Jazz Guitar

Abstract

Throughout the history of jazz, the guitar has been an omnipresent voice as a rhythm section instrument and a solo voice. Having a strong guitarist in any jazz ensemble is a benefit and significantly increases the breadth of material that an ensemble can effectively perform. Taking a student with limited notational staff reading and chord vocabulary on the journey toward being a well-functioning guitarist in a jazz ensemble is no small feat! By understanding guitar function in jazz and melodic technique best practices, school music teachers can have a positive impact on young guitarists. This chapter addresses the technical possibilities/limitations of the guitar, diagnoses the needs and strengths of a young guitarist, recommends best practices, and provides a hands-on demonstration of learning through notated melodic and chordal examples.