Jazz Guitar Licks :
Minor II-V

A few of my favorite jazz guitar licks to play in minor... what I like the most about them is they're clearly outlining the harmony. Study them carefully and they'll find a way into your playing.

All licks on this page are based on the Outline No.1 in major, as explained in Connecting Chords with Linear Harmony (by Bert Ligon)

Enjoy (and don't forget to practice your licks in all keys, through chord cycles!)

Generic Minor II-V Licks

This first lick is simply the descending harmonic minor scale (starting on the fourth degree which is also the third of the II chord). Notice how it outlines the chord changes.

It's shown in different keys to cover other string sets* (See the note below).

This next lick is very similar to the previous one; but instead of running the scale, it runs arpeggios. Again, it's taken in a few keys to demonstrate possible string transference* (See the note below).

[*Note : For the following licks, I highly recommend that you go through the same process. Play the licks in different key to see how you can finger them on different string sets. It's useful as in VERY necessary.]

More Licks

More licks, now from jazz recordings, based on the Outline No.1 in major, as explained in Connecting Chords with Linear Harmony (by Bert Ligon). You want to check out that book, it changed my life!

Notice how this one is only a slight developement of the previous line.

Notice the octave displacement on the C7.

Interesting rhythms in the first bar.

The master of "cool" jazz lays down that beautiful lick.
I like the ending very much, it's a classic.