Hey everyone! Today, I want to share one of my all-time favorite jazz guitar warmup routines. Whether you’re gearing up for a gig, a practice session, or just noodling around, this 7-10 minute warmup will get your hands nimble, your sound clean, and your brain fully engaged. And the best part? You can tweak and modify it to fit your own playing style.? Why Warmups Matter Before we dive into the exercises, let me quickly highlight why a solid warmup is so important. It’s not just about getting your fingers moving—it’s about setting the tone for your entire practice session. A good warmup hel ..read more

When you think of iconic guitar solos, what comes to mind? Probably something like Stairway to Heaven, Hotel California, or maybe even Europa by Santana. What do all these solos have in common? You guessed it—pentatonic scales. But if you've ever tried to bring those classic pentatonic licks into a jazz context, you've probably noticed it doesn't quite click the same way. So, what's the deal? And more importantly, how do we fix it? Today, we're breaking down three powerful tricks to transform your pentatonic scales from rock-blues basics into fluent, expressive jazz vocabulary. Let’s dive in ..read more

When you think of iconic guitar solos, what comes to mind? Probably something like Stairway to Heaven, Hotel California, or maybe even Europa by Santana. What do all these solos have in common? You guessed it—pentatonic scales. But if you've ever tried to bring those classic pentatonic licks into a jazz context, you've probably noticed it doesn't quite click the same way. So, what's the deal? And more importantly, how do we fix it? Today, we're breaking down three powerful tricks to transform your pentatonic scales from rock-blues basics into fluent, expressive jazz vocabulary. Let’s dive in ..read more

  Ever wonder why, when you pick up your guitar, it doesn’t sound like those jazz records you love? Good news—it’s not your fault. Seriously. There’s a ton of information out there that makes jazz guitar seem way more complicated than it needs to be. Fancy scales? Speed? That magical trick to unlock your jazz sound? Forget all that. The truth is much simpler, so let's break it down! By the end of this post, you'll know exactly why you haven't nailed that jazz sound yet, and more importantly, how to fix it. Ready? Let’s dive in.     Why You Don't Sound Like a Jazz Guitarist ..read more

Hey, fellow jazz guitar nerds! Ever feel like you're practicing, putting in the hours, but your playing still feels...meh? Like you've got a whole garden of half-grown plants, but instead of a beautiful bloom, it's just a chaotic mess? Some days, your jazz playing feels fresh and vibrant—you hit the changes, your comping flows, and the solos? Chef's kiss. Other days, it's like you're tossing seeds into the wind, hoping something sticks. Welcome to what I call The Gardening Effect of jazz guitar. This little analogy explains the difference between players who make real progress and those who st ..read more

Learning jazz guitar can be an exciting yet challenging journey. At some point, every guitarist faces frustration, whether it’s struggling with complex chord changes, feeling stuck in improvisation, or comparing themselves to more experienced players. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, Why am I not getting better?, you’re not alone. The good news is that frustration is a natural part of growth. It signals that you’re pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. However, staying frustrated for too long can hinder progress. Here are some key ways to navigate these moments and find joy in your ..read more

Hey there, jazz guitar friends! Have you ever wondered why the blues feels so natural? Or why dominant 7th chords show up everywhere in jazz? Well, it turns out, it’s not just theory—it’s science! ? Today, we’re diving into harmonics, overtones, and why the blues is built into the very fabric of music. Don’t worry—I’ll keep it simple (and fun)!       ? The Magic of Harmonics & Overtones Okay, let’s talk about something every guitarist has done at least once—playing harmonics! You know, when you lightly touch a string at the 12th fret and get that cool, bell-like tone? That’s ..read more

Hey folks, Marc here from JazzGuitarLessons.net! Today, let’s dive into a question that often sparks debate among jazz musicians: should you transcribe, or is it not worth the effort? I won’t give you a definitive answer because, well, there isn’t one. Instead, I’ll share my perspective on transcription—its benefits, potential pitfalls, and alternative approaches that might be more effective for you.   What Does Transcribing Really Mean? When jazz musicians talk about transcription, they mean listening to a recording—be it a vinyl, cassette tape (yep, I had those!), CD, or a Spotify track ..read more

    There’s No Straight Line in Learning Jazz Guitar   Hey folks, it’s Marc from JazzGuitarLessons.net, and today I want to talk about something that comes up all the time—the idea of a step-by-step curriculum for learning jazz guitar. Spoiler alert: there isn’t one.   The Myth of the Perfect Curriculum For years, I’ve taught online, answered YouTube comments, and worked one-on-one with students. And one of the biggest things I hear is: "Marc, what’s the correct order to learn jazz guitar? What’s the syllabus? What’s A, B, and C so I can be sure I’m doing it the right way ..read more

What My Best Jazz Guitar Students Do Differently: 4 Proven Tips to Transform Your Playing Ever wonder what separates average jazz guitarists from those who truly thrive and grow into skilled improvisers? What are the secret habits and techniques that elevate some students above the rest? Over the years, I’ve worked with thousands of jazz guitarists, and I’ve identified a handful of practices that my best students consistently follow. These aren’t random hacks—they’re transformative shifts that can take your playing to the next level.   In this post, I’ll share the four key habits my top-p ..read more