In developing this 4 volume series, instructor Denis Changs intention was to help the student gain insight into both the technical and conceptual components of Jazz Manouche improvisation. Denis wanted the series to be comprehensive in both scope and detail and to provide years of instruction and exercises for the serious student of guitar.
Denis has structured the 4 volumes in a sequential fashion. Each successive DVD builds on the material and concepts that Denis covered in the previous DVD(s).
To obtain maximum benefit it is strongly advised that you follow Denis' curriculum, sequentially, as Denis intended.
In Jazz Manouche Technique & Improvisation Vol 1 Denis helps the student develop a strong foundation. Using phrases to help develop the students ear and technique, Denis moves along quickly. Each concept or phrase is shown at tempo. Denis then proceeds to dissect the example into its core components, slowing the elements down until the student is given a comprehen-sive analysis and demonstration. Finally, the example is performed in context with rhythm guitar accompani-ment. Correct Right Hand Technique, Fingerings, Picking Patterns are emphasized and demonstrated. Throughout the DVD, Denis stresses Ear Training and Development.
Topics covered include:
Teaching Philosophy Ear Training Transcribing How to Use This DVD How to Practise Learn to Play Good Rhythm Internalize the Rhythm Technique Overview Rest Stroke Django-Style Chromatics Open-String Double-Stops DMaj Exercises Ascending Chromatic Licks Am D7 Exercises CMaj Licks Em Licks G Licks Descending G-String Licks 3 Note D&G String Licks Symmetrical Diminished Patterns Bouncing Dutch Pattern Vibrato & String-Bending Technique Review Phrases & Licks Licks & Chord Shapes Am - Dm Licks Combining Licks Assess Your Learning Speed A7 Licks Train Your Ears Placing Licks in a Song Turnaround Phrases Major Key Licks Am Licks Over C CMaj Licks Major Key Licks in Song Context
AUDIO NOTE: Due to a microphone malfunction there
is a 5 minute section of this DVD where audio from the on-camera
microphone is used instead of the on-set microphones.
Vol. 1
While I've owned the first volume for about three months, I feel like there is a lot of material to study. Dennis lays out a bunch of licks that are useful to play over songs from the get go. You can mix and match licks and use them to create variations of your own. I loved the idea that I had to listen and watch in order to get the work. Tabs don't work for me and I'm a terrible reader. Additionally, the licks work well with a lot of the other material available here, such as the Gypsy Picking book and opened up the neck a bit more for me. Finally, there are a lot of little technical things that Denis did that helped my playing. Well worth it if you feel like you're stalled and are looking to break into the GJ earnestly.
Submitted by: jkaz on 12/29/2010 12:25:51 PM