
About Gypsy Jazz: All of Me:
Pioneered by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in the 1930’s, this distinctive and uniquely European branch of jazz has since spread across the world. For a string player, it is probably the most accessible and popular type of jazz. In this lesson, we will look at the jazz standard – All of Me:
(1) How to make the melody fresh, relaxed and swinging. Breaking up longer notes. Linking phrases and Rolls.
(2) Understanding and using the chords: Root, 3rd, 5th and 7th. Playing the arpeggios. Work through a series of exercises and picking out different parts of the chord. Learn how to turn arpeggios into licks.
(3) Learn some classic Grappelli licks that will work on this tune.
(4) Look at some general points to keep your improvisation interesting. Phrasing and pauses. Bowing- length and position. Repetition.
LEVEL REQUIREMENTS: You will need to be able to read music to a moderate standard, and have a basic understanding of music theory- chords, scales and intervals.

Chris Haigh
Chris Haigh has played on over 100 albums, working with artists as diverse as Bob Geldof, Morcheeba, Alison Moyet, Najma Akhtar, Michael Ball, and Oumou Sangari. He has played at private parties for Paul McCartney, Sting and Elton John, has filled the Albert Hall with goth rockers All about Eve, and appeared at the Hammersmith Apollo with Riverdance. Read More About Chris→