Fretprints Podcast | Vocabulary, Voice, and the Fretboard

Jim Ellis

Explore jazz guitar harmony, chord changes, and improvisation with Jim Ellis of Fretprints. Each episode breaks down a classic jazz standard — covering the form, chord progressions, scale choices, and solo approaches — so you can play and improvise with confidence. Whether you're working through bebop heads, blues forms, or modal tunes, this podcast gives you practical tools to deepen your musicianship and develop your own voice on the guitar. Visit https://fretprints.com for interactive exercises, courses, and live coaching.

  1. Mar 29

    Improvisation Topics - Solar

    fretprints.com

    16 min

  2. Feb 6

    500 Miles High

    In this episode of the Guitar and Improvisation Podcast, we dive into Chick Corea's classic jazz standard "500 Miles High." We break down the chord changes, explore the harmony, and discuss improvisation approaches that will help you navigate this beloved tune with confidence. Whether you're learning the melody, comping through the form, or building solo vocabulary, this episode gives you practical tools to bring "500 Miles High" to life on guitar. Visit https://freprints.com for more lessons, courses, and resources to deepen your musicianship and improvisation skills. https://jazzguitar.fretprints.com/join

    14 min

  3. Jan 23

    Always and Forever Changes

    In this episode of the Guitar and Improvisation Podcast, we explore the chord changes to "Always and Forever" — a beautiful jazz standard perfect for developing your harmonic awareness and voice leading on guitar. We walk through the chord progression, discuss key modulations, and share improvisation strategies to help you solo over the changes with musicality and confidence. Visit https://freprints.com for more lessons, courses, and resources to deepen your musicianship and improvisation skills. https://jazzguitar.fretprints.com/join

    15 min

  4. Jan 16

    Our Spanish Love Song Changes

    In this episode of the Guitar and Improvisation Podcast, we dig into the chord changes to "Our Spanish Love Song." This gorgeous jazz waltz features rich harmony and lush voice leading opportunities for guitarists. We analyze the progression, highlight key harmonic movements, and offer improvisation tips to help you express yourself freely over this captivating tune. Visit https://freprints.com for more lessons, courses, and resources to deepen your musicianship and improvisation skills. https://jazzguitar.fretprints.com/join

    15 min

  5. Jan 9

    Solar Changes

    In this episode of the Guitar and Improvisation Podcast, we break down the chord changes to Miles Davis's classic "Solar." This essential jazz standard is a must-know for every improviser, and we walk through the harmony step by step — covering the descending minor line cliche, ii-V-I movements, and effective scale choices for soloing. Learn how to comp, voice lead, and improvise over "Solar" with clarity and purpose. Visit https://freprints.com for more lessons, courses, and resources to deepen your musicianship and improvisation skills. https://jazzguitar.fretprints.com/join

    13 min

  6. 11/27/2025

    Georgia On My Mind

    In this episode of the Guitar and Improvisation Podcast, we explore the timeless classic "Georgia On My Mind" by Hoagy Carmichael. We examine the chord changes, discuss the song's signature harmonic twists, and share approaches for playing the melody and improvising on jazz guitar. This episode covers chord substitutions, reharmonization ideas, and phrasing tips to help you deliver a heartfelt performance of this iconic standard. Visit https://freprints.com for more lessons, courses, and resources to deepen your musicianship and improvisation skills. https://jazzguitar.fretprints.com/join

    15 min

  7. 10/22/2025

    Minor Blues Chord Progressions

    In this episode of the Guitar and Improvisation Podcast, we explore minor blues chord progressions — one of the most important forms in jazz and blues guitar. We cover common minor blues variations, discuss chord voicing options, and break down scale and arpeggio choices for improvising over the minor blues. Whether you play bebop, soul jazz, or modern styles, understanding minor blues harmony is essential for every guitarist. Visit https://freprints.com for more lessons, courses, and resources to deepen your musicianship and improvisation skills. https://jazzguitar.fretprints.com/join

    6 min

  8. 10/09/2025

    So What - Modal Improvisation

    In this episode of the Guitar and Improvisation Podcast, we tackle modal improvisation through the lens of Miles Davis's legendary tune "So What." We discuss the Dorian mode, explore how to build compelling solos over a modal framework, and share techniques for creating melodic interest without relying on fast-moving chord changes. This is a foundational episode for any jazz guitarist looking to develop a deeper modal vocabulary. Visit https://freprints.com for more lessons, courses, and resources to deepen your musicianship and improvisation skills. https://jazzguitar.fretprints.com/join

    14 min
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About

Explore jazz guitar harmony, chord changes, and improvisation with Jim Ellis of Fretprints. Each episode breaks down a classic jazz standard — covering the form, chord progressions, scale choices, and solo approaches — so you can play and improvise with confidence. Whether you're working through bebop heads, blues forms, or modal tunes, this podcast gives you practical tools to deepen your musicianship and develop your own voice on the guitar. Visit https://fretprints.com for interactive exercises, courses, and live coaching.

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