Electric guitar (jazz)

Components

1) Scales

Two positions of each scale (closed position, no open strings, and play two octaves, in position):

• Major, Natural minor, Harmonic minor, Jazz minor 

2) Chords

• Major, Minor, Dominant 7th Bar Chords: Two positions of each
• Two positions of each: Major 7, Major 6, Dominant 7  Minor 7, minor 6, minor (maj7) Minor 7b5, diminished 7.
• One position of each: Major6/9, Major9, Major7#11, Major 13 Dominant 9, Dominant 7b9, Dominant 7#9 Dominant 7#11 Dominant 13, Dominant7b13 Minor 9

3) Arpeggios

Two positions of each, and play two octaves in positions:

• Major
• Minor
• Major 7
• Dominant 7
• Minor 7
• Minor7b5 

4) Pick study or exercise

• Example: Bach Invention I, part I from Play Along with Bach 

5) Two contrasting instrumental pieces

• One from the jazz repertoire. Be able to play the melody and the chords with appropriate rhythms
• Another from a repertoire of your choice

No student compositions. You may use backing tracks; however, you should also be prepared to play the melody and the chords unaccompanied.  

6) Twelve bar blues chord progressions:

• Jazz blues and traditional blues progressions

7) Sight reading

• You will be asked to sight read a melody and a chord progression.  

Recommended methods:

• Al Dimeola: Scales, Chords and Arpeggios
• William Levitt: Melodic Rhythms
• Barry Galbraith: Play Along with Bach (Inventions) pick study
• The New Real Book, Vol I (C and Vocal Version) pub. Sher Music Co.

You greatly improve your chances of acceptance when you prepare your audition requirements with the guidance of a qualified Electric Guitar teacher.  

Need help preparing for your audition? Explore the Vanier Music School.