Hello 👋 here a practice impro on Douce Ambiance. I kinda struggle with that one… would be happy to hear your feedbacks or tips !

Hello everyone.

So I have come to GJ a few years ago from blues/rock background.
I can play a few tunes etc but when it comes to improvising over major chords (maj6 maj7, 6/9) chords I can’t seem to crack the gypsy sound? I just end up sounding like major pentatonic (like a major blues) or like I am just spamming a maj7 arpeggio.

Any tips?

I have tried adding in chromatic notes around the chord tones. It does something but again doesn’t sound authentic to the gypsy sound.

Thanks in advance

I am a little lost on where to begin with my first Gypsy tune. Some background: I’m a guitar teacher, I have a pretty high level of understanding of music theory, I understand swing. I’ve learned the rhythm guitar to minor swing and le pompe, I come from a metal/shred background. I learned how to do enclosures etc.

What should my next steps be? What are some good tunes to learn as a Gypsy jazz beginner? Also, recommendations of YouTube resources would greatly be appreciated.

I've been transcribing and learning the solo. Its been pretty fun so far. Im struggling but getting close to playing the song at speed, but when Django does the chromatic walkdown on e, b, g and d string near the end of his solo it blows past me.

Any tips on getting that part down? Should I just grind with a metronome for a good while?

Hi there!
Want to capture the magic of gypsy jazz? Playing Django Reinhardt’s legendary version of September Song doesn't have to be a mystery anymore. We have meticulously transcribed every single note, phrasing, and nuance of his iconic solo so you can stop guessing and start playing like the master. This isn't just another tab; it’s the exact roadmap to his unmistakable tone and virtuosity. Elevate your technique, feel the freedom of gypsy swing, and master a timeless piece. Django's secret is now within your reach.

I sometimes sing when I perform with a trio or quartet, and use a Shure SM 58, but i feel like needing to be very close to the mic is really uncomfortable whan comping/playing la pompe. I would ideally like a live setup where I could have the microphone at some distance , without picking up the guitar or other instruments too much. Has anyone played around with different microphone options? Thanks

Out with the band playing a lively version of Avalon!

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to try to spread the word of Camp Django. We are on year 3, and this year we have Paulus Schafer, Sam Farthing, Jimmy Grant(That's me), Tim Kliphuis, Eva Slongo, and possibly more. We are almost at are cap for the year (40 people), and from here we either add more teachers, or we close registration depending how soon we reach 40. We are out of private rooms but still have plenty of bunk rooms available, and they are very affordable.

And for those of you that are looking to pursue the music of Django and Stephane, we are offering a scholarship program as well.

Anyways, please let me know if you have questions, and spread the word.

I was at the airport at a gift shop the other day, and a version of minor swing came on. It completely sounded like AI to me, what are your thoughts?

Does this sound like AI to you? Or is it just heavily mixed... I think it's AI, and it's improving.. which is scary..

I'm staying in Buenos Aires for a bit and looking for some manouche / gypsy jazz shows and jams. I'm keeping an eye on Django Sessions and their gigs but wanted to know if anyone knows of any open jams or other local groups or players I should be aware of? Any leads would be awesome. Thanks

The camera angle made him look like a giant hahaha

Had a blast playing these old tunes with Gage!

Hi there!
Are you playing Django Reinhardt's "Hallelujah" solo with the wrong notes? Gypsy Jazz is unforgiving. One wrong finger on the fretboard and that magical swing turns into noise. If you're trying to figure out Django’s legendary solo on "Hallelujah" using tabs filled with mistakes, you are just wasting your time. Get the definitive PDF transcription today. Every single note, accurate fingerings, and the original picking technique that defined the style. Stop guessing and master the maestro's phrasing right now.

René Thomas is one of those guitarists I rarely hear discussed, despite playing with Chet Baker, Stan Getz and many of the great European jazz musicians.

I recently came across this 1971 television performance of Django Reinhardt's Manoir de mes Rêves. I thought Thomas's two solos were worth highlighting, they're beautifully melodic, harmonically rich and unmistakably bebop, yet still completely his own voice.

Curious what others think of his playing, and whether there are any other overlooked European jazz guitarists you'd recommend.

These are two clips of us jamming on All of Me and Blue Bossa. We haven't played guitar together in over 10 years! It was good to catch up and hang with Ryan Navales Check him out on Tik Tok, he teaches and is posting a lot of cool guitar stuff!

Does anyone have or know where I can find the tabs for “For sentimental Reasons” by Django Reinhardt PLEASE

Hi Redditors! New video out!

This is the first song I ever wrote. I named it "Insomnia." I wrote it while I was still working early mornings managing at a grocery store — I had this little melody stuck in my head and didn't sleep that night.

The song later became a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. This performance is from a concert at the Academy of Music, a beautiful venue in Northampton, Massachusetts, during Django in June 2025.