George Van Eps Guitar Method

George Van Eps Guitar Method: Unlocking the Secrets of the Seven-String Jazz Guitar

george van eps guitar method has long been celebrated among jazz guitarists and

enthusiasts for its innovative approach and profound impact on jazz guitar playing. Known

as the “father of the seven-string guitar,” George Van Eps brought a unique harmonic and

melodic perspective that transformed the way guitarists approach the instrument. His

method, steeped in deep knowledge of harmony and ﬁngerstyle technique, remains a

treasure trove for those seeking to elevate their jazz guitar skills.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the essence of the George Van Eps guitar method,

exploring its historical context, core principles, and practical techniques. Whether you’re a

seasoned player or a curious learner, understanding his approach can open new doors in

your musical journey.

The Origins of the George Van Eps Guitar Method

George Van Eps was not just a guitarist; he was a pioneer who expanded the guitar’s

capabilities by introducing the seven-string guitar in jazz music. Born in 1913, Van Eps

initially played the six-string guitar but soon felt limited by the instrument’s range. He

added a low A string, creating the seven-string guitar that allowed him to play bass lines,

chords, and melodies simultaneously—a revolutionary concept at the time.

His method emerged from a lifetime of experimentation, combining classical ﬁngerstyle

techniques with jazz harmony. The George Van Eps guitar method is essentially a

comprehensive system that integrates melody, harmony, and bass into a seamless ﬂow,

enabling solo guitarists to achieve a full, orchestral sound.

Core Principles of the George Van Eps Guitar Method

1. The Seven-String Guitar Advantage

At the heart of the method is the seven-string guitar itself. Unlike the standard six-string

guitar, the additional low A string provides an extended bass range. This allows guitarists

to play walking bass lines underneath chord voicings or melodic lines, eﬀectively

functioning as a self-contained ensemble.

Van Eps advocated for the use of this extended range to create rich, contrapuntal

textures. His method teaches players how to integrate the bass line with chordal

accompaniment and melody, which is essential for solo jazz guitar playing.

2. Fingerstyle Technique and Independence

Van Eps’ technique emphasizes ﬁngerstyle playing, which allows for greater independence

between the thumb and ﬁngers. The thumb typically handles the bass notes on the lower

strings, while the ﬁngers play chords and melody on the higher strings.

This approach requires developing coordination and independence, similar to a pianist’s

hands working separately. His method includes exercises designed to build this skill,

making it easier to perform complex polyphonic lines.

3. Harmonic Sophistication

One of the distinctive features of the George Van Eps guitar method is its advanced

harmonic vocabulary. Van Eps was deeply inﬂuenced by classical harmony and jazz

theory, merging them to create lush chord voicings and smooth voice leading.

His chord shapes often involve close intervals and inner movement, which provide a

ﬂowing, orchestral quality. The method encourages players to think vertically and

horizontally—understanding chords as part of a progression and focusing on the

movement of individual voices within the harmony.

Practical Applications of the George Van Eps Guitar Method

Developing Walking Bass Lines

A key element of the method is mastering walking bass lines on the seven-string guitar.

This skill enables guitarists to outline the harmonic foundation while simultaneously

playing chords and melodies.

To practice this, Van Eps suggested starting with simple bass lines on the low strings,

gradually adding chord tones on top. This layering technique helps build independence

and enriches the texture.

Chord-Melody Playing

Van Eps’ approach to chord-melody combines melody and harmony seamlessly. His

method teaches players to voice chords around the melody note, ensuring the tune

remains clear while the accompaniment provides harmonic support.

This technique is particularly useful for solo guitarists performing standards or ballads,

providing a full and expressive sound without additional instruments.

Voice Leading and Inner Movement

Smooth voice leading is a hallmark of Van Eps’ style. His method stresses the importance

of moving individual chord voices by small intervals to create natural transitions between

chords.

Practicing voice leading not only improves harmonic coherence but also enhances the

musicality of chord progressions. Exercises in the method help players internalize these

movements, making them second nature.

Why Modern Guitarists Still Study the George Van Eps Guitar

Method

Despite being developed decades ago, the George Van Eps guitar method remains highly

relevant today. Its emphasis on harmonic depth, ﬁngerstyle independence, and the

expanded range of the seven-string guitar continues to inﬂuence jazz guitar pedagogy.

Many contemporary jazz guitarists credit Van Eps’ method for helping them achieve a

fuller sound and greater musical freedom. The ability to play bass, harmony, and melody

simultaneously is invaluable for solo performers and composers alike.

Moreover, the method’s focus on classical principles combined with jazz improvisation

oﬀers a well-rounded musical education. This blend equips guitarists with tools to

navigate complex chord changes and create inventive arrangements.

Tips for Incorporating the George Van Eps Guitar Method into

Your Practice

If you’re interested in exploring the George Van Eps guitar method, here are some

practical tips to get started:

Invest in a Seven-String Guitar: While it’s possible to apply some concepts on a

six-string, the full method shines on a seven-string instrument due to its extended

bass range.

Focus on Finger Independence: Develop thumb and ﬁnger coordination through

dedicated ﬁngerstyle exercises to handle simultaneous bass and chord playing.

Learn Voice Leading: Practice moving individual chord tones smoothly between

chords, paying attention to inner voices and bass lines.

Transcribe Van Eps’ Recordings: Listening and transcribing his solos and chord-

melody arrangements can provide insight into his harmonic approach.

Study Jazz Harmony: Strengthen your understanding of chord substitutions,

scales, and progressions to fully grasp the harmonic sophistication of the method.

Resources to Explore the George Van Eps Guitar Method Further

For guitarists eager to dive deeper, several resources can help you master the George

Van Eps guitar method:

Instructional Books: Van Eps authored “The George Van Eps Guitar Method,” a

comprehensive book that covers technique, harmony, and exercises.

Video Lessons and Tutorials: Various jazz guitar educators provide lessons

inspired by Van Eps’ approach, often available on platforms like YouTube.

Recordings: Listening to Van Eps’ albums oﬀers practical examples of his method

in action.

Online Forums and Communities: Engaging with jazz guitar forums can connect

you with players who study and apply the method, oﬀering tips and feedback.

Embracing the George Van Eps guitar method means committing to a higher level of

musicality and technical proﬁciency. It challenges guitarists to think beyond conventional

playing and to explore the full potential of the instrument. Whether for solo performance,

composition, or improvisation, this method provides a rich framework for artistic growth.

Question

Answer

What is the George Van

Eps Guitar Method?

The George Van Eps Guitar Method is a comprehensive

instructional system designed by jazz guitarist George Van

Eps, focusing on seven-string guitar techniques, chord

melodies, and advanced harmonic concepts.

Why is George Van Eps

notable in the guitar

community?

George Van Eps is notable for pioneering the seven-string

guitar, expanding the instrument's range, and for his

sophisticated approach to chordal playing and jazz

harmony, which he detailed in his guitar method.

Does the George Van Eps

Guitar Method cover

seven-string guitar

techniques?

Yes, the method extensively covers seven-string guitar

techniques, including voicings, ﬁngerings, and how to

utilize the extra bass string eﬀectively in jazz contexts.

Is the George Van Eps

Guitar Method suitable for

beginners?

The method is generally geared towards intermediate to

advanced guitarists due to its complexity and focus on jazz

harmony and seven-string guitar techniques, but motivated

beginners can also beneﬁt from its foundational concepts.

Where can I ﬁnd the

George Van Eps Guitar

Method book or materials?

The method book and related materials can be found

through music retailers, online marketplaces like Amazon,

and specialty jazz guitar shops. Some instructional videos

and transcriptions may also be available online.

What styles of music does

the George Van Eps Guitar

Method emphasize?

The method primarily emphasizes jazz guitar, focusing on

chord melody, swing rhythms, walking bass lines, and

sophisticated harmonic progressions typical of jazz styles.

How has the George Van

Eps Guitar Method

inﬂuenced modern

guitarists?

Many modern jazz guitarists credit George Van Eps and his

method for inﬂuencing their approach to chordal playing,

seven-string guitar use, and harmonic understanding,

helping to expand the technical and musical possibilities of

the guitar.

George Van Eps Guitar Method: A Deep Dive into the Legacy of the ‘Father of Seven-String

Jazz Guitar’

george van eps guitar method represents a cornerstone in jazz guitar pedagogy,

revered by countless jazz musicians and guitar enthusiasts worldwide. Known as the

pioneer of the seven-string guitar, George Van Eps revolutionized the way guitarists

approach harmony, chord voicings, and melodic phrasing. His method, encapsulated in

instructional books and recordings, oﬀers a profound insight into the art of chord melody

and sophisticated guitar technique. This article explores the nuances of the George Van

Eps guitar method, its historical signiﬁcance, and its enduring impact on contemporary

guitarists.

Understanding the George Van Eps Guitar Method

George Van Eps was not only a virtuoso guitarist but also a visionary educator who sought

to expand the guitar’s harmonic possibilities. His guitar method is distinctive in its

emphasis on the seven-string guitar, an instrument that adds an additional bass string to

the traditional six-string setup. This extension enables guitarists to play walking bass

lines, inner chord voices, and melody simultaneously—achieving a piano-like texture on

the guitar.

The core of the George Van Eps guitar method lies in its systematic approach to chord

voicing and voice leading. Unlike conventional guitar teaching that often focuses on scale

patterns or single-note solos, Van Eps prioritized smooth, logical movement between

chords, encouraging a deep understanding of harmonic structure. His method is

particularly relevant for jazz guitarists aiming to master chord melody arrangements and

intricate accompaniment techniques.

The Seven-String Innovation and Its Inﬂuence

One of the deﬁning features of the George Van Eps guitar method is the utilization of the

seven-string guitar. While the standard six-string guitar covers a wide range, the

introduction of the low A string (below the low E) gives musicians an extended bass range.

This innovation allows for more complex harmonic interplay and fuller soundscapes in solo

and ensemble settings.

Many guitar methods focus on technical exercises or improvisational patterns, but Van

Eps’s approach integrates theory and practical application seamlessly. By incorporating

the seven-string guitar into his teaching, he opened new dimensions for jazz guitarists,

merging bass movement and chordal work into a cohesive style. This has inﬂuenced

modern-day guitarists, including jazz luminaries like Howard Alden and Bucky Pizzarelli,

who have publicly acknowledged Van Eps’s impact on their playing.

Key Components of the George Van Eps Guitar Method

The method itself is comprehensive, covering several fundamental areas that shape the

guitarist’s musicality and technical facility.

1. Chord Voicing and Voice Leading

Van Eps advocated for chord voicings that prioritize smooth voice leading—the technique

of moving individual notes in a chord to the closest possible notes in the next chord. This

approach minimizes large leaps between chord tones and creates a more lyrical,

connected sound. His method includes exercises that train the player to recognize chord

tones and inversions, fostering an intuitive grasp of harmony.

2. Walking Bass Lines

With the extended bass range of the seven-string guitar, Van Eps emphasized the

importance of walking bass lines. These bass lines serve as the harmonic foundation and

rhythmic pulse, often mimicking the role of a double bass in jazz ensembles. His method

teaches guitarists to integrate bass movement with chordal comping, enhancing the

instrument’s polyphonic capabilities.

3. Melodic Phrasing and Improvisation

While his method centers heavily on harmony, Van Eps also addresses melodic

development. His exercises encourage players to weave melody lines seamlessly through

chordal textures, blending improvisation with structured accompaniment. This holistic

approach nurtures a sophisticated sense of phrasing that is essential for jazz performance.

Comparing George Van Eps Guitar Method to Other Jazz Guitar

Methods

When juxtaposed with other prominent jazz guitar methods—such as those by Ted Greene

or Barry Greene—the George Van Eps guitar method stands out for its unique focus on the

seven-string guitar and voice leading principles. While Ted Greene’s method delves

deeply into chord embellishments and ﬁngerstyle techniques on a six-string guitar, Van

Eps’s work expands the harmonic palette by integrating an additional string and

emphasizing linear bass movement.

Barry Greene’s methods often highlight bebop language and single-note soloing, whereas

Van Eps’s approach strikes a balance between harmony and melody, encouraging

guitarists to think polyphonically. This makes the Van Eps method particularly suited for

players interested in solo jazz guitar arrangements or intricate ensemble comping.

Pros and Cons of the George Van Eps Guitar Method

Pros:

Unique integration of seven-string guitar for extended harmonic possibilities.

Focus on smooth voice leading enhances musicality and harmonic

understanding.

Develops multi-voiced playing combining bass, chords, and melody.

Deeply rooted in jazz tradition, providing a solid theoretical foundation.

Cons:

The seven-string guitar is less common, which might limit accessibility for

some players.

Method requires a high level of dedication and theoretical knowledge, posing

challenges for beginners.

Lacks extensive focus on modern jazz fusion or contemporary guitar styles.

Implementation in Modern Guitar Education

The George Van Eps guitar method continues to inﬂuence guitar curricula in jazz studies

programs across music conservatories and private instruction settings. Its principles are

often integrated into advanced jazz guitar courses, particularly those focusing on solo

arrangements and chord melody playing.

Moreover, with the resurgence of interest in vintage jazz guitar sounds, many

contemporary guitarists revisit Van Eps’s teachings to gain insight into the elegance and

sophistication of mid-century jazz guitar styles. Online platforms and educational videos

now supplement the original method books, making the George Van Eps guitar method

more accessible to the digital generation.

Resources and Learning Materials

For those interested in exploring the George Van Eps guitar method, several key

resources are available:

Books: “The George Van Eps Guitar Method” volumes, which include detailed

exercises on chord voicings, voice leading, and seven-string guitar techniques.

Recordings: Listening to Van Eps’s own albums, such as “Seven-string Guitar”

(1965), provides a practical understanding of his sound and approach.

Transcriptions: Sheet music and tablature of Van Eps’s arrangements help players

analyze his harmonic language.

Online Courses and Tutorials: Video lessons by jazz guitarists inﬂuenced by Van

Eps oﬀer contemporary interpretations and applications of the method.

These resources collectively provide a well-rounded pathway for guitarists seeking to

internalize the method’s concepts and apply them to their playing.

Legacy and Continued Relevance

George Van Eps’s contributions to jazz guitar are undeniably profound. His method not

only expanded the technical and harmonic vocabulary of the guitar but also inspired

generations of players to explore new sonic territories. The seven-string guitar, once an

unusual instrument, has gained renewed popularity partly due to Van Eps’s pioneering

work.

In today’s diverse jazz landscape, the George Van Eps guitar method serves as both a

historical artifact and a living tradition. Its principles continue to resonate, oﬀering

guitarists a pathway toward advanced harmonic sophistication and artistic expression.

Whether one seeks to master solo jazz guitar, enrich comping techniques, or deepen

theoretical understanding, the teachings of George Van Eps remain an invaluable

resource in the jazz guitarist’s toolkit.

george van eps guitar method, jazz guitar lessons, chord melody guitar, seven-string

guitar, jazz guitar technique, guitar chord voicings, George Van Eps exercises, jazz guitar

theory, guitar ﬁngerstyle method, advanced guitar improvisation