So, fellow guitar enthusiasts! If you’re into smooth jazz and looking to improve your playing, then you’re in for a treat. 

I recently received Smooth Jazz: Guitar Play-Along Volume 124 (Bk/Online Audio) (Hal Leonard Guitar Play-Along, 124). Based on my experience, I have some thoughts to share with you. This book comes with online audio, so you can play along with the tracks and really hone your skills. Stick around as I break down the pros and cons and give you my quick verdict on this product.

Pros and Cons

What We Liked

  • The tabs are incredibly accurate, and I could easily replicate the smooth jazz sound.
  • This book offers a fantastic variety of tunes in a wide range of styles within the smooth jazz genre.
  • The high gloss cover and overall book quality make it a durable and long-lasting addition to my collection.
  • The online audio is a great tool for practicing and brings the music to life while playing along.
  • This book is a fantastic learning tool for anyone looking to improve their smooth jazz guitar skills.

What Can Be Improved

  • Unfortunately, the Kindle version of this book does not include online audio. This was a major downside for me.
  • There were a few missing pages in the physical book, which was slightly disappointing.

Quick Verdict

Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to delve into the world of smooth jazz guitar. Check it out here and start jamming!

Specifications

  • Publication date: July 1, 2019.
  • Print length: 72 pages.
  • Part of series: Guitar Play-Along.
  • Best Sellers Rank: See Top 100 in Books.
  • Dimensions: 9 x 0.18 x 12 inches.
  • Item Weight: 8.8 ounces.
  • ISBN-13: 978-1495078965.
  • ISBN-10: 1495078965.
  • Paperback: 72 pages.
  • Language: English.
  • Publisher: Hal Leonard (July 1, 2019).

Documentation/ User Guide

The user guide provided detailed instructions on how to access the online audio content. It also explained how to use it effectively while practicing. It was really helpful in enhancing my learning experience. You can access the user guide here.

Features – What We Found

Comprehensive Guitar Play-Along Book

Smooth Jazz: Guitar Play-Along Volume 124 contains a comprehensive book that includes sheet music and tablature for each song. Thanks to this, I can follow along and learn the smooth jazz tunes on my guitar. The book also provides background information about the songs and the artists. This gives me a deeper understanding of the music I am playing.

Pro-tip: Use the included sheet music and tablature to practice each song slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the music.

Online Audio Tracks

The online audio tracks provided with the book allow you to listen to the full performance of each song. Better yet, you can play along with a professional band. This feature brings the music to life and helps me understand the style and feel of smooth jazz. This way, I can replicate the sound on my guitar with ease.

You can access the online audio tracks by visiting the product link here.

Interactive Learning Experience

With the combination of the comprehensive book and online audio tracks, I enjoy an interactive learning experience that enhances my guitar skills. The ability to play along with the band helps me improve my timing, phrasing, and overall musicality. Meanwhile, the book provides essential guidance and information to support my learning journey.

Professional Backing Tracks

The online audio tracks feature professional backing tracks that create an authentic smooth jazz atmosphere. Playing along with these tracks certainly improves my guitar skills. More importantly, it allows me to experience what it’s like to perform with a band, enhancing my overall musicianship.

Pro-tip: Pay close attention to the dynamics and nuances of the backing tracks. Try to incorporate them into your own playing for a more expressive performance.

Enhanced Musical Understanding

The combination of the play-along book and online audio tracks offers an in-depth look at the smooth jazz genre. They help you understand the musical elements and techniques that define this style.

By playing along with the tracks and studying the sheet music, you can develop a deeper appreciation for smooth jazz and expand your musical repertoire.

Understanding the musical theory behind smooth jazz can also help you apply similar concepts to other genres. In doing so, it broadens your musical abilities as a guitarist.

Scores and Review

Our Score: 89.0

As a fan of smooth jazz and a guitarist, I love the Smooth Jazz: Guitar Play-Along Volume 124 book. The tablature for Ronnie Jordan’s After Hours is spot on and has helped me learn the song in a way that I never thought was possible. The book also features other amazing smooth jazz tunes that bring back memories of Smooth Jazz 95.5. I highly recommend this book to any guitarist who enjoys playing smooth jazz classics. You can find the book here.

The sound quality and writing of the book is top-notch. The high gloss cover and well-organized tabs make learning and playing these smooth jazz tunes pleasant. The compilation of tunes in this book is fantastic. It can definitely increase your technique and musicality as a guitarist. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, this book is a valuable addition to your collection. It’s also a great learning tool for those who want to delve into the world of smooth jazz guitar.

One thing to note is that if you plan to buy the Kindle version, be aware that the audio is not included. However, if you opt for the physical book with online audio access, you won’t be disappointed.

Overall, Smooth Jazz: Guitar Play-Along Volume 124 has been a fantastic addition to my music library. I believe it can make a difference in the playing style of any guitarist who appreciates the soothing impact of smooth jazz. So, grab a copy, pick up your guitar, and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of smooth jazz.

Best Combination

If you enjoy learning and playing the smooth jazz tunes from Smooth Jazz: Guitar Play-Along Volume 124, I highly recommend adding Jazz Greats: Guitar Play-Along Volume 44 to your collection. This book features iconic jazz songs and provides a fantastic opportunity for you to expand your guitar skills and repertoire.

With the Jazz Greats book, you can explore a diverse range of jazz styles, from classic standards to contemporary favorites. The included play-along tracks will further enhance your practice sessions. They enable you to sharpen your rhythm and timing while experiencing the thrill of performing with a professional band.

By incorporating both Smooth Jazz: Guitar Play-Along Volume 124 and Jazz Greats: Guitar Play-Along Volume 44 into your practice routine, you can hone your skills across different jazz subgenres. This will make you a versatile and well-rounded guitarist. So, don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your jazz guitar playing with this fantastic combination!

Alternatives To Consider

When considering purchasing ‘Smooth Jazz: Guitar Play-Along Volume 124’, it’s important to explore all your options to find the product that best suits your needs. While the main product may be a great choice for many, alternative products that offer unique features and benefits may be more suitable for you.

If you’re looking for a different approach to learning jazz guitar, you might want to consider W75G – First Place For Jazz – Guitar. This product offers a comprehensive guide to jazz guitar techniques. Plus, it includes a variety of play-along tracks to help you master the genre.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in exploring a different style of music, Guitar Play Along: Volume 23: Blues Classics could be the perfect fit for you. This product offers many guitar play-along tracks in a different genre, providing a fresh and diverse learning experience.

For those seeking a more interactive learning experience, Jazz Guitar – Hal Leonard Guitar Method Book/Online Audio offers online audio features. These allow you to play along with professional musicians and enhance your skills in a dynamic and engaging way.

Additionally, Rock Classics – Guitar Play-Along Volume 14 and Blues Rock: Guitar Play-Along Vol. 28 are also excellent alternatives. They provide unique benefits that may better align with your specific musical goals.

Ultimately, it’s essential to consider all available options and choose the product that resonates with you and supports your musical journey. Exploring these alternate products can help you make a well-informed decision. This makes it easier to find the perfect fit for your individual needs.

For more reviews on the best jazz resources, check out DLK Lounge.