jazz help

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i am new at jazz band in my school and have had some great trouble learning how to improv. if i could be given any hints on how to make that better it would be great. thanks

bassmanshane
(9 points)

Improvisation is an art that requires a great deal of practice. There is unfortunately no quick way of learning how to do it (not to discourage you).

One thing you can do is pick and easy key (concert B flat) and familiarize yourself with the I, IV, and V chords in that key (B flat, E flat, and F). Then sit down with a blank piece of staff paper and write out a solo over a 12-bar blues progression. Just take your time, experiment, and find out what sounds good. Play around with different notes and rhythms. Do this a couple of times and try adding syncopation and accidentals. Eventually, you will find a few licks that you will really like. Practice these until you could play them in your sleep. Then, find someone who plays guitar or piano and have them record the chord progression for 12-bar blues for you (or find such on the internet) and try playing a solo along with the recording. Don't worry--at first, it will sound bad. But eventually, you will begin using some of your licks and adding a few other notes here and there. Then there are only three more things you can do: practice, practice, and, oh yeah, practice.

Also, familiarize yourself with theory. It will help you out a great deal in the long run.

Lastly, make it fun. If you are bored, take a break--you won't get anywhere with improvisation if you feel forced or unwilling to play.

Good luck!

Flute_girl
(60 points)

hey thank you so much i get so frustrated lol i am a perfectionaist when it comes to playing i like to make sure i am during it right and with improv i dont have that

saxophone_sweeti
e

Don't worry about it; I'm in the same situation. It's really hard at first but you'll get the hang of it. At first, I wanted my music teacher to write out the improv. for me to play, but, sadly, you can't do that and call it "improv". Stick with it and you will see improvements.

Flute_girl
(60 points)

thanks i at one poin was almost ready to quite jazz band i was having such trouble sticking with it is the hard thing i am still trying to decide ifi want to be in it next year

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