Jimmy Herring Discussion

[ARUjeff]

we all know what jimmy can do when hes woodsheddin, but does anyone know how he approaches a solo that swings? does he use just minor pentatonics or does he think modally and with arpeggios and such?

[Jimmy H]

I’m not very good at playing “real” swing. But I do like to draw from it and extract some ideas from it. To me it’s more of a rhythmic question than it is a harmonic one. I think the scale or arpeggios you would use are dictated by the chord progression you’re playing over. To get some great ideas for playing swing related stuff, I would listen to Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomerey, Cannonball Adderly, and countless other great jazz artists that are truly great at swinging.