Recognizing the swing eighth notes in jazz is the most critical step toward realizing an authentic jazz style.
Example 1: Straight Eighth-Note
Example 2: Swing Eighth-Notes
Source: Dunscomb, J. Richard., and Willie Hill. Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz Educator's Handbook and Resource Guide. Miami, FL: Warner Bros. Publications, 2002. Print.
Listen and take note of the suggestions throughout the video.
- Listen the first time through.
- Listen and play along during a second view.
- Make note of the emphasis to play in a "triplet feel" to achieve a "swing" feel.
Source: "How to Play Swing 8th Notes- Ralph Saxophone and Reed Product Specialist." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2014.
Here's a swingin' tune for your study and pleasure.
- Listen and make note of how the swing eighth-note sounds fluid and not forced.
- Smooth eighth-notes are the goal.
Source: "One O'Clock Jump - Count Basie (1943)." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2014.
Now that you have attained a basic understanding of the swing eighth-note concept, it is important that you understand that there is no one correct way to swing. There are basic fundamental rules and a "feel" to what swing should sound like. It is important to be aware of what different artists have done in the past and it is helpful to our growth as jazz to know their differences in "swing" interpretation. Here is a webpage that lists and discusses various artists and the way the approach the concept of swing in their playing.
