Here's a video where I demonstrate Gypsy Jazz rhythm guitar or 'La Pompe' as it's affectionately known, using the main chord sequence for the jazz standard 'What Is This Thing Called Love'. It's also popular with Gypsy Jazz musicians
I play round the whole sequence once (AABA) for to four different tempos.
I've tried to keep the chords as simple as possible to concentrate on the rhythm consistency. There are many chord variations/substitutions that can be used in the tune.
The chord sequence is:
'A' Section.
Gmin7b5 - one bar, C7 - one bar, Fmin - two bars, Dmin7b5 - one bar,
G7 - one bar, C6/9 - two bars.
'B' Section.
F9 - two bars, Bb - two bars, Ab7 - two bars, G7 - two bars.
I'm hearing the metronome click on the '2' & '4' to demonstrate a swing feel.
The only version with any slight rhythmical accents or 'stabs' is the medium one. The others are played straight with no accents to demonstrate a consistent left/right hand rhythm.
I'm also comping 4 to the bar with my chord hand on every version.
There are quite a few variations of 'La Pompe' out there but this is generally how I play if accompanying a soloist in a regular Gypsy Jazz duo/trio setting.
1. Slow - good for learning Gypsy Jazz rhythm and encouraging an even feel.
2. Medium - a bit more pumpy and encouraging a consistent swing feel.
3. Fast - pushing the tempo up but keeping everything even.
4. Faster - more demanding for both hands but a good tester for consistent rhythm accents.
All the versions are good to play along with if you're new to this style of rhythm or for practicing 'stabs'/accents over if you're getting into that aspect of Gypsy Jazz rhythm.
As with all the Gypsy Jazz Bites videos, the phrases/rhythms can be used in different contexts over songs played in a Gypsy Jazz style.
Gypsy Jazz guitar lessons available one-to-one, online and workshops.
For more information, please click HERE for my tuition page.
For all enquiries please email: info@jonnyhepbir.co.uk
For Jonny Hepbir Gypsy Jazz Band Hire - Live Swing Jazz for any occasion - Solo, Duo, Trio, Quartet & Quintet please click HERE
Watch the band in action at www.YouTube.com/JonnyHepbirTrio
Here's a video of me in Holland playing 'Django's Tiger' with Feigeli Prisor, Paulus Schafer and Rino Van Hooijdonk, all renowned masters of the Dutch Django-style.