Learn Jazz Improvisation

This is a lesson that will help you learn jazz improvisation. Jazz theory and improvisation can be a tricky subject to master and difficult to teach but it is easy to start improvising on your instrument. Here are four great tips to help you get started with jazz improvisation.

Learn basic theory

Jazz is a pretty intimidating style for beginners because so much of the jazz language is based on complex musical theory and advanced harmony. You might be glad to know that once you understand the major scale really well then the rest of music theory is not much more complicated. In order to start improvising your will need to have a pretty good understanding of the basics of music theory. Read articles like the ones on this site that will help you learn more about jazz and jazz theory. You do not need to know about every scale, arpeggio and chord but you should have a good understanding of the major scale and some basic chords.

Learn your scales

In order to play over chord progressions you need to know what notes sound good over what chords. Learning scales can seem boring and non musical but they form the basis of all music and a good knowledge of the basic scales is essential for learning jazz improvisation.

Learn about harmony

If you want to improvise in jazz then you need to be able to look at a chord progression and know exactly what scales to play over it. This is a skill that comes from learning more about harmony and scales. Start by learning how to harmonize the major scale.

Have Fun

Getting good at improvising is not something that happens overnight. I always think the best way to start improvising is to just pick up your instrument and start playing around, coming up with so simple melodies or ideas. Don’t worry about playing wrong notes or making mistakes because you need to make these mistakes in order to learn. Don’t be afraid of your instrument and just play what comes into your head. This kind of practice is the easiest way to start improvising. You could also try just playing over a static chord vamp using a simple scale over and over. Get creative when you play scales over a chord and move the order of the notes around and experiment with different rhythms. The more you are willing to mess around and experiment with your scales and chords, the more quickly you will progress.

Don’t be afraid to start messing around with your scales and chords and having fun with them. Improvising is nothing more than finding new and original ways to play to play through the notes of a scale. Every time you learn a new lick or phrase on your instrument be creative and see if you can find new ways to play it or mess around with the order of the notes. Never be afraid to play around and come up with your own musical ideas. Learning to express yourself through improvisation is at the heart of what jazz is all about.