Austin Filingo

Austin Filingo

Austin is a Guitar instructor at JamPlay.com

Hailing from northeastern Pennsylvania, Austin Filingo grew up immersed in a wide range of music from classic rock to country to jazz. At age seven he moved to Nashville, TN and began playing guitar. A few years later, at age eleven he competed in a guitar contest at Mars music, placing first in the rock category. From that moment on, his dream was realized and he knew he wanted to pursue music as a career. In high school, guitar became Austin’s passion as he honed his s... (more)

Austin currently offers 89 guitar lessons at JamPlay, with 89 intermediate lessons.

Austin Filingo's contribution to JamPlay

Use the tabs below to learn more or subscribe for unlimited access to all artists and courses.

Jazz

Gypsy Jazz with Austin Filingo

Gypsy Jazz guitarist Austin Filingo covers the basics of the Gypsy Jazz and Swing Guitar styles.

1

Introduction to Gypsy Jazz

Austin Filingo introduces himself and discusses his lesson series on Gypsy Jazz. He gives a general overview of the style and explains what he'll be teaching.

2:10 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

2

Warm-up Exercises

Austin demonstrates some helpful warm-up exercises, including hand stretches and chromatic octaves.

6:36 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

3

History of Gypsy Jazz

Austin gives a brief overview of the history of the style. He also lists some of the gear out there that can help you get the right sound in both live and studio applications.

8:34 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

4

Right Hand Techniques

Austin discusses picks and proper right hand placement for achieving a gypsy jazz sound. He demonstrates the sound of three different picks, and explains which one is his favorite.

7:43 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

5

La Pompe Rhythm

Austin teaches how to play the "la pompe" (Freddie Green in swing circles) rhythm. This accompaniment patter is crucial to playing in the gypsy jazz and swing styles.

10:18 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

6

Bread and Butter Chords Part 1

Austin discusses and demonstrates a couple of bread and butter chords in the key of G. He covers multiple voicing for the G6, G6/9, D7, and D9 chords.

13:26 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

View this Lesson
7

Bread and Butter Chords Part 2

Austin uses the chord voicings taught in Bread and Butter Chords Part 1 to play over a track.

5:26 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

8

Bread and Butter Chords Part 3

Austin demonstrates a few more bread and butter chords for us in the context of the tune "Dinah" by Fats Waller. He covers voicings for Em, Em7, B7, A7 and Am7.

8:54 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

9

Dinah: Learning the Whole Tune

Austin takes all the chords from Bread and Butter Chords parts 1-3 and puts them together in the tune "Dinah."

8:44 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

10

Dinah: The Passing Chords

Austin teaches how to use different chord voicings and inversions of chords in the context of the Fats Waller song "Dinah".

11:05 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

11

Dinah: Intro's and Outro's

Austin teaches various ways to begin and end a performance of "Dinah". These concepts can be applied broadly to other jazz tunes.

19:09 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

12

Minor Swing: Bread and Butter Chords

Austin Filingo starts digging into the tune "Minor Swing". In this lesson, he breaks down some tried and true voicings that can be used when comping in a Freddie Green or 'Le Pompe' style.

9:07 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

13

Minor Swing: Passing Chords

Austin teaches some passing chords and chord substitution principles that can be used in "Minor Swing" and more broadly in this genre.

11:28 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

14

Minor Swing: Intro's and Outro's

Austin uses the context of "Minor Swing" to teach various intro and outro ideas to use in the gypsy jazz and swing genres.

14:54 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

15

Dinah: The Melody

Austin teaches the melody to the tune "Dinah".

13:35 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

16

Chord Pools

Austin teaches a collection of drop 2 voicings that are commonly used in jazz.

7:30 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

17

Major & Minor Triads

Austin teaches how to build major and minor triads all over the neck.

14:20 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

18

Augmented & Diminished Triads

Austin expands on the major and minor triads with augmented and diminished formations.

6:40 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

21

Dinah: Chord Melody

Austin utilizes the triads he's taught in previous lessons to build a few different chord melodies for the tune Dinah.

10:38 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

50

Soloing Concepts: Dinah

Austin teaches some soloing concepts for the tune Dinah.

17:44 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

51

Soloing Concepts: Minor Swing

Austin demonstrates and analyzes some soloing concepts for Minor Swing.

7:30 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

53

Chord Pools Part 2

Austin builds off of Chord Pools Part 1 and plugs some of the chord voicing into a practical chord solo.

9:36 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

Jazz

Jazz Chord Progression Practice Plan

So you want to dip your toes into the sand that is Jazz. The question is, where do you start? Between the chord knowledge, crazy naming conventions, altered and substituted chords, it can feel a little intimidating. Let Austin Filingo demystify the Jazz genre for you by providing a proper foundation to build on. By the end of this course, you'll have practical knowledge of Jazz chord construction, naming conventions, and progressions.

1

Jazz Chord Progression Practice Plan: Introduction

If the Jazz genre has piqued your interest, one of the first steps to becoming a competent player is learning the core progression ideas that are appropriate in the genre. Starting slowly, Austin will provide some insight into chord structure and naming that is prevalent in the genre, then move on to the practical application of common chord progressions. He will touch on common ideas like chord substitutions and alterations without going too deep into the theory side of those concepts. This course is designed for an early to middle intermediate player but will be accessible to late beginners who have a solid grasp of the instrument.

1:11 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

2

How to Build Jazz Chords

To start off the series, Austin discusses how Jazz chords are built. This basic foundational approach will underpin the series going forward.

6:06 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

3

How to Build Jazz Chords - Quiz

Now let's take the chord building concepts from the previous lesson and quiz ourselves to see how well we understand the material.

6:25 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

4

Diatonic Chord Scale or Harmonized Chord Scale

Now that you understand how Jazz chords are constructed, let's take that concept and apply it to a harmonized major scale.

5:31 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

5

Diatonic Chord Scale or Harmonized Chord Scale - Practice Session

Let's take the harmonization concepts you learned in the previous lesson and apply them practically, with practice.

5:40 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

6

Secondary Dominant Chords

We're now entering the world of re-harmonization. In Jazz specifically, it will be common to substitute or "alter" the diatonic harmonized scale for other chord types. Austin goes over the concept of the secondary dominant substitution, what it sounds like and how it's used.

3:42 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

7

Secondary Dominant Chords - Quiz

Now let's put our knowledge of secondary dominant chords to the test and quiz ourselves to identify deviations from a harmonized diatonic scale.

8:00 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

8

The ii V7 I Progression

Now that you've got some basic concepts and ear training under your belt, let's start by taking a look at one of the most common Jazz chord progressions. Austin will cover the progression and also provide insight into the types of chord grips that are stylistically appropriate.

4:42 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

9

The ii V7 I Progression: Practice Session

Now it's time to practice the I VI ii V progression you learned in the previous lesson. You'll practice it at three different tempos.

9:17 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

10

The Minor ii V i Progression

Now on to the next progression, the minor ii V i. Austin discusses thinking about this progression in terms of a major scale of a different key.

5:01 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

11

The Minor ii V i Progression: Practice Session

Now let's practice the minor ii V i progression. Once again, you'll practice it at three different tempos.

9:04 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

12

I vi ii V Progression

Next up is a more in-depth progression that is popular in both Jazz and various Pop genres.

4:24 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

13

I vi ii V Progression: Practice Session

Now let's practice the I vi ii V Progression. You'll be practicing it at 60, 90 and 120 beats per minute.

9:58 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

14

I VI ii V Progression

Progressions are now starting to get a little bit more complicated. In lesson 14, Austin shows you the I VI ii V progression.

4:01 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

15

I VI ii V Progression: Practice Session

Now that you understand the construction of the I VI ii V progression, let's practice it at three different tempos.

10:07 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

16

I #Idim ii V Progression

In lesson 16, Austin is spicing it up further with a progression that uses diminished substitution. He discusses the concept, then breaks down the progression.

7:48 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

17

I #Idim ii V Progression: Practice Session

Now let's practice the progression you learned in the last lesson.

10:14 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

18

Texas Style Changes

We're getting more harmonically complicated yet again. Lesson 18 is all about the funky pairings found in the Texas changes.

6:56 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

View this Lesson
19

Texas Style Changes: Practice Session

Now it's your turn to practice the Texas-style changes. Austin will guide you through the track, at three different tempos.

9:40 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

20

III VI II V Progression

Keeping with the theme of making progressions more complex, Austin offers up a longer progression that makes use of secondary dominant chords. He also discusses this progression as being typical of a bridge section.

8:07 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

21

III VI II V Progression: Practice Session

Now let's practice the III VI II V progression you learned in the previous lesson.

10:01 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

22

I7 IV II V Progression

Like the previous progression you learned the Dominant I IV II V progression is best used in a bridge section and also contains secondary dominant chords.

5:37 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

23

I7 IV II V Progression: Practice Session

Now let's practice the I7 IV II V progression you learned in the previous lesson.

9:49 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

24

The v- I7 IV Chord Progression

Once again you're thinking about a 2-5 progression to a IV chord in this progression. This one is a bit longer and again is increasing in complexity. Austin discusses how the progression works, then shows you how.

7:32 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

25

The v- I7 IV Chord Progression: Practice Session

Now let's practice the progression you learned in the last lesson. You'll once again practice at three different tempos.

10:11 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

26

The IV iv Progression

You've made it to the final chord progression of the series! This one is the longest of the progressions taught and unlike most of the other progressions you've learned, this one doesn't start on the tonic.

9:04 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

27

The IV iv Progression: Practice Session

You've made it to the final practice session of the series. You'll be practicing the progression from the previous lesson with a track at 60, 90 and 120 bpm.

18:31 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

Jazz

Western Swing Genre Study

Western Swing is one of the most unique and timeless genres of American music. In this fun and engaging course, veteran guitarist Austin Filingo breaks down the history, techniques and musical conventions that make this style of guitar playing so special. In this course, you'll learn everything you need to know to get into playing Western Swing. Austin covers rhythms, chord voicings, harmonizing melodies, and soloing concepts, and applies these ideas to two full-length original songs. If you've ever wanted to dive deep into Western Swing guitar, look no further - this is the course for you.

1

Series Introduction

Welcome to Austin Filingo's Western Swing Genre Study! In this introduction, we go over the topics the course will cover, some prerequisite knowledge, and expectations for the lessons ahead.

2:20 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

2

The History of Western Swing

Austin kicks things off with an overview of the history and key players that made Western Swing what it is today.

4:54 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

3

Western Swing Rhythm

We get into playing some Western Swing by looking at some common approaches to rhythm guitar parts.

11:15 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

4

Common Western Swing Chords

Now that we've got our rhythms worked out, we look at common chord shapes and chord voicings for both major and minor.

7:31 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

5

Chords and Form for Our First Song

Let's break down the chords and arrangement for our first Western Swing song.

15:00 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

6

Chords and Form for Our Second Song

Now that we know the first tune, let's look at the chords and form for our second song.

11:56 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

7

Using Passing Chords with Song 1

We explore the chord progression of the first song in more detail by learning a variety of useful passing chords to navigate the changes.

20:28 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

8

Using Passing Chords with Song 2

Let's apply what we learned about passing chords over the first tune to the second one.

16:17 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

9

Rotation Devices and Embellishments

We explore more techniques for making our rhythm playing as dynamic and musical as possible.

17:48 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

10

Double Stops

Double stops are an integral part of the Western Swing sound. Here, Austin will break down the mechanics and application of this important skill.

12:12 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

11

Soloing with Triads

Triads can be used to navigate the fretboard more fluidly by connecting triadic runs. In this lesson, we'll discuss how we can incorporate these shapes into our soloing.

19:21 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

12

Tiny Moore Style Lick

Let's move on to some licks inspired by the greats! We'll start off with this Tiny Moore-influenced lick.

17:23 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

13

Junior Bernard Style Lick

Our next lick is inspired by one of the originators of the "fuzz" tone, Junior Bernard.

16:11 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

14

Jimmy Wyble Style Lick

Let's keep the pedal down with this lick from the genre-defying Jimmy Wyble!

17:00 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

View this Lesson
15

Lick in the Style of Eldon Shamblin

Now let's close out our "licks inspired by the greats" section with this cool series of licks in the style of Western Swing great Eldon Shamblin.

16:14 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

16

Melody and Harmony for Song One

We learn a fully composed melody and harmony part for our first Western Swing track.

16:12 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

17

Melody and Harmony for Song Two

Moving on, we learn a full melody and harmony for our second Western Swing song.

11:20 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

18

Solo for Song One

Using concepts from throughout the course, we learn a composed solo that works over all the changes of our first Western Swing song.

20:00 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

19

Solo for Song Two

We apply the same concepts to learn a fully composed solo over the second Western Swing track.

15:49 Runtime

4.0 Difficulty

20

Western Swing Improvisation

Austin closes out the course with some pointers, tips, and exercises to improve your improvisational vocabulary in a Western Swing context.

11:40 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

Acoustic Rock

Acoustic Versatility: Core Skills

The acoustic guitar may seem like a very one-dimensional instrument, but with the correct techniques, it can be expanded to truly become a versatile instrument that provides a wide range of colors, tones, and feels. Let's join Austin Filingo as he breaks down the skills required to unlock your acoustic playing and achieve a new level of versatility!

1

Introduction to: Acoustic Versatility

Austin Filingo introduces us to, 'Acoustic Versatility: Core Skills'!

1:51 Runtime

0.0 Difficulty

2

Right Hand Placement - The Art to Acoustic Guitar

Let's get underway as Austin discusses the all-important right-hand, which is as important as the left in regards to creating a versatile acoustic sound.

16:04 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

3

Picking and Hybrid Picking

Should we play with a pick or our fingers? The answer is both. In this lesson, Austin will highlight some great hybrid picking techniques with a fun Swing-styled chord progression.

19:24 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

4

Harmonics with Your Right Hand

Harmonics can add a layer of finesse to our playing. Here, Austin will cover some techniques to incorporate our right hand into the harmonic mix and expand our knowledge beyond the standard open harmonic positions!

23:24 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

View this Lesson
5

Strength and Speed Challenge

Strength and speed are essential to attributes to versatile playing. In this lesson, Austin presents us with a challenging exercise using a two-octave G-major scale.

17:14 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

6

Embellishments - Left Hand Strength

A strong left hand can help create clear and confident notes that allow for great embellishments in our playing. Here, Austin shows us a great trilling exercise to help develop our left hand strength!

17:54 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

7

Open String Horizontal Licks

Open string licks not only sound great, but can also be a great way to traverse the fretboard. Here's a great pedaling horizontal lick that really captures a classic-rock feel.

17:57 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

8

Open String Vertical Licks

Now let's cover open-stringed vertical licks with this fun descending lick!

17:43 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

9

Bends

One of the common embelishments that we'll run into are bends. Here, Austin provides us with a bluesy lick that uses bends to cover a lot of real estate on the fretboard!

18:48 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

10

Capos - Where, When, and Why

Capos are one way that we can effortlessly embellish our sound to create unique tones and textures. In this next lesson, Austin will highlight a few different capo positions over a single backing track to create different feels within the song.

7:59 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

11

Phrasing - Using Only a Few Notes

It doesn't take much to steer the feeling, color, or melody of a song. In this lesson, Austin highlights a minimalist phrasing technique utilizing very few notes.

18:58 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

12

Phrasing and Fitting Chord Changes

It doesn't take much to steer the feeling, color, or melody of a song. In this lesson, Austin highlights a minimalist phrasing technique utilizing very few notes.

16:28 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

13

Rhythmic Displacement With Phrasing

Displacing our notes rhythmically throughout a piece can create an interesting ebb and flow in our phrasing. In this next lesson, Austin will highlight this technique over a familiar backing track.

15:16 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

14

Rhythmic Patterns With Phrasing

We've all heard the term "in the pocket", but what does that actually mean as a guitarist? Here, Austin covers this topic and provides us with a rhythmic phrasing exercise to help us find and stay in "the pocket"!

20:47 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

15

Targeting I IV V Chord Positions On the Neck

It's time to open up the fretboard a bit with this pleasant chording exercise that highlights the I, IV, and V positions!

20:50 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

16

Targeting I IV V Scales/Modes On the Neck

Let's take our I, IV, and V positional knowledge to the next level with this exercise covering the scales and modes of those positions.

22:01 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

17

Targeting I IV V Arpeggios On the Neck

Closing out our section on the I, IV, V, here Austin will help us to relate these chord positions to their accompanying arpeggios!

15:42 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

18

Making Arpeggios Musical

Arpeggios are a fun and useful trick, but how can we make them musical? In this next lesson, Austin will highlight some of his techniques for creating musical arpeggios!

15:38 Runtime

3.5 Difficulty

19

Chromatics with Bebop Scales

Bebop Scales can be moved chromatically on the fretboard due to the inclusion of passing tones in the scale. Here, Austin will highlight the use of these scales with a droning chord exercise where we can try our hand at incorporating these useful scales from the Bebop Era of Jazz.

21:03 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

20

Chromatics Using Two Strings

Congratulations! You've arrived at the final lesson of the course! To close things out, Austin will share a great sounding two-string chromatic lick.

22:59 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Unlock All Courses

Get Started

Get access to all guitar lessons from Austin Filingo along with our full roster of guitar teachers.