The Comping Secret Working Guitarists Don't Talk About

Most jazz guitarists practice soloing, but on real gigs you’re comping 80% of the night. In this jazz guitar comping lesson, you’ll learn a simple 3-role system that tells you exactly what to play so you sound like a pro on your next gig.

Instead of memorizing random chord shapes, you’ll learn how to think like a real band member: supporting the bass, locking with the drums, and staying out of the soloist’s way. These are the “gig-ready” comping skills working jazz guitarists actually use.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The 3 real‑world comping roles that separate amateurs from pros
• How to choose voicings based on what the rest of the band is doing
• Simple “register thinking” so you don’t fight with the bass or piano
• How to avoid the most common comping mistakes guitarists make on gigs

If you’re an adult guitarist who already knows some jazz chords but still worries you’re overplaying, getting in the way, or not really helping the band, this video will give you a clear framework for what to play – and what to leave out.

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We’ll take the ideas from this video and apply them to real standards, so you can:

• Hear what the band actually needs in the moment
• Choose the right role (stay out of the way, fill the gaps, or drive the groove)
• Pick voicings and registers that make everyone sound better

👉 Book a FREE coaching call with me to see if Jumpstart Jazz Guitar is a good fit:
Click this link to choose a convenient time
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TIME STAMPS
0:00 Why most guitarists comp “wrong” in real bands
0:54 How Jazz Chords Really Work
2:10 Role #1 Foundation
2:54 –Chromatic Approach Chords
4:51 – Two Note Chords
6:58 – Role #2 Rhythm
9:17 - Role #3 Fills
10:11 Comping Demo

#jazzguitar #jazzcomping #guitarlesson #jazzstandards #rhythmguitar
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If you’re just getting started on jazz guitar, I recommend watching these free videos
   • Forget Chords and Scales: Learn the Real S...  
   • The Art of Comping: Guide to Shell and No-...  

ABOUT ME
I'm Dr. George Hess, I was a professor of music for 30 years at leading universities in the US and Asia and I've been performing with top professionals worldwide for over 40 years. I help busy adult guitarists start playing and having fun playing jazz guitar as quickly as possible.

Thumbnail images courtesy Steve Porte, © all rights reserved