Jazz master Frank Vignola presents a hand-picked collection of 5 free licks from his course 50 Jazz Guitar Licks you MUST know, all of them integral elements of the jazz guitar vocabulary for developing motifs and fueling original improvisations. Vignola’s range of phrases, concepts and techniques will help guide your development of the tools, techniques and vocabulary you’ll need to take your jazz guitar playing to the next level.
Jazz Guitar Lick #2: Major 7th
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This must-know lick is based on Barney Kessel’s take on a classic Charlie Parker riff. The lick begins on the 5th, then moves chromatically from the D up to the 3rd, the E. The phrase ends on the 2nd, in this instance D. Learn this lick in other positions to drill down on your fingerboard knowledge. Try singing the lick as you play to really nail it.
Jazz Guitar Lick #14: Jazz Blues
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This straight-ahead Bb jazz lick relies on chromatics and a firm control of rhythm. Notice how we continue to explore Charlie Christian’s inclusion of the 6th, the use of chromatics, as well as the bounce between the b3rd to major 3rd. Play around with the tempo – this riff really swings at speed!
Jazz Guitar Lick #18: Minor Vamp
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This simple pattern is built on 4ths before wrapping everything up with a sweet little blues riff. We are again exploring octaves, starting on the 5th. Try it with your thumb as well as a pick to really bring home the different textures each has to offer.
Jazz Guitar Lick #30: Funk Jazz
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Another George Benson-inspired riff, this double-stop exercise keeps the high D going on top with a cool rhythmic pattern featuring the F# and G. This funky fresh lick will help propel the rhythm section while tastefully filling out the lead register.
Jazz Guitar Lick #44: ii-V7 Bop Riffs
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Another interval jump, this lick mixes scalar and arpeggio approaches. Beginning with a major 7th interval, this tight little riff will offer up some instant jazz cred once up to speed. Master this one in different keys and positions.
Dig these jazz guitar licks? Download Frank Vignola’s 50 Jazz Guitar Licks You MUST Know for much more including tab, notation, and jam tracks!