Guitar Practice
In a few recent newsletter issues, we took a look at some ways to use chord substitutions in jazz progressions.
This week, let's look at a simple way to incorporate 6 chords into your playing.
Below, we'll learn 3 different ways to play a ii V I progression in the key of Eb major. We'll learn ways to play these same chords in 3 different places on the neck.
For each option below, let's first play the standard ii V I progression, ending with a Major 7th chord. Then, we'll simply swap out the Major 7th chord with a 6 chord.
As an alternative to the options below, try playing the same progression, but instead of playing either EbM7 or Eb6 for 4 beats, play 2 beats of EbM7 and 2 beats of #b6.
Option 1:
Option 2:
Option 3:
Adam Levy is an American guitarist, songwriter, and educator known for his expressive tone and understated style. He has toured and recorded with artists like Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, Ani DiFranco, and Rosanne Cash, while also leading his own projects. Drawing from jazz, blues, and Americana, Levy’s playing is marked by taste and restraint, always in service of the song.
Outside of performing, Levy has built a reputation as a thoughtful teacher. His Guitar Tips video series and masterclasses have reached players worldwide, offering clear insights into tone, phrasing, and creativity. A former student of the legendary Ted Greene, Levy continues that tradition of mentorship while also releasing solo albums that highlight his skills as both guitarist and songwriter.
Balancing performance, recording, and education, Adam Levy stands out as a versatile and respected figure in the guitar world. His ability to bridge styles, share knowledge, and tell stories through music has made him both a musician’s musician and an influential guide for players everywhere.
We connected with Adam, and he shared great advice on crossing into jazz, finding your voice, strengthening musicality through practice, and supporting others with taste and simplicity.
🎸 Q & A
What advice do you have for guitar players that have more of a rock or blues background, but want to learn jazz?
Understanding some music theory is important, but don't forget that jazz — just like blues and rock — is also about feel and sound. Listen to tasty players, like Kenny Burrell or Grant Green, and see if you can learn a couple of their licks by ear. Pay close attention to the sound and the feel.
And learn some accessible jazz tunes, like "Blue Bossa" or "Chitlins con Carne". The more tunes you know, the more music you can make.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give other guitarists to develop their own voice?
Record yourself — at a jam, gig, or even a practice session — and listen to what you sound like. Discern which things you're doing that are unique or special, and then try to do more of those things next time you play. Do what you can to minimize the stuff the stuff that's borrowed and/or aimless.
What’s one concept or exercise you’d recommend to guitarists at any level to improve their musicality?
I recommend writing original tunes — instrumental, or with words. If you're just starting out, keep it simple. A singable melody is all you need. Add a few chords, or even two riffs for an A part and a B part. Writing is a process of making decisions: Is it this note, or that one? This chord or that one? Choosing, over and over, helps you develop your musicality.
While you've recorded with and played with a variety of guitars, you're largely known for using your Gibson ES-335. What specifically drew you to that guitar?
When I was 12 years old, I already knew I wanted to be a studio guitarist. I asked my teacher which guitar he'd recommend, and he told me that the ES-335 is particularly versatile.
I had seen these guitars on the cover of some records I liked — including B.B. King's 'Take It Home', Larry Carlton's 'Strike Twice', and Dave Edmunds' 'Repeat When Necessary'. So iconic!
This question came from the great jazz guitarist Jens Larsen: Besides being an amazing Jazz guitarist, you are also a great Blues guitarist. Who are your biggest blues guitar influences?
B.B. King. Albert King. Hubert Sumlin. Otis Rush. Jesse Ed Davis. Jeff Beck.
When you’re comping for a vocalist, how do you balance creativity with supporting the vocalist?
Support is always my priority. I'll do anything I can do to make their job easier. Creativity, for me, often comes in the form of simplifying my part. What can I leave out?
Sometimes, if I'm feeling stuck, I'll try an alternate tuning or use a capo to put myself in a different headspace with the chords.
You write songs with singing as well as instrumentals—what’s your starting point when writing?
When I write songs with words, I almost always start with the words first. I'm not usually thinking, like, "I'm going to write a song about my grandmother who played piano." It usually starts with an interesting turn of phrase, or a rhyme scheme that feels fertile. It's always about storytelling and the sound of words. Once the words feel finished — or nearly so — I'll try to find a melody that flows naturally from the words. The chords usually come last, which is the easy part for me.
What’s next for you musically—any projects or goals you're working on?
I recently recorded a couple of live shows with a band I co-lead with pedal-steel guitarist Rich Hinman. The gigs sure were fun! We need to sort through the tunes and see if we've got enough material for an album.
I also recorded a duo album with guitarist Tim Lerch. We tracked 13 tunes in two days — just the two of us.
Goals wise, I just want to keep growing. Playing with new people inspires me, going out to see live shows inspires me. And I take lessons every once in awhile, which is definitely helpful.
Noteworthy 🗞️
- Yamaha is launching some great new color options for their popular Revstar model. The RSS02T (with P90 pickups) adds the colors of Vintage White, Sonic Blue, and Fired Red. The RSS20 (with humbuckers) joins the range with Mist Green and Sonic Blue.
- Fender added new chambered ash bodies to it's Mod Shop - offered in Butterscotch Blonde and 2-Tone Sunburst.
- Gretsch launched a new Synchromatic collection of semi-hollow guitars, including the Synchromatic Nashville and Synchromatic Falcon.
- Gibson introduced the the Custom SJ-200 Monarch #100 Brazilian Rosewood—a one-of-a-kind acoustic guitar and the most prestigious version of Gibson’s world-famous Super Jumbo.
- Gibson also five new Murphy Lab Light Aged acoustic reissue models.
- Taylor announced the Zedd GS Mini Telos Special Edition acoustic guitar. Featuring stunning artwork, the GS Mini was designed in partnership with GRAMMY-winning producer, composer and DJ Zedd.
- Cory Wong interviewed Goose guitarist Rick Mitarotonda on his podcast. They discussed their philosophies on recording, staying sharp on your instrument, all-star moments and standout players in the jam community, and feeling misunderstood as an artist. Apple Podcasts | Spotify
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