The Contemporary Jazz Guitarist: A College-Level Curriculum

Table of Contents

Index of Techniques and Concepts

Fundamental Techniques

Picking & Right-Hand Techniques

Fretboard Systems & Visualization

Harmonic Concepts

Scales & Modes

Chord Voicings & Inversions

Improvisation Concepts

Program Overview & Philosophy

This curriculum is designed to mirror the structure and rigor of a two-year college diploma program in jazz guitar performance. It is built for the intermediate guitarist with some prior music theory knowledge who is serious about achieving a professional level of musicianship.

The core philosophy is that jazz provides the most comprehensive framework for mastering the guitar. By studying jazz, you will develop a deep understanding of harmony, melody, rhythm, and technique that is directly transferable to any other genre you wish to play, from funk and R&B to metal and pop. Your background as a drummer and producer is a significant advantage; this program will help you connect your existing rhythmic and harmonic knowledge directly to the fretboard.

This is not a casual 12-week course. It is a long-term, in-depth program requiring dedication and consistent practice. Each "course" represents a semester of study, and you should proceed at your own pace, ensuring mastery of each concept before moving on.

Year 1, Semester 1: JAZZ-101 - Foundational Studies

Course Description: This course establishes the fundamental building blocks of jazz guitar. The focus is on mastering basic harmonic structures, developing clean technique, internalizing essential scales, and learning to navigate simple jazz standards. This semester is about building the vocabulary and physical skills necessary for all future study. Prerequisites: Required Materials:

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Orientation & The Role of the Guitarist

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 2: Diatonic Harmony

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 3: The Blues as Foundation

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 4: The ii-V-I Progression

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 5: Arpeggios as Melodic Tools

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 6: Minor Key Harmony

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 7: Introduction to Swing Feel & Comping

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 8: Midterm Examination

Assignment: Perform "Autumn Leaves" from memory (melody and 2 choruses of comping) over a backing track. Submit video.

Week 9: Modes of the Major Scale I

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 10: Triad Pairs

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 11: Introduction to Transcription

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 12: Rhythm Changes

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 13: Putting It All Together

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 14: Final Examination

Assignment: Perform two contrasting jazz standards (e.g., "Autumn Leaves" and "Blue Bossa") from memory. For each tune, play the melody, comp for one chorus, and solo for two choruses. Submit video.

Year 1, Semester 2: JAZZ-102 - Harmony & Improvisation I

Course Description: Building on the foundations of JAZZ-101, this course dives deeper into the language of jazz. Students will master Drop 2 and Drop 3 chord voicings, explore advanced harmonic concepts like secondary dominants and tritone substitution, and develop a more sophisticated improvisational voice through the study of bebop language and melodic minor harmony. Prerequisites: Successful completion of JAZZ-101 or equivalent proficiency. Required Materials:

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Review & Drop 2 Voicings

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 2: Secondary Dominants

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 3: Bebop Language I: Enclosures

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 4: Melodic Minor Harmony

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 5: The Altered Scale

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 6: Tritone Substitution

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 7: Drop 3 Voicings

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 8: Midterm Examination

Assignment: Perform "All the Things You Are" with advanced comping (using Drop 2 voicings and secondary dominants) and a 2-chorus solo incorporating bebop language. Submit video.

Week 9: Modal Jazz & Playing "Outside"

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 10: Chord Melody & Arrangement

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 11: Fusion & Contemporary Jazz

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 12: Transcription & Analysis

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 13: Integration & Personal Voice

Technique & Fretboard: Harmony & Chords: Repertoire & Improvisation: Listening & Assignment:

Week 14: Final Examination

Assignment: Perform three contrasting jazz standards from different eras/styles. For each tune, demonstrate: melody, advanced comping (with Drop 2/Drop 3 voicings), and a 2-chorus solo incorporating concepts from the entire year (bebop language, modal playing, etc.). Submit video.

Comprehensive Companion Guide

This section provides detailed explanations of every technique, concept, and resource mentioned in the curriculum. Use this as a reference whenever you encounter something unfamiliar in the weekly breakdowns.

Fundamental Techniques

Alternate Picking

What It Is:

Alternate picking is the fundamental right-hand technique of alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. This is the foundation of all picking techniques and essential for developing speed, control, and consistency.

How to Practice:

1. Start with a single note on one string (e.g., the open low E string)

2. Pick down, then up, then down, then up—maintaining a steady rhythm

3. Use a metronome starting at 60 bpm

4. Focus on even tone and consistent pick angle

5. Gradually increase tempo as you develop muscle memory

6. Practice on all strings individually, then move across strings

Common Mistakes: Resource: 3 Tips to NAIL Alternate Picking

Spider Walk Exercise

What It Is:

The spider walk is a classic left-hand exercise that builds finger dexterity, independence, and strength. Each finger "walks" up the fretboard one fret at a time, staying on the same string.

How to Practice:

1. Start at the 1st fret with your index finger

2. Press down and play the note

3. Move your middle finger to the 2nd fret and play

4. Move your ring finger to the 3rd fret and play

5. Move your pinky to the 4th fret and play

6. Now reverse: pinky back to 3rd fret, ring to 2nd, middle to 1st, index to open string

7. Move to the next string and repeat

8. Practice slowly and deliberately, focusing on clean tone and proper finger placement

Common Mistakes: Resource: Spiderwalk Guitar Exercise! Build Speed and Accuracy!

String Bending

What It Is:

String bending is a technique where you push or pull a string to raise its pitch. This is essential for expressive playing, soloing, and creating the "singing" quality that makes guitar solos memorable.

How to Practice:

1. Start with half-step bends (one fret of pitch change)

2. Use multiple fingers for support (e.g., index, middle, and ring all pressing)

3. Bend the string upward (toward the higher strings)

4. Use your wrist to generate the bend, not just your fingers

5. Listen carefully to match the target pitch exactly

6. Practice with a tuner for accuracy

7. Gradually work up to whole-step bends and further

Common Mistakes: Resource: How TO BEND the RIGHT WAY on Guitar

Legato (Hammer-ons & Pull-offs)

What It Is:

Legato techniques allow you to play multiple notes without picking each one individually. Hammer-ons (pressing a finger down to create a note) and pull-offs (pulling a finger off to create a note) create smooth, connected lines and are essential for fast, fluid playing.

How to Practice:

1. Hammer-ons: Pick a note, then "hammer" your next finger down on a higher fret

2. Pull-offs: Pick a note, then "pull" your finger off to reveal a lower note

3. Start slowly, focusing on clean tone and proper timing

4. Practice on single strings first

5. Combine hammer-ons and pull-offs in sequences

6. Use a metronome to maintain steady tempo

Common Mistakes: Resource: Guitar Legato For Beginners (Hammer On and Pull Off)

Fingerstyle (Classical/Fingerpicking)

What It Is:

Fingerstyle involves using your fingers (p-i-m-a: thumb, index, middle, ring) instead of a pick to pluck the strings. This technique is essential for jazz comping, classical guitar, and creating complex rhythmic textures.

How to Practice:

1. Assign each finger to specific strings: p=bass strings, i=3rd string, m=2nd string, a=1st string

2. Practice basic patterns (p-i-m-a, p-m-i-m, etc.)

3. Develop independence between fingers

4. Practice with chord changes

5. Build speed gradually while maintaining clean tone

Common Mistakes: Resource: Acoustic Fingerstyle Level 1 - Learn Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar

Chromatic Exercises (1-2-3-4)

What It Is:

Chromatic exercises use all four fingers in sequence on consecutive frets. This builds finger strength, dexterity, and independence while warming up the hand.

How to Practice:

1. Start at the 1st fret with your index finger

2. Play: 1st fret (index), 2nd fret (middle), 3rd fret (ring), 4th fret (pinky)

3. Move up one fret and repeat

4. Practice on all strings

5. Practice ascending and descending

6. Use a metronome and gradually increase tempo

Common Mistakes: Resource: Guitar Hand Exercises - Chromatic Exercises for Strength and Dexterity

Vibrato

What It Is:

Vibrato is a technique that adds expression to notes by varying the pitch slightly and repeatedly. There are two main types: wrist vibrato (rocking the wrist) and finger vibrato (bending and releasing).

How to Practice:

1. Play a note and hold it

2. Rock your wrist slightly to vary the pitch

3. Keep the vibrato consistent and controlled

4. Practice on different notes and strings

5. Experiment with different speeds and widths

6. Use vibrato to add expression to your solos

Common Mistakes: Resource: Vibrato on Guitar | 6 Techniques & Mechanics

Picking & Right-Hand Techniques

Economy Picking

What It Is:

Economy picking is a technique where you minimize pick movement by picking in the same direction when crossing strings. Instead of always alternating up and down, you sometimes pick down twice or up twice when moving to a new string.

How to Practice:

1. Practice basic 5-note bursts using economy picking

2. Focus on smooth string transitions

3. Use a metronome and gradually increase tempo

4. Practice on different string combinations

5. Combine with scale patterns for practical application

Common Mistakes: Resource: Economy Picking - A Simple Pattern That Transformed My Playing

Hybrid Picking

What It Is:

Hybrid picking combines pick and fingers. You hold a pick in your hand but also use your fingers (usually middle, ring, and sometimes pinky) to pluck strings. This gives you the precision of a pick with the flexibility of fingerstyle.

How to Practice:

1. Hold a pick in your picking hand

2. Use your fingers to pluck strings above the pick

3. Practice basic patterns (pick-finger-pick-finger)

4. Develop independence between pick and fingers

5. Practice with chord changes and scales

Common Mistakes: Resource: The Greatest Hybrid Picking Guitar Lesson Ever Pt.1

Sweep Picking

What It Is:

Sweep picking is a technique where you play multiple strings in one continuous motion, usually with a single pick stroke per string. This allows you to play fast arpeggios and create a flowing, cascading effect.

How to Practice:

1. Start with 3-string arpeggios

2. Practice slowly, focusing on clean tone on each string

3. Use a metronome and gradually increase tempo

4. Practice ascending and descending

5. Work up to longer arpeggios (4+ strings)

6. Combine with legato for even faster playing

Common Mistakes: Resource: Learn How To Sweep Pick In 5 Minutes

Fretboard Systems & Visualization

The CAGED System

What It Is:

The CAGED system is a method for visualizing the fretboard by breaking it into five overlapping chord shapes (C, A, G, E, D). This system helps you understand how scales and arpeggios connect across the entire neck.

How to Practice:

1. Learn the five basic chord shapes: C, A, G, E, D

2. Visualize how these shapes connect on the fretboard

3. Practice playing scales using CAGED positions

4. Understand how each position connects to the next

5. Use this to navigate the fretboard more intuitively

Common Mistakes: Resource: The CAGED System For Complete Beginners - Guitar Lesson

Finding Notes on the Fretboard

What It Is:

The ability to quickly find any note on the fretboard is essential for understanding music and communicating with other musicians. This involves memorizing the notes on each string and understanding intervals.

How to Practice:

1. Start by memorizing the open string notes: E-A-D-G-B-E

2. Learn the notes on the 12th fret (same as open strings, one octave higher)

3. Practice finding specific notes on each string

4. Use a note-finding app or flashcards

5. Practice until you can find any note in under 2 seconds

Common Mistakes: Resource: JustinGuitar - Finding Notes on the Fretboard

Harmonic Concepts

Diatonic Harmony

What It Is:

Diatonic harmony refers to chords built from the notes of a single scale (usually the major scale). In the key of C Major, the diatonic chords are: Cmaj7, Dm7, Em7, Fmaj7, G7, Am7, Bm7b5.

How to Practice:

1. Learn the diatonic chords in multiple keys

2. Practice playing chord progressions using diatonic chords

3. Understand the function of each chord (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii)

4. Practice smooth voice leading between diatonic chords

5. Use diatonic chords as the foundation for jazz standards

Common Mistakes: Resource: Diatonic Harmony & Chord Construction

The ii-V-I Progression

What It Is:

The ii-V-I progression is the most common chord progression in jazz. In the key of C Major, it's: Dm7 - G7 - Cmaj7. This progression appears in countless jazz standards and is essential to master.

How to Practice:

1. Learn the ii-V-I in all 12 keys

2. Practice smooth voice leading between the three chords

3. Practice comping over ii-V-I progressions

4. Practice soloing over ii-V-I using arpeggios and scales

5. Identify ii-V-I progressions in jazz standards

Common Mistakes: Resource: The II-V-I Progression: Your Jazz Guitar Compass

Secondary Dominants

What It Is:

Secondary dominants are V7 chords that resolve to chords other than the I chord. For example, in the key of C Major, A7 is the secondary dominant of Dm7 (A7 - Dm7). This creates harmonic movement and interest.

How to Practice:

1. Understand the concept of dominant resolution

2. Learn to identify secondary dominants in jazz standards

3. Practice comping over secondary dominants

4. Practice soloing over secondary dominants using the Mixolydian scale

5. Experiment with creating secondary dominants in your own playing

Common Mistakes: Resource: Secondary Dominants - Music is Win

Tritone Substitution

What It Is:

Tritone substitution is a technique where you replace a V7 chord with another V7 chord that's a tritone away. For example, in the key of C Major, you can replace G7 with Db7. Both chords have the same tritone interval and create similar harmonic tension.

How to Practice:

1. Understand the tritone interval

2. Learn tritone substitutions in all keys

3. Practice comping with tritone substitutions

4. Practice soloing over tritone substitutions

5. Identify tritone substitutions in jazz standards

Common Mistakes: Resource: Tritone Substitution - Music is Win

Scales & Modes

Major Scale

What It Is:

The major scale is the foundation of Western music. It consists of seven notes with the interval pattern: Whole-Whole-Half-Whole-Whole-Whole-Half (W-W-H-W-W-W-H).

How to Practice:

1. Learn the major scale in all 12 keys

2. Practice the major scale on a single string

3. Practice the major scale across all strings

4. Learn the five CAGED positions for the major scale

5. Practice at increasing tempos with a metronome

Common Mistakes: Resource: Alternate Picking the C Major Scale For Beginners

Minor Scales (Natural, Harmonic, Melodic)

What It Is:

There are three types of minor scales:

How to Practice:

1. Learn all three minor scales in multiple keys

2. Understand the differences between them

3. Practice each scale on a single string

4. Practice across all strings

5. Understand when to use each scale

Common Mistakes: Resource: Minor Scales Guitar Tutorial

Pentatonic Scales

What It Is:

Pentatonic scales have five notes (penta = five). The major pentatonic and minor pentatonic are the most common. They're simpler than seven-note scales and are essential for blues, rock, and jazz soloing.

How to Practice:

1. Learn the major and minor pentatonic scales

2. Practice in all 12 keys

3. Learn the five CAGED positions

4. Practice on a single string

5. Practice across all strings

6. Use pentatonic scales in your solos

Common Mistakes: Resource: Pentatonic Scales Guitar Tutorial

Modes of the Major Scale

What It Is:

Modes are scales derived from the major scale by starting on different scale degrees. There are seven modes: Ionian (major), Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian (natural minor), and Locrian.

How to Practice:

1. Understand each mode and its characteristic sound

2. Learn each mode in multiple keys

3. Practice on a single string

4. Practice across all strings

5. Understand which chords each mode works over

6. Use modes in your solos

Common Mistakes: Resource: Modes of The Major Scale | Guitar Lessons

Melodic Minor Modes {

What It Is:

Similar to major modes, melodic minor modes are derived from the melodic minor scale. The most important modes are Lydian Dominant (4th mode) and Altered (7th mode), which are commonly used in jazz.

How to Practice:

1. Understand each melodic minor mode

2. Focus especially on Lydian Dominant and Altered scales

3. Learn in multiple keys

4. Understand which chords each mode works over

5. Practice in your solos, especially over altered dominants

Common Mistakes: Resource: Melodic Minor Modes Guitar Tutorial

Chord Voicings & Inversions

Triad Inversions {

What It Is:

A triad is a three-note chord (root, 3rd, 5th). Inversions change which note is on the bottom: root position (root on bottom), first inversion (3rd on bottom), second inversion (5th on bottom).

How to Practice:

1. Learn triad shapes in all inversions

2. Practice smooth voice leading between inversions

3. Practice on different string sets

4. Use triads in your comping

5. Understand how inversions affect the sound

Common Mistakes: Resource: Triad Inversions Guitar Tutorial

Shell Voicings {

What It Is:

Shell voicings are simplified chord voicings that use only the root, 3rd, and 7th of a chord. These are essential for jazz comping because they're simple, clear, and leave room for other instruments.

How to Practice:

1. Learn shell voicings for all chord types (maj7, m7, 7, m7b5)

2. Practice in all 12 keys

3. Practice smooth voice leading between shell voicings

4. Use shell voicings in your comping

5. Combine with bass lines for complete accompaniment

Common Mistakes: Resource: Shell Voicings Jazz Guitar

Drop 2 Voicings {

What It Is:

Drop 2 voicings are created by taking a chord in close position and dropping the second-highest note down an octave. This creates a more spread-out, open sound that's perfect for jazz guitar.

How to Practice:

1. Learn Drop 2 voicings for all chord types

2. Practice in all 12 keys

3. Practice smooth voice leading

4. Use Drop 2 voicings in your comping

5. Combine with soloing for chord melody

Common Mistakes: Resource: How to Play Drop 2 Chords on Guitar

Drop 3 Voicings {

What It Is:

Drop 3 voicings are created by dropping the third-highest note down an octave. These voicings are even more spread out than Drop 2 and are excellent for chord melody playing.

How to Practice:

1. Learn Drop 3 voicings for all chord types

2. Practice in all 12 keys

3. Practice smooth voice leading

4. Use Drop 3 voicings for chord melody

5. Combine with soloing

Common Mistakes: Resource: Drop 3 Voicings Guitar Tutorial

Quartal Voicings {

What It Is:

Quartal voicings are built from stacked 4th intervals instead of the traditional 3rd-based intervals. These create a modern, open sound that's common in contemporary jazz and fusion.

How to Practice:

1. Understand the concept of quartal voicings

2. Learn basic quartal voicing shapes

3. Practice in multiple keys

4. Experiment with different combinations

5. Use in your comping and soloing for modern sound

Common Mistakes: Resource: Quartal Voicings Guitar Tutorial

Improvisation Concepts {

Arpeggios as Melodic Tools {

What It Is:

An arpeggio is a chord played one note at a time. Using arpeggios in your solos creates clear harmonic statements and is a fundamental approach to jazz improvisation.

How to Practice:

1. Learn arpeggios for all chord types

2. Practice in all 12 keys

3. Practice on a single string

4. Practice across all strings

5. Use arpeggios as the foundation for your solos

6. Combine with other melodic approaches

Common Mistakes: Resource: Arpeggios Guitar Lessons | JustinGuitar

Guide Tone Lines {

What It Is:

Guide tone lines use only the 3rd and 7th of each chord. These are the most important notes in a chord and create a smooth, vocal-like melodic line that outlines the harmony.

How to Practice:

1. Identify the 3rd and 7th of each chord in a progression

2. Create smooth voice leading between guide tones

3. Practice guide tone lines in all 12 keys

4. Use guide tone lines as a foundation for soloing

5. Combine with other melodic approaches

Common Mistakes: Resource: Guide Tone Lines Jazz Guitar

Bebop Language: Enclosures {

What It Is:

Enclosures are a bebop technique where you approach a chord tone from above and below using chromatic notes. This creates a sophisticated, swinging sound that's characteristic of bebop.

How to Practice:

1. Understand the concept of enclosures

2. Practice enclosing chord tones (root, 3rd, 5th, 7th)

3. Practice in all 12 keys

4. Use enclosures in your solos

5. Combine with other bebop language

Common Mistakes: Resource: Bebop Enclosures Guitar Tutorial

Playing "Outside" {

What It Is:

Playing "outside" means using notes and scales that don't belong to the current chord. This creates tension and sophistication when done intentionally and resolved properly.

How to Practice:

1. Understand the concept of inside vs. outside

2. Learn to play chromatic approaches

3. Practice modal approaches to playing outside

4. Practice in all 12 keys

5. Use outside playing intentionally in your solos

6. Always resolve back to the harmony

Common Mistakes: Resource: Playing Outside Jazz Guitar

Transcription {

What It Is:

Transcription is the process of learning a solo or melody by ear and writing it down. This is one of the most important skills for jazz musicians because it helps you internalize the language of jazz.

How to Practice:

1. Choose a solo you admire

2. Listen repeatedly

3. Use slow-downer software to slow down the tempo

4. Write down what you hear (notation or tab)

5. Play it back on your guitar

6. Analyze the solo for patterns and concepts

7. Incorporate the language into your own playing

Common Mistakes: Resource: How to Transcribe Guitar Solos

Practice Tips & Resources

1. Metronome: Essential for developing timing and consistency

2. Recording Device: Essential for self-evaluation

3. Backing Tracks: Essential for practicing with context

4. Slow-Downer Software: Essential for transcription

5. Tuner: Essential for accurate intonation

Essential Jazz Guitar: Bebop & Hard Bop: Contemporary Jazz:

Practice Schedule Template (2.5 hours/week)

Session 1 (30 minutes): Session 2 (30 minutes): Session 3 (30 minutes): Session 4 (60 minutes):
End of Curriculum

This comprehensive curriculum is your roadmap to becoming a well-rounded, professional-level jazz guitarist. Remember: consistency is more important than intensity. Regular, focused practice will yield far better results than occasional marathon sessions. Trust the process, be patient with yourself, and enjoy the journey.

Good luck with your studies!