Mickey Baker was a powerhouse session guitarist in the 1950s, famous for his blues and R&B work (including the hit duo Mickey & Sylvia). His book does not waste time with music theory fluff or tedious sight-reading exercises. Instead, it throws you straight into the deep end of professional jazz playing. The course is highly regarded for several distinct reasons:
The course is split into 25 lessons. Each lesson introduces a few new chord forms and then presents (short jazz tunes or progressions) to apply them.
Many of the original printings feature small, cramped chord diagrams. A PDF allows you to zoom in closely on fingerings and write digital notes directly onto the lessons.
You will practice patterns that can be shifted to any key across the neck. mickey baker 39-s complete course in jazz guitar pdf
First, a disclaimer: Mickey Baker does not hold your hand. The book (actually split into two volumes, though most reference Book 1) is famous for its "sink or swim" pedagogy. Lesson 1 begins with a grid of 14 moveable chord forms. By Lesson 2, you are playing "I Got Rhythm" changes.
This volume introduces 26 essential chord forms and covers vamps, fill-ins, and bop-blues progressions.
There is a reason 90% of people who download the give up within two weeks. Mickey Baker was a powerhouse session guitarist in
If you are interested in accelerating your learning, I can help you find a digital copy of the book, or suggest supplementary jazz guitar tutorials. Let me know which direction you'd prefer!
The book uses traditional musical notation and chord grids, but it . If you cannot read sheet music, Part 2 of the book will feel like an impenetrable wall. View this as a hidden blessing: working through Baker's book is one of the absolute best ways to develop fluent sight-reading skills on the guitar. Maximizing Your Study with Digital PDFs and Media
: Heavy emphasis on phrasing, rhythm, and playing with a driving swing feel. Tips for Studying the PDF or Print Edition The course is highly regarded for several distinct
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Book 1 is arguably the most famous part of the course. It focuses heavily on rhythm guitar, chord substitutions, and the introduction of guitar solos.
Mickey Baker is a veteran jazz guitarist and educator, with decades of experience teaching and performing. He has written several books on jazz guitar and has taught at various institutions, including the Berklee College of Music.