Hip Licks for Guitar (V1) 1.3

Review of Hip Licks for Guitar Application by Greg Fishman

The Hip Licks for Guitar application serves as a comprehensive tool for guitarists aiming to enhance their proficiency in jazz. By presenting a variety of essential jazz vocabulary spanning swing, bop, and post-bop styles, it effectively bridges the gap between guitar and saxophone idioms, offering players a well-rounded approach to improvisation within the jazz framework.

Originally developed for saxophone, the application retains its authenticity, with transcriptions that reflect idiomatic jazz language suitable for guitarists. The inclusion of tablature provides users with the personal fingerings utilized by guitarist Mike Allemana, allowing aspiring musicians to replicate these licks as heard on the accompanying recordings.

A standout feature of this app is the collaboration between Allemana and saxophonist/author Greg Fishman. Users can engage with the licks alongside either another guitar or a saxophone, effectively simulating a duet experience. This versatility makes it an invaluable reference tool—akin to a musical dictionary—where guitarists can dive into various licks across all twelve keys at any moment.

The application's custom user interface enhances usability, offering an intuitive menu that enables users to navigate through licks seamlessly. Options to play along with either a guitar demo track or rhythm-section-only track facilitate diverse practice scenarios. Users can easily switch between various styles of play—a straightforward design that promotes efficient learning.

• 168 Unique Licks: Tailored for different keys, ensuring optimal playability and tonal quality.
• Varied Tempo Options: Fast tempo licks are complemented by both slow and fast play-along tracks, catering to skill levels.
• Chord Progression Coverage: Features popular progressions including Major 7th, Dominant 7th, and variations, facilitating thematic improvisation.
• Interactive Learning: The call-and-response format helps develop ear training and musical memory through repeated lick playback.
• Twelve Key Mastery: Each track progresses through all twelve keys, promoting key-centric practice routines.
• Improvisation Opportunities: Rhythm-section-only tracks invite users to explore personal variations and improvisational skills.
• Integration in Practice Routines: Utilizing Hip Licks for Saxophone as part of daily exercises can significantly enhance technical control.

This application stands out not only for its practical features but also for its emphasis on holistic learning and improvisational exploration in jazz guitar. Users who may encounter challenges are encouraged to reach out via provided contact details, assuring support and satisfaction with their experience.