Swing is gaining renewed popularity. Dance, rock and other contemporary styles are adopting swing into their performances.
Instructions - Learn Jazz Swing
- Consider that swing is a jazz style. A very important aspect or element of swing is the way rhythm is treated.
- Remember, eighth notes in non-jazz style are counted evenly: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & in a 4-beat measure. This is called playing in twos. Each beat is evenly divided between the downbeat and the upbeat.
- Note that in swing, two eighth notes in a row are played in threes. The two consecutive notes are not equal.
- Play the second note of two in a row on the third note of a three-way subdivision.
- Emphasize - or sometimes connect - the second note to the next note by means of a slur or tie.
- Learn this technique in performance with other musicians. Listen, feel and imitate to become an intimate part of this mystical mix.
- Use a slight rhythmic or melodic variation of a "lick" or style that someone else in the musical group uses.
Tips & Warnings
- Relax!
- Subtle accents in unusual areas of a tune are common.
- When a short note (staccato) is played, avoid overdoing any emphasis.
- Avoid using a rapid tempo when initially learning this style. Swing is not speed.
Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_10759_learn-jazz-swing.html
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