Jazz Independence Course – Lesson Two

Part two where we get started with some comping with the left hand and cover some essential phrases that you’ll need to add to your vocabulary.

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4 Comments. Leave new

  • Hi Louie!

    From an early age I was taught the traditional grip but never developed that to point where I could play the rudiments. For a couple of years now I have developed my match grip and and feel comfortable with it.

    When playing these exercises my left hand wants to go to traditional grip and this seem to happen whenever I play lighter or in a jazz context. I try to not switch grip thinking it should be possible to play this with matched grip.
    Should I practice both grip you think?

    I’ve head some drummers say you really can’t play jazz without using traditional grip. What’s your view on that?

    Best regards
    Claes

    Reply
    • Hi Claes!

      Thanks for the comment! This would be a great thing to post in the Q&A section so we can have other people chime in too!

      In short, it’s ridiculous for anyone to say you need to play jazz with matched grip. Why? Look at Bill Stewart…one of the greatest of all time. There are some upsides to traditional grip when used for jazz (not good for anything else, in my opinion). Because jazz is generally softer in dynamics when it comes to the left hand on the snare, the grip lends itself to playing with more dynamic range and can feel better as it plays more of an accompaniment role. BUT, there’s absolutely no reason why you can’t used matched. If matched feels better then go with that. Overall matched is the much better choice for all styles and playing.

      Reply
  • Thanks for the input. Had a feeling that it must be possible to play jazz with matched grip so I continue to practice that way.

    By the way, while browsing through – play like the legends – category I notice we share a favorite drummer, the great Tony Williams.

    Recently watched a clip on YouTube from an old vinyl record (early 70’s) when Tony was a member of Stan Getz quartet, together with Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke. The tunes is called Times Lie and perhaps you’’ve heard it but I include a link to it in case you haven’t.

    The music is great and Tony’s playing is unbelievable. The sound quality is not that good but the music and Tony’s playing make up for all that I think.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lMA1rpIdn8

    Would it be possible, you think to transcribe small chunks of what he’s playing for a future lesson?

    Thanks
    Claes

    Reply
    • Hi Claes,

      Yes, love Tony. Will check out that clip. There’s actual video footage of that band on YouTube too…killer!

      Reply

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