Let's dive into the enchanting world of Django Reinhardt and explore the chords behind his legendary rendition of "All of Me." This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the chord progressions, techniques, and stylistic elements that make Reinhardt's version so unique and captivating. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting your musical journey, understanding these chords will undoubtedly enrich your playing and appreciation for Gypsy jazz.

Understanding Django Reinhardt's Style

Before we delve into the specific chords of "All of Me," it's essential to grasp the essence of Django Reinhardt's musical style. Django, a Romani-French jazz guitarist, is celebrated for his innovative approach to jazz music. His distinctive sound, often referred to as "Gypsy jazz" or "Jazz Manouche," blends elements of American swing, French musette, and Romani folk music. Reinhardt's playing is characterized by its virtuosic technique, expressive phrasing, and sophisticated harmonic vocabulary. Despite a severe injury to his left hand, which left him with limited use of two fingers, Django developed a unique fingering system and playing style that has inspired generations of guitarists.

Key characteristics of Django's style include:

• Chord Voicings: Django often used closed-position voicings with altered harmonies, creating rich and colorful sounds.
• Rhythmic Drive: His playing is marked by a strong rhythmic pulse, often emphasizing the "and" of the beat to create a swinging feel.
• Improvisation: Django was a master improviser, seamlessly weaving intricate melodies and variations over chord progressions.
• Use of the Diminished Scale: The diminished scale is a staple in Gypsy jazz and is frequently used by Django in his improvisations and chord voicings.
• La Pompe: This is the rhythmic foundation of Gypsy jazz, characterized by a percussive strumming pattern that emphasizes beats two and four.

By understanding these elements, we can better appreciate the nuances of Django's chord choices in "All of Me."

"All of Me" Chord Progression: A Detailed Look

"All of Me" is a jazz standard composed by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons in 1931. The song has been performed by countless artists, but Django Reinhardt's version stands out for its unique harmonic twists and Gypsy jazz flavor. Let's break down the chord progression and highlight some of Django's distinctive touches.

The standard chord progression for the A section of "All of Me" is:

However, Django often incorporates variations and substitutions to add his personal touch. Some common alterations include:

• Using a B♭6 instead of B♭Maj7: This gives the chord a slightly sweeter and less dissonant sound.
• Substituting Cm7 with a Cm6: Similar to the B♭6 substitution, this adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
• Adding a diminished chord before the Cm7: For example, playing a Bdim7 before the Cm7 creates a chromatic approach and adds tension.
• Altering the dominant chords: Django might use a B♭7alt (altered) chord instead of a regular B♭7, incorporating alterations like ♭9, #9, or #5.

In the B section (the bridge) of "All of Me," the standard progression is:

Django's variations in the bridge might include:

• Using a D7♭9 instead of D7: This adds a more dissonant and bluesy flavor.
• Adding a passing chord between Am7 and D7: For example, inserting an A♭dim7 creates a smooth chromatic transition.
• Substituting the Gm7 with a Gm6: Again, this adds a touch of sophistication.

Chord Voicings and Techniques

Django Reinhardt's chord voicings are a crucial element of his unique sound. He often used closed-position voicings, which means the notes of the chord are clustered together on the fretboard. This allows for quick and efficient chord changes, essential for the fast tempos often used in Gypsy jazz.

Some common Django-style voicings for the chords in "All of Me" include:

• B♭Maj7: x13231 or 6x776x
• Cm7: x35343 or 8x888x
• Fm7: 131111 or x8(10)898
• B♭7: x13121 or 6x676x
• E♭Maj7: x68786 or xx5776
• Gm7: 353333 or x(10)(12)(10)(11)(10)
• F7: 131211 or x8(10)8(10)8
• Am7: 575555 or x02010
• D7: xx0212 or 557565
• Gm6: 353335
• Cm6: x35353

These voicings are just starting points, and Django often altered them to fit the specific musical context. Experimenting with different inversions and fingerings is key to developing your own Django-inspired sound.

In addition to chord voicings, Django's right-hand technique is equally important. The "La Pompe" strumming pattern is the rhythmic foundation of Gypsy jazz. It involves a strong downstroke on beats two and four, with lighter upstrokes on beats one and three. The goal is to create a percussive, swinging rhythm that propels the music forward. Practicing the La Pompe with a metronome is essential for developing a solid rhythmic foundation.

Incorporating Django's Style into Your Playing

Now that we've explored the chords and techniques used by Django Reinhardt in "All of Me," let's discuss how you can incorporate these elements into your own playing.

1. Listen and Transcribe: The best way to learn Django's style is to listen to his recordings and try to transcribe his solos and chord voicings. Pay attention to his phrasing, rhythm, and use of altered harmonies.
2. Practice Chord Voicings: Master the Django-style chord voicings for common jazz chords. Experiment with different inversions and fingerings to find what works best for you.
3. Develop Your La Pompe: Practice the La Pompe strumming pattern with a metronome until it becomes second nature. Focus on creating a strong, swinging rhythm.
4. Learn the Diminished Scale: The diminished scale is a key element of Django's improvisational style. Learn the patterns and practice using it over dominant chords and ii-V-I progressions.
5. Experiment with Substitutions: Try substituting different chords in standard progressions to add your own personal touch. Use altered dominants, diminished chords, and other harmonic devices to create interesting sounds.
6. Improvise!: Django was a master improviser, so don't be afraid to take risks and explore new melodic ideas. Use the chords and scales you've learned as a foundation for your improvisations.

Conclusion

Django Reinhardt's rendition of "All of Me" is a testament to his genius and innovation. By studying the chords, techniques, and stylistic elements of his playing, you can gain a deeper appreciation for Gypsy jazz and enrich your own musical vocabulary. Remember to listen, practice, and experiment, and most importantly, have fun! So grab your guitar, channel your inner Django, and start exploring the magical world of Gypsy jazz. Happy playing, guys!