Django Reinhardt
Jazz with a Gypsy Flair
Perhaps the most mispronounced name in all of Jazz Guitar is that of Belgian guitarist Django Reinhardt. Born a Gypsy, Django entered life in a culture
noted for its musical ability. Django learned to play at a very young age but nearly lost it all when a fire severely injured his left hand. The young
man struggled back using his first and second fingers to do most of the work while his third and fourth fingers, scarred and fused together, were of
limited use. Nonetheless, this master recovered to play as well as ever and his inventive whimsical nature were well expressed in his guitar playing.
Teaming with Violinist Stephane Grappelli in 1934, Django played a fiery brand of jazz guitar that complemented well the lush but upbeat violinist. Reinhardt employed up to three of his brothers at once as rhythm guitarists, however his chord playing was said to be quite inventive. All the more amazing considering his physical limitations. His Maccaferri guitar could best be described as a cutaway flat top but was specially designed to maximize volume. In later years Django also used an electric guitar.
As amazing as his ability to overcome his physical handicaps is, it is equally important to mention that this guitarist had very little in the way of book learning when it came to music theory. Django probably did not understand scales in the conventional way but played what he heard and felt at the moment. Without studying theory he knew exactly what notes to play over any given passage. The music that he and Grappelli played used a lot of dominant 7th chords with many tone center changes. In a time where computerized systems can be used to teach chord scale relationships it is good to reflect that a creative genius such as Django Reinhardt played tastefully and correctly over complex changes without extensive knowledge of music theory. There is no substitute for taste, talent or for that matter a lot of time spent playing your heart out. Especially a heart as expansive as Django's.
Oh, by the way, according to a recording I heard of Stephane Grappelli speaking, the correct pronunciation of Django's name is something on the order of 'John Go'. The D is definitely silent and the A is definitely long.
