Author: Wes
Date: 2015-12-01 11:06
Yes, it's great that we do not all think the same when it comes to improvising. Some of the things I try to pay attention to are:
1. Scale tone sevenths. In the key of C, these would be CEGB, DFAC, EGBD, FACE, etc. These should be practiced for technique.
2. Thirds and sevenths. One can make a good jazz solo using mostly these notes of the applicable chords as they are the most important notes of a chord. For Dixieland, the regular scales for the chord sequence are fine with some judicial use of the blues scales.
3. Jazz phrasing. Reading the Parker Omnibook over and over gets some good phrasing under the fingers. However, one can improvise without copying any of it in one's solos.
4. Technique. Doing the "key of the day" exercise. This is to pick a key and for the day's practice, only rehearse scales, chords, licks, and made up phrases in that key. The next day, one can pick the next key, and in 12 days go through the entire spectrum of keys. It is easier to improvise if technique is there.
5. Form. Try to build a solo like the waves of the surf, building to a climax and then backing down. The highest note can be played only once to good effect. Also, make phrases with rest between them, like a conversation. We don't try to play like a doorbell.
6. Chords. Try to learn to use the chords in tunes. Many soloists seem to play 8 bar sequences without regard for the chords. I think listeners like to follow the tune.
Good luck!
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