by Richie Zellon | Comping, Jazz Improvisation
The Locrian-Lydian Exchange Please take a brief moment to consider this scenario… After a substantial amount of time practicing your major II-V chords and scales, you finally decide it’s time to do the same with the minor II-Vs. Next thing you know, you’re confronted...
by Richie Zellon | Comping, Latin Jazz
Latin Jazz Guitar Blues If you dig Latin Jazz, I hope you had an opportunity to watch my lesson titled “Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz Guitar 101” where I explain in detail all the fundamentals of this style as applied to the “6 String Beast” ! (lol) As a follow...
by Richie Zellon | Comping, Latin Jazz
Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz Guitar 101 Think about this scenario…If on a gig the band leader calls out, say “Autumn Leaves” as a bossa, usually there is no problem on behalf of most guitarists. On the other hand, if he calls out “Autumn Leaves” in Afro-Cuban style...
by Richie Zellon | Comping
Using Sus4 Chords to Comp over Standards Did you know that Sus4 chords are an integral harmonic element employed by modern jazz pianists when comping over a standard? But how about jazz guitarists? Well not so much, except for the newer generation of players. And if...
by Richie Zellon | Chord Melody, Comping
Lego Chord Melody-Melodic Minor So you’re probably wondering, what on earth is Lego Chord Melody? Simply put, it’s one of those seldom taught guitar concepts that don’t appear to have an official name. I usually prefer to describe it using the terms, “interlocking” or...
by Richie Zellon | Bossa Nova, Comping
Joao Gilberto’s Comping on “Girl from Ipanema” If you want to learn a style of music that you are not that familiar with, your best bet is to go to the source! And when it comes to learning bossa nova, countless great musicians believe...