Grant Green Etude

by Per Danielsson

Download the sheet music

This month's article includes an etude written with material from Essential Jazz Lines in the style of Grant Green. The role of a guitar and piano player is often the same. Each can provide the rhythmic and harmonic foundation, as well as the melody. However, there are differences in the way they approach harmony, rhythm and melody. This is simply because the physical aspects of playing the instruments differ greatly.

Piano players can learn a lot by checking out the way guitarists approach harmony, melody and rhythm. Compare Grant Green's style of soloing with the style of Bill Evans and Charlie Parker. How is the phrasing, rhythmic and harmonic content different?

In August's issue you'll find the directions on how to best use the Essential Jazz Lines series. Visit the Mel Bay's web site at www.melbay.com for a complete listing of the Essential Jazz Lines series.

Good Luck
Per Danielsson