Best Jazz Guitar Books for an Experienced Saxophonist
Transitioning from the saxophone to the guitar can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. If you have a B.A. in jazz saxophone and intermediate guitar skills, there are several books that can help you make the most of your new instrument. Whether you aspire to comp or play lead, these resources will guide you through the essential techniques and broaden your musical horizons.
Drop Voicings and Chord Progressions
The Drop Voicing Book for Guitar: This comprehensive guide by Carl Seeling provides an in-depth look at drop 2, 3, 23, and 24 chord voicings, teaching you how to navigate diatonic 7th chords within the context of Cycle of Fourths progressions. Whether you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out for further guidance!
Exploring the Fretboard and Chord Construction
The one common thing is learning the fretboard.
For a deep dive into the intricacies of the fretboard, consider the following books:
Ted Greene's Chord Chemistry - This excellent resource offers a plethora of chord options and modern chord progressions, providing invaluable exposure to the seemingly infinite variety of chords. Mickey Baker's Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary - Known as one of the original works in the field, this book is a gold mine for understanding chord construction and advanced techniques. Mick Goodrick's The Advancing Guitarist - This book is highly recommended for its exploration of the guitar as a jazz instrument, offering a wealth of information for intermediate to advanced players.Popular Choice Books for Jazz Guitar
Some other popular choices include:
uitar Techniques by William Leavitt (Berklee series) - With its extensive content, this series offers detailed insights into the art of guitar playing, though the volume may be overwhelming for beginners. The Fingerboard Workbook by Barry Galbraith - This book focuses on the practical aspects of guitar playing, helping you master the fretboard through exercises and techniques. Fusion by Joe Diorio - Ideal for those looking to explore fusion styles, this book is packed with exercises and techniques that will help you develop your jazz and blues playing. Jazz Guitar Chords by Joe Pass - This book, written by a legendary guitarist, is a go-to resource for chord knowledge and technique. The Charlie Parker Omnibook - While not specifically for guitar, this comprehensive reference on jazz improvisation is invaluable for any aspiring jazz musician.Repertoire and Arranging
Ultimately, jazz is about repertoire. Knowing a wide range of songs is crucial for both ensemble playing and solo chord-melody arrangements on guitar.
Fake Books and Warner Bros. Series - These traditional resources, now often published with official licenses, are essential for access to commonly performed jazz and fusion standards. Chuck Sher Publications - These books offer a wealth of repertoire-specific information and are highly recommended for their comprehensive coverage. Jody Fischer's Multi-Volume Series - If you're particularly interested in jazz guitar, this series by Fischer provides extensive and detailed guidance for developing your skills.Conclusion and Final Thoughts
While there is no one specific book that can teach everything about the guitar, a combination of these resources will provide a solid foundation. It’s also important to seek guidance from a skilled teacher, who can offer personalized advice and help tailor your learning to your specific goals.
Good luck!
Endnote: Enjoy the literature and resources mentioned. If you find them helpful, consider supporting the authors and publishers to ensure they continue to produce valuable materials for musicians. Happy learning!