Quote:
Originally Posted by mr. beaumont
I don't see how (or why) folks here want to separate melody and harmony in jazz. So what if a horn player can't play chords? You bet they know 'em!
Also, if you're going to be a jazz guitar player, keep in mind, much of your time will be spent comping...which isn't just "playing the chords to a tune." It's another improvised part, often in which the top note becomes a countermelody of sorts...
A jazz guitar player has to know both. Plain and simple.
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I don't know if you are referring to my post, but for the OP I am not advocating "separating melody from harmony". I pretty much am saying EXACTLY the same thing as Jeff. It isn't about learning the chords to a tune. The harmony are also voices that you improvise. You need to know how these other voices interact with the melody and each other. That said, IMO you must really know the melody to be able to comp well.