Evolution of Jazz Guitar - Wednesday

Evolution of Jazz Guitar - Wednesday - Week 3
Post Be-Bop Guitarists Voted "Best Jazz" guitarist in 1976, George Benson has been one of the most successful jazz guitarists to date. George started early on the ukulele and made his way onto the stage by the age of eight. At the age of 11, he made his first recording for a rhythm and blues label. He became a jazz musician after hearing Wes Montgomery, Hank Garland and Charlie Parker. His first big gig happened in 1962 when the organist Jack McDuff brought him into his group. George began as a bebop guitarist, but became famous for crossing over into the R&B/Pop world. He is often linked with the creators of jazz/rock, fusion and "smooth jazz" that emerged in the '70s and '80s. Today's lick could have easily been included in the earlier bebop section. Stylistically, it has the same elements of a classic bebop line; chromatic movement to place the chord tones on strong parts of the beat, a triplet based arpeggio as a pickup, and encircling approach tones. When practicing this lick, try isolating each measure first to get the line flowing, then connect the two. Also pay close attention to the fingering in measure two, it's easy to run out of fingers if you don't plan ahead.
Learn this lick and practice with this jam track	Skill Level: Key: F

Evolution of Jazz Guitar - Wednesday - Week 3