Filling Up With Jazz Inspiration

Someone once said: "It won't come out if you don't put it in in the first place". This was in reference to becoming a good improviser and to be able to pull from the creative mind musical phrases that really mean something.

Listening to good jazz is one of the most important things the would-be jazz guitarist can do, or any jazz musician for that matter. It's a bit like filling up will fuel - if the tank is empty, you won't go anywhere!

Of course there's listening that leads to musical improvement and listening that leads to just enjoyment.

We can listen to fast stuff and be amazed at the technical ability of a player. We can listen to slow music and appreciate the cool harmony of the chords.

However, there is nothing like the sound of a jazz legend who's phrasing and feel has been perfected and matured through years and years of playing.

With so many jazz guitarists of great ability around these days, it is still important to listen to those players who have left their mark on jazz guitar history and remember that phrasing and feel takes a lifetime to perfect.