Essential Jazz Standards to Master for an Impressive Live Performance
For aspiring jazz guitarists, learning how to sit in with professional musicians can be a daunting yet rewarding challenge. To perform confidently and seamlessly in a jazz context, there are a number of essential standards one should be familiar with. This article provides guidance on sourcing the necessary resources, adopting the correct posture, and choosing the right pieces to practice.
>Gathering the Essential Resources
To begin with, one of the most valuable resources for jazz musicians is the jazz Real Book. This collection of sheet music for jazz standards is essential for any musician looking to earn their stripes in a jazz setting. It contains a plethora of famous tunes, including bebop, standards, and other classics, making it an invaluable tool for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Thrift stores and bookstores that cater to music enthusiasts often carry these books, sometimes even offering them at a discount.
In addition to the Real Book, you might also find fake books at thrift stores. These are similar in nature, but often less comprehensive. Nonetheless, they are still an excellent source of jazz standards and are highly recommended for those on a budget or just starting out. These books are indispensable because they provide the essential information you need to play any standard without having to rely on written music or complex arrangements.
Posture and Positioning for Jazz Guitarists
A key aspect of playing with jazz musicians is adopting the correct posture – particularly if you are a guitarist. Unlike classical guitar playing, jazz musicians often use a more laid-back, bop-friendly position known as the classical position. This means your guitar is at an angle, resting between your legs, with your fretting hand on your left leg for right-handed players, and your right leg for left-handed players. Your guitar should be stable and secure, with your leg providing the support rather than your arm or hand.
Foot positioning is another crucial aspect that can affect your performance. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, it is important to have a clear and consistent stance. We've observed that many jazz groups have their own standard foot positions, which can differ from band to band. However, some general guidelines are that your feet should always be planted firmly, either on the ground or on a footstool, and they should remain flat.
To get a sense of the standard foot positions, observe the other musicians in the band. They will often provide clues about the expected stance. However, it’s important to note that jazz is as much about individuality as it is about following the group's dynamics. While maintaining a stable and secure posture, feel free to experiment with your position to find the most comfortable and effective way to play.
Choosing the Right Jazz Standards to Practice
With the right resources at your disposal and a solid understanding of posture, you can start to build a repertoire of jazz standards to practice. Some of the most commonly played and essential jazz standards include:
ldquo;Take Fiverdquo; – By The Dave Brubeck Quartet ldquo;So Whatrdquo; – By Miles Davis and Bill Evans ldquo;All Bluesrdquo; – By Miles Davis ldquo;Autumn Leavesrdquo; – Originally by Joseph Kosma, made famous by many jazz artists ldquo;Watermelon Manrdquo; – By Herbie HancockBesides these, consider exploring the works of other legendary jazz artists such as Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and Miles Davis. Their compositions offer rich opportunities for improvisation and playing with rhythm sections.
Practicing these tunes will not only help you become more comfortable with jazz standards, but also improve your listening skills, timing, and overall musicianship. As you gain more experience, you'll find that the right combination of resources, posture, and practice will put you on the path to becoming a competent and confident jazz guitarist who can sit in with other musicians with ease.