Beginning Rhythm Section

Abstract

How does one take a concert band snare drummer, classically trained pianist, orchestral bass player, and self-taught guitar player and turn them into a jazz rhythm section? The drummer has never had so many drums and cymbals to worry about, the pianist may be playing with a group for the very first time, the bass player has to learn to “walk” a bass line, and the guitar player has to play in foreign keys. This chapter addresses the teaching of the rhythm section with regard to (a) rhythm section notation, (b) bass, (c) piano, (d) guitar, (e) drum set, (f) auxiliary instruments, and (g) rhythm section rehearsal strategies. It presents a sequential approach to teaching the beginning rhythm section: (a) walking bass lines, (b) voicing chords, (c) comping patterns, (d) playing setups and fills, and (e) interpreting and realizing instrument-specific rhythm section notation markings.