Take your time with each lesson. Do not move on to lesson 2 until you have mastered lesson 1.
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The second half transitions into single-note lines, runs, and solos. Baker provides pre-written licks over common chord progressions. The goal here is to build an internal vocabulary of jazz phrasing. How to Practice Mickey Baker (and Avoid Burnout)
One of the key features that sets Baker's course apart is its emphasis on the practical application of jazz theory. Baker was a master of making complex concepts accessible, and his lessons are filled with musical examples and exercises that illustrate key ideas. He also introduced a range of innovative techniques, such as using chord shapes to create melodic lines and exploiting the guitar's fretboard to create extended chords and altered dominants.
The chord voicings Baker uses require significant finger stretching and hand strength, building immediate physical dexterity.
Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar is widely considered one of the most influential "default" texts for learning the instrument. First published in 1955, it remains a gold standard for building the muscle memory and "old school" chord vocabulary used by players like Robben Ford and Randy Bachman. Jazz Guitar Online Why It Is a "Good Text" Action-Oriented Simplicity
Because he cut his teeth in competitive recording studios, his teaching style reflects real-world necessity. Baker doesn't waste time on abstract music theory. Instead, he hands you the exact chords and lines you need to survive a professional jazz gig. Why This 1955 Book Remains Relevant Today
Many students buy the book, open Lesson 1, look at the 26 complex chord fingerings, experience finger cramps, and put the book away forever.
Mickey Baker was a jazz guitarist, composer, and educator who was active in the music scene from the 1940s to the 1980s. He was known for his unique playing style, which blended elements of swing, bebop, and Latin music. Baker was also a prolific writer and educator, and his method book, "Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar," has become a classic in the world of jazz guitar.
By forcing you to use your ears and fingers immediately, the book builds muscle memory and real-time intuition. You learn how jazz sounds and feels before you get bogged down in why it works theoretically. Key Highlights of Volume 1
Lesson 1 introduces 26 distinct chord fingerings. These include major 6ths, minor 7ths, dominant 7b9s, major 9ths, and diminished chords. Baker expects you to memorize these shapes immediately.
It is split into two distinct parts: