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Mickey Baker's 39's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar is a legendary instructional book that has been a cornerstone of jazz guitar education for decades. The PDF version of this book is highly sought after by guitar enthusiasts and musicians. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate this iconic resource:

About the Book

Mickey Baker's 39's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar is a thorough and systematic approach to learning jazz guitar. The book covers a wide range of topics, from basic chords and scales to advanced techniques, such as chord-melody playing, improvisation, and jazz harmony.

Table of Contents

The book is divided into 39 lessons, which are organized into several sections:

  1. Lessons 1-5: Basic chords, scales, and arpeggios
  2. Lessons 6-15: Chord progressions, jazz harmony, and basic improvisation
  3. Lessons 16-25: Scales, modes, and advanced techniques for improvisation
  4. Lessons 26-35: Chord-melody playing, comping, and advanced jazz harmony
  5. Lessons 36-39: Advanced improvisation, reharmonization, and performance techniques

Key Concepts and Techniques

Some of the key concepts and techniques covered in the book include:

Tips for Using the PDF

If you've obtained a PDF of Mickey Baker's 39's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar, here are some tips to help you get the most out of it:

Additional Resources

While the PDF is a valuable resource, you may also want to explore additional materials to supplement your learning:

By following this guide and working diligently with Mickey Baker's 39's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar, you'll be well on your way to developing a deep understanding of jazz guitar and improving your skills as a musician. Happy learning!

Conclusion

Mickey Baker’s Complete Course in Jazz Guitar is a flawed masterpiece. It’s not for casual strummers, but for the dedicated guitarist willing to grind through cryptic lessons, it builds a professional jazz chord vocabulary faster than almost any other method. Just respect the copyright, buy a copy, and prepare for a challenging but transformative journey.

If you see a “free PDF” link online, know that it’s an unauthorized copy. The book is still in print, and the Baker estate deserves compensation for this classic work. I’d be happy to help you work through any specific lesson concept from the book if you own a legal copy.

Title: Why Mickey Baker’s “Complete Course in Jazz Guitar” (Book 1) Is Still the Bible—And Where to Find It

Slug: mickey-baker-jazz-guitar-course-pdf

Intro: If you’ve spent more than five minutes searching for “how to play jazz guitar,” you’ve seen the name. Mickey Baker’s Complete Course in Jazz Guitar (specifically Book 1) is legendary. Published in 1955, it remains one of the most intense, rewarding, and frustrating guitar methods ever written.

And yes—you’ve probably typed “Mickey Baker 39-s complete course in jazz guitar pdf” into Google. We’ll get to that.

First, let’s talk about why this yellow-covered book has outlasted every online course and YouTube channel for nearly 70 years.

What Makes the Mickey Baker Method Unique?

Unlike modern methods that hold your hand with theory first, Baker throws you into the deep end. On Page 1, you are playing a jazz chord progression using voicings you’ve likely never seen. There is no “this is a C major scale.” There is only: Learn these 25 chords. Now play them in this sequence.

The philosophy is simple: Vocabulary before Grammar.

Baker was a legendary session guitarist (he played on hits like “Love Is Strange”). He knew that professional jazz guitarists don’t think in theory while they play; they think in shapes, movements, and voice leading. Book 1 teaches you 100 essential chord forms and how to connect them smoothly.

What You’ll Actually Learn (Book 1)

The Catch (Be Honest With Yourself)

This course is not for beginners. If you don’t know your basic open chords and barre chords, put the book down. Baker expects you to practice each single lesson for one week before moving on. Lesson 1 has 25 chords. Most students quit at Lesson 4 because they rush.

To succeed, you need:

  1. A metronome (slowly).
  2. A pencil (to write in fingerings).
  3. Patience (to sit with one measure for 20 minutes).

The Elephant in the Room: The “PDF” Search

You’ve searched for the PDF. I understand. Out-of-print books are expensive, and digital copies are convenient. Here is the truth:

If you absolutely need a digital version, buy the official eBook from Hal Leonard or Amazon Kindle. You’ll get clear diagrams, searchable text, and you won’t feel guilty.

How to Actually Finish the Course (Most Don’t)

  1. Ignore Book 2 (for now). Book 2 covers soloing and is very dated. Stick to Book 1 for 6–12 months.
  2. Play each lesson as slowly as needed. Baker says “moderately.” He means painfully slow.
  3. Transpose. After Lesson 5, start playing the exercises in all 12 keys. That’s the real course.
  4. Supplement with ear training. Baker teaches shapes, not sounds. Listen to Charlie Christian and Wes Montgomery to hear what your hands are learning.

Final Verdict

Is Mickey Baker’s Complete Course in Jazz Guitar perfect? No. The typesetting is ugly. The explanations are minimal. Some chord fingerings are awkward.

But it works. Thousands of working jazz guitarists—from Jimi Hendrix (yes, he studied it) to modern YouTubers—cut their teeth on these pages.

Skip the sketchy PDF search. Buy the beat-up used copy. Work through Lesson 1 for two weeks. And when you finally play those first four bars without stopping, you’ll understand why this book is still the king.

Have you tried the Mickey Baker course? Drop a comment below with the lesson that almost made you quit.

Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar is widely considered one of the most influential "default" texts for learning the instrument. First published in 1955, it remains a gold standard for building the muscle memory and "old school" chord vocabulary used by players like Robben Ford and Randy Bachman. Jazz Guitar Online Why It Is a "Good Text" Action-Oriented Simplicity

: The book is famous for its "lesson per page" format. Rather than heavy theory, it gives direct instructions (e.g., "practice this for 2 hours a day for a week") to ensure the material is actually mastered. Essential Voicings

: It introduces 26 fundamental "modern" jazz chords early on, which are immediately applied to progressions and standards like "Lady Be Good". Historical Foundation

: The soloing sections are rooted in the Charlie Christian vocabulary, providing a solid foundation in classic bop-blues and swing styles. Jazz Guitar Online Potential Challenges Steep Learning Curve

: While it starts simply, the physical stretches required for some chord shapes (like the "G7" stretch in Lesson 1) can be demanding for beginners. Minimal Theory : The book focuses on to play rather than

. Many students find it helpful to supplement Baker with a theory-heavy text like Mark Levine’s The Jazz Theory Book William Leavitt’s A Modern Method for Guitar Notation Style

: It uses standard notation with minimal finger and string markings rather than modern TAB, though some digital versions and study groups now provide TAB translations. Jazz Guitar Online Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar

Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar is widely considered one of the most respected jazz method books ever published. First released in 1955, its practical, "no-nonsense" approach has helped generations of guitarists move from basic open chords to professional jazz harmony and improvisation. Why This Book is Legendary

The "Dad Advice" Approach: The book doesn’t offer long theoretical explanations; it simply shows you what to practice and tells you to do it until you master it.

A Solid 2-Year Plan: While it only has 52 lessons, veteran players often recommend spending at least a week on each. Completing the full book (then starting over as instructed) often takes about two years.

Practical Chords: The first lesson famously introduces 26 essential jazz chords that serve as the foundation for the entire course.

Influential Students: Legendary guitarists like Pete Townshend have admitted to "nicking" chord progressions directly from Baker's early lessons. What to Expect Inside Mickey Baker's Jazz Guitar Method Book - Amazon.com

Mickey Baker’s Complete Course in Jazz Guitar (Book 1) is widely regarded as one of the most influential instructional books in the history of jazz guitar. First published in 1956, it has served as a foundational text for generations of guitarists, offering a direct, "no-nonsense" pathway from basic strumming to professional-level jazz harmony and improvisation. The Legacy of Mickey Baker

Before becoming a renowned educator, Mickey Baker was a powerhouse session musician and one-half of the R&B duo Mickey & Sylvia, famous for the hit "Love is Strange". His background as a prolific guitarist for artists like Ray Charles and The Drifters brought a practical, "street-ready" sensibility to his teaching. He designed the course to move beyond theory and get players making professional sounds immediately. Course Structure and Philosophy

The course is famously rigorous, often described as a "serious study" that does not lend itself to "dipping into".

Sequential Mastery: The book demands that students master Lesson 1 before moving to Lesson 2, with some sections requiring at least a week of dedicated practice.

Book 1: Foundations: Across 64 pages, it focuses on essential jazz techniques, including 26 foundational chord forms, harmonic devices, and R&B-influenced riffs.

Book 2: Advanced Techniques: Often considered significantly more difficult and less popular than the first, Book 2 dives into chord melody style, symmetric harmony, and advanced soloing. [Study Group] Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar mickey baker 39-s complete course in jazz guitar pdf

Mickey Baker’s Complete Course in Jazz Guitar (Book 1 and Book 2) remains one of the most influential jazz guitar methods since its release in 1959. While the full copyrighted books are primarily available through major retailers, you can access specific digital resources, study guides, and essential chord sheets online to help you navigate the course. Digital Resources & Official Access

The books are active publications and are legally available for purchase in digital and physical formats: eBook Formats

: You can find official digital versions for purchase on platforms like Apple Books Study Aids

: Community-created PDFs that summarize the "26 core chords" or provide errata (corrections for the book's known printing errors) are often shared on jazz forums like JazzGuitar.be Library Access

: Many local and digital libraries offer eBook lending for these titles; check your local library's catalog for digital availability. Core Content Overview

The course is divided into two main volumes that take a direct, practical approach to jazz mastery: Book 1: The Foundation Google Books

Mickey Baker Jazz book help (look in comments) : r/jazzguitar

Unlock the Secrets of Jazz Guitar with Mickey Baker's Complete Course

Are you looking to take your jazz guitar playing to the next level? Do you want to learn from a master and gain a deep understanding of the intricacies of jazz guitar? Look no further than Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF. This legendary course has been a staple of jazz guitar education for decades, and for good reason. In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF, and show you how it can help you become a proficient and confident jazz guitarist.

Who is Mickey Baker?

Mickey Baker is a renowned jazz guitarist and educator who has been teaching and performing for over 50 years. His approach to jazz guitar is rooted in the traditions of the greats, such as Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian, and Barney Kessel, but also incorporates modern techniques and styles. Baker's teaching style is clear, concise, and accessible, making his course a valuable resource for guitarists of all levels.

What is Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF?

Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF is a comprehensive guide to jazz guitar that covers everything from basic chords and scales to advanced techniques and improvisation. The course is divided into two volumes, each containing a wealth of information, including:

The PDF format allows you to access the course materials instantly, and to easily navigate and search through the lessons. The course also includes numerous examples, exercises, and etudes to help you practice and internalize the concepts.

What You'll Learn from Mickey Baker's Complete Course

By working through Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF, you'll gain a deep understanding of the language of jazz guitar. Here are just a few of the key concepts and techniques you'll learn:

Benefits of Mickey Baker's Complete Course

By mastering the concepts and techniques outlined in Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF, you'll experience a range of benefits, including:

Who is Mickey Baker's Complete Course For?

Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF is suitable for guitarists of all levels, from beginners to advanced players. Whether you're just starting out on jazz guitar, or looking to refine your skills and take your playing to the next level, this course has something to offer.

Conclusion

Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to jazz guitar that has been a staple of jazz education for decades. By working through this course, you'll gain a deep understanding of the language of jazz guitar, and develop the skills and confidence to play with authority and creativity. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate player, or advanced guitarist, this course has something to offer. So why wait? Download Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF today, and start unlocking the secrets of jazz guitar.

Where to Find Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF

Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF is widely available online, and can be downloaded from a range of sources, including:

So why wait? Download Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF today, and start taking your jazz guitar playing to the next level.

Mickey Baker's "Complete Course in Jazz Guitar" (Book 1 and Book 2) remains the gold standard for guitarists looking to transition from basic chords to authentic jazz playing. First published in the 1950s, this legendary instructional method has shaped generations of musicians, from rock gods like Robben Ford to countess jazz masters.

If you are searching for a Mickey Baker's Complete Course in Jazz Guitar PDF, you are looking to unlock one of the most effective, no-nonsense guitar methods ever written. Why Mickey Baker's Method Still Dominates You're looking for a comprehensive guide to Mickey

In a world filled with endless YouTube tutorials and massive digital encyclopedias of guitar theory, Baker’s method stands out for its brutal efficiency.

Zero Fluff: Baker does not waste time with pages of dense music theory.

Immediate Application: You learn a chord or a pattern, and you immediately use it in a practical progression.

The "Jazz Sound" Instantly: By Lesson 1, you are already playing sophisticated chord voicings that sound like a professional jazz record.

Focus on Ear and Muscle Memory: The book forces you to learn by doing, cementing shapes and sounds into your playing. What is Inside the Course?

The complete course is traditionally split into two books. Together, they take you from a complete jazz novice to an advanced player capable of improvising and arranging. Book 1: The Foundation of Jazz Chords and Rhythms

Book 1 is arguably the most famous part of the course. It focuses heavily on rhythm guitar, chord substitutions, and the introduction of guitar solos.

Lessons 1 to 5: You are introduced to 26 specific chord voicings. Baker famously tells you to memorize them perfectly before moving on. These are the building blocks of jazz.

Chord Progressions: You will learn how to play standard jazz turnarounds, including the famous progression.

The Blues: Baker breaks down jazz-blues progressions, showing you how to make a standard 12-bar blues sound incredibly sophisticated.

Introduction to Soloing: The latter half of the book introduces single-note lines, scales, and how to play over the chords you just learned. Book 2: Advanced Harmony and Improvisation

Once you have mastered the physical layout of the fretboard and standard chord movements, Book 2 takes a deep dive into advanced territory.

Chord Melody: Learning how to play the melody of a song and its accompanying chords at the exact same time.

Advanced Scale Theory: Moving beyond basic pentatonic and major scales into altered scales and modes.

Professional Improvisation: How to navigate complex chord changes with fast, fluid, and harmonically rich single-note lines. How to Effectively Use the PDF

Because the book was written in the 1950s, it does not hold your hand like modern guitar books. There are no TABs (tablature)—only standard music notation and chord grids. Here is how to survive and master it:

Do Not Skip Lesson 1: Lesson 1 asks you to learn 26 chords. It is grueling for beginners, but do not skip it. These shapes are used throughout the rest of the book.

Use Your Ears: Baker doesn't always explain why a chord substitution works. Play the examples slowly and listen to how the tension resolves.

Supplement with Audio: Since a PDF won't make a sound, search YouTube or Spotify for "Mickey Baker Lesson 1". Dozens of modern guitarists have recorded themselves playing through the exercises so you can hear how they are supposed to sound.

Take it Slow: One lesson a week is a highly ambitious pace for this book. Take your time to get the muscle memory down. Where to Find the Book

While many guitarists search for a free PDF version of this out-of-copyright or scanned book online, owning a physical copy or a legitimate digital copy is highly recommended.

Physical Copies: Available on Amazon, Hal Leonard, or at local music shops. Having a physical book on a music stand is often much easier than scrolling through a PDF on a laptop or tablet while holding a guitar.

Digital Platforms: Legitimate e-book versions are often available through Kindle or Google Play Books, giving you the portability of a PDF with better formatting. Final Verdict

Mickey Baker’s "Complete Course in Jazz Guitar" is not a book you simply read; it is a book you do. If you are willing to put in the practice time, pushing through the hand-stretching chords of the early lessons, this course will completely revolutionize how you view the guitar neck.

To help you get started with the right materials, let me know:

Are you a complete beginner to jazz, or do you have some experience? Do you prefer reading standard music notation, or

How to Actually Use the PDF (Physical or Digital)

Whether you find a scanned mickey baker 39-s complete course in jazz guitar pdf or buy the legitimate eBook, here is the only method that works: Lessons 1-5 : Basic chords, scales, and arpeggios

  1. Print It Out (If Legal): If you bought the PDF, print the first 20 pages. Jazz guitar is not a screen activity. You need to put the paper on a music stand.
  2. Do Not Move On: Lesson 1 says "Play these chords perfectly." If it takes you a month to play them cleanly, it takes a month. Do not look at Lesson 2 until you can switch between Form #1 and Form #6 at 60 beats per minute.
  3. Say the Chords Aloud: Baker insists you say the chord name as you grab the shape. "C6... Am9... Dm11... G13b9." This builds ear-to-hand-to-brain links.
  4. Apply to Real Songs: The book uses "Indiana" and "Blue Moon." Take the chord substitution rules from the PDF and apply them to any standard (Autumn Leaves, All The Things You Are). If the PDF doesn't force you to do this, you are just memorizing shapes, not playing music.

Book 2: Single-Note Soloing

Structure of Book 1 (The “Famous” Orange Book)

The course is split into 25 lessons. Each lesson introduces a few new chord forms and then presents etudes (short jazz tunes or progressions) to apply them.

Lesson Highlights

  1. Lessons 1–4: Basic jazz chord grips (6th, 5th, 4th string root forms) for major, minor, dominant 7th.
  2. Lessons 5–8: The “Baker system” of moving chords in parallel, chromatic passing chords, turnarounds.
  3. Lessons 9–12: Diminished chords as connectors, the I–VI–II–V progression in all keys.
  4. Lessons 13–16: Tritone substitution – “play a Db7 instead of G7.”
  5. Lessons 17–20: Introduction of 9th, 13th, and altered chords.
  6. Lessons 21–25: Putting it together — full etudes in the style of “All of Me,” “Satin Doll,” etc.

Complete Write-Up: Mickey Baker’s Complete Course in Jazz Guitar (Book 1 & 2)

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