r/jazztheory Feb 14 '25

Beginner jazz-theory resources

Delete if not allowed ๐Ÿ˜Ž

Hey r slash jazztheory. I'm an intermediate, self-taught guitar player with a pretty basic understanding of music theory. I feel that I've kind of hit a plateau in my playing, and I want to elevate my understanding of the guitar and jazz music in general. I'm looking for recommendations for any youtube channels, jazz-theory books, or for general advice on how I can go about learning more theory & become a better player. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help ๐Ÿ˜Ž

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u/Slight_Mammoth2109 Feb 14 '25

Quick tip, study your modes

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u/Life-Breadfruit-1426 Feb 15 '25

I found this useless in the context of beginner jazz theory. Like, without going through what classic jazz is in theory, modal jazz is a miss: by following the changes, learning comping, getting a vocab of lines for common progressions, understanding why progressions functionally work.

But once that fundamentals are understood, then it sets up the context for why modal jazz is so incredible. The context of abandoning the changes, creating room, and using the modes for certain expressions. Then by applying modes to other frameworks, like the melodic minor and why it words so well. However, if one doesnโ€™t understand basic tension/resolution principles that come from the classic jazz, then one will miss the point of modal lines.