As of now, However, Henderson has authored definitive instructional materials that cover this exact subject matter. The most famous and relevant resource is his book:
I can provide specific chord charts, lick tabs, or target-note exercises tailored to your needs. Share public link
: Over a dominant 7th chord, play a minor pentatonic scale based on the 5th degree to highlight upper extensions. Chromaticism and Enclosures
This songbook is fantastic for players who want to focus on Henderson's blues-rock side. It contains 10 note-for-note transcriptions (with TAB) of his unique blues-rock fusion tunes like "Dolemite," "Tore Down House," and "Well to the Bone". Scott Henderson Jazz Fusion Improvisation Pdf
Which specific or jazz standard are you trying to improvise over right now?
Henderson famously describes his playing as being rooted in the blues but heavily influenced by jazz harmony. Rather than relying on scalar running up and down the neck, his approach prioritizes melodic storytelling and motif development. 1. Melodic Development and Motifs
: He treats the tremolo arm as an expressive tool rather than a special effect. He lightly scoops into notes or dips the pitch at the end of phrases to mimic a slide guitarist or a vocalist. As of now, However, Henderson has authored definitive
What separates Henderson from standard jazz players is his physical execution. His technique bridges the gap between traditional jazz picking and rock expressiveness.
He blends fast legato lines with articulate alternate picking, allowing for smooth, horn-like lines that can jump into explosive articulated bursts.
| Day | Focus | Time | |------|--------|------| | Mon | Half-step above pentatonic | 15 min | | Tue | Rhythmic displacement | 15 min | | Wed | Hybrid picking 6ths | 20 min | | Thu | Blues bends over altered chords | 15 min | | Fri | Chromatic approach on one chord | 10 min | Chromaticism and Enclosures This songbook is fantastic for
Henderson’s primary vehicle for his musical explorations is his band, (featuring the legendary bassist Gary Willis), which has released nine critically acclaimed albums and is considered one of the world's premier modern fusion bands. Beyond his ensemble work, Henderson is a dedicated educator. He has been a long-time instructor at the prestigious Musicians Institute (formerly G.I.T.) in Hollywood, where he has shaped the approach of countless aspiring guitarists. His teaching philosophy emphasizes active listening, reacting to fellow musicians in real-time, and developing a personal voice, making his lessons on improvisation particularly profound.
The Jazz-Rock Mastery DVD and its companion PDF are not just instructional; they are widely considered a masterclass in modern guitar. User reviews consistently highlight its profound value, though they also note that it is demanding. Here is a summary of feedback from guitarists who have used the material:
Comprehensive PDF summaries and booklets often accompany his official instructional releases. You can find detailed breakdowns on platforms such as:
Perhaps Henderson's most recognizable trait is his use of the vintage-style tremolo arm. He does not use it for heavy metal dive-bombs; instead, he uses it to scoop into notes, mimic the slide of a pedal steel, or create a smooth, horn-like legato. To practice this: Pick a note a half-step below your target note. Depress the whammy bar before striking the string. Release the bar smoothly to "scoop" up to the target pitch. Wide Intervallic Leaps