Jazz Guitar: Rhythm Comping

Jazz Guitar: Rhythm Comping

In a jazz setting the guitarist is often in an accompanying or “comping” role. Many nights I have been on a bandstand with an amazing big band looking out over a sea of dancers on the dance floor as I play this style of comping. It can be a very fun and creative way to approach the guitar. One of the most popular jazz big bands was the Count Basie band and their guitarist, Freddie Green, developed this method of jazz guitar rhythm guitar playing. It is often called the “Freddie Green” approach to jazz rhythm guitar.

This lesson covers…

• Jazz Rhythm Guitar Concepts

• The Freddie Green Approach to Jazz Rhythm Guitar

• Jazz Chord Forms—Major 7th, Minor 7th, Dominant 7th, Diminished

• Sample Chord Progressions to Practice

Armed with these chord forms you can play with any big band around. Get a black suit and you’ll be ready for your first jazz gig! Grab your guitar and let’s get started. - Steve Krenz

Steve plays a Gibson Custom L-5 CT in this lesson.

Check out Gibson's Learn & Master Guitar course for more great instruction.

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