101 Must-Know Jazz Licks: A Quick, Easy Reference for All Guitarists

I bought this book to help me spruce up my lead playing. I was rather tired of playing the same old penatonic blues and rock riffs so I gave it a try. I must say that I have really enjoyed this book. It gives the reader a chance to explore some of the various styles of swing and jazz. There are many of the riffs that are very iconic and you immediately recognize them once you start playing them. This publication is very easy to use and is very intuitive. The content is perfectly suited for the purpose of learning some jazz guitar riffs. I can certainly say that it has definitely opened up a wider door for me to pursue more in depth studies into jazz guitar. In just a couple of days I was able to use the licks from this book to enhance and create some of my own material.The only knocks are that there is no left hand fingering notation and the book is only 48 pages. Since I have had classical guitar training and technique burned into my brain the fingering was pretty easy. Wolf Marshall hit a home run with this book and has me looking into to some of his other publications on the styles of Burrell and Montgomery. I am certainly glad that I bought this book!As for the examples CD, I cannot really comment because I have yet to play and listen to it. The book itself stands on its own.

This book is very helpful if you are set in understanding jazz guitar styles. They are arranged in different genres of jazz. Each section gives licks that contain much insight on how to approach a certain style. If you are not familiar with notation or jazz interpretation of written music no worries here. The CD will help you understand both better instantly. You are getting a real bonus there to help your reading abilities, but furthermore to help your physical ability it will be demanding attempting to perform at Wolf's level when he plays the licks at high tempo. The licks are challanging to an average guitarist. In learning just a few of the licks here my ability to play difficult melodic passages has improved dramatically. Each section also begins with defining notes on each genre that will help you to gain a basic understanding and a start on personal research. One last note I personally would like to point out is that the book gives a nice perspective on the theory behind the licks. It will help you gain clarity in jazz theory and to understand when to use the lick most definitely. If you're in the market there isn't anything to lose here.

I initially had my doubts, because books like these can often be disappointing. But this book is great, the licks are laid out in notation and in tabs, and are organized in sections that take you (chronologically) through all the major eras of Jazz. The accompanying CD is a huge plus as hearing the licks really gives you the "feel" you should be going for. For those looking to sharpen their jazz playing, or their technical ability, this is for you. Be aware that if you are a beginner or an intermediate player, you'll probably find this book too advanced. Many of the licks require sincere proficiency on the guitar, and broadly speaking, a prior knowledge of modes and scales.

Every lick is easy to understand and it takes you to another level as you play and enjoy the instruction. I just got it within six days of ordering it and I am 125% satisfied. This will keep me busy for a long time. And I will be far more advanced on a daily basis as a result. 5 stars.

I bought this book after watching the excellent Wolf Marshall videos for Guitar Instructor. This guys knows the stuff , he has the experience and patience in teaching all the jazz stuff. This book is essential since it covers a vast material in jazz licks and Wolf explains the styles with long introductions to the licks. This is the real deal.

pretty cool stuff

Average book on cliché licks. Not using very often.

licks are too fast

This is the most cerebral guitar tuition book I (currently) own. The preface and introductions are very well written and treat the reader like an adult. The practise notes and background on the equipment used in recording are both novel and welcome. This book is detailed, you won't be left with many unanswered questions.The licks themselves are 'authentic'. Not cheesy or contrived, they could be lifted straight from any record. At least when Wolf Marshall plays them - and this is the crux. Beyond the swing section, the licks are very difficult. Extremely fast and fluid indeed. The bebop and post-bop sections in particular are basically shredding in the jazz idiom. A person will need to be a very good player indeed to competently play some of those runs.However, don't let that put you off. The book is packed with useful information and would be good value even if the buyer only picks up half a dozen licks and/or chord ideas. It really is an excellent book, and in many ways the Gold Standard of how licks and ideas from the various musical oral traditions should be presented. An unreserved recommendation for intermediate and above guitar players. Beginners have other work ahead of them before needing this.

Played the guitar for a number of years and bored and stuck in rut so after reading reviews, thought I’d see if this book can help.Gone through 4 of the licks so far and easy to follow and great practice. Certainly helping me and giving me a bit of kick back in playing. Best bit is the web site with each luck recorded normal speed and slow speed - plus ability to change speed and pitch.Book well written and easy to understand in both guitar tab and standard music staff.

As a guitarist who wants to step up a little in musical sophistication this easy to use book has proved to be very useful. Each tab is clearly laid out with occasional additional notes referring to the use of arpeggios that overlay the backing chords. The examples are neatly set out in categories such as ‘Hard Bop and ‘Cool Jazz’. The use of differing keys and tempos also helps the guitarist develop their ability to use their new taught knowledge and skills in a variety of contexts. Further assistance is provided by the accompanying CD that gives the licks in the right speed and then slowed down.This book has certainly helped me start to appreciate the complexities of jazz, but in a way that excites the desire to lean more rather than intimidating or overloading with detail. In the week that I have been working through this book I can say that I feel that I am better guitarist. I think you will find the same will be true of you as well!Last of all, the recommended listening list at the back of the book will provide a life time of interesting music to explore.Highly recommended.

Having been through many guitar tab books (and websites and youtube videos) it is refreshing to come across this. I spend most of my time playing rock / metal /prog / psychedelia and decided it was time to foray into Jazz (again)The riffs here range from Be-bop to post modern jazz, the book not only gives examples of who uses these riffs but also gives details as to how the riffs are constructed and what tonality they are for easy transposition. A useful CD too.I would strongly recommend this for any budding guitarist (however, beware, some of the riffs are uber noodly and fast!)

Found this book to be a great intro to jazz licks. Of course this is subject to individual ability- which mine is not great. But as the saying goes ‘practice makes perfect ‘, and that’s the key, start off slowly and up the tempo as you get better. If I can do it anybody can. You’ve just gotta want to enough. Recommended.