Join hosts Ryan and Vin as they interview jazz guitarist and educator Dr. Davy Mooney of the University of North Texas on this episode of the Fret Dojo podcast.

This was a fascinating discussion that showed us a glimpse of what it was like growing up in the jazz music mecca of New Orleans and how the music scene differed for musicians from places like New York City and Austin.

We also heard some great tips for jazz guitar students from the head of the department at one of America’s leading jazz guitar programs. Great stuff!

Key Highlights:

• Mooney grew up in New Orleans and was introduced to jazz guitar through local teachers and the jazz program at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts high school.

• He started on electric guitar playing rock and gravitated toward jazz via progressive rock and metal.

• Davy says teaching at UNT has made his own playing more modern and he tries to give students tough but constructive feedback.

• Mooney discusses his recently released 7th album, “Way Back”, as well as his two jazz guitar instructional books published by Mel Bay.

• The differences in the New Orleans and NYC jazz scenes. New Orleans has more opportunity to “fake” different jazz styles; in NYC you have to specialize more.

• Davy gave us his unique insights into the challenge of playing solo guitar gigs and his approach to practice and goal-setting.

• He advises students to set realistic goals and not get frustrated playing things that are too difficult and provides other valuable insight for any aspiring jazz guitar student.

Where to find out more:

Davy on Bandcamp: https://davymooney.bandcamp.com/

Davy’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DavyMooneyMusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davymooney/

Davy’s Instructional Books on Mel Bay: Davy on Mel Bay

What are your thoughts?
What stood out or gave you something to think about (there’s a lot here!)?

Leave your comments below!

Audio Version:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:55 — 102.4MB)

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Join FretDojo’s online jazz guitar academy here

Fret Dojo instructors Greg O’Rourke and Ryan Dillahay sat down with one of the guitar’s leading performers and instructors, Rotem Sivan, just a few weeks before his new release in Jan 2024!

Key Highlights:

• Rotem has an eclectic musical background, studying classical composition and guitar as well as jazz

• He was immersed in high-level classical music from a young age which inspired him to learn more deeply

• Moving to New York and attending music school there was a shock that pushed him to study and improve more

• Key tips for jazz guitar practice: learn songs deeply, understand melody/chords relationship, sing melodies, start simple then dive deeper into changes

• Improvisation tips: see the fretboard clearly, know chord tones, feel the rhythm, transcribe masters like Wes Montgomery

• Gear setup: uses a hollow body archtop guitar with blending pickup, mic and piezo for wide range of sounds

• Recommends finding a teacher or mentor to guide you rather than just using books/YouTube

• As a teacher, focuses on fundamentals like a language – simple pieces that clarify musical relationships

Where to find out more:

Rotem’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RotemSivanGuitar

Rotem on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rotemsivanguitar/

Rotem’s Website: https://www.rotemsivan.com

What are your thoughts?
What stood out or gave you something to think about (there’s a lot here!)?

Leave your comments below!

Audio Version:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:06 — 95.4MB)

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Join FretDojo’s online jazz guitar academy here

If you’re keen to have a structured, step-by-step approach to learning jazz guitar, it might be worth checking out my online learning system, the FretDojo Jazz Guitar Academy.

Here’s what you get when you join up:

• Detailed step-by-step video lessons on new classic jazz tunes and essential jazz guitar skills added to the club website each month. Includes listening recommendations, demonstrations of the melody, analysis of the harmony, and detailed explanations on how to solo over the tune.

• Key improvisation concepts and techniques for soloing, and classic licks and example solos that relate to each tune, so you can continue to expand your jazz vocabulary and have more options when it comes to soloing.

• Detailed comping ideas to suit the style of each jazz standard covered

• Lessons on how to make chord melody and solo jazz guitar versions of tunes featured – play a complete jazz standard completely on your own like Joe Pass!

• Members only forum – A worldwide community of jazz guitarists from all around the globe.

• Regular workshops, masterclasses, and Q & A Sessions – get direct answers from me on anything holding you back in the practice room. Replays of all sessions are available to access for all members even if you can’t make it live.

• Massive searchable database of jazz licks and soloing concepts – the ultimate idea “grab bag” for your solos.

• Optional monthly challenges where members participate to get feedback on their playing, reach new milestones and be eligible for cool prizes.

Go here for more info: https://www.fretdojo.com/signup-offer

Greg and Vin recently had the chance to chat with the fabulous Beth Marlis, professor in the guitar department at Musicians Institute (M.I.) in Los Angeles, CA since 1987 and the Vice President of M.I. since 2010.

She has decades of experience teaching thousands of guitar students and was very kind to share her best insights and tips for students!

Key Highlights:

• Joe Pass and Joe D’Orio were important mentors for Beth. They emphasized learning melodies and breaking down chords/harmony.

• Having a background in martial arts and Aikido informed Beth’s teaching approach – focused practice, being present, transforming through diligent work.

• Beth has taught thousands of students over 37 years at M.I. She tries to be conversational and meet each student where they are.

• Common mistakes Beth sees in students: practicing non-musical exercises, getting distracted collecting information, being self-judgmental, only practicing what you already know.

• Beth advocates focused, deep practice rather than broad shallow learning. Suggests establishing a practice routine, learning melodies/phrases you love, singing/transcribing, breaking chords down into fragments to see musical possibilities.

• Though still male-dominated, Beth is seeing more accomplished female jazz guitarists emerging. She leads by example and supports dialogue on this issue.

• Access to online learning and global connectivity is expanding jazz education worldwide. Beth is optimistic about the future of jazz guitar.

• Key is avoiding distractions, going deep into the music with discipline, being part of a community of fellow musicians. Finding great teachers/mentors is still very important.

Listen to Beth’s fantastic version of Sonny Rollins’ ‘Oleo’ below!

Where to find out more:

Beth’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bethmarlis

Beth’s Website: https://www.bethmarlis.com/

What are your thoughts? Do you resonate with Beth’s teaching tips and tricks or thinking learning to play jazz guitar requires martial arts discipline to learning the guitar?

Leave your comments below!

Audio Version:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:14:38 — 136.7MB)

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Join FretDojo’s online jazz guitar academy here