Jazz Scale Workout
Mel Bay Publications, Inc.

In the pursuit of improvisation (jazz or other styles), scales are the “palettes” utilized for creating melodies. Often, scales are only practiced ascending or descending step-wise. “Jazz Scale Workout” by Ken Karsh contains eight measure through-composed continuous eighth note exercises (or “workouts”) utilizing “jazz style” melodies based around the Major, Dorian (minor seventh), Mixolydian (Dominant), and Super-Locrian (Altered Dominant) scales—the most common scales in the jazz idiom. Four basic guitar fingerings for each scale are provided for the foundation of these exercises. Since these scales are the basis for improvising over the frequently utilized ii-V-I progression, the final “workouts” found in this publication cover this area. There are two “workouts” provided for each scale form—one with only the scale tones (labeled “Diatonic”) and the other with “outside” chromatic tones resolving to the diatonic scale tones (labeled “Chromatic”). The “workouts” can and should be tried with different fingerings and should be played in all keys for maximum benefit. “Jazz Scale Workout” provides an enjoyable “finger and mental fitness program” for guitarists interested in expanding their scale awareness in the jazz idiom.

Jazz Guitar Standards: Chord Melody Solos
Mel Bay Publications, Inc.

This collection of jazz standard chord solos for guitar is compiled from Mel Bay and Warner Bros. collaborations Jazz Guitar Standards Vol. 1 and 2. What makes this work so special is that each artist has personally recorded their solo guitar arrangement. The book comes with the CDs, which have all 44 tunes. This book is a wonderful anthology of solo guitar that can be used for performances as well as educational purposes. Featured Ken Karsh arrangements are I Love You and Watch What Happens.

JJazz Guitar Standards: A Complete Approach to Playing Tunes
Mel Bay Publications, Inc.

This comprehensive anthology offers a lead sheet, chord solo arrangement, comping etude, and single-note solo for each of 22 jazz standards. These arrangements and etudes by some of the best arrangers and educators in the business provide jazz guitar students with material for development in every aspect of jazz musicianship. Tunes include: Satin Doll, Just Friends, Moonlight in Vermont, and more. Written in standard notation and tablature. Featured Ken Karsh arrangements, comping and single note studies are I Love You and Watch What Happens.

Guitar Journals – Jazz: by Corey Christiansen
Mel Bay Publications, Inc.

Ken’s transcription of Johnny Smith’s arrangement of Black, Black, Black is featured in this book. Other wonderful contributions and Corey Christiansen’s excellent editing make this a GREAT collection, period!
Mel Bay's latest series, Guitar Journals, is the ultimate reference guide of studies and solos in several different genres. This incredible volume for jazz includes a wonderful collection of arrangements by jazz greats Joe Diorio, Johnny Smith, Gene Bertoncini, Bucky Pizzarelli and many more. Covering a wide range of areas including Latin, comping, rhythm changes, blues, etc. This is a must- have and is perfect for everyday use for the student to the professional musician. Hard cover, covered spiral binding and premium stock paper make this a volume so beautifully printed and bound and containing so much valuable information that you will treasure it for years to come! Companion CD of examples included.
• Ultimate guide of jazz solos and perfect reference manual for everyday use
• Wonderful collection of arrangements by jazz greats Joe Diorio, Johnny Smith, Gene Bertoncini, Bucky Pizzarelli and many more
• Covers Latin, comping, rhythm changes, blues, etc.
• Beautiful hard cover with covered spiral binding and premium paper.
• Companion CD included.

Fingerboarding Made E.Z. – Scale & Arpeggio Visualization for Guitar: by Ken Karsh
Ken Karsh Publications
Tm764@bncollege.com

This is Ken’s first publication, developed from material first covered at his clinics at the Duquesne University Summer Guitar Workshop. Not a method, but a compilation of many guitar topics, including scale systems (CAGED, 3-On-A-String), fingerings for many scale types (major, minor, dorian, mixolydian, chromatic, pentatonic & blues scale). linear scale fingerings, and ii-V-I discussions. Exercises and etudes are included to help re-enforce the material. Ken’s publication Jazz Scale Workout is a follow-up to this book. Fingerboarding Made E.Z. can be purchased exclusively at the Duquesne University Bookstore (Barnes & Noble #764) by calling 412.434.6628 or emailing the above link. The store can tell you the price plus shipping.