How Django Reinhardt Played Chords in Gypsy Jazz Guitar

Two-Fingered Chord Voicings

Due to a fire accident that severely damaged his left hand, Django Reinhardt developed a technique that allowed him to play chords using only two fingers. He primarily used his index and middle fingers to fret the strings, while his other two fingers were mostly inactive or lightly touching the strings. This two-fingered chord voicing technique became one of his signature characteristics and contributed to his distinctive sound in gypsy jazz.

Chord Inversions

Django Reinhardt often used chord inversions to create interesting and unique voicings. By rearranging the order of the chord tones, he achieved a distinct sound and added variety to his chord progressions. This approach allowed him to create rich harmonic textures and explore different tonal colors within his compositions.

Arpeggios and Melodic Chord Playing

Django Reinhardt incorporated arpeggios and melodic lines within his chord playing. He would often pick individual chord tones in a rhythmic and melodic manner, creating a sense of movement and improvisation within the chords. This melodic chord playing technique added depth and complexity to his compositions, showcasing his virtuosity as a guitarist.

Rhythm Guitar Technique: “La Pompe”

Django Reinhardt’s rhythm guitar technique, known as “La Pompe,” is a characteristic strumming pattern used in gypsy jazz. It involves a percussive downstroke followed by a quick upstroke on the offbeat, creating a driving and swinging rhythm. Django Reinhardt’s mastery of “La Pompe” provided the foundation for the rhythmic energy and groove in his music.

To learn the specific chord voicings and techniques used by Django Reinhardt, aspiring gypsy jazz guitarists can refer to various resources available. The YouTube video titled “Proper Chords to ‘Anouman’ by Django Reinhardt – Gypsy Jazz Lesson for Beginners” provides a visual demonstration of chord voicings and their fingerings. The blog post on “Gypsy Jazz Guitar Chords | Django Reinhardt Rhythm Playing” offers an introduction to the rhythm guitar techniques and chord progressions used in gypsy jazz.

In conclusion, Django Reinhardt’s chord playing in gypsy jazz guitar was characterized by his two-fingered chord voicings, chord inversions, incorporation of arpeggios and melodic lines, and his rhythmic mastery of “La Pompe.” His innovative approaches to chords and rhythm continue to inspire and influence guitarists in the gypsy jazz genre and beyond.

FAQs

What technique did Django Reinhardt use to play chords?

Django Reinhardt developed a technique that allowed him to play chords using only two fingers. He primarily used his index and middle fingers to fret the strings, while his other two fingers were mostly inactive or lightly touching the strings.

Why did Django Reinhardt use two-fingered chord voicings?

Django Reinhardt’s two-fingered chord voicing technique was borne out of a fire accident that severely damaged his left hand. This technique enabled him to continue playing the guitar and became one of his signature characteristics in gypsy jazz.

How did Django Reinhardt create unique voicings in his chord progressions?

Django Reinhardt frequently used chord inversions to create interesting and unique voicings. By rearranging the order of the chord tones, he achieved a distinct sound and added variety to his chord progressions.

Did Django Reinhardt incorporate melody within his chord playing?

Yes, Django Reinhardt incorporated melodies and arpeggios within his chord playing. He would often pick individual chord tones in a rhythmic and melodic manner, creating a sense of movement and improvisation within the chords.

What is Django Reinhardt’s rhythmic guitar technique known as?

Django Reinhardt’s rhythmic guitar technique is known as “La Pompe.” It is a characteristic strumming pattern used in gypsy jazz, involving a percussive downstroke followed by a quick upstroke on the offbeat, creating a driving and swinging rhythm.