Jazz Guitar Books

[alfonso]

Hi,
This is my first post to this forum so I'll tell you briefly about my situation. I been playing guitar for over 20 years off and on, but mostly off for most of the years. I went back to reading music, I learned to read years ago but it was after I already new how to play good enough to play in a couple garage bands but nothing serious. We did some gigs but no big deal. Now here's my question. I don't play much lead guitar, I know my modes and I can play really decent leads to blues and funk but, I really can't play leads to jazz standards. First I have to study the song, record the rhythym and figur out the melody lines then go off creating a solo. I,m trying to get good enough to play spontaniously. So anyone know of any good lead playing books/jazz, please point me in the right direction. thanks

[namaste]

My first response is purchase Band in Box and get hold of some Real Books. Armed with these two resources, you have plently of material to keep you occupied for some time. As far as the mechanics for solo/lead playing, send me a PM - I might be able to help.

[Professor]

Well, first of all, you should be listening to jazz. All the time. Pay attention to what the soloists are doing.

Then, join a jazz band.

I also recommend Nothin' but Blues by Jamey Aebersold. It's a book with a CD of backing tracks that gives you a backup band for you to solo over.

If you've never played any "lead" guitar stuff, jazz might not be the best place to start. Consider that you may need to learn to walk before you try to run. (In other words, start with something simpler than jazz.)

[giantfrets]

I think that's good advice above: listen to jazz!

But where to start? If you jump right in with Charlie Parker then it won't be so easy. Maybe Louis Armstrong?... Charlie Christian?