Jazz Guitar Insights

By Marc-Andre Seguin

Welcome to Jazz Guitar Insights, the ultimate podcast for guitarists eager to dive into the world of jazz. Hosted by Marc, this show is designed to help you learn jazz faster, express yourself more fl... more

4.8

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FAQs about Jazz Guitar Insights:

How many episodes does Jazz Guitar Insights have?

The podcast currently has 147 episodes available.

Jazz Guitar Insights episodes:

October 31, 2024Trusting the Process (Ep. 23)
In this mini-podcast, I talk about why trusting your practice process is essential, especially when results aren’t immediate. I share insights on sticking with a plan, making small adjustments rather than big changes, and staying consistent even when life gets in the way. This episode is for anyone who wants to get the most out of their practice sessions without overthinking or second-guessing.
Key Points:
Trust the Process: Commit to your plan and give it time to work.
Consistency Over Perfection: Show up regularly; each session builds over time.
Self-Assessment: Log or record yourself to track progress without obsessing.
Adjust, Don’t Overhaul: If things don’t seem to work, try minor tweaks first.
Trust in your plan and keep at it; progress happens over months and years, not in a single session.
Resources and Links:
JazzGuitarLessons.net
Connect with us on social media: Facebook, YouTube
---
Available on RSS feed, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple.
RSS:
https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/2147798591/feed
YouTube Music:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZzxzHaS5rzSO8zNtZmX-OSMWUgbWOu0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5tdsJWZihK0kZnzjfu0ocQ
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jazzguitarlessons-net-podcast/id981300420
...more
10min
October 27, 2024Why Do We Learn Jazz? (Ep. 22)
Welcome to Jazz Guitar Insights! In today’s episode, let's dig deep behind learning jazz—even if you’re a rock, blues, funk, or pop musician. Jazz isn’t just a style; it’s a toolkit that enhances your musical fluency, deepens your understanding of harmony, rhythm, and melody, and unlocks new creative paths across all genres. Jazz isn’t “superior,” but it pushes boundaries, strengthening foundational skills that transfer to all genres.
Episode Highlights:
Why Jazz for All Musicians
Learning Jazz Without Losing Your Style5-Step Process for Learning Jazz:
Staple Voicings – Learn essential jazz chords.
Conveyor Belt – Practice playing these chords in time.
Chord Melody – Combine melody and chords.
Target Notes – Improve improvisation with strategic note choices.
Jam It Out – Apply these skills in real playing situations.
Expanding Beyond Basics
Practical Outcomes of Jazz Studies
Resources and Links:
JazzGuitarLessons.net
Connect with us on social media: Facebook, YouTube
---
Available on RSS feed, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple.
RSS:
https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/2147798591/feed
YouTube Music:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZzxzHaS5rzSO8zNtZmX-OSMWUgbWOu0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5tdsJWZihK0kZnzjfu0ocQ
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jazzguitarlessons-net-podcast/id981300420
...more
16min
October 20, 2024Mindset Masterclass (Ep. 21)
In this episode, we dive into the essential mental framework for becoming a better guitar player. We'll explore how cultivating the right mindset can improve your practice, enhance your creativity, and help you navigate the challenges that come with learning jazz guitar.

Resources and Links:
JazzGuitarLessons.net
Connect with us on social media: Facebook, YouTube
---
Available on RSS feed, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple.
RSS:
https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/2147798591/feed
YouTube Music:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZzxzHaS5rzSO8zNtZmX-OSMWUgbWOu0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5tdsJWZihK0kZnzjfu0ocQ
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jazzguitarlessons-net-podcast/id981300420
...more
1h 1min
October 17, 2024[Album Deep Dive] Ed Bickert - At The Garden Party (Ep. 20)
Welcome to episode 20 of Album Deep Dives on the Jazz Guitar Insights podcast! In this episode, we take a closer look at At The Garden Party, a hidden gem in jazz guitar history. This 1979 live duo recording features the legendary Canadian jazz guitarist Ed Bickert and bassist Don Thompson, recorded at the Garden Party Cafe in 1978.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
The incredible harmonic imagination and melodic playing that made Ed Bickert a guitar icon, even admired by Jim Hall.
Highlights from standout tracks like "Alone Together," "A Face Like Yours," and the swinging "Please Be Kind."
Ed’s unique, piano-like guitar tone and his ability to blend tension and lyricism in his solos, influenced by greats like Bill Evans.
How Ed & Don’s improvisational rapport shines, especially on tunes like "You Are Too Beautiful."
The Telecaster's role in Ed's sound and why, despite his casual relationship with the guitar, it became his signature instrument.
Recommendations for diving deeper into Ed's discography, including the 2004 CD reissue of At The Garden Party and Pure Desmond.
Whether you're a fan of Ed Bickert or discovering him for the first time, this episode is a must for anyone interested in jazz guitar history.

Resources and Links:
JazzGuitarLessons.net
Connect with us on social media: Facebook, YouTube
---
Available on RSS feed, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple.
RSS:
https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/2147798591/feed
YouTube Music:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZzxzHaS5rzSO8zNtZmX-OSMWUgbWOu0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5tdsJWZihK0kZnzjfu0ocQ
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jazzguitarlessons-net-podcast/id981300420
...more
11min
October 12, 2024Finding Your Groove (Ep. 19)
In this episode of Jazz Guitar Insights, we dive into the concept of "finding your groove" and how it applies to jazz guitarists. Whether you're playing solo, in a combo, or comping behind other musicians, developing a strong groove is essential to creating musical energy and flow.
Key Topics Covered:
What is Groove?
A breakdown of what "groove" means in a jazz context and how it differs from other genres.
Why Groove is Crucial for Jazz Guitarists:
Understanding the role groove plays in soloing, comping, and ensemble playing.
Techniques for Strengthening Your Groove:
Practical exercises to improve your sense of rhythm and timing, including:
Playing with a metronome
Working with backing tracks
Using rhythmic subdivisions and syncopation
Groove in Different Styles and Tempos:
How to adapt your groove depending on the style (swing, bebop, bossa nova) and tempo.
Listening to the Masters:
How great jazz guitarists like Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, and Pat Metheny maintain and build groove in their performances.
Listener Challenge:
Take one of your favorite jazz standards and focus on locking into the groove during your practice. Experiment with different rhythmic approaches and pay close attention to how the groove changes when you adjust your comping style or phrasing.
Resources and Links:
JazzGuitarLessons.net
Connect with us on social media: Facebook, YouTube
---
Available on RSS feed, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple.
RSS:
https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/2147798591/feed
YouTube Music:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZzxzHaS5rzSO8zNtZmX-OSMWUgbWOu0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5tdsJWZihK0kZnzjfu0ocQ
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jazzguitarlessons-net-podcast/id981300420
...more
1h 6min
October 10, 2024Creative Metronome Exercises (Ep. 18)
In this episode, we dive deep into using the metronome to enhance your jazz improvisation and comping skills. Whether you're just starting or have been practicing with a metronome for a while, these tips will help you take your practice to the next level.
Key Takeaways:
Moving Beyond Basic Practice: Avoid the common pitfall of relying on the metronome for all the strong beats. Learn how to stop being "spoon-fed" the time and take control of your internal rhythm.
Practicing with 2 and 4: The classic jazz approach to metronome practice involves setting it to beats 2 and 4, which mirrors the role of the drummer's hi-hat. We'll explore how this technique challenges you to maintain solid time without relying on all the downbeats.
Using Metronome Apps: While I recommend using a traditional quartz metronome with a dial for serious practice, modern apps like "Guitar Tuna" can also work as great alternatives for quick practice sessions.
Mental Gymnastics: Practicing this way forces you to really know where the beats are. It can be challenging at first, but it’s a great mental workout that improves your rhythmic independence.
Advanced Exercises: For those more advanced, try pushing your boundaries with faster tempos and different subdivisions, or apply this technique to more complex tunes.
Listen to Learn:
How to count in and play "Autumn Leaves" with the metronome on 2 and 4.
Demo of a B-flat blues at 144 BPM with the metronome clicking on half-time.
Tips for integrating this method into your daily practice.
Next Steps:
Start practicing with the metronome set on beats 2 and 4 and see how it transforms your playing! Make sure to use tunes you’re already familiar with, like blues, to really get the hang of it.

Resources and Links:
JazzGuitarLessons.net
Connect with us on social media: Facebook, YouTube
---
Available on RSS feed, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple.
RSS:
https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/2147798591/feed
YouTube Music:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZzxzHaS5rzSO8zNtZmX-OSMWUgbWOu0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5tdsJWZihK0kZnzjfu0ocQ
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jazzguitarlessons-net-podcast/id981300420
...more
33min
October 02, 2024[Album Deep Dive] Wes Montgomery - Smokin' at the Half Note (Ep. 17)
In this episode of Jazz Guitar Insights, we explore the rich history and enduring influence of Smokin' at the Half Note, one of the most celebrated jazz guitar albums of all time. Wes Montgomery teams up with the legendary Wynton Kelly Trio to create a masterpiece that has inspired countless musicians.
Key Highlights of the Episode:
The Legacy of Smokin' at the Half Note: Widely regarded as a seminal jazz guitar recording, the album is consistently named by jazz greats such as Peter Bernstein, Ben Mander, and Pat Metheny as one of their top influences.
Rudy van Gelder's Unique Studio: Before becoming a full-time recording engineer, Rudy van Gelder worked as an optometrist, using his savings to build his own studio. Designed with the help of an associate of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the studio’s church-like structure created a natural reverb that shaped the album’s distinct sound. This signature sound can be heard in the drum tones and overall ambiance of the record.
Track Breakdown:
Unit Seven: A blues tune by Sam Jones played in a swing style, with a Latin twist during the head. Wynton Kelly's solo is sparse yet effective, setting the stage for Wes Montgomery's catchy, melodic blues solo.
Four on Six: A hard bop original by Wes, now a jazz standard. Its arrangement, based on parallel motion of perfect fifths, showcases the entire band’s talents with a complex structure and a vamp-driven outro.
What's New: The album closes with this ballad, where Wes takes on the role of a jazz crooner, playing the melody in octaves and adding bluesy lines to create a thoughtful, introspective finish.
The Energy of the Band: Despite the album’s mix of live and studio recordings, the band’s energy never fades. Even on shorter solos like in "Four on Six," the variety and dynamic shifts keep the album flowing smoothly.
Additional Recordings: For diehard fans, more sessions from Smokin' at the Half Note were released in the 2005 CD remaster, featuring outtakes where Wes experiments with tremolo effects. The episode also recommends listening to Willow Weep for Me and Smokin' in Seattle: Live at the Penthouse, both featuring the same iconic ensemble.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Kind of Blue and Someday My Prince Will Come – Miles Davis
Full House – Wes Montgomery
Peter Bernstein, Ben Mander, and Pat Metheny's reflections on Smokin' at the Half Note
Willow Weep for Me (posthumous release with string arrangements)
Resources and Links:
JazzGuitarLessons.net
Connect with us on social media: Facebook, YouTube
---
Available on RSS feed, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple.
RSS:
https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/2147798591/feed
YouTube Music:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZzxzHaS5rzSO8zNtZmX-OSMWUgbWOu0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5tdsJWZihK0kZnzjfu0ocQ
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jazzguitarlessons-net-podcast/id981300420
...more
14min
September 29, 2024Jazz is Cerebral (Ep. 16)
In this episode, we dive deep into the question: Is jazz too intellectual or cerebral? Inspired by a famous moment when Bill Evans was asked this very question, we explore the balance between technique and emotion in jazz. While some people feel jazz can be overly technical, we’re not giving them permission to be right about that! Instead, we break down how mastering the technical aspects is actually the gateway to greater emotional expression in your playing.
Key Takeaways:
Mastering technique is not just about becoming better at your instrument; it's about reaching a level of comfort where your emotions can speak freely.
Jazz may seem cerebral at first, but the goal is to make it feel effortless so that it becomes a deeply emotional experience.
Resources and Links:
JazzGuitarLessons.net
Connect with us on social media: Facebook, YouTube
---
Available on RSS feed, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple.
RSS:
https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/2147798591/feed
YouTube Music:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZzxzHaS5rzSO8zNtZmX-OSMWUgbWOu0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5tdsJWZihK0kZnzjfu0ocQ
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jazzguitarlessons-net-podcast/id981300420
...more
5min
September 27, 2024To Transcribe or Not To Transcribe? (Ep. 15)
Transcription—an essential tool for jazz musicians, but is it the only way to learn? In this episode, I dive deep into the debate around transcribing, without offering a one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, I encourage you to think about the process differently and reflect on the purpose of transcription in your own musical journey.
I’ll discuss:
The importance of broadening your perspective on what it means to transcribe
The usefulness of transcription and how to maximize its benefits
Thinking beyond simply copying notes—focusing on the "how" and thought process behind an artist's choices
Alternatives to traditional transcription and how to integrate them into your learning
The balance between transcribing, listening, and discovering your own voice as a musician
By the end, you'll have a more nuanced understanding of what transcription can offer, and you'll be equipped to decide if (and when) it fits into your practice routine.

Resources and Links:
JazzGuitarLessons.net
Connect with us on social media: Facebook, YouTube
---
Available on RSS feed, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple.
RSS:
https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/2147798591/feed
YouTube Music:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZzxzHaS5rzSO8zNtZmX-OSMWUgbWOu0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5tdsJWZihK0kZnzjfu0ocQ
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jazzguitarlessons-net-podcast/id981300420
...more
13min
September 23, 2024Listening to Other Styles of Music (Ep. 14)
Jazz only constitutes 5% of total album sales this year. So, don't you think it's relevant to lend your ears to other styles of music? Absolutely! Exploring other genres can not only expand your musical vocabulary but also sharpen your jazz chops in surprising ways. In this episode, we’ll explore the benefits of broadening your musical horizons.
Topics Covered:
Why It’s Important to Listen Outside of Jazz
How Other Genres Impact Your Jazz Playing
Building a Broader Musical Vocabulary
Improvisation and Creativity Across Genres
Broadening your musical exposure is not just about being versatile—it’s about finding new ways to express yourself as a jazz guitarist. Don’t be afraid to break out of the jazz bubble, because the more styles you listen to, the better musician you'll become.
Resources and Links:
JazzGuitarLessons.net
Connect with us on social media: Facebook, YouTube
---
Available on RSS feed, YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple.
RSS:
https://app.kajabi.com/podcasts/2147798591/feed
YouTube Music:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdZzxzHaS5rzSO8zNtZmX-OSMWUgbWOu0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5tdsJWZihK0kZnzjfu0ocQ
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jazzguitarlessons-net-podcast/id981300420
...more
9min

FAQs about Jazz Guitar Insights:

How many episodes does Jazz Guitar Insights have?

The podcast currently has 147 episodes available.

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