West Coast Blues(Wes Montgomery)

[TheVinc67]

Very nice tone and accurate on a 3/4.Not easy to play a blues freely to a such composition.Anyway it is very nice to ear a soft touch well done.

[Jazzguts]

@TheVinc67 Thanks for your very nice supportive words,greetings Vic.

[puddleduck8051]

This is tops, it's going in my favourites. Cheers Victor.

[Jazzguts]

@puddleduck8051 OK thanks for your feedback,Vic.

[cgptony11]

Man, with all respect, you're tone, and your touch sounds just like Wes. That fat bodied Ibanez GB sounds great

[Jazzguts]

@cgptony11 Thanks,Wes is certainly of a major importance to my playing,thanks for your very supportive words,Vic.

[ekybasscort34]

very nice :D

do you have the tab?

[Jazzguts]

@ekybasscort34 Thanks, all is done by ear both theme and improvisation, Vic.

[mdelgado59]

Hey Vic! Can you tell me where you got this backing track? Thanks.

[Jazzguts]

@mdelgado59 I make my own tracks in "Band in box" they cannot be converted to Mp3,greets Vic.

[mdelgado59]

@Jazzguts Do you use Band in box for most of your videos?  Would you recommend it?

[Jazzguts]

@mdelgado59 I guess so because you can adjust anything in the program,tempo, key,chords,length definitely a good program and the sounds have become quite good over the years,Vic.

[6stringcarvin]

vic, your improv is astounding! what do you use to create your backing tracks?

[Jazzguts]

@6stringcarvin Thanks, here I'm using a Band in a box older version,greets Vic.

[mrhungry]

Nice work!

[ASATclass]

Beautiful. I'm using this piece as one of my college application pieces, and i love your style.

[Jazzguts]

@ASATclass Thank you for your appreciation and lot's of success with your application,Vic.

[blacklistedin]

i'm learning this song right now and its very complicated for me. you got it good. loved it.

[Jazzguts]

@blacklistedin Indeed it's complicated only the "Die-Hearts" with persistence will get the job done,just keep working at it,Vic.

[jpdel31]

cool

[theHellzapoppin]

you play it really good. it's not so easy to try such a piece. congratulations.

[Jazzguts]

@theHellzapoppin Thank you, yes playing should always be an adventure and learning process,greets Vic.

[Pisest]

Like water rolling over pebbles.

[Jazzguts]

@Pisest Thanks that's a nice comparison,greets Vic.

[Dragor306]

Really enjoying how you get around those chromatic ii-Vs.

Seems far to easy, effortless :)

[Jazzguts]

@Dragor306 I see you know what you're talking about,brother all that seems effortless is quite different, serious work,Vic.

[Dragor306]

@Jazzguts keep up the good work then :)

Bix

[Jazzguts]

@Dragor306 Yes man we can't do but follow our Karma and do it as goos as possible (Zen).

[94Ctran94]

You're really good!! Pleasure to my ears :D

[Jazzguts]

@94Ctran94 Well thank you, my objective has always been,playing myself, Vic.

[piemalicho]

Hi VIc

Why dont you add double note?

[Jazzguts]

@piemalicho , You mean octaves,I like that but it isn't a necessity to always do that,I do it when I feel like it,greets Vic.

[BiaginiAlessandro]

nice stuff!!

[wonimnotwen]

Just saw this - Very nice.

Nothing like Wes to explore the fretboard with, eh ?

:) Me too.

[Jazzguts]

@wonimnotwen Thanks,indeed good stuff for studying and further exploration,greetings Vic.

[djEssatu]

your right hand is amazing, too relax & too smooth. Great job!!!

[Jazzguts]

@djEssatu Thanks a lot,worked hard at those,glad you enjoyed,Vic.

[iamchris1000]

that was great, i love your tone too

[Jazzguts]

@iamchris1000 Thanks and welcome to my Music,vic.

[daddigrat]

Hello,

good job, do you have some tabs of it ?

[Jazzguts]

@daddigrat Today I've decided not to do Tabs anymore,I worked my balls off scoring 20 fingerstyle tunes,and when I ask a fee for my work(which I think is normal) nobody's willing to pay, and expecting everything for free, so this deal is off for me I'm sorry,Vic.

[daddigrat]

@Jazzguts nevermind, your work is great !

[daddigrat]

Hello !

I like your improvisation, have you some tabs of this ?

[micheledc]

BRAVO!

[manixman333]

Diggin it Vic, my Dad was a huge Jazz lover, my first love of Jazz came from the group Chicago, i eased into it, i love Brubeck, Plas Johnson of Pink Panther fame etc. etc., thanks for your smooth talent!

[Jazzguts]

@manixman333 Thanks, Jazz is such a great heritage from America and I dig all the great American and European Jazz players,all the best Vic.

[wethepeople469]

nice and smooth....

[Jazzguts]

@wethepeople469  Thanks for listening,greets Vic.

[eatme765wes]

Very nice playing Vic

[Jazzguts]

@eatme765wes thanks enjoy the rest of my music,always welcome,Vic.

[mrbarber76]

Love your chromatics on this song. That's something i've been trying to work on lately. It's always been something i've lacked in my playing so i'm trying to develop it.

[Jazzguts]

@mrbarber76 thanks, chromatics are indeed an important ingredient in Jazz making the notes flow and resolve,thanks for tuning in,Vic.

[toadblue]

Sweet. This has always been my Christmas song ever since I got the album by Wes on Xmas when I was actually young. Very nice...hell it's great!!!

[Jazzguts]

Thanks toadblue,it remains a very nice and creative Blues composition,great 2010, Vic.

[PTBYOOJ]

Smooth!

I have yet to find an even remotely correct tab of this song on the internet. Do you know of a good one?

[Jazzguts]

PtBYOOJ,thanks,purchase the New vocal RealBook a in depth work and the Artists will also earn something instead of giving everything for free,greets Vic.

[SIRONEDRAGON]

Vic Very Cool feel on your solo.. Great leading tones.. : )

[Jazzguts]

Thanks a lot Ken, great you checked out my version, X'mas greetings Vic.

[SIRONEDRAGON]

Vic I saw it about a year ago before i joined YT.. THOUGHT IT was cool then also. MERRY CHRISTMAS..

[shecky308]

Hi,can you give me the specs of your gb-20.how wide is the wood between the bindings ? thanks.

[TokayES145]

Victor, are you using a Ibanez GB10 or what? Could you tell me what amp are you using?. I'm trying to produce this kind of jazz sound. Thanks.

[Jazzguts]

Tokay, This is a GB20 taken out of production but the GB10 is still available. when I record I go straight in my little Soundcraft mixer where I adjust my EQ setting slightly, this signal goes straight into my PC,greets Vic.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks joshfbs, great having you here and listening,Vic.

[johnnyguitarcarson]

Hey them some great guts

[Jazzguts]

Thanks johnnyguitarcarson, Wes remains a great inspiration up to this day. all the best,Vic.

[beatlesfan129]

Thank you for sharing.

[Jazzguts]

You're welcome beatlesfan129, greets Vic.

[tcl518]

quality. excellent phrasing sir.

[Jazzguts]

Hi tcl518,thanks glad you enjoyed,Vic.

[Seagerash]

too slow ! great guitar tone though

[Jazzguts]

Hi seageresh,tempo is a relative thing,I even heard Wes play this in slow tempo,so in my opinion there's no too slow or too Fast,Jazz is freedom in tempo choice,greets Vic.

[CoolDogWalter]

Guts,

That sounds awesome, what a pleasure to listen to your playing and the beautiful tone of your guitar. For us guitar nerds, can you say a few words about your guitar and setup? Thx and appreciate the video.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks CooldogWalter, I might do a Vid on that some day, although I must say I keep things fairly simple not much gadgets and all that Stuff,check out more music on my channel, Vic.

[Tbonetardis]

Awesome playing - really wonderful restraint and phrasing. Could you do a simple lesson on jazz phrases/scales/arpeggios over a 12 bar blues?

I play fairly straight blues (slow blues noodle video on my channel) but I would love to expand my playing into a more jazz realm. I don't have hours of time to study jazz 'thoroughly' these days unfortunately!

[Jazzguts]

Hi Tbone,

I have made some usefull jazzlessons you can check out on my channel, I'm busy with lessons on my own website that will discuss many concepts in depth, these takle lots of time to devellop so they will have to be paid for,greets Vic.

[Tbonetardis]

Hi Jazzguts, thanks for getting back - more than happy to pay for more detailed lessons - Please let me know when they're ready on your site! As said, time is limited for me, so any lessons which cover the basics would be good - especially related to jazz-blues - thx T

[Jazzguts]

Sorry johnny,'for me it's the old fashioned ear-work,I have no chart or Tabs available,greets Vic.

[johnnyguitar34]

do you have a chart or tab for this arrangement, beautiful.

[mqblues]

Nice blues tone on the guitar and your phrasing is clean and elegant. Best of luck.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks mqblues,glad you enjoyed my playing also all the best to you,Vic.

[lukeroxs08080808080]

to slow, this is like a bed time song. you need it a lot faster, it's ment to be a lot faster.

[Jazzguts]

Not totally true,Wes also played it in many tempos depending on his Mood,greets Vic.

[Acefrehley667]

thanks man! your video helped me alot to check out this song!

ps: nice tone!

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Ace.. glad to be of help, very welcome,Vic.

[johnnyguitar34]

Hey Vic do you live in POrtland Oregon?

[Jazzguts]

No johhny I live in Holland, that's quite far away from you,greetings Vic.

[johnnyguitarcarson]

I do not know who that Johnny is , but this Johnny knows you are in Holland,

I personally have taken the Ferry from

Hook van Holland to Gottenburg many times, and have done other things in Amsterdam

I have friends in most of Scandanavia and Amsterdam

The Real "Johnny"

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Cody, I'll meditate on your comment, glad you enjoy my Jazz tunes,greets Vic.

[codyr222]

Vic - On balance, you're probably the best guitar player I've heard on youtube. While you're style is super smooth, melodic, and tasteful, you might consider swinging a little bit harder and accenting the 2 and 4-beats more. Listen to Charlie Christian - he swings like its going out of style. As I was watching this video, I was thinking to myself: if this guy swung harder, he would be ridiculously good. Anyway, thanks for the great tunes.

[rocwilly]

One of my favourite favourites Vic - you make it look so easy - very nice indeed -keep playing this beautiful music.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks rocwilly, I'll keep playing if you keep listening,lol,greets Vic.

[KENOEFF]

cool Vic,5*

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Kenoeff always welcome,Vic.

[D1TVJ]

You are touching those strings so gently.........loved it. I have often heard guitar talking, screaming, squealing but I must say yours sings beautifully. Great.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks D1TVJ, for your kind chosen words, I've always enjoyed the intimacy of the Jazz guitar, it has nothing to do with Machismo, rather the intimate expression of the mind and Soul,greets Vic.

[Trevor2405]

Great improvisation..

And what a great guitar!

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Trevor, I'll take this guitar along in my Coffin that's for sure, LOL,greets Vic.

[Virons2]

Great Improvisation on this changes!~

I like your melodic line :D

have you thought about making a ver with the same tempo ?

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Virons2,please tell me what you mean with "Ver" ,I don't understand,greets Vic.

[Virons2]

By Ver i intended to say Version , the original version is a high tempo style blues waltz, as you know .. I was asking if you thought about playing in the original temp

cheers liad

[Jazzguts]

Well liad, I know several versions by Wes where he  plays it in medium tempo, I was referring to those here, maybe in the future I might do a faster one,cheers Vic.

[5caudillos]

Great playing. Makes me want to dust off the ol' electric! Where did you get the tracks?

[Jazzguts]

Thanks 5caudillos, Wes IS and will always BE a great inspiration, I use B.I.B. (band in a box for Mac) (new version) to create my own backing tracks, thanks for checking me out,much appreciated, Greets Vic.

[neijia906]

Awesome!! Killer Cover Musicman!5/5 Man

[Jazzguts]

Thanks, neijia906, for your support,Vic.

[coolness108108]

Did you go to school? Have you heard of Berklee?

[Jazzguts]

Coolness, I went to Amsterdam conservatory, and before that years of playing and "free-thinking" if you know what I mean<vic.

[fenderz1]

oh ok, yeh i'm familiar with the various modes. I just don't understand the idea of changing modes depending on the chords... eg: what mode would i play (does Wes play) over Bb7 and then does it change for the Ab7, Bm7 and Eb7... If you know what i mean (to memory those are the chords) Thankyou I appreciate it.

[Jazzguts]

Fenderz1, from every chord I know the chord, scale and arpeggio(broken chord) in 5 practical positions,so I can easily connect the various modulating chords. I mean Bb mixolydian to As mixo to E7 mixo and so forth,greets Vic. ( I've trained my memory and ears to great extent).

[irunfasta]

Wow thats pretty amazing...Welldone man

[Jazzguts]

Thanks irunfasta, always welcome to my Music,greets Vic.

[fenderz1]

I loved it, great feel. I'm playing this song in my band however im having a bit of trouble with jazz improv, it turns out just sounding like normal improv, if you know what i mean. How do you get that real jazzy sound? Is it through the use of different modes or is there some sort of formula, because whenever i chuck in any chromatics etc it just ends up sounding dodgy. Any tips? Cheers

[Jazzguts]

Hi fenderz1, well I analyzed several solo's from Wes Montgomery and he uses various modes,he actually changes mode with every chord (lot's of mixolydian and arpeggio like Stuff) your Tools have to be really good in your fingers to play this Stuff, if your repertoire is only pentatonic Stuff you wont get far here,with all respect,greets Vic.

[RudyHHH]

Jazzguts:

I did find sheet music for this song and will start learning it as soon as I've gotten good with a Larry Carlton piece I am learning now.

My guitar is a Gibson ES335 and amp is a Mesa Express tube amp with a clean channel. Can you recommend how I might get good jazz tone out of this equipment?

I may want to get a jazz box at some point, but not soon. Can you recommend a model that is not boutique expensive, but is considered good for the purpose?

[Jazzguts]

Hi RudyHHH, I think you have to look at this in a different way, if you're hearing your desired sound in your mind,you'll go for that, let's say you want a warm Jazz tone, cut the treble, enhance the Mid frequency and bass (not too much else it will sound boomy), Your ES 335 is not only a great Rock-Blues guitar but also very suitable for Jazz,nothing wrong with that, Greets Vic.

[RudyHHH]

Thank you, Vic. I tried the treble and midrange adjustments and that worked. It sounds very "jazzy" that way. I thought there was more to it than that.

Thank you for your time, and for your help.

[stipecountry]

I love it! Wes Montgomery is definitely one of my favorite jazz guitarists...do you also like Django Reinhardt, by any chance?

[Jazzguts]

Hi Stipe... sure I love Reinhardt, very influential guitarist, very creative and far beyond his time, greetings Vic.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Rudy,I prepared it all by ear from Wes recording(nothing written down) but I know there's a very good score in the "New Vocal Real Book' those scores are very reliable(I don't own this book) greets Vic.

[RudyHHH]

Thank you for the advice on where to find sheet music to start with. I don't think I would have thought to look there. Good luck!

[RudyHHH]

Excellent and skilled playing. I really appreciate your fine work.

Is your rendition of this song taken from available sheet music, or did you prepare the arrangement yourself? I would like to find the sheet music for this song so I can learn it.

Thanks.

[EricAndrewWallace]

Nice, I love your vids! Where do you get your backing tracks?

[Jazzguts]

Hi thanks, Eric I make them myself in B.I.B. (band in a box) a very consumer friendly software program,a good investment,greets Vic.

[viniguitarjazz]

wow !!!

[inizzam2008]

Victor, pordría decirme que Guitarra utilizas y que pickups tiene. Unidos a tu manera de tocar, el sonido es muy, muy bueno.

Y ademas, consejos para la improvisación?

Estoy preparando este tema. Gracias

[Jazzguts]

inizzam, la guitara es un Ibanez George Benson ( no se producen mas) he cambiada el pick up por un Seymour Duncan humbucker (me gusta este sonido mas). Bueno hay muchas modulationes aqui y has que saber todo los tonalidades y specialmente, mixolydian,exito con el tema,saludos Vic.

[inizzam2008]

Otra vez gracias.

[inizzam2008]

Una version estupenda¡¡¡ Gracias

[Jazzguts]

Muchas Gracias inizzam2008 por tu commentario muy positivo,saludos Victor desde Hollanda.

[tarsier31]

Very very nice !

Tasteful, accurate, smooth, ...

Perfectly in tune ! ;o)

Your best impro to me.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks tarsier31, it remains a great Blues to play, greets Vic.

[theonendonlie]

Is this the newest version of Band in the Box?

[Jazzguts]

No,but when you play good it sounds good,lol greets Vic.

[sneathsadie]

wow

beautiful job

every note's a winner!

any chance of getting a transcription of your solo?

thanks

ted

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Ted,well I started Tabbing my finger-style arrangements,but if I have to start Tabbing all my improvisations I'd have to have another lifetime,besides everybody on the Tube wants everything for free,who'\se going to pay all those hours,LOL,greets Vic.

[Jazzguts]

thanks,bbewno1. Glad you feel better, Jazz and Music have great healing powers and should be integrated in society much more,greets Vic.

[joepius]

geïnspireerd, en inspirerend ! :)

[Jazzguts]

Dank je joepius, 2 woorden die zeer veel betekenend zijn, ik waardeer het zeer,groet Vic.

[WROGIE80]

Simply terrific. Great work

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Wrogie80 ,much appreciated man,greets Vic.

[bokadude]

This is sweet. Very nice,man.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks bokadude, Wes will always remain a source of great information for every serious guitarist in Jazz,greets Vic.

[facuac99]

Hi Jazzguts!

I play and study double bass and I always put this video and practice walking playing along with you, it's been really useful for me. Thank you for this wonderful piece of music, it's so smooth and relaxing.. simply beautiful!

Sorry for my english, it's just that i am from Argentina so i speak spanish and writing in english it's not the best thing i can do really..haha.

Thanks again!

[Jazzguts]

Thanks facuac99,you're very welcome, the music of Wes will always be there,and I'm very glad I can be of assistance in your learning process,keep on playing a great 2009 to you,Vic.

[grainman9]

Peacfull. I can't believe the tone. It has the thumb/all downstroke sound.

An inspiration.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks grainman9 I remarked not striking the string too hard has that effect,Greetings Vic.

[Roger59Dodge]

Very Nice, Enjoyed this More than other Famous Guitarist, Not Pretentious, Trying to get Lots and Lots of notes in. Nice and relaxed Natural Flow to your Playing, Very Musical.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Roger,since I became a man of ZEN I'm living in this fashion,letting the music take it's natural course like a river flowing to the sea,very good comment it's the truth, Greetings Vic.

[Powerslider]

Beautiful man! respect.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Power,always welcome to my channel,Vic.

[symodiezel]

Nice, i am also learning this tune from the Best of Wes Montgomery book, just started it today and am on to the solo 1st chorus, its amazing how just from studying a small section the possibilities that open up for improvisation on other tunes, the stuff that sticks in your head and my ear is getting better, finding the right notes on changes without thinking, its great.

[Jazzguts]

Hi symodiezel, it's true what you say,all music is related to eachother and when you practice one real good,you have an advantage for all to come, like they say in Zen: from one thing know 10.000 things,greets Vic.

[nickdrake1984]

Hi Jazzguts!

i am practicing this tune with my teacher at the moment, and yor video has been so important to me, i finaly got the fast runs(for me:)) at bar 7-8 and 17-21 right because i can se your fingerwork clearly, sometimes, because i´m not very good at reading music, it helps alot to se the fingers i action.

Great playing by the way, and nice sound.

[Jazzguts]

Hi nickdrake, good man,keep practicing and with a good teacher there to explain the theory,you should get the splendid job done,all the best,Vic.

[theguitarplayedaman]

great, my absolute favorite by the Wes

[Jazzguts]

Thanks guitarplay.... wes an absolute inspiration,great personality,greets Vic.

[Brogan777]

Hey..very nice! Where did you get the backing track from? Got my uni audition & im doig this piece but cant find a backing track! ha

[Jazzguts]

Hi Brogann,if you purchase the B.I.B. (band in a box) you can make all your backing tracks yourself, great Software,no I'm not a shareholder,LOL,greets Vic.

[mjazzeki]

We are all different when playing. Just look at Pat Metheny when he plays. As Vic says, it is the music which matters.

Very nice work. I loved your version of West Coast Blues.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks mjazzeki, totally agreed, some people(with all respect) are too caught up in the "Outside" part of things. When someone receives a gift he's only looking at the wrapping paper but not seeing the gift itself,greets Vic.

[callasexperience]

you must smile just like wes and never look and you neck

[Jazzguts]

Well calla.. Wes was Wes and I'm not as good as him but got lot's of inspiration from him though, it's not how I look it's how the Music sounds,isn't ? Vic.

[SUNNYD3322]

Very well done Vic. Nice version.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Sunny, nice that you're into Jazz too,greets Vic,

[jazzlouie]

hi, i love this version, its amazing:) im only 15 and im really into jazz, im starting to play this song and will hopefully play like this one day:)

[Jazzguts]

Hi Jazzlouie,let the feeling enter your ears and Soul,cause that's what Jazz is all about,always listen to all players you can find in this style and practice a lot,I'm certain you'll reach there,have patience,greets Vic.

[Jazzguts]

Thanks frubbo,I have a nice arrangement of Fly me to that I might post soon,greets vic.

[SUNNYD3322]

I am very eager to hear yours as I am working on it right now;)

[Jazzguts]

Hi Sunny, it will be coming in a while,all the best,and succes with your version,Vic.

[frubbo]

Wow this was really really good

ever consider playing wes Montgomery's version of fly me to the moon cos u would be amazing at it

[mikesis23]

just one word... Amazing!!!

I play on guitar only some metal shits, but this really inspired me!! I am going to jazz :D

Beautiful clean sound... Thank you for that...

[Jazzguts]

Thanks Mike,I never want to impose anything on anybody,but I'm glad many younger people are getting interested in the Art of Jazz playing,it's music with great harmonic and melodic depth but demands much discipline,greets Vic.

[masville]

Love your feeling and the tone of your guitar. For some of us novices in the intricacies of this wonderful instrument this is a real inspiration. Do you use any kind of effect or a particular amp setting to achieve this warm, full sound?

Cheers and keep posting!

[Jazzguts]

Hi Masville,I use no effects just a little reverb,the instrument is important,the strings,011 flatwound,I raise the bass(5)mid (4) and treble(4)that's about it,greets Vic.

[stormbringer67]

Very well played,respect to you!

What is the guitar brand?