Jazz Exercises

This page contains information about the Matt Otten Jazz Exercises package.

The package contains several file types:

    • pdf files with notation/TABS and the main guide
    • mp3 files with solos and backing tracks
    • midi files with solos (midi channels 11-16)
    • midifretboard.dll, this is a so-called VSTi plugin
    • fretboard videos, as an alternative to the plugin
    • introduction videos to each chapter

All files are platform independent, except the .dll file, which is for Windows only.

The main pdf guide leads you to through the exercises, which are organized by chapter, starting with basics, and ending with a full tune.

In order to use the fretboard plugin, you need to install a VSTi host application. If you're familiar with recording on PC, you probably have one already. If you don't, and want to buy one right away, Reaper has an unlimited trial, at http://www.reaper.fm/download.php. But to keep things very simple , you can also use the Fretboard videos instead.

Some general advice:

It is worth while to use Reaper, or any VSTi host / DAW, to also record yourself, because listening to your own recordings is an extremely good way to assess your own playing (and it is fun besides). To connect your guitar to a PC there are many simple USB Audio interfaces, that you can simply plug into a USB socket, and record your guitar in excellent quality.

VSTi hosts always include some effects, using some reverb and light compression will usually work very well.

VST means Virtual Studio Technology, VSTi means VST instrument. Its a standardized format from Steinberg for virtual effects and virtual instruments. All serious recording programs support it.


Fretboard Videos: these are on the CD, and offer an alternative for the plugin, for instance, if you don't want to install a VSTi host application, or if you have a Mac, where the plugin will not work.

See Matt's Comments for more useful tips.

Errors in version 2.1

The manual lists the incorrect tempo for lessons Bb Swing #0 to #3, which should be 160, 160, 160, 200 (in stead of 120, 120, 120, 160)