LJS 179: Intros to Play on Jazz Standards (7 Options)




Welcome to episode 179 of the LJS Podcast where today I go over 7 different options for playing an intro on a jazz standard. While you can just count off a tune and start playing the head on beat one, it can be nice to set up a song with an intro. I walk you through some options and give you a call to action at the end.
Listen to episode 179







One basic question that you might have when starting to play a jazz standard is exactly that. How do I start the jazz standard? How do I introduce it when playing at a jam session, a gig, or just with another friend?
Well, of course, there's the obvious one which is, just count it off and start playing the head on beat one. But sometimes, it can be appropriate to have an introduction to a song, it can be more creative and even there are times where certain jazz standards have composed intros that are appropriate to play before getting started on the head.
So, in today's episode, I'm going to be going over some different options for playing introductions to jazz standards. I'm going to go over 7 of them for you to give you some options.







In this episode:
1. Pedal on the V chord
2. Play the last 8 bars
3. Two chord vamp
4. Improvise a chorus up front
5. I-VI-ii-V
6. I-ii-V
7. Composed intro







Thanks for listening to this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast. If you aren't already, make sure you are subscribed on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
I look forward to having you join me in the next episode!
Important Links
Learn Jazz Standards the Smart Way



Om Podcasten

The LJS Podcast is the podcast where you get weekly jazz tips, interviews, stories and advice for becoming a better jazz musician! Hosting the show is the jazz musician behind learnjazzstandards.com, author, and entrepreneur Brent Vaartstra, who’s one goal is to answer any question about playing jazz music you may have. Jazz can be a challenging music to learn and play, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. Each episode features a specific musical challenge that jazz students may come across, where it is discussed and answered. Special jazz guests frequent the show, sharing their expertise on an array of different musical subject matter. Listeners are invited to call in with their jazz questions to the podcast hotline, where it could get answered on a future LJS Podcast episode. Join thousands of other listeners getting free jazz education every week!