Solo Jazz Guitar: The Complete Chord Melody Method Paperback – March 1, 1999

I'm not a pro by any means, but I've got a number of books on chord-melody jazz guitar, and this one deserves a lot more credit than it's getting here. If you're starting out learning to play in this style—which you probably shouldn't yet unless you have some basic knowledge of jazz theory and know a few fingerings for seventh chords—this is without a doubt the best place to start. The bulk of the book is arrangements of familiar standards, many of which, if you're an avid jazz listener, you should already be able to hum from memory. That's a major asset in learning to play them. So you can go through this and play the songs you know, and in the process you'll be learning how they can be played with a jazz sensibility. The arrangements are strictly of the melody, without solo sections, but you probably don't need to be playing unaccompanied solos yet. You want to be playing music, not just exercises, in a way that is recognizable, and that you can understand. That's what you get here. Aiding in this understanding is the introductory section, showing you some of the harmonization and embellishment techniques used in the arrangements that follow. Another helpful feature is that while each chord voicing is named in the notation, the basic chord progression to the song is also provided, so you have a point of reference for how the arrangement modifies it. If you don't have any understanding of jazz theory, you'll need to understand chord construction before this book will be of much use to you. But after you do, this will get you playing actual music that sounds like the music you're trying to learn to play. I'm still learning, but this book got me off the ground. Since then I've moved on to Barry Galbraith's more intricate arrangements (Mel Bay Barry Galbraith Guitar Solos and Barry Galbraith Guitar Solos Volume 2 (Guitar Masters), and trying to come up with my own simple ones from lead sheets. But I wouldn't have been ready for any of that without starting here.

Lot's of good material and ideas. .Difficult to understand the negative reviews. My suggestions are as follows: : This book is not for for the beginner. Perhaps intermediate leading up to advanced. Student or Guitarist should have interest in learning jazz guitar and jazz standards. Before attempting the material in this book it would be helpful to have some knowledge of the diatonic major scale and its chords, along with basic knowledge of chords and their extensions; Also being familiar some of the terms used in jazz music terminology such as "Turnarounds" etc..., would be helpful. In the First Section ,the examples or music theory concepts such as chord substitution are short and to the point, so it would be helpful for you to experiment and apply the examples to different keys through out the guitar , and apply to songs you might know, if appropriate, or that are referred to as jazz standards. If you desire more explanation or understanding of the examples you could seek out a knowledgeable instructor or other books related to jazz guitar that give you a more detailed foundation on the topic you desire. Part two consist of jazz standards arranged for guitar. These arrangement would work well for the guitarist who desires to work as a soloist, or better yet one who desires to play in a trio setting, or with a bass player. Also Band In a Box could be used as an accompaniment..Granted there may be more complicated chords and voice leading ideas that could be applied to these songs. But the arrangements in this book sound good, they are practical and can be played on a job or with a band. Also don't feel you have to play each arrangement note for note. You can make some changes or use other chord voicing that you may know. I believe this book will prove to be helpful toward picking up and applying some new ideas to songs you want to learn or already know or towards learning Jazz Guitar and Jazz Standards.

Great Method for learning Chord Melody, Great selection of 20 Standard, Post Bop, and even a Fusion Tune (500 Miles High!). Many different tune types (Ballads, Medium Swing, Bossa Nova, a 3/4 tune or two, and two Up Tempo classics (Cherokee and Giant Steps!). Best Tune Selection, I have ever seen in a Jazz Guitar book! And of course the best part. $12.99 (I personally think that the Author and Publisher could charge more!)

I'm disappointed in this book. Guitar books are frequently written by guys who are great players, but have no business writing or teaching (you know like the great engineer who should stick to his calculator.) This book is a typical guitar player book in that it doesn't lay out a logical basis for understanding the concepts presented. He just show you a chart or tells you to do something without any proper explanation of the information presented. "You just do this, man" could be the mantra for many guitar authors, this one included. I like a comprehensive academic presentation. This book attempts a pseudo version of this by supposedly giving you the theory in the begining of the book, then laying a bunch of examples on you. If you really want to know what you are doing, without having to fill in the blanks yourself, this is not the book. This is an other quick and dirty, half baked method book. If you want a better book, check out Berklee Publications. Beware of guitar books. Piano books appear to be laid out in a much more logical and comprehensive fashion. But a lot of guitar players are resistant to comprehesive learning. "Just show me something that sounds cool" is the attitude. If you're one of these guys then this is your book.

While the actual tunes are good what makes this book are the intro pages explaining very clearly how and when to sub chords and why!An indispensible first chapter.5 stars for that alone .Also i purchased this book for around 0ne pound fifty,fantastic value.If you are a start up or intermediate jazzer struggling with the whys and whens this is for you!

I like this book. Bill includes a lot theory with regard to solo jazz guitar & chord substitution.

For those that like guitar chord melody style you will enjoy this book.- very little theory but enough well explained. Excellent value at the price.

excellent

great book