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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Being A Big Band Guitarist

Posted by: Im here to succeed Sep 14 2015, 05:19 PM

Hi guys. I've just started music college and I have been put in a big band group with some great musicians and I'm excited for a new challenge.

Apparently our instructor usually pushes students down the Jazz/Soul route (based on his personal taste)
I'm just wondering if you could point me in the right direction as to what I can listen to which can give me ideas. Are there any great guitarists who play in big bands that I can take some inspiration/ideas from ?
Thanks

Posted by: klasaine Sep 14 2015, 05:39 PM

Ground zero is Freedie Greene with the count Basie Band (subtle and understated) ...

Freddie Greene is completely 'acoustic' so it can be difficult to hear him, especially on computer speakers. Listen to the spaces where the band's not playing too loudly.

This is a great tutorial on big-band comping ...


Here's a more modern take with the guitar mixed hotter than usual (guit solo at 3:08) ...


Ed Bickert with the Boss Brass ...


*Ultimately your time feel and chord voicings are where the magic lies. Don't lay too hard into your bass strings. If you play a solid body, try to voice chords on strings 5 - 2 (ADGB) and you can even stick to 3-note (3rd, 7th, 5th) and 2-note (3rd and 7th) voicings. Def check out the 2nd vid I posted, the tutorial.

Posted by: Im here to succeed Sep 14 2015, 08:10 PM

Thanks for your insight klasaine. You've always got tonnes of references to share smile.gif

Posted by: klasaine Sep 14 2015, 09:32 PM

There are some decent books too ...
http://www.amazon.com/Swing-Big-Band-Guitar-Four-To-The/dp/0793573815




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