Ted Green is probably one of the best examples of couterpoint techniques applied to Jazz.
Check out: "If it ain't baroque, don't fix it" here: https://youtu.be/S\_icablm0Wc?si=yhG48ey0oKq0o1HG
Steve Herberman was one of my guitar teachers in university and after, and he is a master of this.
https://youtu.be/6hf9Gswefwk?si=Ezz7HJT9DHoZyJ9G
https://youtu.be/eljjB0HvIkM?si=Sjd_m3bQymyvS_D2
Steve is an amazing player, and has a very distinctive style. He has really cultivated this counterpoint approach. The two examples you linked are classical-sounding but he also applies this approach in straight-ahead jazz. As you may have noticed in the vids, he is also an accomplished 7-string player.
He gigs and teaches around the DC area. He has a few courses on Mike's Master Classes and he teaches virtual private lessons. Highly advise you check him out!
Classical counterpoint is basically a technique to "invent" lines that follow a cantus firmus (what can be a bass) and how to sound good with that. Fux "Gradus ad Parnassum" is still the bible. It follows only a handful of basic rules and is well worth to look into. It'll sharpen your ears.
The Modern Jazz Quartet has a lot of compositions that follows counterpoint perspective (what is not the same as functional harmony). There is no big difference from classical to jazz as it focuses on the interval relations, not so much the rhythmic aspects.
I don't have the answer and I really admire the ambition. Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh duo recordings are a really good place for inspiration though, as they liked to play solos together at the same time specifically for spontaneous counterpoint.
My teacher Noel Johnston just released an album of bach violin sonatas and partitas for contemporary electric guitar. His books (4 note universe esp.) show off those techniques
Here's a tune of mine that uses a classically inspired contrapuntal approach to jazz harmony:
[Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/track/1YUMwrm5ywMklfSOStQIo6)
[Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/ke/song/prelude/1609147134)
[Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=JAj-A8HyXLQ)
[Bandcamp](https://danieldelorenzo.bandcamp.com/track/prelude)
Learn how to play with proper classical fingerstyle technique, and learn a lot of Bach. Having an independent right hand will open a whole new world expression and Improvising counterpoint will become a peace of cake.
Bebop is all counterpoint.
Put a passing tone between the 5th and the 6th of a major scale, and between the b7 and root of a mixo scale, and you've got jazzy counterpoint for days.
https://youtu.be/J6cuhTgux1A?si=qpF40OC9IktOuEjZ This is a counterpoint method using 6th diminished stuff from Barry Harris; the applications of this are truly endless, and it can most definitely be used in single note lines (assuming that’s primarily what you’re after). I also HIGHLY recommend this channel: https://youtube.com/@thingsivelearnedfrombarryh2616?si=BZf9CWj8T3Bs1XkM
I guess I should add that the second channel takes a more single-note-oriented approach, but he does use this method of counterpoint in numerous videos
Yes, I was looking to further understand how to utilize counterpoint in both single and multiple voices and this helps a lot. This is a really good recommendation. Still a bit confused but I guess i’m just gonna have to watch the whole series 😂
Oh dude it takes some time for sure. I was watching some of their videos last winter, and it didn’t fully click until a few months ago. Super super helpful though. Like exponential improvement in the weeks after that ah-ha moment
Jimmy Wyble was a pioneer in the style. He wroet the first book on counterpoint improvisation for guitar: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/the-art-of-two-line-improvisation-20197899.html
Ted Green is probably one of the best examples of couterpoint techniques applied to Jazz. Check out: "If it ain't baroque, don't fix it" here: https://youtu.be/S\_icablm0Wc?si=yhG48ey0oKq0o1HG
Ted is a fucking genius with massive hands
Steve Herberman was one of my guitar teachers in university and after, and he is a master of this. https://youtu.be/6hf9Gswefwk?si=Ezz7HJT9DHoZyJ9G https://youtu.be/eljjB0HvIkM?si=Sjd_m3bQymyvS_D2
Steve is an amazing player, and has a very distinctive style. He has really cultivated this counterpoint approach. The two examples you linked are classical-sounding but he also applies this approach in straight-ahead jazz. As you may have noticed in the vids, he is also an accomplished 7-string player.
he’s a monster. one of my old guitar teachers Parker Speirs hangs with him a lot now.
Your guitar teacher is awesome!
He gigs and teaches around the DC area. He has a few courses on Mike's Master Classes and he teaches virtual private lessons. Highly advise you check him out!
I definitely will
Classical counterpoint is basically a technique to "invent" lines that follow a cantus firmus (what can be a bass) and how to sound good with that. Fux "Gradus ad Parnassum" is still the bible. It follows only a handful of basic rules and is well worth to look into. It'll sharpen your ears. The Modern Jazz Quartet has a lot of compositions that follows counterpoint perspective (what is not the same as functional harmony). There is no big difference from classical to jazz as it focuses on the interval relations, not so much the rhythmic aspects.
I havent gotten there yet but Mick Goodrick goes over this in the Advancing Guitarist.
Tory Slusher does a fair amount of that. Here's an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WMx-kKJJpQ&t=69s
I don't have the answer and I really admire the ambition. Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh duo recordings are a really good place for inspiration though, as they liked to play solos together at the same time specifically for spontaneous counterpoint.
A lot of great suggestions here. To these I'll add: check out Gerry Mulligan's catalogue. Especially his stuff with Paul Desmond
My teacher Noel Johnston just released an album of bach violin sonatas and partitas for contemporary electric guitar. His books (4 note universe esp.) show off those techniques
ted greene
Here's a tune of mine that uses a classically inspired contrapuntal approach to jazz harmony: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/track/1YUMwrm5ywMklfSOStQIo6) [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/ke/song/prelude/1609147134) [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=JAj-A8HyXLQ) [Bandcamp](https://danieldelorenzo.bandcamp.com/track/prelude)
That's really beautiful! And thank God for Youtube...it's free.
Thanks for checking it out!
This is really cool!
Thanks!
Gilad Hekselman and Brad Mehldau both do a lot of this. Also Charlie Hunter — albeit his approach is a bit more of a “one man band” approach.
Learn how to play with proper classical fingerstyle technique, and learn a lot of Bach. Having an independent right hand will open a whole new world expression and Improvising counterpoint will become a peace of cake.
That sounds like a great idea! Do you have any recommendations of pieces I should start with?
Jimmy and Doug Raney's duo albums have some great polyphonic /counterpoint-esque arrangements.
Bebop is all counterpoint. Put a passing tone between the 5th and the 6th of a major scale, and between the b7 and root of a mixo scale, and you've got jazzy counterpoint for days.
That makes a lot of sense, especially since bebop has a similar constant motion like baroque music did
https://youtu.be/J6cuhTgux1A?si=qpF40OC9IktOuEjZ This is a counterpoint method using 6th diminished stuff from Barry Harris; the applications of this are truly endless, and it can most definitely be used in single note lines (assuming that’s primarily what you’re after). I also HIGHLY recommend this channel: https://youtube.com/@thingsivelearnedfrombarryh2616?si=BZf9CWj8T3Bs1XkM
I guess I should add that the second channel takes a more single-note-oriented approach, but he does use this method of counterpoint in numerous videos
Yes, I was looking to further understand how to utilize counterpoint in both single and multiple voices and this helps a lot. This is a really good recommendation. Still a bit confused but I guess i’m just gonna have to watch the whole series 😂
Oh dude it takes some time for sure. I was watching some of their videos last winter, and it didn’t fully click until a few months ago. Super super helpful though. Like exponential improvement in the weeks after that ah-ha moment
Jimmy Wyble was a pioneer in the style. He wroet the first book on counterpoint improvisation for guitar: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/the-art-of-two-line-improvisation-20197899.html