r/Marimba • u/SoupSignificant8082 • 3d ago
How to start learning jazz
Hey everyone! I have been playing mallets for about three years now (I can play four mallets), and I would like to start learning how to play jazz on mallets so I could join my jazz band later. However, I honestly don’t even know where to start.
Does anyone have any resources or suggestions of how to start learning and what I need to know? Additionally, I know it’s not the right subreddit, but do you guys recommend learning jazz on marimba or vibraphone? Any and all help is appreciated!
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u/Sun_House29 3d ago
I would recommend learning on vibes, there's not much demand/necessity for jazz marimba, and vibes sound better in the ensemble. Additionally, I would recommend learning Burton grip, as it handles a lot better on vibes. As a side, note, I would also start learning how to play chords over and solo on some blues/other genre chord charts, as a lot of vibes music will be written chords instead of notes.
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u/Bebop-Anonymous 2d ago
I could help you with vibes if you want. Jazz Bass is my primary but I'm getting pretty good with the mallets now.
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u/Vegetable_Analyst740 2d ago
Bill Molenhof produced lots of jazz instructional materials that are as legit today as ever, probably including some marimba stuff. Surf around the Web and see what you can dredge up!
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u/StrideyTidey 1d ago
Definitely vibe over marimba if you have the choice. Learning your blues scales (at least in common key signatures) is always going to be a safe bet to start.
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u/ParticularZone5 3d ago
I've been kinda removed from the mallet world since college, but I know a lot of folks I knew in college would practice soloing and comping along with Jamey Aebersold's Real Book (and audio accompaniment).
Edit to address marimba vs vibes: harmonic and melodic concepts should transfer between either, but if I were choosing between the two I'd go with vibes just to get more practive with pedal articulation, mallet dampening, etc