This course looks at the rich textures of Manouche Jazz, most commonly associated with the great virtuosic guitarist Django Reinhardt, and frequently referred to as Gypsy Jazz.
This residential course sheds light on the secrets of the unique Gypsy Jazz genre; from the specific chord types used, gluing the chords together as progressions, its driving rhythmis strumming, the scales used, techniques employed, composition and ultimately performance of the repertoire.
Example songs could include: Nuages, Swing 42, Limehouse Blues, Dinah, Bal Musette, Les Yeux Noir and many more.
The course is suitable for most players and you’ll certainly add to your repertoire on this one. Lots of extra tools to plop into that guitar toolbox to bolster your confidence and improve your playing across many styles, not just Gypsy Jazz. If you can play open and some basic barre chords then you’re good to go.
We take things at a steady pace with lots of breaks to stretch the legs and backs and get some air into our lungs and generally have some quiet time to take in what has been taught and time to discuss it with the other hobbyists. The course is as much about having a fun, sociable weekend as it is about improving your guitar playing.
Acoustic, electric and bass guitar players of intermediate level are fine for this course. There are no hard and fast rules about course suitability but anyone who struggles with forming of changing between basic chords would likely struggle. Contact us if you’re not sure.
This is a real, exhilarating one – get those fingers warmed up!
on taking your guitar playing to the next level whilst having a fun and sociable weekend with a group of hobby players.
At a glance, we’ll look at harmony, melody, rhythm, technique and theory/know-how. The course will cover multiple genres and styles with classic songs to add to your repertoire (Blues, Pop, Rock, Folk, Country and maybe even Jazz, Reggae and more). But really the course is about improving playing skills, building confidence and helping you to enjoy playing the guitar.
It’s a busy weekend with over 15 hours of teaching/playing sessions (this excludes the jamming-out at the end of each day!). There are usually lots of opportunities for solo performances for those interested and evening projects for smaller sub-groups. The weekend will simply fly by!
By the end of the course, you should have the tools and understanding to play some cool songs:
You’ll be learning and playing as part of a group of diverse players; our tutor might therefore decide to tweak things to fit a group’s overall playing level and combined aspirations.
For more detailed course content, click on the ENQUIRE button below or request a full Course Overview in the sidebar above.
Acoustic and electric players of intermediate and above levels.
It’s not necessary to already be playing Gypsy Jazz for this course but you should be comfortable playing barre chord progressions using a plectrum.
For more information:
There are a number of ways of attending our courses: residential, non-residential (excludes B&B) and sharing with a spouse/partner. Our prices are all-inclusive:
Check out the venue by clicking on the name in the sidebar above. If you have any specific requirements about staying at the venue click ENQUIRE and we’ll see if we can help.
Click ENQUIRE and we can arrange a follow-up call to chat.
Our weekend courses are teaching/playing guitar-fests but they’re paced to suit the group so they’re as much about having fun and enjoying a sociable time with fellow hobby players.
Playing together as a group is the best, and most enjoyable, way of learning and experiencing music. The courses have limited numbers to ensure the correct tutor-to-group ratio – book early to avoid disappointment.
Make a weekend of it!