There are different approaches on how to improvise in jazz but I've found this step-by-step guide that I thought would be useful. Hope you find it interesting and practical. This is for the wanna be jazz musicians or all you guys who simply want to play with some tunes...Of course, you have to play an instrument well enough to be able to do this. :)The trick is to approach improvisation as a fun way to express yourself and just play with it! I think you will enjoy this as it could open up your mind and give you more ideas for other tunes that you would like to spice up!
Alright, let's check it out!
1. pick a tune that is simple and one that you are familiar with
2. play it as it is once and make no changes
3. play it and change two notes by altering the pitch or rhythm. For example, "Are You Sleeping?" is F G A F (to name the pitches of the four quarter notes). Normally the F G A F is repeated. However, play four eighth notes in place of the F and G.
4. Try this: F E F G (in eighth notes), then A F in quarters to complete the first phrase.
5. Use the same pattern in "Brother John": A Bb C (in quarter notes); A G A Bb (in eighth notes); C (as a half note).
TIPS and WARNINGS
Alright, let's check it out!
1. pick a tune that is simple and one that you are familiar with
2. play it as it is once and make no changes
3. play it and change two notes by altering the pitch or rhythm. For example, "Are You Sleeping?" is F G A F (to name the pitches of the four quarter notes). Normally the F G A F is repeated. However, play four eighth notes in place of the F and G.
4. Try this: F E F G (in eighth notes), then A F in quarters to complete the first phrase.
5. Use the same pattern in "Brother John": A Bb C (in quarter notes); A G A Bb (in eighth notes); C (as a half note).
TIPS and WARNINGS
- be relaxed
- have fun
- do this in a private place
- this is just one of the ideas that you can try (so no worries if it's not the most suitable one for you!)
- group sessions come when skills are developed and you feel comfortable
These are some tips from the EHOW.com
Once a week I will give you some hot tips related to playing, whether it is a general tip such as this one, or for a particular instrument. I will also try to give you non-jazz people a little input about jazz history to be able to follow all this. The point of this blog is to inform and to educate, if possible so everyone can find something for themselves.
If you try this technique for improvisation, please let me know how it went!
Once a week I will give you some hot tips related to playing, whether it is a general tip such as this one, or for a particular instrument. I will also try to give you non-jazz people a little input about jazz history to be able to follow all this. The point of this blog is to inform and to educate, if possible so everyone can find something for themselves.
If you try this technique for improvisation, please let me know how it went!
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