Jazz Guitar Practice Exam

Jazz Guitar refers to a very specialized guitar playing style which has complex chord voicings, improvisation, and rhythm. The technique is inspired from the jazz music, by including swing, bebop, and modal techniques. Jazz guitarists combine scales, arpeggios, and unique picking or fingerstyle techniques for harmonically and rhythmically engaging music, both as soloists or part of an ensemble.

Certification in Jazz Guitar validates your skills and knowledge in jazz techniques, music theory, perform jazz standards, ensemble settings, and interpret music creatively.
Why is Jazz Guitar certification important?

• The certification certifies your expertise in jazz guitar techniques and improvisation.
• Enhances your professional credibility in the music industry.
• Validates your understanding of structured learning and mastery of jazz standards.
• Offers you a competitive edge in auditions and performance opportunities.
• Recognized as proof of your skills.

Who should take the Jazz Guitar Exam?

• Professional Guitarists
• Music Educators
• Studio Musicians
• Jazz Ensemble Members
• Music Composers and Arrangers
• Session Guitarists
• Band Leaders

Skills Evaluated

Candidates taking the certification exam on the Jazz Guitar is evaluated for the following skills:

• Mastery of jazz scales, modes, and arpeggios.
• Proficiency in improvisation and soloing over complex changes.
• Knowledge of jazz chord voicings and progressions.
• Sight-reading and interpreting jazz notations.
• Ability to play jazz standards with stylistic accuracy.
• Competence in ensemble performance and rhythm section interaction.
• Understanding of jazz history and influential guitarists.

Jazz Guitar Certification Course Outline
The course outline for Jazz Guitar certification is as below -

1. Jazz Music Theory

• Scales and modes.
• Chord construction and extensions.
• Harmonic analysis of jazz standards.

2. Jazz Techniques

• Chord voicings and inversions.
• Swing, bebop, and modal improvisation techniques.
• Use of arpeggios in soloing.

3. Repertoire Mastery

• Playing and interpreting jazz standards.
• Solo arrangements of jazz compositions.

4. Improvisation

• Creating solos over ii-V-I progressions.
• Approaches to modal and chromatic improvisation.

5. Ensemble Performance

• Rhythm section interaction.
• Comping techniques for accompanying soloists.

6. Sight-Reading and Ear Training

• Reading jazz notations and tablatures.
• Transcribing solos and chord progressions by ear.

7. Jazz History and Influences

• Key periods in jazz evolution.
• Contributions of iconic jazz guitarists.