Swing and Big Band Guitar

Rating:
Summary: A concise, clear way to develop those rhythm chops.
Review: Here's a book I really wish I had back in high school jazz band. I used to go nuts with the charts back then, trying to figure out voicings and get all the notes in where the arranger wrote "Gb#11b13+" or some such, when that's really the last think you should be trying to do in a big band. But a good rhythm guitarist- as I leanred later- should concentrate on *rhythm*, using minimal voicings to develop a line that really acts like a counterpoint to the bass line. Forget all the altered tones; stick with 3rds and 7ths and develop good movement- think Freddie Greene in Count Basie's band. Simple voicings and solid rhythm.

This book is all about learning those voicings, learning where to subsctitute, and where to simplify to build interesting, musical lines. At that it succeeds marvelously. It doesn't assume any prior skill or knowledge, other than being generally familair with the guitar, knowing some basic chords and having some familiarity with the swing style. All chords are diagrammed as well as written out, so it's easy and convenient for both reader and non-reader alilke.

It's is a great tool for the beginning swing guitarist, the high school or college jazz band player looking for an organized way to approach rhythm guitar, or an experienced guitarist looking to expand his or her style. I've given it four stars instead of five as I think it could be organized a little bit better, and with a little more explanation in parts, but overall it's an excellent book.