Hi Folks,

We are learning Honeysuckle Rose this month and for the first lesson we are working through the chords. For this version I chose simple 6th and 7th chords to emphasize the swing feel. My approach is almost always to keep it simple in a swing era tune. The roll of 4/4 rhythm guitar is an extension of the bass and drums to some extent and in this idiom, it's the glue that holds the rhythm section together. In more modern jazz aplications where the piano is using altered chords often the 4/4 guitar style is not suitable because often the simple voicings restrict the harmonic freedom of the piano and/or soloist. But the swing and more traditional approach sounds better with that 4/4 guitar and is my personal preference. The direct rhythmic and hamonic smplicity of this music is very close to the feeling of old style blues and I feel, very inspiring and exciting. So get the feel and the chords happening, send me your audio and videos and then we will learn the melody and start exploring soloing on it.

Enjoy!

Duke

 

 

 

Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Swing
Duke Robillard
Swing Guitar
Honeysuckle Rose