Jazz Guitar Chord Mastery (Guitar Chords in Context) Paperback – December 9, 2014

After I finished book one of the series which was one if not the best chords on books I have read I immediately ordered book two of three,(three not being out at the time of this posting) - Jazz Guitar Chord Mastery. The book as like all of his other books is laid out logically a each chapter build on the other. The book does not include "fluff" and I felt that I never got lost. There are exercises where you can apply the material learned. I also constructed a few simple tunes to further understand and importantly the chords. I feel that this book will lay down the foundation for anyone expanding their chord knowledge and knowledge of the fret board. I want to reiterate what I said in my review for book one of this series. If you want to learn chords and how they work in a musical context, do yourself a favor and avoid chord dictionaries which contain visuals of the chords and are thick as an encyclopedia. I believe these chord dictionaries are a misrepresentation of how chords are to be learn. Also, it is unlikely these chord dictionaries will show you how to apply the chords in a musical context.One thing I learned through my musical journey is that everyone cannot teach. You may have a stellar player, but when s/he develops a method whether it's by video or book form it falls "flat" for lack or a better word. Trust me, I have a mountain of books stacked to the ceiling and there are few that kept my interest and also learned from it. Jason Alexander bucks this trend, he is an EXCELLENT teacher! If you don't believe me, read other reviews posted by people.

What makes this book really useful and somewhat unique is the systematic way in which the author presents jazz chord information. There are a horde of books out there that present endless diagrams of various voicings but they generally lack an underlying methodology that will help the player organize the information in a useful way so that they can begin using the chords immediately in their playing. This book thankfully fills that gap. The author presents the chords as a group of voicings that work together (around the ii-V-i progression) and then demonstrates how to work through all the inversions as a group, then various exercises to solidify the grips. Next, the author demonstrates how to derive upper extensions (C9, C13, etc.) by altering the chords -- such as replacing the root with the ninth etc.Of all the books I've seen that try to teach jazz chords, this is easily the best and well worth the investment. If you work through this book, you will have a solid grasp of jazz chords and will get much more out of books like Chord Chemistry (Ted Greene classic) and more importantly truly gain an understanding of how jazz chords are built and how to think your way through the discovery of other chords and extensions.Very, very well done book.

I have several of these books from Mr. Alexander. Each one clearly explains the material and how to apply it in a real musical setting. The included tracks are all top quality and effectively demonstrates the material in real world applications.Jazz Chord Mastery is no exception. In fact, I think this is one of the best. I improved my understanding and advanced my playing capabilities with the application of the easily digested lesson material. I was struggling with chord extensions using drop 2 and drop 3 forms. This book cleared that up for me and more. The included downloadable tracks clearly present the correct way to use the chords.I don't have the luxury of a jazz guitar instructor in Macon, GA. However, with Mr. Alexander's material and picking up songs from CDs using software such as "Amazing Slow Downer" I am making progress!If I could make a suggestion for a future work, I would love to see a clear lesson on taking a lead sheet and demonstrating how to interpret the rhythm, basic to intermediate comping techniques and how to perform basic chord melody.This book was a great buy. I'm looking forward to see what's next.

I’ve been playing for quite a while but recently felt like getting into jazz guitar. I felt like I needed to begin with learning various chord voicings and substitutions. This book has become an important part of my practice routine and a great reference for expanding my improvisational chord choices. I’ve used it as part of my self styled lesson routine as well. The layout of the book is well thought out and the explanations are very helpful. I’m enjoying it immensely. I recently purchased a book of Joe Pass tunes but I’ve found the material in Mr. Alexander’s book to be more helpful, plus I feel like I’m learning some useful theory instead of just learning some licks (not that that’s not useful as well). The material in the book is really sticking with me, and it’s not one of these book I buy with ambitious intentions that end up sitting in a pile next to my practice area. After almost a year it’s still my favorite source of info.

[[ASIN:1505300533 Jazz Guitar Chord Mastery (Guitar Chords in Context) (Volume 2)]The book has truly shown me a new approach to chords...like the inversion. It has also gotten me more in synch with how important it is to know where you are on the neck of the guitar...meaning the Root. Learning other scales...like Bebop...is exciting. I use to hear others speak about other scales besides Maj/Min..but never really understood when conversation started.Also the way the teaching is brought forward...to the point, simple, and the tips on how to perceive the lessons ...and how to approach the exercises really ease the way. I first decided to read and look through the book. I am now engaged in the actual practice and dominating the cords & progressions.The price was right & I'm happy to own the book & plan to pass it on to a grandchild, niece or nephew...

A revised review: I'm half way through this book now. At first I thought it was rubbish until I decided to work properly on it. Now I can watch fairly advanced Jazz tutorials on YouTube and recognise most of the chord shapes - a very good sign.Using just Fm7, C7, Gm7b5 and DbMaj7 chords, you're taught to move their root notes around to change them into any other chord you want on different string groupings or Root 5 or Root 6 shapes.Currently I'm on chapter 10, Drop 2 Chords - Middle Strings (I'd call them fifth string root or Root 5 chords). The following chapters cover Extensions & Alternations, Drop 3 Voicings and Chords,Drop 2+2 voicings,Drop 2+4 voicings,Minor/Major 7 Chords,Diminished 7 chords,Major and Minor 6th Chords.I'll update this review once I've completed this book. My previous cynicism is now replaced with admiration. Am also working through Fundamental Changes In Jazz Guitar: Major ii v I soloing in Bebop, with Minor II V Mastery For Jazz Guitar after that and I'm most impressed by author Mr Alexander's efforts and dedication.TBC...

A very clear and understandable method to develop guitar chord mastery. A very useful selection of MP3 files is available for download too and these make experimenting with the progressions in the course a good deal more useful. The studies are given in Notation and tab so beginners will find it easy. As it is an advanced course though many fingerings are dfficult to stretch and these in turn stretch the student.Having experienced five decades of guitar tuition material from Bert Weedon's 'Play in a Day' (Fat chance) to this volume I can say that Jazz Guitar Chord Mastery is a masterpiece. Thanks to the author and please get working on book 3.

Having bought both Andrew Green's guitar comping and various other chord books which either don't explain enough or are basically chord dictionaries. I can say I have finally found the jazz chord book I have been looking for! this book gives you all 4 common chord types and each inversion across the entire neck. It gives each fingering across 3 string types; bass, middle and upper as well as plenty of relevant exercises. I have ordered volume 3 and can't wait for it to arrive!

I think I have all of the Alexander Joseph books published to date. Very happy indeed with his teaching - just sorry I can't learn the stuff as fast as he produces new books!

Guitar Chords in Context Band 2 schließt nahtlos an den ersten Band an. Klasse Werk und man darf schon gespannt auf Band 3 sein. Ich habe diverse Bücher von Joseph Alexander und bin auch hier begeistert. Sehr guter didaktischer Aufbau, nie langweilig und sehr praxisbezogen. Wie immer super sind die praktischen Beispiele und die Audio Files (kostenlos als Download erhältlich). Fazit: absolute Empfehlung wie alle Bücher von Joseph Alexander. Kaufen !!!