Hey Guitar Wisdom friends! Here’s a summary from Tomo’s livestream on Jazz Standards.
Why Jazz Standards?
Even just a few standards, studied deeply, will open up your vocabulary and musicality, and the lessons you learn from one standard will stay with you for life.
Tomo emphasizes that each standard has something special to teach — a different lesson inside. Stick to the script, repeat many times, and really get to know the song. You could spend four weeks on just one standard and still find new lessons. Simple can be very deep.
What is the approach?
1. Learn chords/chord progression (ex: Blue Monk JS06 standard blues chord progression with R 3 7)
2. Learn melody (with correct fingerings)
3. Work on R 3 7
4. Apply triads (follow the chord changes)
Student Q&A Highlights:
* How do I learn melody? Read the written music and listen to the example. Listen and try to figure out the notes on your own before learning the fingerings. Then, check the video lesson and learn the fingerings. If you are having trouble, please let Tomo know — he’ll create extra videos to guide you.
* Should I play melody with chords? Yes, if you’re curious, but don’t feel like you have to do everything at once. It’s important not to think you must explore every possibility. Be careful of extremes. Keep it simple. If you are wondering whether to do something, try it for yourself, explore it fully, and then decide.
* When do I add licks/lead? Start with melody → comping → metronome → triads → solo etude. Do not make anything by yourself because you’ll end up playing scales. Transcribe phrases you love, practice them, and then you can modify them like ingredients.
* Must-know progressions? Blues, jazz blues, and major songs. If you think of music like a language, these are conversation pieces. Listen to original/older music - it’s usually simple, less modified. Train your ear to recognize common chord progressions like I–6–2–5 and ii–V. You do not need to have a good ear; you just need good experience (repeated listening and studying simple standards will help).
* Timing practice? Melody without metronome → 60–70 BPM downbeats → 40 BPM backbeats (2&4). For each of these steps, it’s essential to repeat 2-3 times when you play and record yourself. If you are satisfied with what you hear, move on to the next step. Record yourself → review → repeat.
Tomo shared advice from his Karate teacher: When you record yourself, you’ll probably be disappointed. That’s okay — go back to step 1 and start at the beginning. This cycle of recording, reviewing, and returning to the basics is more effective for progress.
* Play “correctly” or your own way? Stick to the script at first. Follow the structure, use the "correct" fingerings, and respect the parents :). Once your foundation is solid, add your own flavor.
Tomo’s Wisdom 🌟
* “Everything comes from something.” (Find the original, study the source.)
* “Respect the parents.” (Stick to the form first — it keeps you safe.)
* “Become a fan of yourself.” (Record, review, enjoy your growth.)
* “Jazz is a guide — be friends with it. Later, go your own way.”
Key Takeaway: Jazz Standards = one song, many lessons. They are part of your foundation and give you real musical experience. Study them deeply, repeat, respect the form, and let each one teach you something special.