In this episode of the Fret Dojo podcast, Ryan and Vin had the great privilege of talking to the legendary jazz guitarist and educator at The Julliard School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, Professor Rodney Jones.
Rodney has played with a who’s who of the music world, from Dizzy Gillespie to James Brown and has an amazing wealth of tips, lessons to inform and inspire any student of the guitar.
Audio Version:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:55 — 104.2MB)
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Key Lessons and Tips for Students:
- On playing with greats like Dizzy – Make the bandleader comfortable; it’s not about flashy solos.
- Getting session/TV gigs – Be a great reader; know different styles convincingly.
- Mindset – Get inspired by greatness; uplift each other.
- Practice – Apply what you learn to real tunes and playing.
- Audition tips – Play blues with feeling; connect to your heart.
- On improvement – Invest fully in yourself and your excellence.
- Teachers – Absorb from those with real performing experience.
Where to find out more:
The Infinity of Things
Rodney on Bandcamp: https://rodneyjones.bandcamp.com/album/the-infinity-of-things-2
Rodney’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Soulmanifesto
Rodney’s Instructional Book ‘Hip Guitar Lines’ on Mel Bay: Rodney on Mel Bay
What are your thoughts?
What stood out or gave you something to think about (there’s a lot here!)?
Leave your comments below!
This is such a gift. Learning this stuff when I was a kid was not possible where I lived. You could buy a Mell Bay guitar instruction book and study it, but finding some place to get knowledge was a journey, but you had to have a huge desire and conviction to follow through. When I listen to these stories , I cant imagine the talent these musicians had at such a young age. It is so intruiging to listen to them tell their story.
Indeed, John. But we’re fortunate that the music and the guitar will always be there, so we can learn on whatever our schedules and circumstances happen to be. The internet has also made it possible to learn from the best, like Rodney, from anywhere!