http://www.miamijazzguitar.com/signature-series.html This is the 4th in a series of videos featuring the style of the legendary gypsy swing guitarist, Django Reinhardt. About the Jazz Guitarist's Signature Series: Each lesson explores the improvisational style of an influential artist within the history of jazz guitar. This is done through a short transcribed phrase, most likely played over a reoccurring harmonic cadence (eg. II-V-I). About Django Reinhardt: During the 1930's in Europe another important movement known as "Gypsy Swing "surfaced among jazz aficionados. It was inspired by Belgium born guitarist, Jean "Django" Reinhardt. Also known as "manouche jazz", its orchestration consisted of guitar (usually 2), violin, accordion, clarinet and upright bass. The percussive nature of the drums was replaced by a rhythm guitar technique known as "la pompe". Another peculiar characteristic of this style is the use of mainly 2 and 3 finger chord structures instead of standard barre chords on guitar. This is to emulate the unique style Django Reinhardt developed in order to play chords as a result of a hand injury. At the age of 18, Reinhard's caravan caught on fire and two of his left hands fingers were badly burned. Although he was able to relearn how to execute his single string solos at blazing tempos with only 2 fingers, his remaining digits were reserved for a limited physical role in the formation of chords. As a result Django's chords consisted of only the essential notes. In 1934, Reinhardt and Parisian violinist Stéphane Grappelli formed the "Quintette du Hot Club de France". The guitars used by Django and the Hot Club of France, the Selmer Maccaferri, are the first commercially available guitars with a cutaway. This was the first time a steel reinforced neck was employed. Many luthiers consider them to be among the finest guitars ever made. Django Reinhardt died…
