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Top-rated jazz guitar lessons
These jazz guitar lessons are highly rated for guided learning to help you explore improvisation and jazz chords.
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Jazz guitar lessons on Til
Popular skills to learn jazz guitar
- Jazz chords and voicings ((ii-V-I progression)
- Jazz scales (modes, bebop, whole tone)
- Play famous jazz licks, phrases, and standards
- Improvisation
- Seventh chord arpeggios
- Advanced jazz harmony
Frequently Asked Questions
Your guide to jazz guitar
Jazz guitar greats like Wes Montgomery, Django Reinhardt, and Pat Metheny have inspired countless players. To start your jazz guitar journey:
- Learn essential chords and scales, focusing on ii-V-I progressions and modes.
- Study jazz standards, analyzing chord progressions and melodies.
- Develop your ear by transcribing solos and playing along with records.
- Practice comping rhythms and chord voicings to build a strong foundation. .
- Explore improvisation techniques like targeting chord tones, enclosures, and chromaticism.
Rather than get lost in endless online rabbit holes, find a skilled teacher to provide structure, feedback, and a dedicated practice time to keep you progressing. They'll help you navigate challenges and refine jazz techniques quickly.
For personalized guidance from world-class jazz guitarists, consider jazz guitar classes on Til. Til's live group classes with expert instructors offer the best of both worlds - access to top-notch teachers from home at half the cost of private lessons. With Til's expert instruction and your dedication, you'll be well on your way to mastering jazz guitar.
Learning the basics of jazz guitar typically takes around 100-200 hours, which translates to 12 - 24 months if you practice for 2 hours each week or 6 - 12 months if you practice for 30 minutes daily. It usually takes people 3 to 5 years to develop the ear and technical skills to confidently improvise. While not impossibly difficult, jazz guitar presents unique challenges. For most people, the hardest part to learn jazz guitar is mastering the complex harmonic progressions and improvisational techniques. To effectively practice jazz guitar, finding a great teacher is crucial. A skilled instructor can provide personalized guidance, help you develop proper technique, and introduce you to essential jazz concepts and theory in a structured manner, which is far more efficient than self-guided learning.
Need help finding a great teacher for jazz guitar? Discover top-rated jazz guitar lessons on Til.
Our pick: Gibson ES-175
The Gibson ES-175 is our top recommendation for jazz players. This iconic hollow body guitar has been a staple in jazz music since its introduction in 1949. The warm, rich tone produced by its maple/poplar/maple body and PAF-style humbuckers is perfect for the nuanced and expressive playing style of jazz. The comfortable rounded neck profile and 12"-radius rosewood fingerboard facilitate complex chord voicings and smooth lead lines. Jazz greats like Wes Montgomery and Pat Metheny have made the ES-175 their guitar of choice. Expect to pay around $3,000 for this timeless instrument.
Budget pick: Ibanez Artcore AM93
For jazz players on a budget, the Ibanez Artcore AM93 is an excellent choice. Priced around $600, this semi-hollow guitar features a maple top, back, and sides, as well as a set-in mahogany neck with a bound rosewood fretboard. The Super 58 humbuckers deliver a warm, articulate tone that's well-suited for jazz. The AM93's slim neck profile and lightweight body make it comfortable to play for extended periods, whether you're practicing or performing.
Upgrade pick: Collings I-35 LC
If you're looking for a premium jazz guitar, the Collings I-35 LC is a top-tier choice. This hand-built instrument, priced around $5,000, features a carved maple top, mahogany back and sides, and a mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard. The custom Lollar humbuckers provide a balanced, responsive tone that's perfect for jazz. The attention to detail in craftsmanship and the use of premium materials make the I-35 LC a true players' guitar, ready to inspire and facilitate the most demanding jazz performances.
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