Django Reinhardt Gypsy Jazz Guitar Techniques - Five Levels

The style invented by Django Reinhardt- Gypsy Jazz. Paul Davids and Adrian Holovaty go over the basics in 5 levels from beginner to advanced. 

Level 1 - The Rhythm Changes

The 1-6-2-5 rhythm chord changes, demo in the key of G major (G - Em - Am - D7) and do two beats per chord. Start with common open chords.

For the lead, play between the tonic (G) and its fifth (D).

Level 2 -  No Open Strings

Find new ways to do the rhythm chords without employing open strings.  This is to facilitate the muting from the fretting hand.  

Switch to barre chords at the 5th and 7th positions.  For the Em, use a Em7 barre.

For the lead, outline the G on the first two chords, then outline the D7 on the last two.

Level 3 - Gypsy Jazz Chords

Throw in a 6 over the major chord