What To Practice…

For about the last 2 weeks, I’ve been studying from the Bert Ligon book, “Connecting Chords With Linear Harmony”. Bert’s book contains a wealth of information and examples, that has really improved my ability to hear, and develop solos lines. I’ve heard about the book for some time, but finally decided to bite the bullet and get it – and I’m really glad I did.

Really Useful Book

If you are having difficulty thinking about what to play or how to connect your ‘licks’ with the next chord, then, I’d really suggest you get this book. Whether you are new to jazz, swing, or gypsy jazz, you can get a lot of ideas from the many examples in the book. Of course, be a bit prepared to learn how to read music, as the examples are in standard notation – no tab. I don’t find that much of an issue, and the reality here is: you gotta put down the tab, if you want to learn the ‘saxophone’ (guitar in my case).

If the price of the book is too steep for you, or you just want to see what all the fuss is about, check out the “freebies” available on the National Jazz Workshop site. You’ll find pdf docs that contain samples of the basic 6 “outlines” Bert talks about in the book.

If you do nothing else, do this: learn these outlines, and I stress learn them! I know guitar players are notorious for not being able to read music, and not learning how to play in all keys. I grew up as a prime example of that mode of thinking – and it severely limited me. Now, I practice these types of exercises in all keys, and read music, more than tab. Give it a shot, and I’d bet that after 2 weeks of just working on these outlines in all keys, you will begin to see huge gains in your understanding of the guitar fretboard. I know it’s helped me tremendously. I think that’s the key, too, if you can visualize the fretboard, you can begin to see and think about what to play, no matter where you are playing on the guitar.

Advertisement