GJ harmony sources

rafapak

hi guys

I would like to consolidate my knowledge in relation to what is usually played over what in Gypsy Jazz. Do you know any books or website that tell you about Gypsy Jazz harmony?

HotTinRoof

Yes.

A) Use the search feature on this here site and type in search terms until your heart is content.
Head over to the DjangoBooks store and browse through Micheal's insane amount of learning material.

A and B can be swapped and do not need to be followed in the order listed.

Jim Kaznosky

"Gypsy Rhythm" is the tome hereabouts. I haven't ready it so I can't vouch for it. I have read "The Jazz Theory Book" by Mark Levine and refer to it often. It doesn't focus specifically on gypsy jazz, but its very good.

If you have specific tunes in mind, search the Repertoire subforum. There's plenty of analysis there of individual songs.

Also, what everyone tells me: minor and major triads. Learn them. Licks: learn from them.

rafapak

do they play triads with embellishments like ninths, sixths, chromatic tones?

Jim Kaznosky

Yes.
They play minor 6 chords, maj 6 chords...I hear the 9 in some arps and chords. Yes, there is clearly chromatics in the style.

rafapak

jkaz wrote:

"Gypsy Rhythm" is the tome hereabouts. I haven't ready it so I can't vouch for it. I have read "The Jazz Theory Book" by Mark Levine and refer to it often. It doesn't focus specifically on gypsy jazz, but its very good.

If you have specific tunes in mind, search the Repertoire subforum. There's plenty of analysis there of individual songs.

Also, what everyone tells me: minor and major triads. Learn them. Licks: learn from them.

Do you think one octave triads are used seldom when compared to two or three octaves triads? Do you think one octave arpeggios are used less frequently when compared to two or three octave arpeggios?

Jim Kaznosky

I'd say both are used depending on the song and player. Take a look at Lango Django's Hungaria for Xmas thread.
viewtopic.php?f=24&t=8609&hilit=Hungaria

One octave arps are used in the beginning of the solo, establishing a melody. Longer arps are used later.

I'm learning this style as well. What's working for me is learning the arpeggios, learning some licks from transcribing or from the material available here (like Gonzalo's book), analyzing why the licks work, and applying them.

rafapak

I get it.