Coltrane Changes by Tom Quayle

Welcome to Licklibrary.com’s exclusive guitar lesson series, "Tom Quayle - Coltrane Changes." These lessons are meticulously crafted by the virtuoso guitarist Tom Quayle, focusing on the intricate and fascinating world of Coltrane Changes. This series provides an in-depth exploration of Coltrane Changes and Coltrane Changes Extended, delivering unparalleled insights and techniques that will elevate your guitar playing to new heights.

Coltrane Changes

Coltrane Changes are a harmonic progression named after the legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. These changes are renowned for their complex and innovative chord progressions, often moving through different keys in a sequence of major third intervals. In this lesson series, Tom Quayle breaks down these changes in a methodical and approachable way, making them accessible to guitarists of various skill levels.

Technique Focus

  1. Arpeggios
  • Arpeggios are essential for navigating the rapid key changes in Coltrane Changes. Learning to play arpeggios smoothly across the fretboard enhances your ability to outline chord tones and create seamless melodic lines.
  1. Chord Progressions
  • Mastering Coltrane Changes requires a deep understanding of chord progressions. This technique aids in recognizing and applying various chord shapes and sequences, improving your harmonic vocabulary.
  1. Slides
  • Slides help in transitioning smoothly between chords and arpeggios, adding a fluid, expressive quality to your playing. They are particularly useful for connecting the chords in Coltrane Changes.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

  • Arpeggios: Enhance your ability to outline chord tones, making your solos more melodic and harmonically rich.
  • Chord Progressions: Develop a stronger understanding of harmonic structures, allowing for more creative and informed improvisation.
  • Slides: Improve your legato playing and add a professional touch to your phrasing.

Coltrane Changes Extended

The Extended Coltrane Changes delve deeper into the complex harmonic landscape, introducing even more sophisticated and intricate progressions. This part of the lesson series is designed for advanced guitarists looking to push their boundaries and explore new harmonic territories.

Technique Focus

  1. Legato
  • Legato techniques, including hammer-ons and pull-offs, are crucial for executing fast, fluid passages across the extended changes. This technique minimizes pick strokes, resulting in a smoother sound.
  1. Two-Handed Tapping
  • Two-handed tapping allows for greater reach and speed, making it possible to play wide intervals and rapid sequences that are common in extended Coltrane Changes.
  1. Chromaticism
  • Chromaticism adds tension and release within your solos, providing a sophisticated, jazz-infused sound that is essential for mastering extended Coltrane Changes.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

  • Legato: Achieve a fluid, seamless sound that enhances your phrasing and speed.
  • Two-Handed Tapping: Expand your technical abilities and reach new melodic possibilities on the fretboard.
  • Chromaticism: Add complexity and jazz sophistication to your solos, enriching your musical expression.

Performance Context

Watching Tom Quayle perform these techniques in a real musical context is invaluable. It allows you to see how theoretical concepts and technical skills are applied in actual playing situations. Observing his finger placement, picking technique, and musical phrasing provides a comprehensive understanding of how to incorporate these techniques into your own playing. Moreover, it serves as a source of inspiration and a benchmark for your progress.

Guitar Techniques in These Lessons

Embark on this transformative musical journey with Tom Quayle and unlock the mysteries of Coltrane Changes. These lessons not only enhance your technical prowess but also deepen your musical understanding and creativity. Start learning today and take your guitar playing to extraordinary new levels.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Tom Quayle

Tom Quayle needs no introduction on the guitar scene after shooting to attention when he made it to the finals of Guitar Idol back in 2008. Before that he was a graduate of Leeds College of Music where he did a degree in jazz then hit the local jazz scene....

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