Bio

by Greg O'Rourke | Jan 25, 2016 | Main Pages

Bio

Award winning Australian guitarist Greg O’Rourke received his Bachelor Of Music Honours degree in 2006, and was a scholarship holder at the Australian National University School Of Music.

Originally a trained classical guitarist, Greg’s main speciality is now in jazz guitar. Greg’s versatile ability on the guitar is credit to several teachers he has studied with over the years, including Mike Price and Don Andrews, well known performers and teachers in the Australian jazz guitar scene, as well as more recently studying with internationally acclaimed jazz guitarist and teacher Matt Warnock. Greg also undertook extensive study with Tim Kain, one of Australia’s leading classical guitar performers and teachers.

Greg has given prizewinning performances at the Australian National University Chamber Music Competition, and was awarded 1st prize in the Chamber Music division of the 2004 Australian International Guitar Competition.

Greg currently enjoys a busy career, comprising of teaching, performing and collaborations with other Australian artists, as well as running his online jazz guitar lesson website FretDojo.com.

Greg O’Rourke

BMus (Hons), ANU

Email: greg@fretdojo.com

www.fretdojo.com

Blog

by Greg O'Rourke | May 5, 2015 | Main Pages

Jazz Guitar Warmup: (Almost) Slurred Scale Exercise

Oct 25, 2020 | Guitar Exercises

Get the PDF and Backing Track for this lesson HERE: https://bit.ly/3xpls5j

► Become a FretDojo Patreon here: https: https://www.patreon.com/fretdojo

► Start Your FretDojo Jazz Guitar Academy Membership here: https://www.fretdojo.com/signup-offer

In this FretDojo episode we’re going to cover a very cool jazz guitar warmup which I call the ‘Almost Slurred Scale Exercise’ – a multilayered exercise to work out your speed, phrasing, position shifting, slurs and more – and also help get those creative juices flowing for your jazz guitar practice session. Enjoy!

For more guitar tips, resources and FREE stuff visit https://www.fretdojo.com

Charlie Christian – Rose Room Lick

Oct 7, 2020 | Jazz Guitar Lessons

► Get your FREE PDF Worksheet for this lesson here: https://bit.ly/3juy6Lg

► Start Your FretDojo Academy Membership here: https://www.fretdojo.com/signup-offer

► Become a FretDojo Patreon here: https: https://www.patreon.com/fretdojo

In this session I take a look at some of Charlie Christian’s vocabulary, and how you can easily use this to make a convincing jazz solo that still sounds fresh and relevant today!

Video Sections:
00:00 Intro
00:48 Lick Demonstration – Full Tempo
01:16 Lick Demonstration – Slow Tempo
01:45 Lick Analysis
05:21 Triad Example Ideas over Bb7
07:36 Substitution Analysis
09:07 Triads on Jazz Blues Exercise (with corresponding PDF)
11:01 Exercise Example – Full Tempo
12:30 Wrap Up

This material will instantly spice up your jazz guitar improvisations to make them sound more authentic, and will help you open up the creative soloing possibilities on guitar.

Make sure you subscribe to my channel to be advised when future live sessions will be happening! https://youtube.com/c/FretDojo

Happy woodshedding!

Crazy 4ths Guitar Tuning and More – Interview with Jazz Guitarist Ant Law

Sep 21, 2020 | Interviews, Podcasts

In this fantastic session, Ant shares some tips and inspiration for jazz guitar players of all levels and lets us in on his unique way of playing with his guitar tuned in 4ths!

Ant’s been described as “An innovator” and “A gamechanger” by The Guardian. Based in the UK, Ant lives in London where he leads the Ant Law Quintet.

In 2013 their debut album ’Entanglement’ was released to great acclaim, followed by ‘Zero Sum World’ (with Whirlwind Recordings) in 2015 and ‘Life I Know’ (withEdition Records) in 2018, receiving 5 star reviews and airplay across the UK, Europe, and Australia.

Ant plays in Tim Garland’s band with Jason Rebello & Asaf Sirkis, featuring on various albums including ‘ONE’ which was shortlisted for a Grammy and won the Jazzwise Best Album award. He has worked with other notables Cory Henry, Thomas Gould and is featured from time to time in “Total Guitar”, “Guitar Techniques” & “Guitarist” magazines. In the latter he recently made a list of “10 Astounding Virtuosos”. Ant’s fourth album was just released this year on July 24th the sleeper wakes.

Show notes: https://www.fretdojo.com/podcast019/

If you want to join my online jazz guitar academy with a complete pathway of step-by-step courses to improve your jazz playing, take a look by going here: https://www.fretdojo.com/signup-offer/

Here’s some ways you can develop your jazz guitar playing:

For jazz guitar beginners: Check out my 30-Day Jazz Guitar Challenge: https://www.fretdojo.com/30-day-jazz-guitar-challenge/

Find out more about Ant Law here:
FB live streams on FB artist page: https://www.facebook.com/AntLawGuitar/live
NEW ALBUM: https://orcd.co/sleeperwakes
Other albums, sheet music, backing tracks: https://antlaw.bandcamp.com/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAy_Wjp5adEDQMsNVDyX8fQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antlawguitar/

Podcast: The Magic Of Solo Guitar

Jun 10, 2020 | Interviews, Podcasts

On today’s Podcast, Carl Orr, FretDojo’s current Artist In Residence, shares his insights into the magic of chord melody and the power that comes from tapping into the strength of guitar as a solo instrument.
Check out the podcast here and listen to Carl’s story, as well as some very moving chord melodies he plays throughout the show…

About Carl Orr:
Carl has performed and recorded with some of the finest musicians on the planet including Billy Cobham, George Duke, Ernie Watts, Randy Brecker, Gary Husband and Bennie Maupin.
He is a regular at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in his own band and as a member of drummer Mark Fletcher’s supergroup “Fletch’s Brew”.
Carl has taught guitar at The Australian Institute of Music, Brunel University, Middlesex University, London Centre Of Contemporary Music and The Academy of Contemporary Music.
A prolific composer, Carl has recorded eight albums as a leader and is featured on albums by Billy Cobham, Fletch’s Brew, Geoff Eales and Nathan Haines.

Get More FretDojo:
To get instant access to a structured online curriculum for learning jazz guitar that features courses by Carl and other top guitar instructors, go here: https://www.fretdojo.com/signup-offer/
Podcast episode URL: https://www.fretdojo.com/podcast013/
*For more jazz guitar lessons, tips and free stuff, visit https://www.fretdojo.com

The 5 Minute Miracle – Guitar Practice Efficiency Secrets

May 8, 2020 | Podcasts

Here’s a simple but incredibly effective strategy that I’ve used over the years when I have been busy, but I still need to make time for my music.
Check out the podcast below where I share it with you:
To get instant access to a structured online curriculum for learning jazz guitar, go here: https://www.fretdojo.com/signup-offer/
Podcast episode URL: https://www.fretdojo.com/podcast011/
*For more jazz guitar lessons, tips and free stuff, visit https://www.fretdojo.com

How Hard Is It To Learn Jazz Guitar?

Apr 30, 2020 | Podcasts

In today’s topic, I want to talk about something important.
How hard is it, really, to learn jazz?
Check out the podcast below where I answer this question:
To get instant access to a structured online curriculum for learning jazz guitar, go here: https://www.fretdojo.com/signup-offer/
Podcast episode URL: https://www.fretdojo.com/podcast010/
*For more jazz guitar lessons, tips and free stuff, visit https://www.fretdojo.com

Free Sample Lesson: Charlie Parker Ornaments

Apr 25, 2020 | Jazz Guitar Lessons

Welcome to this month’s free sample lesson from the FretDojo Academy where I’ll show you how to apply some cool Charlie Parker style ornaments to standard arpeggios. This lesson is part of a series on the classic Charlie Parker tune Yardbird Suite which is featured in the FretDojo Academy.

The Problem With Modes (and the solution)

Apr 9, 2020 | Podcasts

One of the biggest questions my readers write in about is:
“Should I be using modes when improvising on jazz guitar?”
The answer is:
It depends.
But, most likely there is a more effective approach for jazz guitar improvisation, using arpeggios and chord tones as a basis.
Check out the podcast via the link below which will show the reasons why:
To get instant access to a structured online curriculum for learning jazz guitar, go here: https://www.fretdojo.com/signup-offer/
Podcast episode URL: https://www.fretdojo.com/podcast009/
*For more jazz guitar lessons, tips and free stuff, visit https://www.fretdojo.com

3 Reasons Why Playing Guitar Is Good For You Right Now

Apr 3, 2020 | Podcasts

In this episode of the FretDojo.com Podcast I want to talk about three reasons why playing guitar is good for you. I’m recording this at the start of April, 2020 and there’s some pretty stressful stuff going on as well as facing living in never-seen-before circumstances. It’s important at times like these that we set aside time for a calm, creative pursuit.
To get instant access to a structured online curriculum for learning jazz guitar, go here: https://www.fretdojo.com/signup-offer/
Podcast episode URL: https://www.fretdojo.com/podcast008/
*For more jazz guitar lessons, tips and free stuff, visit https://www.fretdojo.com

When was the last time you REALLY listened to jazz?

Mar 14, 2020 | Podcasts

In this episode of the FretDojo.com Podcast, we dive into the topic of the true meaning behind the famous thing musicians say: “Listen to as much jazz as you possibly can.”
To get instant access to a structured online curriculum for learning jazz guitar, go here: https://www.fretdojo.com/signup-offer/
Podcast episode URL: https://www.fretdojo.com/podcast007/
*For more jazz guitar lessons, tips and free stuff, visit https://www.fretdojo.com

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Fret Dojo: Jazz Guitar Lessons from the Experts

by Greg O'Rourke | May 3, 2015 | Main Pages

“Step-By-Step Video Courses To Help You Become A More Confident, Empowered

Jazz Guitar Player.”

~ Greg O’Rourke, Founder, FretDojo.com

“Step-By-Step Video Courses To Help You Become A More Confident, Empowered

Jazz Guitar Player.”

~ Greg O’Rourke, Founder, FretDojo.com

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FretDojo is the premiere online learning platform to take your jazz guitar playing to the next level. Trusted by thousands of students worldwide, our innovative approach to online jazz guitar education has been met with international acclaim.

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“About 2 and half years ago I got interested in jazz guitar, a totally new experience. For those 2 years I downloaded a mountain of stuff from the internet (free and purchased)… and I struggled away without any clear direction, until I discovered Greg and Fret Dojo. The difference has been amazing!”

– Alan Voss, Queensland, Australia

“The main thing I have gotten out of the Fret Dojo, is that it has given me the confidence to go out and find a piano player, and a bass player who plays jazz. And now, we’ve worked up a set list of 11 songs, including bebop and standards, and are about to start gigging… which I don’t think I would have done that without the help of this.”

– Mike Bryant, UK

“I had a lot of questions and issues with my jazz guitar improvisation. I was losing my place where I shouldn’t have been, and I was looking for something to close that gap. Greg does a wonderful job of teaching, he is very patient and very clear minded and clear with his lessons, they are very easy to follow. I think you’ll enjoy it!”

~ Mark Bauer, USA

Check out many more of our FretDojo Student Testimonials from around the world here>>

How to play jazz guitar fretdojo academy

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Jazz Guitar Lessons and Courses:

Ever wanted to learn how to play jazz guitar but had no idea where to start? You’ve come to the right place – FretDojo is THE place on the internet to establish the foundations for learning jazz on guitar. Through our deep dive online jazz guitar courses as well as our highly popular membership program, you’ll discover step-by-step instruction to building your improvisation skills, comping, jazz vocabulary and more from the ground up. Our programs cover key topics such as jazz guitar improvisation for beginners, developing a set list, building your soloing vocabulary, and how to develop rhythm and feel – a complete A-Z roadmap for you becoming a confident jazz guitarist and improviser.

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Chord Melody Guitar Lessons and Courses:

Chord melody is one of the most creative and satisfying ways to play guitar. Whether it’s creating solo jazz guitar arrangements of classic jazz standards, or playing a cool version of a pop song all on a single guitar, FretDojo can teach you what you need to know. Chord melody guitar is a widely misunderstood topic, but with a good stock of chord knowledge and how to apply it to the fretboard, any guitarist can make rich and intricate chord melody arrangements of songs you enjoy.

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Guitar Exercises – Supercharge Your Technique:

Does your guitar playing need a tune-up? FretDojo offers world class instruction on how to develop your guitar technique. If you’re looking to make your chord changing smoother, play with more accuracy, or build your guitar speed, we’ll show you the essential guitar exercises to give you the maximum “ROI” on your practice. Whether you play guitar with a pick or fingers, our complete guides will show you how to develop your guitar technique to a pro level – so you can tackle ANY musical situation.

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Greg O'Rourke - BMus (Hons), ANU

Professional Jazz Guitarist, and Founder of FretDojo.com

Award winning Australian guitarist Greg O’Rourke received his Bachelor Of Music Honours degree in 2006, and was a scholarship holder at the Australian National University School Of Music.

Originally a trained classical guitarist, Greg always had a keen interest in jazz guitar and improvisation. However, despite studying with several highly regarded teachers on the topic and many hours of diligent practice, it wasn’t enough to ‘join the dots’.

After much searching and experimentation with various methods, Greg turned to developing his own unique system to jazz guitar improvisation – that quickly gave satisfying results in his own playing, and finally unlocked the mystery as to how to improve. Greg shared his journey and his step-by-step instructions through his Youtube channel and the FretDojo blog, amassing many thousands of followers on the Internet, keen to follow in Greg’s footsteps.

Jazz improvisation on guitar is often touted as something supremely difficult or reserved only for the exceptionally gifted. But, through his many years of decoding improvisation on guitar, and working with thousands of students worldwide, Greg demonstrates that improvisation and jazz on guitar can be learned by anyone who has a keen heart, a good attitude, and a willingness to learn.

Browse All Courses Here

Greg O’Rourke plays the guitar with a beautiful touch and tone. He effortlessly brings out and enhances harmonic movement and counter-lines in his playing, while keeping clear melodic lines in the forefront. Using his considerable fingerstyle technique he creates personal renditions of classic jazz standards. Definitely someone to watch and listen to closely!

Howard Alden

Internationally Acclaimed Jazz Guitarist, howardalden.com

Latest Posts:

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Podcast: Interview with Jazz Guitarist and Educator Beth Marlis

Nov 15, 2023

In this exclusive interview, Greg and Vin chat with Beth Marlis, long time professor and current Vice President of Musicians Institute

Podcast: Interview with Jazz Guitarist Jimmy Bruno

Nov 8, 2023

In this exclusive interview, Vin and Ryan chat with legendary jazz guitarist Jimmy Bruno

Podcast: Introducing Ryan Dillahay – FretDojo’s New Community Manager

Oct 19, 2023

In this exclusive interview, Ryan pulls back the curtain on his evolution from blues to jazz. You’ll hear how this recent college grad, and student of one of the most highly regarded jazz guitarists and educators in the country, made the leap into full-time musicianship, hustling gigs across town.

About

by Greg O'Rourke | May 1, 2015 | Main Pages

About Fret Dojo

Hi, I’m Greg O’Rourke. I’m a pro jazz guitarist based in Australia. Welcome to Fret Dojo!

This site is all about the essential concepts and techniques you need to become a jazz guitarist with confidence.

I know how confusing studying jazz guitar can be – trust me, I’ve been there! The amount of information out there about jazz guitar is overwhelming, especially on the internet, and it’s very difficult to find a clear path through the noise and know how to apply this knowledge to your playing in a real life situation.

So that’s the goal of this website in a nutshell: step-by-step jazz guitar lessons that give you the shortcuts to master the key skills needed to be an awesome jazz guitarist and all round excellent jazz musician, even if you have limited time.

I called this website Fret Dojo because learning jazz guitar seems to take a zen warrior-like focus and discipline to master. Technique, creativity and knowledge of the jazz vocabulary need to converge in the spontaneous moment – and it also needs to sound convincing!

Although it does take time to master this style, the journey is well worth it – the creative possibilities of jazz guitar are enormous. It is one of the most exciting, enjoyable, and expressive guitar styles you can learn.

Does any of the following sound familiar?

“I’m trying to practice jazz guitar, however I’m not sure if the things I am doing are essential for success – or am I just going down rabbit holes?”
“I would love to gain the confidence to be able to sit down with other jazz musicians and be good enough to play along and solo convincingly!”
“I have become overwhelmed with the vast amount of information out there on jazz guitar. I’m scratching my head trying remember all the scales all the chord shapes, all the licks and everything else, let alone be able to tie it all together to make music!”
“I panic if even the house cat hears me play – let alone jazz cats! Just recording myself is nerve wracking…”
“I have such limited time to practice, what is the best way to use the time I do have?”
“I’ve been playing other styles for years, and now I’m trying to get into jazz guitar – but where do I start?”

If you can relate to the above questions, then we are here to help.

Over the past decade, FretDojo has grown into one of the highest ranked websites about learning jazz guitar. Our wide range of jazz guitar courses will give you the clearest step-by-step pathway to developing your jazz guitar skill in an easy and fun way.

By following our curriculum, we’ll help you set clear goals and you’ll discover how to boil down jazz guitar playing to it’s essential components. This is your chance to becoming a confident and great sounding jazz guitarist.

So let’s get started!

To browse what courses we currently have on offer, go here:

https://www.fretdojo.com/courses/

I’ll see you in the Fret Dojo!

Greg O’Rourke, BMus (Hons), ANU

Founder, Fret Dojo

World Leader in Online Jazz Guitar Education

Got a question? Contact us here >>