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Step 1
Begin by learning the overall basics of guitar playing. Gain a solid foundation in guitar theory and technique including proper technique, tuning and articulation.
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Step 2
Make an effort to learn basic music theory. Memorize all major and minor scales. Learn how to notate the scales on staff paper and to play them on the piano so you can see how the music theory works in both written form and in actual instrumental practice.
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Step 3
Move on to learning the principles behind diminished and augmented chord progressions. Know that the root of a chord, and the fourth note of a chord typically remain unchanged when learning proper harmonizing. Also know that the second chord will typically be raised and become minor.
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Step 4
Learn basic harmony for all other major scales, following the typical harmony for each chord. You are essentially trying to create diatonic triads for each scale whole tone properly, raising or lowering the note depending upon its position on the staff.
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Step 5
Record yourself playing these scale progressions. Notice where you become stumped or make common mistakes since usually one note will be difficult for a person to remember to augment or diminish.
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Step 6
Write out the most typically used harmonizations of the whole tone scales on staff paper to see how it would look. Then you can more easily recognize it on a tab or sheet music. Listen to jazz guitar music and recognize the presence of harmony within the playing by using the theory you have learned.
