If you are an intermediate/advanced player with experience in bluegrass, country, folk, rock, or, of course, swing and jazz, this class is for you. If you are a beginner who can comfortably play the standard "campfire" or "cowboy" chords, don't worry, we'll review the basics as well.

Using songs as examples, we'll review and learn the swing chord fingerings, a.k.a. closed position movable chords, as well as 6, 9, diminished and augmented chords. We'll talk about how to use these chords in common swing progressions, patterns, and turn-arounds, and we’ll use them to spice up everything from Jazz standards to Bluegrass and Country songs. If you're interested in soloing, we'll look at that too, with practical tips you can use right away.

We'll also learn the right hand technique and rhythm patterns that allow us to play with a swing feel, and how to apply these in the various swing styles. If Gypsy Jazz is your thing, we'll learn La Pompe and 3-note chords, but we’ll also look at how swing rhythms work in classic Jazz and Western Swing. Most importantly, we’ll look at how to play with other musicians, in jams or bands.

We'll use as little theory as possible. Knowledge of scales, sight reading or solfege are not required.

From previous students:

"Valuable information about pick/strum technique, chord substitutions, and how to make your solos more interesting and effective. This class has a good balance between talking and playing!"

"I've enjoyed the class and your teaching style, which I describe as practical and laid back."

"What I find valuable is the go-a-round which forces us to practice playing rhythm properly and to improvise. You are also a kind and encouraging teacher. "

Olivier Zyngier

Olivier is a native French speaker, born and raised in Paris, and a local performer of French music with the Bistro Moustache band. He is one of the original founders of the Baguette Quartette and has played all over the Bay Area for many years. He also leads the Swing Jam and teaches Swing Guitar at the Freight.