Book cover of 'Contemporary Latin Jazz Guitar Vol. 2: Solos' by Neff Irizarry II with abstract design and the publisher Sher Music Co.'s logo.

Contemporary Latin Jazz Guitar: Vol. 2

By Neff Irizarry

Inside the Solos of the Latin Jazz Masters

Volume 1 of Contemporary Latin Jazz Guitar establishes the language of Latin jazz guitar, Volume 2 teaches you how the masters actually speak it.

This deep and focused study of improvisation reveals how influential tres, cuatro, requinto, and jazz guitarists construct solos that fuse Afro-Cuban tradition with modern jazz vocabulary.

Through meticulous transcription and analysis, Neff Irizarry breaks down the essential elements that define great Latin jazz improvisation:

• Note choice
• Articulation
• Phrasing
• Rhythmic placement
• Tone and stylistic identity

54 Complete Solo Transcriptions

Study and internalize 54 fully transcribed solos from legendary players including:

Steve Khan
George Benson
Bruce Forman
Peter Bernstein
Arsenio Rodríguez
Yomo Toro
Carlos Emilio Morales
Edgardo Miranda
…and many more.

These transcriptions function as a masterclass, offering a detailed look at how traditional Afro-Caribbean concepts merge with bebop, modern harmony, and contemporary jazz phrasing. The ultimate goal is fluency, and not just imitation, when soloing.

A special focus is placed on the Afro-Cuban 6/8 bembe rhythmic framework, providing step-by-step examples that clarify how improvisers navigate its pulse and phrasing.

Irizarry also explores the fusion of Afro-Cuban tradition with jazz bebop language, illuminating the shared threads that connect traditional masters and modern innovators.

Play-Along Compositions and Application

Specially composed play-along pieces allow you to apply the techniques and vocabulary extracted from the solos in real musical contexts — helping you develop your own improvisational voice.

Neff has also created over 60 instructional, play-along, and transcription videos to supplement this volume, offering additional demonstrations and performance insights to reinforce the material which can be found here.

All accompanying audio files available for free on our Audio Downloads page.

Spiral-bound, 337 pages, Table of Contents.

Sample Pages: Guitar on Latin Jazz Standards, Polyrhythm with the Cláve, Bembé Pattern, Peter Bernstein Solo, “San Miguel de los Acordes”

Endorsements:

“Neff Irizarry is a masterful musician and great practitioner of Latin music on the guitar. He has written an incredibly thorough and comprehensive book on Latin music and how it relates to the guitar. There is no other book like this to my knowledge. It is truly inspiring and presents a beautiful window into this musical world. It is a book that will provide a lifetime of study. Thank you Neff!!”
 — Peter Bernstein, Renowned Jazz Guitarist

“Neff Irizarry has produced yet another rich compilation of musical ideas in the world of Latin Jazz. As in his first book, Neff's new book Contemporary Latin Jazz Guitar Volume II, Neff offers us a vast treasure trove of ideas from great musicians inspired to work in this fascinating world.”
 — Jon Damian, Professor Emeritus, Berklee College of Music

“Master Guitarist Neff Irizarry has contributed in a mighty way to understanding, preserving, presenting and educating the world about Latin Jazz. There is simply no other work that is as comprehensive, accessible, and embracing of this specialized performance practice. It is my suggestion that all followers of this music, regardless of the instrument they play, purchase a copy and study it.”
— Arturo O'Farrill, Grammy Award Winning Pianist, Composer, Arranger
Format: Print
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Primary Instrument: Guitar
Primary Instrument: Guitar

“Neff Irizarry's profound dedication to the study of traditional and contemporary Latin jazz styles is evident in this book. Besides being an excellent jazz guitarist, Irizarry's presentation of the subject and its relevance for the modern instrumentalist is a clear indication of his deep research and highly methodical approach. The beautiful melodic examples are clearly written and analyzed in a concise and logical manner while providing a broad spectrum of appropriate stylistic vocabulary. This book is an excellent source and it should be included in the library of every instrumentalist, composer and arranger interested in the art of contemporary Latin jazz performance. Latin jazz is not a side dish, but a main course and there is a lot to be digested here!”
— Victor Mendoza, Vibraphonist, Latin Jazz Artist, Composer, and former Berklee College of Music Professor

“This book represents the importance of preserving the musical identity through melodic and rhythmic vocabulary of each of the string instruments that represent Latin American music diversity from Traditional to Latin Jazz. Neff's work is an important contribution to Music Education by the detailed transcriptions that cover a wide variety of genres and artists.”
— Oscar Stagnaro, Renowned Bassist, Composer, Author, Professor and Latin Music Studies advisor at Berklee College of Music

“Learning a musical style takes much effort, both in research and application. Neff Irizarry's Contemporary Latin Jazz Volume 1 wonderfully shows how to work toward becoming an accompanist in the world of Latin Jazz Guitar. This second volume tackles the art of improvisation — soloing in the style. Through the use of theory and analysis of solos by the masters, Neff has created a foolproof method of study for every guitarist interested in learning this style. My hats off to Neff — this is the real deal!”
— Larry Baione, Chair Emeritus, Guitar Department, Berklee College of Music

“If there is one person who can clearly explain the secrets of the guitar in Latin Jazz, it is Neff Irizarry. He navigates effortlessly through all the waters of modern guitar, Jazz, and Latin Jazz.”
— Israel Sandoval, Spanish renowned guitar Artist, Professor Graduate Program, Berklee Valencia

“Forget online searches — this book is what you need for Latin Jazz Guitar!! Neff Irizarry has distinguished himself through his exemplary work in this companion book to Volume I. Clear, concise explanations with great examples. Either book can stand on its own but together they form a comprehensive discourse. If you want to immerse yourself in Latin Jazz guitar, get this book!”
— Brent Fischer, Grammy Award Winning Producer, Composer, Arranger

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