Stuff Smith

Lesson: The Playing Style of Stuff Smith

In this lesson, we're going to be looking at the playing of Stuff Smith. He made his name in New York in the 1930s and 40s and was a raucous, aggressive player.

Typical Phrases

A typical Smith phrase is characterized by:

• A string of punchy, syncopated chops
• The frequent use of double stops
• Repeated three beat phrases

Each time you play a phrase like this, it appears in a different position in the bar:

1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 1

Rhythmic Ideas

Here's the same rhythmic idea using a sixth note descending chromatic scale:

• 1, 2, 3

Smith often played phrases in octaves, doubling with the first and fourth fingers. You often use this technique to create a three-note chromatic line over a 2-5-1 progression.

Example: C Minor Root

• Start on the root of C minor
• The middle note is very discordant, the flat 5 of the F7, but it neatly resolves on the root of the B flat.

Ascending Phrases

He also did a similar thing ascending. Here's how it works:

• Start on the root of C minor
• Ascend to the sharp 5 of F7
• Resolve on the 3rd of B flat

Influences: Salt Peanuts

There was a famous bebop song called Salt Peanuts, which had a very specific and memorable rhythm. Stuff Smith used this rhythm for one of his licks.

Techniques and Finger Patterns

Stuff Smith was not at all afraid of side notes, and he used finger patterns that would guarantee lots of these.

One of the best techniques is to:

• Play only with the first and fourth fingers
• Change positions by a semitone

Conclusion

Finally, here's a piece that brings together many of Stuff Smith's favorite licks.