Don't be surprised by this lesson's Level 2 rating, as the performance is quite a challenge. The rest is relatively easy to master, which is why it's been classified this way. Despite the increased difficulty, I recommend that you try to play along with the performance. It will help you improve even if you only attempt a few bars of it. Always remember: Rome wasn't built in a day. Take your time and be patient. This Jazz Ballad is quite old; I composed it more than 20 years ago on an island in the Maldives and called it "Made On Ari." It was officially released for the first time in 2019 on my CD "Begin At The End," released in Japan under the same title. Here you'll learn this ballad from different perspectives: melody, accompaniment, chord melody version, rubato playing, and chord solo.
Level
Easy peasy
Lessons
7 Lessons | min
Lesson 1Introduction
Duration: min
Let me introduce you to the topics covered in the course "Jazz Ballad".
Lesson 2Introduction and accompaniment with Shell Chords
Duration: min
If you've never played shell chords before, check out the lesson of the same name here on the Jazz School and then come back here. Shell chords are unobtrusive because they're limited to the essential notes: root, third, and seventh. Sometimes you even omit the root, especially when a bassist is accompanying you.
Lesson 3Begin At The End (Head)
Duration: min
The fingering in the tablature is just a suggestion. Feel free to experiment with playing the notes on other parts of the fretboard. This will allow you to explore the tonal colors that make the guitar so expressive.
Lesson 4Chord Melody Version (Rubato)
Duration: min
"Rubato" means "free in tempo". Explore the endless possibilities of playing with time, without being bound by a rhythmic grid. You can't do this forever, but it's very pleasant to listen to now and then.
Lesson 5Chord Melody Version (Explanation)
Duration: min
Here I'll explain how to finger the chords so that the highest voice always plays the melody note.
Lesson 6Begin At The End (Performance)
Duration: min
Here you can see my complete performance of this ballad. It includes an improvised chord solo that closely follows the original harmonies. Follow in my footsteps and play the piece yourself; it's worth it. The video and the PDF transcription show you exactly how it's done.
Lesson 7Begin At The End (Performance, Closeup)
Duration: min
While transcribing the sheet music, I realized that I would like to see both hands in some places. This close-up perspective gives you a complete view of every detail.
