Sitting In: Jazz Guitar: Guitar Book & DVD-ROM

This resource solves a real logistical problem: jazz guitarists need to practice soloing and comping with a functioning rhythm section, but finding compatible musicians on demand is rarely feasible. Fisher's approach uses full-band audio mixes and rhythm section-only tracks to simulate authentic jamming conditions, complete with the TNT 2 software tools to customize tempos and keys for individual learning paces. The pedagogy here feels earned rather than packaged; Fisher guides players through specific comping and soloing strategies before turning them loose to play.

Playing along with Sitting In feels like a rehearsal with real musicians who respond to your choices. The rhythm section grooves with pocket and intention; you hear bass lines settling into the pocket, drums maintaining swing or straight feels depending on the tune, and the space opens for your voice to emerge. The energy is live without the pressure of a first take.

Jazz guitarists looking to move beyond isolated practice and develop soloing and comping skills in a band context. This resource works equally well for intermediate players building soloing vocabulary and more experienced players refining their ability to lock in with rhythm sections and respond musically to ensemble dynamics.

• Start with the full-band demonstration mix to hear how your part sits within the arrangement, then switch to the rhythm section-only mix to find your own voice without the reference soloist.
• Use the TNT 2 software to isolate the bass and drums, especially during comping sections, so you can lock your chord voicings and rhythmic feel to the pocket before adding complexity.
• Slow down challenging passages without losing the groove; the software preserves the rhythmic integrity of the rhythm section even at reduced tempos, which keeps your time references intact.
• Transpose solos into different keys using TNT 2 to expand your muscle memory across the fretboard and prepare yourself for real bandstand situations.

Use this as the primary soloing resource in a jazz guitar curriculum, working through the book systematically across a semester or year while students practice daily with the audio tracks. Assign specific tunes as preparation before ensemble rehearsals so guitarists arrive comfortable with the changes and their own ideas, freeing rehearsal time for working on blend and responding to other soloists.

• Soloing over jazz changes and blues forms with band accompaniment
• Comping rhythms and voicings that lock with a rhythm section
• Listening and responding to bass lines, drum grooves, and overall ensemble feel
• Phrasing and dynamics in a realistic ensemble context
• Transposing changes and adaptability across keys
• Building solo vocabulary by practicing in real musical situations