If you, as a guitarist, are inspired by icons like Johnny Watson, Cornell Dupree, George Benson, or Grant Green, you are probably a blues player searching for some soul jazz in your playing.
In his course, Soul Jazz Signatures Guidebook, Rory Ronde takes you on a journey through the playing styles of these aforementioned legends. After all, there’s no better way to learn the roots of soul jazz than from the techniques of the players who pioneered the genre.
Here are 8 free soul jazz
Soul Jazz Guitar Lesson – Grant Green: Introduction
Download the tab & notation for this soul jazz guitar lesson
Grant Green was a famous jazz guitarist who influenced people like George Benson. His pure tone, soulful phrasing and exciting rhythmic feel left a lasting mark on soul jazz playing. In this example, we’ll take as an inspiration his groovy way of emphasizing chords and single notes.
Soul Jazz Guitar Lesson – Grant Green: Performance
Download the tab & notation for this soul jazz guitar lesson
First, I will play this example up to tempo for you. Let’s take a listen!
Soul Jazz Guitar Lesson – Grant Green: Breakdown
Download the tab & notation for this soul jazz guitar lesson
Now, let’s break this down so you can learn it step by step.
Soul Jazz Guitar Lesson – Cornell Dupree: Introduction
Download the tab & notation for this soul jazz guitar lesson
Cornell Dupree played a style using double stops and chord melodies that has influenced guitarist to this day. His style contains a lot of space; never filling it up with too many notes. You could say that he mastered the art of playing the right notes, but also when not to play. He could turn a simple melody into a full arrangement. A genuine soul man.
Soul Jazz Guitar Lesson – Cornell Dupree: Performance 1
Download the tab & notation for this soul jazz guitar lesson
First, we’ll start with Dupree’s double stops melodies. I’ll play it first, and then we’ll break it down.
Soul Jazz Guitar Lesson – Cornell Dupree: Breakdown 1
Download the tab & notation for this soul jazz guitar lesson
Let’s break this section down before we move on to the rest of the tune!
Soul Jazz Guitar Lesson – Cornell Dupree: Performance 2
Download the tab & notation for this soul jazz guitar lesson
Here is another take on this Cornell Dupree style tune. Again, I’ll play it first, then we’ll break it down slowly.
Soul Jazz Guitar Lesson – Cornell Dupree: Breakdown 2
Download the tab & notation for this soul jazz guitar lesson
Finally, I’ll break this second take down step by step so you can get the hang of it too.
Digging these free soul jazz