This content is exclusive to My Method.
Rhythm Overview
Ben gives an overview of the main gypsy jazz rhythm feels, including two-beat swing, bossa, waltz and bolero. This sets up the next stage: building chord shapes, voicings, rhythm variations and voice-leading ideas so you can start moving around the neck with more freedom, rather than staying locked to one static chord shape.
This content is exclusive to My Method.
2. It's All About Minor 6
Ben explains the minor 6 sound at the heart of his gypsy-jazz approach, linking it to Django’s chord shapes, the Dorian flavour, and the darker, more aggressive side of the style. The aim is to understand where that sound comes from before building it into rhythm, lead lines, chord variations and improvisation.
PDF Download
This content is exclusive to My Method.
2. It's All About Minor 6
Ben breaks down the core of la pompe rhythm, focusing on the loose wrist, brushed right-hand motion and left-hand muting that create the classic gypsy jazz two-beat sound. Rather than hitting the chord harshly with the pick, Ben uses the fingers and pick together to create a warmer, percussive brush, with the chord only briefly ringing before being padded and muted.
This content is exclusive to My Method.
2. It's All About Minor 6
Ben adds the final basics of la pompe, focusing on the brush upstroke, subtle swing feel, stabs, and triplet rolls. The aim is to keep the rhythm tight and driving while adding small accents and pushes without losing the groove.
This content is exclusive to My Method.
2. It's All About Minor 6
Ben breaks down the key minor 6 chord shapes across the neck, showing how each root position connects. These shapes form the foundation for gypsy jazz rhythm playing and become the blueprint for lead lines, arpeggios, passing chords, and movement between keys.
PDF Download
This content is exclusive to My Method.
6. Minor 6 Extensions & Variations
Ben introduces four additional minor chord voicings and inversions, showing how they connect with the existing minor 6 shapes to create smooth movement across the fretboard. Rather than memorising isolated chords, the focus is on building a connected “jigsaw” of related shapes that can be used for transitions, passing chords, and richer gypsy jazz rhythm playing, laying the groundwork for both accompaniment and lead improvisation.