of my pops' (Jan Akkerman) and my heroes! what a legend

[@charpentierniko4613]

Yea really good, tanks for sharing,big up from Reunion island Indian ocean.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Appreciate that! Thanks! 🙏

[@sunlightpictures8367]

Very informative vide and nice playing!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thank you kindly!

[@fahrad69]

Great lesson on Wes' approach.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it and I hope it helped you!

[@cryn]

Great lesson. This idea inspires so many possibilities. Thank you!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

You are so welcome! Hope helps shape your playing!

[@oliverkoch7852]

wow Your lession are realy great and helpfull. They are one of the best among the best 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻And…..please keep on going because its nice to hear you playing. thank you very much for your work…..😉

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Wow! Thanks so much Oliver! I’m glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the compliment about my playing, means a lot! I have a couple records out if your interested? Ones called “Each Step”

[@LarrySiden]

Another gem. Thank you, Nathan.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks for watching Larry!

[@jjazzyt8588]

Great lesson, very clear and helpfull, merci beaucoup!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thank you! 😃

[@royrensburg3099]

Thank you so much for your brilliant insights…and that beautiful tone 👌🏽

[@NathanBortonMusic]

You are so welcome! And can you believe that's DI? I'm using a golden age mkiii as a pre-amp!

[@peteandrews7169]

Great lesson Nathan, thank you

[@NathanBortonMusic]

My pleasure!

[@HristoVelev]

That's great! Will be cool to have more. The way I think about it is diatonically - when the harmony is diatonic to a key, you can play all the seven chords over it, and it sounds good. Not just major/minor, but add the modal color tones so it becomes Dorian, phrygian, lydian etc. Makes it easy to follow the harmony because key centers don't change as often.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Yes definitely! You have to find the ways to that work for you. You might be interested in this video, where I talk about something similar via Barry Harris’s major 6th Diminished scale: The Barry Harris Concept That Will Change Your Playing Forever kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXyvo5eGbLh2f9k

[@HristoVelev]

@@NathanBortonMusic great, thanks for sharing!

[@stevewhite3753]

Love these concepts Pat Martino does the same

[@WhistlebirdInfinity]

I have been finding this out for myself on piano, as it happens. I really love if I have say a C major in the bass, I will play a B minor pentatonic over that getting the major 7, 9, sharp 11, and 6 (or 13) it's pretty liberating

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@mr.jazzbo2669]

More Wes lessons please. Good stuff.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

More to come! Thanks for watching!

[@ajkauly3682]

vERY NICE PLAYING AND INSTRUCTION!!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks for your kind words!

[@marzbitenhaussen]

I have the feeling Wes came out with this ideas just listening to the music, unlike trying to musically analyze and construct these structures using theory

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Yep! Your right

[@klangfarben6]

Excellent lesson. Thank you!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@jazzajour]

Thanks! Great job!🙏🤘

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Appreciate that :)

[@duaneharlick]

Great lesson!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@martinowwwitsch]

Great! Thanks for that

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Appreciate your watching! Hope it was helpful :)

[@clifford7]

Good lesson....Nathan. Smooth examples

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks so much! Hope it helped you out!

[@rillloudmother]

this is a great Wes lesson, keep it up!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

More to come!

[@jjsbluz6081]

Thank You

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@JazzStrat781]

Really great lesson 👍🎸 glad to have found your channel, best to you!!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thank you kindly!

[@vspaulding1]

Thank You Nathan for Posting. Glad I Follow you:)

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks 🙏 great to see you again!

[@sheldonnaiga3276]

Hmmmmm. Interesting concept. I see the theory using the related notes to particular chord. Like using a harmonic minor scale(Dm7) over the i(Bbmaj7)

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Yeah defiantly!

[@julianmiguelcases4994]

Really great lesson, what a beautiful sound you can get, Wes is magic, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, I already subscribed to your channel, keep on doing lessons maestro!!! Thanks :)

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Many thanks! 🙏

[@michaelottoguitar]

Great lesson and amazing playing!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks a lot! Really appreciate it :)

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

dorian and its extensions or minor modal usage.over major and minor chords. i like it ,fantastic..................thanks

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Glad you like it! Thanks for watching :)

[@vincenzo6162]

Some great ideas! Much appreciated 👍

[@NathanBortonMusic]

No problem 👍 Hope they are helpful to you!

[@guitarman6742]

Pat Martino owns the minor 5 sub concept over the 1 chord.

[@dominicdemercurio7933]

Thank you. Nice playing.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks for watching! Hope it helped you!

[@BlakePriddyMusic]

This was great. Thank you man!!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fouroutoffour]

Great one, Nathan! Thanks

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks so much! Always appreciate your support :)

[@danerickson1632]

The Black guitar is the beginning of American rock and roll and their blues guitar was phenomenal 😊

[@thebomontellano4996]

Wes Montgomery was the most influential Jazz guitarist of modern jazz, BB King was the most influential guitarist of modern blues and Jimi Hendrix was the most influential rock guitarist in modern Rock music. - Quincy Jones❤. Nuff said.

[@undertheglassmoon2239]

I guess u right, Only for American .. Not for the world, i put Django name for that criteria.. cos Django is already done that things before wes

[@oriraykai3610]

​@@thebomontellano4996 - and every last one was a white guy in his previous life. So much for "feel good" racism.

[@olymoon2008]

Fantastic explanation. Very inspiring. Thank you!! ...... Subscribed. ; )

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Awesome, thank you! Hope you find some more content you like on the channel :)

[@danielbrunner5878]

Wow this is amazingly helpful

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Glad this video helped you! Thank for watching!

[@galbaribeirodefaria6104]

It's great! Thanks a lot!! From BRAZIL!!!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Welcome!!

[@rexroman5211]

Would have liked more explanation of the harmonic dynamics at play here.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks for your comment. Essentially, I am just playing guitar shapes based around the Dorian mode. Sometimes I use lydian (as shown in video). I didn't go into much theory because I was really just wanting it to be an explanation of Wes's "guitar shapes," rather than a theory lesson. This choice was made because I wanted to give people something tangible to play, rather than telling them what scale sounds good over an exact chord. Hope that explains things and thanks for watching!

[@guitariste47]

Sounds great

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Appreciate that :)

[@mobetterx1110]

This was helpful! Thanks!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

So glad! Thanks for watching!

[@ellane8441]

Kudos !!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks for the sub :)

[@daleschimpf]

Mind bending! 😀

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@onceuponascale]

Great sound man!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Appreciate it! I’m going DI into a golden age mkiii pre-amp

[@takedahiroaki]

nice lesson.thanks.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@dannysomoza9977]

Nathan ,I love your playing. Your lessons are full of important info. Can you tell me what Amp are you using? You get a great sound from that beautiful Benedetto guitar. Warm,crisp,punchy. Very clear notes on the 5th and 6th strings. Great lessons. Please keep them coming. You have a lot of really good things to say.!! It is greatly appreciated. By the way, Wes was my first Jazz Guitar hero back in the 60's. I think Wes was one the Greatest Jazz Guitarist that ever lived. Thanks.!!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Hi Danny, thanks for your kind words! I acually don't use an amp but rather a pre-amp that goes straight into my DAW via DI. I use the golden age mkiii! I have a link in the video description if your interested in purchasing one!

[@JazzVocab]

Great stuff! Thanks😊

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks for watching!!

[@jjsbluz6081]

Thx Marvelous

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate it!

[@gurayozcana]

Thanks for the tips🎉🎉

[@NathanBortonMusic]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@bwbillwilliamsbw]

Ace lesson.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks so much Bill! Appreciate your support!

[@gregdarling8163]

Some great information!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks! Hope it’s useful to you!

[@geeush]

Well, I always suspected it should be as smart as that, but never figured it out myself, thanks 🙏)

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Glad I could help! Wes was a genius!

[@fernandologatto2663]

Very thanks !!!! The solo chords give me fear 😂😂😂

[@winstoncampbell6180]

Great content brother 🔥🔥❤️

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks 🔥Glad you enjoyed it and hope it was helpful!

[@sammyjacksonofhollywood1245]

good job 👏

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks 🙏

[@jonathanbumpus3709]

Beautiful video 🔥

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Aw shucks man. Thanks so much for checking it out :)

[@davidkelly831]

Great tutorial 👍

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks so much! Appreciate you!

[@miket.5258]

Nathan when are you going to write a book? Great stuff as usual.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

I don’t know if I know that much! Thanks for watching really appreciate it :)

[@mjpslim]

This is great information..

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vecernicek2]

Man, great stuff as usual. I wonder if you ever came across Garrison Fewell's book and his approach to minor triads?

[@NathanBortonMusic]

I haven’t! But I’d love to check it out, thanks for the tip!

[@rondorko]

I have this book and it is great. Garrison is a really good, practical teacher. The book is titled, "Jazz Improvisation for Guitar: A Melodic Approach"

[@vecernicek2]

@@rondorko Yep, that's the one

[@analogalien]

Bravo! Just subscribed.

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Awesome, thank you!🙏

[@robertomacheda592]

Nice lesson man

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrTroposphere]

Gr8 vid, more Wesmo secrets plz

[@NathanBortonMusic]

More Wesmo on the way!

[@alexd.alessandro5419]

😂 Please do more Wes reasoning. Thanks!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

More to come!

[@Joel_Powell]

Just ran across your channel today (and I learn a lot from many channels). But I will say this is one of the largest effects a concept has had on my playing for the first visit! So easy to understand. I pulled up some 2-5-1 tracks and was playing some lines that had me saying "who they heck is playing this!" Also a former Benedetto owner, but I sold them (☹). I subscribed and I am sure you are heading past 10k subscribers very soon. Thank you!

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate it and hope your can find more videos on the channel that help you! And yes for the Benedettos!

[@bradking1536]

🎉 Kool 🎉 thank you for sharing hope you are well God loves you deeply shalom 🤗🐼♥️✝️💐 Philippians 4:8

[@NathanBortonMusic]

Appreciate that! Hope you have a great day!