Wayne Shorter’s Speak No Evil is one of the great modern standards. In this lesson I show you how to disregard 7th to 3’s when dealing with II-V’s and how to deal with this tune in a “modal” fashion. Great lines and vocings included on the PDF.

In this lesson I go through the arrangement from beginning to end, describing all of the techniques used. I also show you alternate techniques and how to utilize these chordal ideas any other tunes. I am teaching you how to create your own arrangements, not just memorize one from a book. I think ...

Facebook Live event featuring a discussion of Wes's method of using the tritone substitution.

Hey jazz guitarists! Check out this new chord melody lesson on "It Might as Well be Spring". In this lesson, we'll go over harmonization techniques, solo guitar playing, and how to create an effective arrangement. Get ready to take your solo guitar playing to the next level! The full arrangement ...

In this lesson I begin with a thorough explanation of the tune and it's unusual harmony. Included in the PDF are 13 pages of lines and comping examples. This lesson will teach you how to master this must know chord progression!

In this lesson, I walk you through my full process for arranging Johnny Mercer’s Moon River for solo guitar. Rather than simply teaching a finished arrangement, the focus is on understanding the musical decisions behind each phrase—so you can begin to develop your own voice in solo playing.

We c...

You'll love this lesson! Step away from purely linear improvisations and implement the sounds of triads on all kinds of jazz harmony. PDF in tab and notation included🎸

In this lesson I discuss modern voicing techniques as well as linear concepts such as pentatonics and the tritone substitution with -7 chords. There are great examples of all of the material discussed in both notation and tab. You will love this 30 minute lesson on some modern aspects of jazz gui...

In this lesson I discuss the way I approach the minor II-V. I use Dizzy Gillespie's tune Woody'n You as a vehicle for all of the demonstrations. Topics include thinking of the -7b5 chord a s a minor 6, and the usage of pentatonics and the melodic minor scale. This is an eye opening lesson, the ma...

This is such an amazing tune by Pat Metheny, it has elements of minor blues, some Bach inspired chord motion and John Coltrane's countdown progression. Deceptively simple until the countdown changes sneak up on you... As usual, I walk you through the tune from top to bottom and give many examples...

A very often requested topic! In this 40 minute lesson I show you my techniques of bringing the boring I-VI-II-V to life! Topics include the "one note method", the "chromatic scale method" tritone subs and III for I. I also discuss turnarounds in minor as well as the turnaround to the ii-7 chord.

In this lesson I talk about modal playing and how to deal with ii-V's that don't resolve to their expected destination. Much more as you'd expect in this 45 minute lesson🎸 Backing track included featuring Ulysses Owens Jr 🥁

In this lesson, I discuss Bill Evan's rehearmoniaztion of the tune. The movement of -7 chords in minor thirds was the catalyst for my idea of re-targeting II-V's. There is plenty more to discover in this deep look at "I Hear a Rhapsody".

In this lesson I describe how the jazz blues differs from traditional blues and show you the methods used to create the ii-V's that give jazz blues it's definitive sound. This is designed as a beginner lesson but even intermediate to advanced guitarists will find something useful in it. This is a...

In this topic driven lesson I take the tune Stella by Starlight and break it down into 5 positions, including both voicing and lines. I have found this method of practicing incredibly helpful for gaining fretboard knowledge and at this stage in my guitar playing life, have equal comfort in any po...

Another great Tune Based lesson on Thelonius Monk's "In Walked Bud". I walk you through the tune from top to bottom giving you insight into ways of approaching the tune. Backing track and PDF included. The backing track features Ulysses Owens in drums. Enjoy!

In this lesson I discuss a modal approach to playing these chord changes. I show you how to weave the the bridge section by connecting chord scales in a stepwise manner. Other topics include the diminished scale, tritone subs, triad pairs and voicings in 4ths. Included are 15 pages of PDF materia...

One of the most challenging musical situations a guitarist finds himself in is a duo with a bass player. There is a level of intimacy and musical conversation that can't be replicated while playing with a drummer. In this lesson I discuss how to get comfortable with this format and to appreciate ...

I think you're going to enjoy this lesson very much! What started out as a response to a recent survey turned into a great lesson on rhythm changes. I have included seven transcribed choruses at various tempos and styles. On the earlier choruses I stick to the common chord changes but as the less...

I discovered this while practicing a bunch of Benny Golson tunes. He uses this progression in his tunes often but the one that got me thinking was Whisper Not. I decided to see what would happen if I took it through all keys and used it as a vehicle for practicing minor ii-V's. This has helped ev...

I love this lesson! Great lines and chordal example as well as a very hip way of looking at the A section harmony. 10 pages of transcribed lines and ideas for you to study. I also discuss the "Benny Golson Progression" and the turnaround to the ii chord. Much more in this fantastic lesson. Enjoy ...

I treat this lesson as a both a chord melody and a tune based lesson, equally discussing approaching the tune as a solist or in a small group format. Great comping and linear examples as well as a discussion on playing in 3/4. Much more in this 45 minute lesson. PDF is in the Tune Based Folder

In this 40 minute lesson I take a step by step look at C minor blues. Topics include comping, line playing, dominant approach, Oliver Nelson chord progression and much more. Includes 9 page PDF in notation and tab.

I have taken a slightly different approach in this chord melody arrangement. As usual I discuss in great depth the harmonization choices I've made, but also present several options on the included PDF. As you've come to expect, I have provided a fully transcribed arrangement, but I believe you wi...