Jazz Guitar Insights

By Marc-Andre SeguinEducation Arts Music Performing Arts How To

Jazz Guitar Insights episodes

November 23, 2024Playing Free (For Improvising) (Ep. 28)
Playing *completely* free (without constraints of time, chords, scales, or other) is a great learning tool. See if you can incorporate the tips from this podcast in your daily practice. It's liberating to play free, and there are ways to do it that can encourage your musical growth. Enjoy! :-)

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
11 min
November 21, 2024Music as a Language (Ep. 27)
Join Marc and Nathan in this engaging masterclass that explores music as a language. They dive into why music isn’t just a formula of notes and theory but a dynamic way of communicating and connecting with others.
Topics Covered:
Music as a Language: Music communicates emotions in a way that’s both abstract and universal, much like spoken language but without words.
Beyond Theory: Learning music shouldn’t be only about notes and scales. They discuss how focusing only on theory can limit true expression.
Practical Tips: Techniques for integrating musical “grammar” naturally, such as dynamics, rhythm, and phrasing.
The Importance of Jamming: Playing with others—even beginners with experts—enhances real musical understanding.
Moving Past “Just Scales and Licks”: Why it’s essential to build musical phrases instead of memorizing scales or licks.
Why Listen? This masterclass is ideal for anyone looking to deepen their connection to music and break free from over-relying on theory.
1 hr 24 min
November 14, 2024Modes of C Melodic and C Harmonic Minor (Ep. 26)
In this podcast, we cover the basic chords found in both C melodic minor and C harmonic minor scales. This is generally a huge gap amongst students, so grab your guitar now, and learn those chords once and for all! Enjoy.

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
14 min
November 10, 2024Songs Before Licks (Ep. 25)
Hey there! In this episode, I’m digging into why understanding chord progressions is more important than just piling up licks. I’ll share my thoughts on why it’s so valuable to work on basic progressions, like the 12-bar blues, and why I believe focusing on form helps us become better players. This approach, what I call the “conveyor belt” of progressions, lets you play freely over any tune without getting lost.
Main Points
Think Progressions, Not Just Licks: It’s tempting to learn tons of licks, but without the bigger picture of the progression, it’s easy to lose your place in a tune.
The “Conveyor Belt” of Jazz: I explain why I see chord progressions as a “conveyor belt” that loops back around, helping you keep track of the form so you’re ready to improvise, comp, or play chord melodies.
Master the 12-Bar Blues First: The 12-bar blues is an amazing place to start because you can explore all kinds of variations once you know the form well. You’ll build a strong foundation for other jazz standards, too.
Real-Life Skills: Knowing the forms and structures of standards like rhythm changes and the blues helps you play confidently in any style, even if you’re backing a singer or jamming on a pop tune.
Try This Out
This week, pick a simple progression—like a 12-bar blues—and see if you can follow it all the way through, adding comping or solo ideas along the way. Aim to keep track of where you are in the form without having to look at a chart.

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
10 min
November 07, 2024Being Delusional? (Ep .24)
In this quick episode, I dive into how a bit of “delusional” confidence can actually help you improve faster on guitar. I’ll explain why thinking big—even if it feels unrealistic—can motivate you to practice more, try new things, and take risks that lead to real progress.
What You’ll Learn:
How Positive Thinking Helps: Believing I can play like the greats might feel a bit delusional, but it actually pushes me to work harder and take on challenges.
Overcoming Self-Doubt: Self-doubt always shows up, but I’ve found that focusing on what empowers me makes a big difference.
Finding the Balance: It’s not about being overly confident, just having enough belief to give yourself permission to learn and grow.
Key Takeaway:
A little confidence—even if it feels over-the-top—can go a long way in helping you reach your goals. Embrace it, and let it drive you forward!
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
8 min
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
10 min
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
16 min
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
1 hr 1 min
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
11 min
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
1 hr 6 min

About Jazz Guitar Insights

From the publisher's feed

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 fluently, and have fun along the way. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, you'll find valuable tips, practice routines, and inspiring stories to elevate your playing.