I offer Jazz Guitar and Improvisation private lessons, various workshops, and one-day seminars.

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE FOR A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF UPCOMING JAZZ GUITAR THEORY SEMINARS: "THE MAJOR SCALE", "THE MELODIC MINOR SCALE" AND "THE HARMONIC MINOR SCALE".



I'm a very patient and caring instructor and have been teaching now for over 25 years.

We will cover all levels of Music Theory & Harmony and apply that knowlege directly to the guitar fingerboard. This includes various scales, patterns, chords, arpeggios and lines. The idea is that we want to improve our instrumental technique (pick control, relaxation of both hands, etc...) but still express ourselves musically.

We will study (and play!!!) standard tunes and common chord progressions, and I will guide you through Improvisation exercises and techniques that will eventually help you develop your own voice/style.

I have a lot of hand-outs available, including chord solos (harmonized melody of standard tunes) and comping studies (fingered chord progressions).

I can also specifically help you with ear-training and reading.

I have taught a variety of Guitar Classes, Music Theory, Jazz Composition and Improvisation Workshops at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, WI and at the Conservatory of Music of Cannes, France.

I currently teach from my home studio in Noe Valley, and at the Guitar Novatory/Sunset Academy of Music (Irving & 15th Avenue) http://novatory.com

I also teach Rhythm Section Workshops for jazz guitarists.



JAZZ GUITAR THEORY 1: "THE MAJOR SCALE: CHORDS, MODES, ARPEGGIOS, & HOW TO USE THEM"
presented by Bruno Pelletier-Bacquaert

Saturday, November 8, 2008 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

We are about to examine the basic tools of the Jazz musicians. This class is a practical introduction to Jazz Harmony, starting with its most basic foundation: The Major Scale!!!

We will begin with the most useful fingerings for the 1-octave scale. Yes, THERE IS a logic behind it all!!! I will present the 5-position system (also known as "CAGED"). Based on 5 simple chord shapes, this system clearly delineates 5 regions on the fretboard, no matter what key we are in. Those shapes are fundamental because they generate Major scales, modes, arpeggios, and even Pentatonic scales!

Next, we will look at the diatonic chords generated by the Major Scale: first the Triads, then the 7th chords. We will also examine some simple chord progressions, and then analyze a few Jazz Standard tunes.

I have several hand-outs showing essential fingerings for those chords. Additionally, the 5-position system will help establish fingerings for their Arpeggios.

We will now extract the Diatonic Modes from the Major Scale, and thanks to our 5-position system (once more...) we will find logical ways to finger them on the guitar.

I will explain how those modes may be used in an Improvisation context, as we discuss their relationship with chords.

I have many hand-outs illustrating all of the information. They are written out with diagrams-- which means that you will not need to know traditional music notation to read them. You will definitely go home with enough studying material to keep you busy practicing for a long time!

I do want to make a point that all of the Theory that I'm presenting should be applied directly onto the guitar. Therefore, I will always show you the most practical ways to play AND USE all of those theoretical concepts!!!

This group-class is for beginning to intermediate guitarists. A knowledge of basic music Theory will be helpful-- but not completely necessary, as we will review those points that apply directly to the seminar. Whether you are already a Jazz guitarist and/or composer, a Rock/Blues player who wants to add a Jazz flavor to their style, or a Jam band improviser, you will benefit greatly from this information-packed session.

This One-Day Seminar will be on Saturday November 8, from 2-4pm at the Musicians' Union Building located on 9th Street & Mission Street in San Francisco. It is easily accessed by public transportation and is close to Civic Center BART/MUNI station.

Price is: $40 per student (to be paid in advance). This fee will be non-refundable 3 days before the seminar.

For those of you who are interested in taking all 3 Seminars from this series, the total price will be $100.



JAZZ GUITAR THEORY 2: "THE MELODIC MINOR SCALE: CHORDS, MODES, ARPEGGIOS, & HOW TO USE THEM"
presented by Bruno Pelletier-Bacquaert

Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

We are continuing with our exploration of Harmony for the Jazz Improviser and/or Composer with a practical introduction to the Melodic Minor Scale!!! This scale is so important that it is often referred to as "the" Jazz Minor Scale...

Just like we did with the Major Scale, we will begin with the most useful fingerings for the 1-octave scale. Yes, THERE IS a logic behind it all!!! I will present the 5-position system (also known as "CAGED"). Based on 5 simple minor chord shapes, this system clearly delineates 5 regions on the fretboard, no matter what key we are in. Those shapes are fundamental because they generate scales, modes, arpeggios, and even Pentatonic scales!

Next, we will look at the diatonic chords generated by the Melodic Minor Scale: first the Triads, then the 7th chords. We will also examine some simple chord progressions, and then analyze a few Jazz Standard tunes.

I have several hand-outs showing essential fingerings for those chords. Additionally, the 5-position system will help establish fingerings for their Arpeggios.

We will now extract the Diatonic Modes from the Melodic Minor Scale, and thanks to our 5-position system (once more...) we will find logical ways to finger them on the guitar.

I will explain how those modes may be used in an Improvisation context, as we discuss their relationship with chords. Special attention will be brought to the Altered-Dominant Scale, which happens to be one of the Modes generated by the Melodic Minor.

I have many hand-outs illustrating all of the information. They are written out with diagrams-- which means that you will not need to know traditional music notation to read them. You will definitely go home with enough studying material to keep you busy practicing for a long time!

I do want to make a point that all of the Theory that I'm presenting should be applied directly onto the guitar. Therefore, I will always show you the most practical ways to play AND USE all of those theoretical concepts!!!

This group-class is for beginning to intermediate guitarists. A knowledge of basic music Theory will be helpful-- but not completely necessary, as we will review those points that apply directly to the seminar. Whether you are already a Jazz guitarist and/or composer, a Rock/Blues player who wants to add a Jazz flavor to their style, or a Jam band improviser, you will benefit greatly from this information-packed session.

This One-Day Seminar will be on Saturday November 22, from 2-4pm at the Musicians' Union Building located on 9th Street & Mission Street in San Francisco. It is easily accessed by public transportation and is close to Civic Center BART/MUNI station.

Price is: $40 per student (to be paid in advance). This fee will be non-refundable 3 days before the seminar.

For those of you who are interested in taking all 3 Seminars of this series, the total price will be $100.



JAZZ GUITAR THEORY 3: "THE HARMONIC MINOR SCALE: CHORDS, MODES, ARPEGGIOS, & HOW TO USE THEM"
presented by Bruno Pelletier-Bacquaert

Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Our third Seminar of this exploration of Harmony for the Jazz Improviser and/or Composer with a practical introduction to the Harmonic Minor Scale!!! Even though it is far more exotic-sounding than other scales, this scale is still an important addition to the serious Improviser.

Just like we did with the Major & the Melodic Minor Scales, we will begin with the most useful fingerings for the 1-octave scale. Yes, THERE IS a logic behind it all!!! I will present the 5-position system (also known as "CAGED"). Based on 5 simple minor chord shapes, this system clearly delineates 5 regions on the fretboard, no matter what key we are in. Those shapes are fundamental because they generate scales, modes, arpeggios, and even Pentatonic scales!

Next, we will look at the diatonic chords generated by the Harmonic Minor Scale: first the Triads, then the 7th chords. We will also examine some simple chord progressions, and then analyze a few Jazz Standard tunes.

I have several hand-outs showing essential fingerings for those chords. Additionally, the 5-position system will help establish fingerings for their Arpeggios.

We will now extract the Diatonic Modes from the Harmonic Minor Scale, and thanks to our 5-position system (once more...) we will find logical ways to finger them on the guitar.

I will explain how those modes may be used in an Improvisation context, as we discuss their relationship with chords. Some important modes that are generated by the Harmonic Minor Scale will allow us to discover some very colorful sounds over all types of chords: Minor 7ths, Major 7ths, Dominants, etc...

I have many hand-outs illustrating all of the information. They are written out with diagrams-- which means that you will not need to know traditional music notation to read them. You will definitely go home with enough studying material to keep you busy practicing for a long time!

I do want to make a point that all of the Theory that I'm presenting should be applied directly onto the guitar. Therefore, I will always show you the most practical ways to play AND USE all of those theoretical concepts!!!

This group-class is for beginning to intermediate guitarists. A knowledge of basic music Theory will be helpful-- but not completely necessary, as we will review those points that apply directly to the seminar. Whether you are already a Jazz guitarist and/or composer, a Rock/Blues player who wants to add a Jazz flavor to their style, or a Jam band improviser, you will benefit greatly from this information-packed session.

This One-Day Seminar will be on Saturday December 6, from 2-4pm at the Musicians' Union Building located on 9th Street & Mission Street in San Francisco. It is easily accessed by public transportation and is close to Civic Center BART/MUNI station.

Price is: $40 per student (to be paid in advance). This fee will be non-refundable 3 days before the seminar.

For those of you who are interested in taking all 3 Seminars of this series, the total price will be $100.



JAZZ GUITAR SEMINAR: INTRODUCTION TO JAZZ CHORDS presented by Bruno Pelletier-Bacquaert

Saturday August 30, 2008, from 2-4pm.

Are you a bit confused by Jazz voicings? Do you know what to play when the chart calls for a Dm7(11) or a G7(b9)? Can you tell the difference between a diminished and a half-diminished chord? Are you able to play a chord progression in the same area of the neck or do you tend to jump around from top to bottom? What are Tritone subs?

We will review the different kinds of 7th chords: where they come from, how to voice them in a simple and logical way on the guitar, and how to color them with the appropriate extensions (9ths, 11ths, or 13ths). We will also cover some basic chord substitutions.

To illustrate our topics, we will begin with simple diatonic chord progressions, and then examine some Jazz Standard tunes (starting with a few Jazz Blues progressions). I have many hand-outs, comping studies written out with diagrams (you will not need to know how to read traditional music notation to read them). You will definitely go home with enough studying material to keep you busy practicing for a long time!

There is no reason to try to memorize 3,476 different chord fingerings... it make a lot more sense to understand how chords are built, and how to instantly create the ones we need!!!

This class is for beginning to intermediate guitarists. A knowledge of basic music Theory will be helpful-- but not completely necessary, as we will review those points that apply directly to the seminar. Whether you are already a Jazz guitarist, a Rock/Blues player who wants to add a Jazz flavor to their style, or a Jam band improviser, you will benefit greatly from this information-packed session.

The seminar will be on Saturday August 30, 2008 from 2-4pm at the Musicians' Union Building located on 9th Street & Mission Street in San Francisco. It is easily accessed by public transportation and is close to the Civic Center BART/MUNI station.

Price is: $40 per student (to be paid in advance). This fee will be non-refundable 3 days before the seminar.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions: 415/648-6992



JAZZ GUITAR SEMINAR: JAZZ BLUES COMPING presented by Bruno Pelletier-Bacquaert.

September 6, 2008 from 2-4pm.

You already know about the 12-bar Blues and its basic 3 chords, but you are not quite sure how to make it sound like Jazz? Are you having a hard time making the transition from Blues to Jazz? Or do you already play Jazz but you find it difficult to come up with good chord voicings when playing a Blues?

We will take a close look at the typical "Jazz Blues" chord progression: the very same one that is used for countless Jazz blues compositions such as "Blue Monk", "Straight, No Chaser", "Billie's Bounce" or "SonnyMoon For Two". It is still a 12-bar form but is has a few more chords...

I will provide hand-outs with notated chord studies for several Blues choruses in F & Bb (the 2 most often used keys for Jazz). Those comping studies will focus on various types of chords: with or without bass notes, top four strings or middle four strings only, walking-bass line, two-feel, etc...

All studies are written out with diagrams (you will not need to know how to read traditional music notation to read them).

We will continue with Minor Blues progressions, and some other interesting variations such as Modal Blues and Bird Blues (a more challenging Blues progression created by Charlie Parker).

You will definitely go home with enough studying material to keep you busy practicing for a long time!

This class is for beginning to intermediate guitarists. A knowledge of basic music Theory will be helpful-- but not completely necessary, as we will review those points that apply directly to the seminar. Whether you are already a Jazz guitarist, a Rock/Blues player who wants to add a Jazz flavor to their style, or a Jam band improviser, you will benefit greatly from this information-packed session.

The seminar will be on Saturday September 6, 2008 from 2-4pm at the Musicians' Union Building located on 9th Street & Mission Street in San Francisco. It is easily accessed by public transportation and is close to the Civic Center BART/MUNI station.

Price is: $40 per student (to be paid in advance). This fee will be non-refundable 3 days before the seminar.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions: 415/648-6992



ONE-DAY SEMINAR: THE ALTERED DOMINANT SCALE presented by Bruno Pelletier-Bacquaert

Saturday September 20, 2008 from 1-3 pm

What is the Altered-Dominant Scale? What does it sound like? Where does it come from? When can we use it, and how can we use it? Those important questions (and more) will be addressed during this class.

We have all heard of the scale, but most people seem to only have a rather vague idea of what it actually is: "oh, yeah, isn't it the one that should be played over ALT chords?... but what are those ALT chords to begin with?"

I will present the Scale clearly, explain how it is derived from the Melodic Minor Scale, and thoroughly examine the harmonic system that it generates. I will point out various Triads and 7th chords that convey the Altered-Dominant sound when used as arpeggios (or upper-structures) over a Dominant chord. To complete our exploration, I will discuss some less conventional Pentatonic scales that can be played in our Altered-Dominant context.

I will show examples of lines and chords making use of the Altered-Dominant scale, and will pass out many hand-outs illustrating the concepts. You will definitely go home with enough studying material to keep you busy practicing for a long time!

This class is for intermediate to advanced guitarists, and for other instrumentalists as well. A basic knowledge of Music Theory is required.

The seminar will be on Saturday September 20, 2008 from 1-3pm at the Musicians' Union Building located on 9th Street & Mission Street in San Francisco. It is easily accessed by public transportation and is close to the Civic Center BART/MUNI station.

Price is: $40 per student (to be paid in advance). This fee will be non-refundable 3 days before the seminar.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions: 415/648-6992