Ben Monder: Harmony, Technique & Modern Guitar Concepts | Interview w/ Dida Pelled

In this rare and illuminating conversation, legendary guitarist Ben Monder joins Dida Pelled for a deep exploration of modern harmony, technique, guitar mechanics, sound concepts, and improvisational thinking. Known for his groundbreaking work with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, David Bowie, and his own iconic recordings, Monder breaks down the ideas that shaped his unmistakable style. Ben discusses his harmonic architecture, intervallic thinking, chord-melody approach, alternate fingerings, rhythmic displacement, and the role of curiosity and experimentation in developing a personal guitar language. He also reflects on practicing, tone, gear simplicity, modern jazz, and the evolution of guitar technique. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in jazz guitar, advanced harmony, modern improvisation, or the mind of one of the most influential guitarists of our time. Website: https://didamusic.com/home Music: https://didamusic.com/music Featuring: Ben Monder — Guitarist, composer, harmonic innovator Dida Pelled — Guitarist, vocalist, host of The Dida Show 00:00 – Introduction: Meeting Ben Monder & Episode Overview 01:18 – Early Musical Influences & Developing a Modern Guitar Voice 05:22 – Harmony Concepts: Intervals, Voicings & Chord Architecture 10:40 – Technique, Mechanics & Finger Independence on Guitar 15:08 – Improvisation: Shapes, Lines & Melodic Logic 20:12 – Rhythm, Meter & Displacement in Modern Jazz Guitar 24:44 – Practice Philosophy: Consistency, Curiosity & Problem Solving 28:39 – Sound, Tone & Monder’s Minimalist Gear Approach 34:51 – Composition: Form, Texture & Building Atmosphere 39:30 – Playing with Bowie & Maria Schneider: Musical Lessons 44:22 – Advice for Guitarists: Harmony, Listening & Artistic Identity 49:58 – Closing Thoughts & Reflections on Creativity #Benmonder #JazzGuitar #musicpodcast