Let's Django Gypsy Jazz Guitar

In this section you can read through a brief description of some of the key notes on the Django style. This includes a short biography, influences, guitars etc

Django and his troupe of players used a particular style of rhythm playing which gave the guitar a special flavour. The gypsies called this 'La Pompe' or and it does have a pompous and proud attack, that certainly belongs to an era of nationalism and pride in their 'Manouche' origins. 'La Pompe' was also perfectly suited to the loud percussive sound of the Maccaferri guitar that was made famous by Django. In this section you can try nineteen rhythm and chord exercises which you can use to begin to play this unique style and hopefully integrate them into your own playing. Please pay attention to each video example and download the PDF resource to follow the notation and tab. Enjoy!

Before you try the following Django solo exercises it's worth reviewing a few points about his approach to soloing in general.

It's always mind blowing to consider that since an early age he had only two working fingers of his fretting hand. In fact after a devastating fire he had to relearn how to play the guitar using these two fingers for solo playing and the remaining stumps for some chord work. Yet, bearing this in mind he managed to do all this:

1. Played fast and fluent solo passages.

2. Used all manner of scales and modes.

3. Made extensive use of arpeggios - or, chords played as single notes.

4. Used loads of tricks.

5. Inventive use of ornamentation - hammer ons, pull off's, slides etc

6. A constant variety of inventive riffs.

Before you begin, take some time to play through the scale and arpeggio PDF

Once again follow the videos carefully and use the PDF resource to play the tab or notation.
Feel free to change the exercises to suit your own take on the style. You can use the link resource Django Audio to listen to MP3s of the exercises - pan left or right for solo or backing then play along. These correspond to the numbered exercises in the PDF.

You've seen so far how valuable the use of scales are in the the solo sound of Django and gypsy jazz. The next point of study is the way arpeggios played a dominant role in his playing. Arpeggios are basically chords played as single notes and Django was instintive and an expert in using them. This style of playing certainly had its roots in the gypsy flamenco playing where chords were broken and rolled and individual notes used in improvisation.
You can use the link resource Django Audio to listen to Mp3s of the exercises - pan left or right for solo or backing then play along. These correspond to the numbered exercises in the PDF.

Take time to review the scale and arpeggio PDF if you are not familiar with these technical exercises.

Django used lots of tricks in his playing whilst zipping up and down the fretboard. Many of these comprised of the chromatic runs you've seen earlier. They seem to work over different chords played at fast rhythm. Magic! - maybe it was all that Belgian beer.
You can use the link resource Django Audio to listen to Mp3s of the exercises - pan left or right for solo or backing then play along. These correspond to the numbered exercises in the PDF. 

So, let's stuck into some classic riffs that will give you that instant Django sound!

Django created a great sense of style by using different techniques to enhance the notes he played. These are genearlly known in music speak as 'Ornaments'.

In this section we'll be exploring ornaments or effects that defined the Django style including:

1. Vibrato
2. The Trill
3. Slides or Glissando
4. Bending

You can use the link resource Django Audio to listen to Mp3s of the exercises - pan left or right for solo or backing then play along. These correspond to the numbered exercises in the PDF.

Studying and building a repertoire of scales and arpeggios is an essential part of playing Django style guitar. Here you will be able to review and practise all the basic patterns that are used in the exercises and tunes throughout the course.

Django Chromatico is a fast moving exercise using chromatic runs in a 12 bar progression. It will give you a chance of practising the gypsy jazz style over the simple chord backing. You should try this chromatic study using different keys and chords. For example, try changing the backing chords to a minor sound.

This is a great study for developing speed, so see how fast you can go!

This is the first of two exercises which give you the opportunity to play some classic Django style riffs. Based around the chord progression G - C - D we have a selection of scale, arpeggio and passing tone riffs and some nice effects like slides and vibrato. Once again, try changing key, or making up some of your own Django style riffs.

This second 12 bar is slightly more extensive and combines chromatic style runs and the great octave riffs in bar 16. It's in the key of A but once again try and transpose into different keys. As in the previous Blues No. 1 take notice of the kind of chord progressions used which will help you develop your chord and rhythm playing. 

This piece has a the classic Django minor flavour and makes full use of techniques that you have used so far in the course. It is not a fast tune but does incorporate a few fast phrases which will help you develop your overall speed. 

I've always been a huge fan of Django's classic tune, 'Minor Swing'. This is my own take on the minor style and gives the student some very accessible riffs which will help imitate his playing.

I use a simple melodic pattern and intersperse it with runs and patterns.
You will be able to practise many of the techniques we've covered so far including:
Harmonic minor scales
Arpeggios
Diminished
Chromatic runs

The signature tune of the course lets rip with many of the techniques we've used.
It's a good exercise for for vibrato and you can hear how the use of arpeggios enhances the overall melody.

Yes you've guessed it, this is my tribute to Django's classic solo tune, 'Nuages'. I like to play it in a freestyle way which evokes the sound of the original.
It enables you to develop your chord melody playing, using Django style chords.

Many thanks for completing my course, 'Let's Django'. As you've guessed, this is a complex style and could demand a life time of study. I hope I have been able to show you just a little of what you can achieve and inspire you to continue your learning.

Happy playing and best wishes
Rick