Guidance for getting into jazz

Stubbs

Greetings all

It's been some years since I've been on the forum, and I'm in need of some suggestions with regards to learning jazz guitar. There are a few things I'd like to ask:

1. Scales: which should I learn first? I know the minor pentatonic and have a very basic understanding of music theory, so I'd like to start learning a scale to use over some of the jazz chords and rhythms that I've learnt already (from JustinGuitar.com), while I learn some theory.

2. Resources: are there some good sites/books (other than those on Justin's site) anyone can recommend, and to learn some theory with? Being a student at UCT, I unfortunately won't be able to take lessons, so I'll be relying on the internet and any books I can buy.

3. Suggested tracks/artists - having been a rock player since the beginning, I tend to prefer jazz that is more...structured/less free-form (for lack of a better word) - at least for now. In other words, I enjoy jazz that is more based around a central motif/idea/'riff' e.g Dave Brubeck's Take Five. I love first minutes of So What, but towards the end I often skip to the next track. My favourite types of jazz are Spanish/flamenco style (Sketches of Spain is my favourite - Solea in particular), 'darker' or smoother sounding jazz (Miles' soundtrack to Ascenseur pour l'échafaud and Chet Baker's Almost Blue) and swing (Django Reinhardt's Minor Swing). Suggestions along these lines would be great.

4. [Bonus] For the Sabbath fans out there - what scale is Iommi using in Planet Caravan/Solitude/Zeitgeist? Planet Caravan's solo is my absolute favourite, and I'd LOVE to play in a similar style to Tony's jazz style.

I should mention, I'm not new to guitar - I've been playing for around 5 years and played in one rock band during high school (but disbanded to focus on varsity). I'm not new to jazz music either - Kind of Blue was played most Sundays during lunch at home, and I've come to recognise some of my favourite jazz musicians' styles. I will mostly be playing for enjoyment and possibly some open mic nights or small shows with a vocalist (maybe jazzing-up some covers).

Thoughts and suggestions would be very much appreciated!

Hasie

The Progressive series books are excellent. I learn using them, together with my lessons.

http://www.amazon.com/CP69174-Progressive-Jazz-Guitar-Method/dp/1864691743

Theory will be crucial in jazz imho.

V8

I'm hardly a jazz-cat - but the time I spent at the jazz workshop did affect me somewhat. I'm a absolute sucker for a jazzy reworking of a classic tune, especially when the guitarist integrates the rhythm and melody.

AFAIK, Plane Caravan (also a fav of mine) features the dorian mode : http://guitar.about.com/od/specificlessons/ss/The-Dorian-Mode-Explored.htm#step5

If you can't get to a lesson or three with a jazz teacher or even find one of the UCT jazz students to show you some stuff - perhaps pop into the Crypt when they have their jam evening (Tuesdays I think) - there are some insane players you can observe and chat to - all super friendly. Cafe Alma in Rosebank also does some real interesting live music.

I'm a huge fan of Chuck Mangione - though it's mostly trumpet as the lead instrument, there's loads of tasty phrasing & playing. Kenny Burrell is also a fine guitar player - he kinda works that jazz/blues area I prefer to out and out jazz.

And for dessert try "Mediterranean Sundance" - maybe it'll blow your mind like it did mine.

Stubbs

Thank you Hasie and V8 - all questions covered. I don't know many people doing music at UCT, but I will be on the lookout for any that can give me some tips.