One of the most difficult parts of learning a new style is developing a basic vocabulary. Most times that involves long hours of transcribing licks from your favorite musicians. Although I believe that is the most effective way, another option is to analyze and play pre-written etudes. Guitarist Joshua Breakstone presents a collection of well-written jazz etudes over standard progressions.
The book begins with a very helpful look at alternate picking. In this section Breakstone analyzes several common jazz rhythms and gives suggesting picking for each. A common myth is that all alternate picking is strict up and down. According to this article, all downbeats should be played with a downstroke and upbeats with an upstroke.
The etudes are in the category of easy to intermediate, but they are very melodic. A recording accompanies the book where Breakstone plays each etude and then demonstrates certain passages. Along with each example, there is a corresponding lesson that discusses the concepts used in each etude. To me, these are the most valuable part of the book. Similar books are not uncommon, but where the disconnect occurs with students is how someone got from point A to point B. This book demonstrates exactly how certain phrases and techniques are created.
Overall, this is a great book for students who want to develop their jazz vocabulary. Another added benefit is that these etudes are great for getting your sight-reading together. Many times while working through this book, I would just open to a random page, start the metronome and begin to play. Highly recommended.
Go check out Joshua Breakstone at www.joshuabreakstone.com
Disclosure: The author sent me a review copy.
