Dark Eyes, Part 1: Chords and Rhythm

from: Gypsy Jazz Mandolin Essentials with Aaron Weinstein

This lesson is part of the course Gypsy Jazz Mandolin Essentials with Aaron Weinstein.

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Learn to play swing and jazz mandolin from scratch, with a step-by-step method for learning swing chord voicings, as well as simple, swingin’, melody-based solos for some of the most popular songs in the jazz and swing repertoire. Designed for newcomers to playing jazz and swing.

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Minor Swing

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Dark Eyes

Dark Eyes, Part 1: Chords and Rhythm

Dark Eyes, Part 2: Solo

Dark Eyes, Part 3: Rhythm Play Along Track

Dark Eyes, Part 4: Solo Play Along Track

Dark Eyes, Part 1: Chords and Rhythm

“Dark Eyes” is a Russian folk song that was written in the mid-1800s. Tommy Dorsey recorded it in 1937 and it became a favorite with Gypsy jazz musicians after Django Reinhardt’s 1940 recording. It’s in the key of D minor and uses chord voicings you’ve already learned. Aaron walks you through the chord progression to “Dark Eyes” in this video.

“Dark Eyes” Notation/Tab: Chords and Solo (Available to subscribers)

“Dark Eyes” Lead Sheet (Available to subscribers)

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Dark Eyes, Part 2: Solo →

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Dark Eyes, Part 2: Solo →

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