Using open strings in jazz?

by Bill Sargeant
(San Francisco, CA)

Hi Mark,

Is there any convention in jazz guitar to avoid open strings in playing melodies, lines, etc.? Sometimes open strings would allow easier fingerings and if it is fast enough, it's not really that audibly noticeable, still it seems like it might be "wrong". What do you advise? Thanks.

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Hello Bill,

It's a good question. In fact, I remember watching a Joe Pass instructional video, a while ago, and he suggested that jazz guitarists *avoid* open strings at all cost...

I don't know that there's such a way to decide and limit your choices regarding playing notes/chords on a instrument like the guitar. So, here's my very best answer :

I would advise any jazz guitarist, old and young, beginner or professional to learn the instrument the best they can.

Obvious, isn't ?

After mastering all the possibilities (or at least acknowledging the existence of the majority of notes/chords location on the axe), it becomes easier to make choices.


Let me ask you this :

Would you play open strings simply because it's the only way you can go about this tune or that chord?

... or is it because you've investigated and consciously chose to use an open string in that context?

Probably the latter, right? Then, don't worry. It's all good! (-:

I believe that exploring and understanding the guitar is the key to using open strings (or any other technical "concept") in a meaningful, creative and artistic way.

Remember, this is different than, say classical guitar technique. We, jazzmen, try to use the material we study "on the fly", in improvisation. It means we need a deep understanding of the mechanics of the instrument.


I hope this helps, please leave you comments/impressions or more questions here.

Practice Well,

Marc-A Seguin