Antonio Ongarello is an accomplished Italian jazz guitarist, composer, and educator. He is widely recognized for his structured, highly academic yet practical approach to jazz guitar education. His books, such as Chitarra Jazz: Tecnica Armonica (Jazz Guitar: Harmonic Technique) and Chitarra Jazz: Tecnica Melodica , serve as definitive guides for intermediate and advanced players looking to master the fretboard.
Based on the method's syllabus and associated publications, key topics typically covered include: Antonio Ongarello is an accomplished Italian jazz guitarist,
The manual is structured as a "Corso Propedeutico" (preparatory course) for improvisation, focusing heavily on how to treat harmonies specifically for the guitar. Part One: The Foundations Based on the method's syllabus and associated publications,
One of Ongarello's signature harmonic techniques is his use of "chord substitution," which involves replacing chords with altered or extended chords to create richer, more complex harmonies. This approach allows guitarists to add depth and nuance to their playing, creating unexpected harmonic surprises that engage and delight listeners. Mastering this specific layout is considered the "gateway"
Mastering this specific layout is considered the "gateway" to professional jazz comping. It forces the player to move away from heavy "root-note on the E-string" bar chords and opens up the brighter, more sophisticated register of the guitar used in trio or quartet settings. How to Practice Ongarello's Harmonic Concepts