Modern Jazz Masterclass

What’s it about?

A drop of fusion, a dollop of jazz and a whole lot of Josh Meader doing his thing. This is a chance to tap into the workings of a virtuoso. From his unique picking technique to his approach to note choices, no stone is left unturned.

Exercises and lessons give you an insight into his daily process and a variety of licks let you understand how he puts it into context. The solos then lay down a web of ideas to unravel.

Two high energy backings, a guitarist unafraid to break some rules and a framework of learning designed to help you understand every single nuance. This is modern jazz laid bare.

What will I learn?

The three pillars of this Masterclass are the picking hand, the fretting hand, and how to approach the neck. You’ll work on picking hand exercises that allow for a fluid-sounding attack, giving you access to faster more complex lines.

You’ll also dig into the fretting hand, and how Josh is able to maximise dexterity to his advantage. It is the fretting hand that also leads the way when it comes to an overall approach, and you will begin to be able to harness every emotion through your note choices, allowing for more colourful lines.

Through the lessons and study licks, you will see how Josh uses ideas from greats such as Shawn Lane and Michael Brecker and gives them a twist through a modern lens. Odd note groupings and chromatics will then help you understand the ins and outs of the sometimes mystifying “play anything you want” approach. 

What theory is covered?

Many of the concepts in this Masterclass can be applied not only to jazz but also fusion and even rock or metal.

• Chromatics
• Modes
• Odd note groupings
• Bebop
• Extensions
• Minor pentatonic
• Outside

What techniques are covered?

This is not a beginner Masterclass! This is a technical obstacle course, but one that will leave you with a more honed technical game across the board.

• Legato
• Bends
• Circular picking
• String skipping
• Sweep picking
• Alternate picking 

Who is it for?

As you break each section apart, you will not only see how Josh’s bold approach works, but how to put it into context yourself. So if you want to give every aspect of your playing more energy, this is for you.