All Episodes
Episodes
How to Fake Being a Jazz Guitarist in 5 Minutes (Ep. 63)
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So, you want to become a jazz guitarist in 5 minutes? Here are some surefire ways to do it. Ultimately, while it's all in jest, I invite anyone serious about learning jazz guitar to join us at our website and...
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Teaching and Mentoring (Ep. 62)
This short podcast discusses the importance of teaching and mentoring ... for our very own benefit. When we teach (jazz guitar or other), we become the pupil. If you have never been a guitar teacher, even for...
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Adding Chromaticism to Your Lines (Ep. 61)
The most awaited podcast topic of all: chromaticism! Jazz guitarists are always curious about jazz lines with a chromatic flow. How can we achieve such a technical level of "out playing" while still remain true to the...
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[Album Deep Dive] Peter Bernstein - Earth Tones (Ep. 60)
In this episode of Album Deep Dives, I explore the pivotal work of jazz guitarist Peter Bernstein. I dive into his 1998 album Earth Tones, featuring his long-standing trio with Larry Goldings on organ and Bill Stewart...
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Master the II-V-I in 3 Steps (Ep. 59)
In this episode, I break down how to master the 2-5-1 progression in three simple steps. You'll learn how to focus on the harmonic changes, connect the chords smoothly, and build solid vocabulary for improvisation....
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[Album Deep Dive] George Van Eps - Mellow Guitar (Ep. 58)
In this episode of Album Deep Dives, I explore the remarkable contributions of George Van Epps, the father of the seven-string guitar. We dive into his 1956 album Mellow Guitar, highlighting his pianistic approach to...
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Minor II-V-I Primer (Ep. 57)
In this episode, I dive into the essentials of the minor 2-5-1 progression—a must-know for jazz guitarists. I cover how to build it, why the flat five and flat nine are key notes, and how to use the C harmonic minor...
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Written Studies v.s. Bits and Pieces (Ep. 56)
As jazzers, we're often culprit of only learning "bits and pieces" of the stuff we learn. A scale, an arpeggio, a few licks (etc.), and off we go improvising. In this podcast, we discuss the relevance of learning...
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Why Your Solos Sound Stiff (And How to Fix It) (Ep. 55)
In this episode of Jazz Star Insights, I reveal why your jazz solos may sound stiff and share practical strategies to make your playing more fluid and musical. If you've ever felt like you're playing the right notes...
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Key of the Week (Ep. 54)
In this episode, I dive into the "Key of the Week" method—a simple but powerful way to level up your jazz guitar playing. I’ll share how focusing on one key for an entire week transformed my improvisation and comping,...
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[Album Deep Dive] Sonny Rollins - The Bridge // 1962 and Jim Hall Live! // 1975 (Ep. 53)
In this episode, we explore two iconic albums showcasing Jim Hall’s versatility. First, The Bridge (1962) with Sonny Rollins highlights Jim’s ability to create space while delivering melodic, motif-driven solos. Then,...
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Jazz Guitar and Gardening (Ep. 52)
Ever feel like you're just throwing seeds into the wind with your jazz guitar practice? In this episode, I dive into the Gardening Effect—how nurturing your skills like a garden leads to real growth. I'll share why...
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