Jazz Guitar Intros by Mark Stefani

The challenge: Come up with an interesting rubato jazz guitar intro for Errol Garner's classic ballad "Misty" (in Eb). For the recording project I chose a standard I-VI-II-V turnaround formula to work with.

The solution: As you can see I used a combination of traditional jazz chords with single line fills (ala Joe Pass). Note the use of the C7(b9) (E diminished) in bar two, and the Bb13 to Bb7(#5) in bar 4.

Notes: The term rubato means to play in free time, purposely avoiding the beat. It remains one of the most soulful expressive ways for a singer to sing, or in this case for a guitarist to provide accompaniment or play solo chord melody. Though a flatpick may be used, fingerstyle is highly recommended.

About the author

Mark Stefani is a jazz guitarist and educator in Portland Oregon.
He has written many books in the guitar educational field. His talent as a music coach has been felt by top professionals the world over. In 1987, his career was spotlighted in Guitar Player Magazine, where he was described as possessing a "versatile style on both electric and acoustic guitars" in addition to having "a master's touch."

For more info and to contact Mark go to www.visionmusic.com

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