Jens Larsen

Jens Larsen is a Danish jazz guitarist, composer, educator, and one of the most influential online jazz guitar teachers. While he was born in Denmark (1973), he has spent much of his professional career in the Netherlands, where he teaches at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and performs with several jazz groups. 

Background

Larsen didn’t initially pursue music professionally. He first earned a degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of Aarhus in 1995. After discovering a passion for jazz, he studied at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague from 1998 to 2004, graduating cum laude with a master’s degree in jazz guitar. During his studies he performed with musicians such as Michael Brecker, Jim McNeely, and Slide Hampton. 

Playing style

His playing is rooted in:

• Bebop and hard bop
• Modern jazz harmony
• Strong voice leading
• Melodic improvisation rather than flashy technique

Influences he has mentioned include players such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jim Hall, and traditional bebop guitarists, while his teaching emphasizes understanding harmony over memorizing patterns. 

YouTube and education

Jens is perhaps best known today for his YouTube channel, which has grown to over 500,000 subscribers. His lessons cover topics like:

• Jazz chords and chord melody
• II–V–I progressions
• Bebop language
• Improvisation
• Music theory
• Practice strategies

His videos are known for being concise, practical, and often challenging common misconceptions about learning jazz. He also publishes books, study guides, and online courses through his website. 

Performing career

Although many people know him as an educator, Larsen remains an active performer and composer. He is a founding member of the jazz quartet Træben, whose albums have received critical praise in Europe and North America. He has also worked with ensembles including the Yvonne Smeets Group, Jazz4Kids, and Wijnen, Winter & Larsen. 

Reputation

Within the jazz guitar community, Larsen is widely respected for making advanced concepts accessible without oversimplifying them. Reddit discussions frequently recommend his lessons and his “Jazz Guitar Roadmap” course, especially for players transitioning from rock or blues into jazz. Many players appreciate his structured teaching style and depth of harmonic knowledge. 

If you’re interested in jazz guitar education, Jens Larsen is often mentioned alongside educators like Rick Beato, Tomo Fujita, and Barry Greene, but with a much stronger focus on traditional and modern jazz improvisation.