LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Some help for improvisation

charlp88 -- 10/01/2006, 06:00:43 -- #30188

I am delving into the mysterious world of improvisation and need some help. the great JACK REILLY tells us to play just the left hand chords to get a handle on them . and how they relate to the tune This is great advice . I play the rootless changes,, which sound great.Am I on the right path?

albetan -- 10/01/2006, 09:21:17 -- #30188

Please go to "Search LJP": Beginning impro :  Files

Scot -- 10/01/2006, 10:25:46 -- #30188

It's important to get a handle on those left hand chords.  When practicing don't always play rootless voicings, though, keep in mind that as a jazz pianist you are expected to know how to play solo jazz piano as well which requires the use of roots sometimes.  Also, you get a paid a lot more to play solo piano. So when working on a tune, learn the harmonic structure inside and out. Learn it in multiple keys until you realize you're looking at chord relationships rather than just a linear list of chord symbols.  What I mean by that is if the first two chords are Dm7 - G7, realize that's a 2-5 in the key of C.  That means if you want to play the tune in F, the first two chords (the 2 to 5) are Gm7 to C7. Work on playing the melody over the chords that you are getting familiar with. Then work on making variations to the melody, and then you're on the right track to really get into improv. Improv is simply a composition that you're making over a set of chord changes.  Think of it that way, then all the aspects of a good composition (theme, variation, return to theme) will fall into place and you'll have an excellent improvisation.

charlp88 -- 10/02/2006, 05:22:27 -- #30188

Dear Scot  thx for the advice I am taking it! Charlie

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