-21 page PDF. Transcription includes the head, the first two solo passes and the ending. The solos are annotated above the staff with the harmonic explanation of how the harmony relates to the chords.
All the scales and arpeggios are also included in the transcription with fretboard diagrams.
-Play along tracks. The track has bass, rhythm guitar and drums. A great tool for effective practice.
About
“West Coast Blues” is a classic jazz composition by Wes Montgomery, one of the most influential jazz guitarists in history. Here’s a detailed overview of the tune:
🎵 Overview
- Composer: Wes Montgomery
- First Recorded: 1960 on the album The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery
- Personnel on Original Recording:
- Wes Montgomery – guitar
- Tommy Flanagan – piano
- Percy Heath – bass
- Albert Heath – drums
🎼 Musical Characteristics
- Form: 12-bar blues
- Key: Bâ™ major
- Style: Hard bop with blues and swing influences
- Tempo: Medium swing
- Notable Feature: It adds a few chord substitutions and turnarounds that make it more harmonically interesting than a typical blues.
🎸 Guitar Notes
- Wes often used octaves and chord melodies, signature elements of his playing.
- His soloing is melodically driven, with clean phrasing and smooth articulation.
- His thumb-picked technique gives his tone a warm, rounded sound.
🎧 Why It’s Important
- This tune showcases how Montgomery could blend blues, bebop, and lyrical phrasing.
- It’s become a jazz standard for guitarists and horn players alike.
- It’s often studied for its melodic lines over complex blues harmony.
