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Hey Apone - I started trying my hand at gypsy jazz around a year ago and started here http://www.djangobooks.com/forum/categories/gypsy-jazz-101
Getting 'la pompe' nailed is a must. This video helped me, there's a longer one by Dennis Chang you might be able to find/ 'acquire' if you look around
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl56Mm_6EZg
You don't need a selmer/macaferri copy- but getting a thick pick (3.5 mm wegen for example) really helped me 'whip' through the strings. Bit spendy, but cheaper than a guitar! http://www.wegenpicks.com/#gypsy
For the twiddly bits..... fast and ornamented arpeggios will get you 2/3rds of the way there. Vanneau's advice looks good too!
If you're worried about having to improvise, learning a waltz style piece is a cheeky way of getting the right sound as the melodies are usually 'scripted' and sound very impressive:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kF9j25NDG8
That said, most people start with minor swing (that's what I did) - easy chords/structure and relatively simple to improvise over/learn Django's original solo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2H15GWNmeE
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DanS
Trying to do an approximation of a Django gypsy jazz swing thing for commission i've got for a friend's documentary soundtrack. Watched a few vids and been listening to Django non stop for the last two weeks. My game is weak. Any pro tips for copping that sound without having any talent?
Also, RICKSTER! going to play a few tunes at the Red Lion in Kennington on Thurs. Fancy coming down for a beer and a hang out or sit in?