This is the seventh lesson of Duke Robillard's Swingin' the Blues series of swing guitar lessons. Lesson 7 is focused on learning the rhythm part to Lester Leaps In. Duke gives a general overview of rhtyhm guitar in jazzy blues, then a detailed walk-through of the 32 bar form, substitutions and variations ... and how chord substitutions fit within the framework of the song and soloing.
Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Swing
Duke Robillard
swingin the blues
Swing Guitar
Print Chords & Tab
Loop 1:58 Breakdown of Lester Leaps In Rhythm
Loop 3:45 Chord Practice Example
Loop 6:50 Chord Practice Example 2
Loop 8:10 Bass Jam Track for Chord Practice Example
Loop 9:19 Chord Practice Example 2
Comments
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I don't really understand the structure... shouldn't the first four bars the A progressions be the same with different endings? Why are they different?? Thanks!
Hi Bruce, The chord voicings I use are just what I've figured out that works from the hunderds of tunes that are based on "I Got Rhythm" There are many different inversions of these chords and a lot of teachers may have better ones. Being a self taught player I tend to lean toward the obvious less complex root chords which I tend to like more myself anyway for that basic swing feel. I used very few modern altered chords because my ear doesn't hear music that way. Of course, there is merrit to both applications. Duke
Well, it's like they say Forrest, How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice!!!
Thanks for pointing me to this lesson, Duke. The subs are really nice. I have wondered what the piano behind Tiny was doing and certainly some of these must subs be in there.
With respect to soloing, your comment about immersion confirms my suspicions. I have learned six of his solos note for note and probably need to learn six more plus some from aother guys. The problem is these solos are so involved I can only hold a small number in my head.
Great site. I have been exploring Corey's side too. It's is wonderful.
Thank you Duke. I was wondering how you came to the decision to use these particular chord voicings. Was it because you particularly like their sound, or because you found it easy to move among them, or some other reason? And did you learn them from an instructor or find them on your own?
Hi Bruce, I'm glad you are enjoying the lesson and it's helping you. Thanks, Duke
I started working on the rhythm guitar part for Lester Leaps In. There are a lot of great chord voicings to work with. Many are just three or four notes, but because they use the lower and middle strings a lot they sound nice and fat. It's going to take me a while to get this down with these voicings, but I know when I've got it I'll have some great "go to" chord voicings for other bluesy jazz and swing tunes. Once I get the rhythm part down I'll llearn the lead part and then see if I can get one of my gig duo partners to work it up. This is exactly the kind of tune I'm interested in working on right now. It will really help me grow musically.